By Heather Chambliss, PhD, FACSM, Strategic Planning Committee Chair
The Strategic Planning Committee (SPC) continues to lead the implementation and tracking of ACSM’s five bold goals with measurable progress across key areas. In 2024, ACSM achieved solid momentum. Out of 125 total tactics, 24 have been completed, reflecting a 19% overall completion rate. An additional 83 tactics are in progress. This means 85% of all tactics have been completed or are in progress—a significant achievement. Each goal is advancing at its own pace, with a strong focus on alignment, process improvements, and capacity building across the organization.
Goal 1: Create a compelling customer experience
About 28% of customer experience tactics are completed and significant work is underway to improve member services and communications. Notably, the Research Awards Committee successfully streamlined its application and review process through a common rubric—an example of enhanced efficiency aligned with ACSM’s values of excellence and accessibility.
Goal 2: Deliver an ongoing commitment to technology and infrastructure
The launch of the new AMS in early 2025 accelerated progress under technology and infrastructure) by enabling future integrations and supporting the transition to modern data practices.
Goal 3: Perform a governance realignment
Meanwhile, ACSM’s governance framework is being restructured to provide clarity and consistency, with the Constitution, Bylaws & Operating Codes Committee (CBOCC) leading the completion of a new standardized operating code template. This foundational work supports both transparency and sustainability as ACSM evolves to meet the objectives of governance alignment
Goal 4: Build a fiscally sustainable organization
While Goals 4 and 5 remain in earlier phases of execution, important groundwork has been laid. A notable success under fiscal sustainability was the development of a revenue strategy for the Annual Meeting Awards Banquet, exemplifying the organization’s commitment to balancing mission and financial health.
Goal 5: Promote excellence in science and evidence-based practice and expand ACSM’s reputation as a global scientific leader
For Goal 5, our Health and Science Policy Committee has completed and distributed a CMS endorsement letter while the Scientific Integration and Leadership Committee (SILC) continues to focus on basic science outreach.
These are just a few examples of the strategic plan in action and the work being done across the organization. In 2025, we are focused on continuous improvement, reporting KPIs, identifying tactic gaps, and ensuring staff and volunteer alignment—all to ensure the strategic plan remains dynamic and impactful as we work our way through years two and three.
We look forward to providing quarterly updates moving forward!
