Author: [AUTHOR] Published on 4/18/2022 12:00:00 AM

Sharon Swan Announces Retirement!

After 24 years at ASCPT as CEO, Sharon J. Swan, FASAE, CAE, has announced that she will officially retire on December 31, 2022.
 
Ms. Swan, who joined the ASCPT staff in 1999, leaves an impressive legacy of transformation for ASCPT. During her term as CEO, the Society experienced significant growth, and tremendous financial stability, acquired three journals, and spearheaded significant educational and online enhancements for ASCPT. 
 
“Serving as CEO of ASCPT has truly been an honor and a privilege,” said Ms. Swan. “I’m extremely proud to lead ASCPT and our outstanding members who are the leaders in drug discovery, development, regulation, and utilization of safe and effective medicines.”  Sharon went on to say, “Of all that ASCPT has achieved during my tenure, I’m most proud of how we’ve transformed the Society into a modern organization that remains important and relevant 123 years after ASCPT’s founding. As I reflect on a highly successful and rewarding 42-year association management career, I owe a special thank you to my colleagues, friends, and association members who assisted me along the way.” 
 
With a reputation as a hands-on leader who puts the needs of members first, Sharon set high expectations for herself and her staff and built a culture rooted in excellence and results. Her vision resulted in a highly successful, science-based organization that achieved numerous milestones, including:

• Transformed the organization to one focused on excellence;
• Grew ASCPT assets from $1M to nearly $7M;
• Purchased CPT and acquired CTS as assets of ASCPT; 
• Started PSP as a new journal and asset of ASCPT; 
• Purchased and paid off the ASCPT Headquarters Building, another ASCPT asset;
• Secured a robust team of outstanding consultants and advisors for ASCPT;
• Doubled the membership of the Society and enhanced the value proposition for ASCPT members;
• Led the organization through a series of actionable and results-oriented Strategic Plans; and
• Continuously advocated for ASCPT’s unique and important role in patient care.

On behalf of the Board and the members of ASCPT, I would like to thank Sharon for a quarter-century of outstanding leadership and service to the Society. Sharon has played an indispensable role in transforming ASCPT into a leading scientific and research organization. Under her leadership, ASCPT has greatly expanded its reach and diversity, with over 3,000 members from 44 different countries. Sharon has assembled and led an excellent staff team, and together they have run the Society with purpose, professionalism, and a focus on addressing members’ needs. In addition to these accomplishments, Sharon also played an instrumental role in successfully leading ASCPT through the challenges of the COVID-19 global pandemic, by navigating the cancellation of the 2020 Annual Meeting and transitioning the 2021 and 2022 Annual Meetings to virtual formats. On behalf of the Society and its members, I thank Sharon Swan for her unwavering dedication to ASCPT, and I wish her all the best for her retirement.
 
Prior to joining ASCPT, Sharon had an impressive background in association management working for the American Organization for Nursing Leadership, the American Medical Association and the Illinois Nurses Association. She is a Fellow of the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) and has been an active volunteer serving in many leadership roles with ASAE.
 
Please join me in congratulating Sharon for her outstanding leadership and service to ASCPT!
 
An ASCPT Search Committee will be announced shortly along with a Search Firm.

Sincerely,
Mark Dresser, PhD
ASCPT President