If you are anything like me, you sometimes struggle to fully express how thankful you are for someone or something. You want the recipients to understand just how deeply you appreciate them, but finding the right words is not always easy.
That is where I found myself as I began drafting this message. I struggled to capture my gratitude for the progress we are making as an organization and, more importantly, for the people who make that progress possible.
In search of inspiration, I turned to Webster’s Dictionary (not AI, mind you) and uncovered an unexpected challenge: there are more than 600 words and phrases related to “thankful,” and that is just in English. Given ACSM’s global presence and our brilliant, talented members around the world, I could say Gracias, Merci, Danke, Grazie, Arigatou, or Xièxie, and still not quite land on the perfect expression of thanks.
Very quickly, I moved from not finding enough words to having far too many. But we all have to start somewhere… so I chose to just write from the heart.
I am incredibly grateful for our Board of Trustees and their strong leadership in supporting my presidency these past six months. You have entrusted them with this great organization, and I can assure you they are delivering in substantive and inspiring ways. Along with our committee chairs, I am continually struck by their generosity in giving so much of their time and energy, even when the work is less visible, like reviewing operating codes or approving budget proposals.
Alongside these leaders are the incredibly dedicated ACSM staff, who often leave me in awe. They manage countless leadership styles and competing schedules while providing invaluable institutional knowledge and creative problem-solving for the many challenges we face.
Together, our volunteer leaders and staff are driving our three-year strategic plan forward, and they are the reason we have made so much progress in the first two years.
To our certified exercise professionals, thank you for being our boots on the ground and keeping people moving no matter the obstacle. Your commitment to our vision of movement for all is inspiring. I am equally grateful for our researchers and clinicians whose science and innovation form the backbone of our mission. I am honored to stand among so many giants who help keep people healthy and active for a lifetime.
And to our student members, the future of our organization, it has been a joy to meet so many of you this year. Your energy and dedication give me tremendous hope for what lies ahead.
Individually and collectively, you are ACSM. Together, we are advancing major goals of our strategic plan: delivering a compelling customer experience, moving science forward, enhancing our technology infrastructure through our new association management system, building a sustainable organization with a 2026 surplus budget just approved by the board, and creating a new governance structure that will help us stay nimble and effective in the years ahead. I encourage you to learn more about our strategic plan progress by visiting the resource page.
Words definitely matter when expressing gratitude. But even more important than my words is the heart behind them, and my heart is full, thanks to you.
Best,
Carrie A. Jaworski, MD, FACSM, FAAFP
