Executive director’s column By Susan E. Sedory, MA, CAE | @SueSedory Looking back, looking forward A
s I sat down to write my final executive director’s column for IRQ, I couldn’t help but follow this sage advice.
“Only look back to see how far you’ve come.” Winnie the Pooh
It has been an honor to lead while interventional radiology navigated from a subspecialty through its now complete recognition as a primary specialty—especially given the manner in which IR has become one of the most competitive primary specialties.
The past 9.5 years have been a time of controlled growth and unprecedented change for SIR and the foundation. As SIR grew from just under 5,000 to more than 8,100 members, we remained focused on two comprehensive 5-year strategic plans that allowed us to strengthen IR practices, transform education, grow research and collaborate more. We rebranded the organization and relaunched our website and public awareness approaches. We enhanced programs and services, engaged a more diverse volunteer base through sections and service lines, digitally transformed our education and launched a quality registry. We increased the impact of our journal and other publications, strengthened our relationships with corporate and external partners and raised awareness of what is still a relatively unknown specialty, particularly to the public and policymakers. We pushed forward on efforts in diversity and inclusion to strengthen the individuality of the profession and increased visibility for IR in the United States and around the world.
Commensurate with this, we grew the combined SIR and SIR Foundation revenues by 40% to over $12.6 million
8 IRQ | SUMMER 2020
and the organizations went from a 5-year period of 4% net loss per year to an average of 3% net gain per year, exclusive of gains from investments. We also grew our staff from 35 to 50, revamped nearly all our technology platforms and transformed our headquarters and work style to facilitate greater teamwork.
These accomplishments aren’t mine. They are ours. They demonstrate a shared commitment to a productive, balanced and collaborative workplace, a desire to be innovative and agile and an unwavering belief that our organization can deliver unparalleled member value and strengthen the profession of interventional radiology globally.
“It’s not what we have, it’s who we have.” Winnie the Pooh
Yet, when I look back, what I feel most are the memories of working with some of the most dedicated staff and leaders in this journey. I found my first Member’s Business Meeting remarks the other day, which read, “Prior to coming on board, I heard time after time that SIR’s members are passionately involved in helping their organization succeed. Even on those days when I’m simply amazed by all that I’ve learned about SIR and IR, what stands out most clearly are the person-hours and incredible dedication so many of you give back to this Society day in and day out. This time away from your families and practices, whether you’re educating Congress or educating each other, shows how much your Society means to you—and that’s something we will never take for granted.” Truly, if there is one achievement which I hope stands out from the rest, it is the continued respectfulness and closeness of the IR community—something I know will be incredibly hard to replace.
I am forever grateful to so many of you who helped me along the way. The 11 presidents and respective Councils and Boards with whom I served, who strive for an SIR and SIR Foundation that are both nimble and strong. The members who contact me, seeking help from SIR to solve your most pressing needs. The corporate supporters who truly are committed to furthering our mission. And last, but not least, the SIR staff. Over my entire tenure, a day did not go by when I wasn’t humbled and honored to work with such a hard- working, respectful, smart, dedicated and fun group of individuals. I learn from them every day and hope that my greatest achievement has been in helping everyone grow in their role and responsibility.
They, like you, are now ready to set new goals and mobilize our resources to move forward with confidence. When you consider all the issues, challenges and opportunities facing IR, especially in this time of a global pandemic, unprecedented economic recession and America’s renewed fight for racial and social equality, it is fortunate that the society and the foundation have so many dedicated and talented leaders from all levels, ready and capable of prioritizing our strategic objectives, ensuring that we invest resources wisely and efficiently and forever reaching to improve lives through minimally invasive, image-guided therapies.
I have included my personal social media account names below and welcome you to stay connected.
Fondly and until we meet again,
Sue
Facebook.com/suesedory
Instagram.com/sue_sed
Linkedin.com/in/sue-sedory-bb0245
Twitter.com/suesedory
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