A New Year with New Beginnings

FROM FCEP HEADQUARTERS

A New Year with New Beginnings

By Melissa Keahey

Interim Executive Director

Towards the end of 2021, FCEP found itself in another leadership transition at our headquarters. As with any sudden change, challenges are to be expected; however, our staff is committed to making this transition as smooth as possible. Our chapter is in a good place moving into 2022 and, as ACEP’s 4th largest chapter, we are ready to reassess our mission, priorities, benefits of membership, education programs, and events to better meet the needs of our members and the emergency medicine community.

It is an honor to have been chosen by the Executive Committee of our Board of Directors to step into the role of FCEP’s interim Executive Director. As an employee here for the last eight years, I have admired the work of our members and the impact you make on a daily basis in your communities and throughout our state. Since joining the FCEP team in 2014 as a program coordinator, I have been involved in planning every meeting, program, and event that we have hosted or sponsored. In my most recent position as Director of Development & Operations, I have developed our annual sponsorship program, cultivated critical partnerships, created new revenue streams, and managed the Florida Association of EMS Medical Directors (FAEMSMD). I could spend the rest of this article providing reasons as to why I am the right person for this position, but this is not about me — it is about our members. It is about you.

Engagement with our members is the top priority this year while we refocus on our mission after celebrating our 50th anniversary. We plan to direct some of our efforts to reshaping FCEP as a whole and enhancing our member services. Rather than outline my own plans and ideas, I desire to listen. I want to hear from our members regarding the concerns and challenges you face as an emergency physician, the value you receive from your FCEP membership, and what brings you back each year when it is time to renew. Our best opportunities for improvement come from direct member feedback: How are we doing? What do you need more of from your professional association?

FCEP/FEMF Staff

FCEP & its foundation, the Florida Emergency Medicine Foundation (FEMF), are housed at the EMLRC and share the same staff.

Melissa Keahey

Interim Executive Director & CEO mkeahey@emlrc.org There is something about turning 40 during this pandemic that changed me as a woman, mother, and professional in the nonprofit sector. Since March 2020, I have been reminded so frequently, and sometimes excessively, that time is fleeting and we need to make our moments count. FCEP and FEMF have and continue to provide me with a greater purpose – one which has guided me through challenging

Top Five Priorities of the Interim Executive Director:

1. Engage with members, community partners, and other medical societies. 2. Align FCEP as a leader in legislative advocacy on the state and national level. 3. Understand and maximize

ACEP resources and services for the chapter and our members. 4.Assess all education programs and finalize our annual program calendar. 5. Solidify HQ personnel structure and create HR policies that promote and support longevity, growth, and organization efficiency.

transitions in my own life. I am grateful for the chance to continue to serve in this elevated role.

I look forward to hearing from and working with our members and partners in the year ahead, utilizing this wonderful opportunity to demonstrate my passion for this organization, our members, and emergency medicine while working with our talented team of staff. Happy New Year! ■

Kim Palm, MA

Director of Finance & Operations actg@emlrc.org

Samantha League Smith, MA

Director of Communications sleague@emlrc.org

Reana DePass

Accounting & Education Assistant rdepass@emlrc.org