CEO Update names Barbara Byrd Keenan as Professional Society CEO of the Year
CEO Update has selected Endocrine Society chief executive officer Barbara Byrd Keenan, FASAE, CAE, as its Professional Society CEO of the Year.
CEO Update, the publication that covers the association sector, announced the winners of its Association Leadership Awards Tuesday. The awards shine a spotlight on executives who exemplify best practices in association leadership.
Keenan has led the Society through the process of developing and implementing a new strategic plan, expanding global leadership in education and advocacy, and re-positioning its suite of publications to raise visibility. Under her leadership, the Society has won 15 awards for education, program development, communications, and diversity.
“Barbara’s vision put the Society at the forefront of promoting scientific breakthroughs and improving health worldwide,” says Society president Susan J. Mandel, MD, MPH. “She has been instrumental in shaping the organization into a welcoming professional home for endocrine researchers and clinicians around the world.”
Keenan has identified opportunities for the organization to promote public health, including as a member of the Diabetes Disaster Response Coalition, the diabetes community’s hurricane relief organization launched by the American Diabetes Association, JDRF and Insulin for Life in August 2017. The coalition members banded together to provide critical diabetes supplies to regions affected by numerous storms, including Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria. Keenan rallied the staff to raise money for Insulin for Life, a key supplier, and answer calls to a hotline to identify needs in affected areas. The American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) recognized the coalition with its top honor, the Summit Power of A Award.
The Association Leadership Awards recognized Keenan for her innovative and ingenious leadership, as well as the ways the Society’s work is making a difference. She and the other winners will be recognized at an award luncheon in October.
“I’m truly honored to be recognized by the Association Leadership Awards,” Keenan says. “Our members envision a world where their scientific breakthroughs and high-quality clinical care have a meaningful impact on chronic medical conditions such as diabetes and obesity. I am proud to be their partner in achieving these goals.”
Keenan has more than 30 years of CEO experience. Prior to joining the Society in 2014, Keenan served in a CEO role for the Institute of Food Technologists and Feeding Tomorrow, the Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals International and Community Associations Institute. Upon her departure from HFTPI, she was made an Honorary Member, and CAI and the National Board of Certification for Community Association Managers created the Barbara Byrd Keenan Award in her honor and named her as the first recipient. In 2013, IFT & Feeding Tomorrow established the Barbara Byrd Keenan Scholarship Fund to support the academic achievement of IFT student members.
Keenan is a Charter Fellow of the American Society of Association Executives and the recipient of the ASAE Key Award—the highest honor in association management—and the 12th woman to receive it since its creation in 1960. She holds BS and MS degrees from Old Dominion University in Virginia, where she was presented with the Distinguished Alumni Award.
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