Washington, D.C. – LUGPA, a national organization representing urologists practicing in independent, integrated practices, today announced their first Chief Executive Officer, Celeste Kirschner. Kirschner will begin as CEO October 19.
“After a thorough selection process, we are thrilled to announce LUGPA’s new CEO and are confident that Celeste’s previous leadership experience will take LUGPA to new heights helping our independent-practice members flourish in today’s era of transformative health care,” said Dr. Gary Kirsh, president of LUGPA.
“With more than 20 years of experience in medical society management and a record of growth, innovation and leadership, Celeste is the ideal person to lead LUGPA. She understands the challenges and opportunities for our member practices and I look forward to a partnership that enhances independent urology,” Kirsh said.
Kirschner, who will be based in Chicago, most recently held the title of Perioperative Surgical Home Executive at the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA). She has worked at the ASA since 2008. Throughout her career, she has had experience with large and small practices and has led committees of 100+ volunteer physician advisors. Earlier in her career, Kirschner worked at the American Medical Association (AMA) where she directed the association’s Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) program.
“Healthcare in the U.S. is at a critical crossroads with substantial Medicare payment change and shifts in physician employment and autonomy underway,” Kirschner said. “As someone who understands the mentality and business needs of physician groups, I look forward to putting my experience to work to help LUGPA members navigate the rapidly changing environment in which they practice medicine.”
Creating and filling the Chief Executive Office role is an important moment in LUGPA’s eight year history. To select the most qualified candidate for this position, LUGPA partnered with a recruiting agency that performed an exhaustive search. The agency reached out to approximately 85 prospective candidates, considered more than 45 candidates and conducted more than 35 interviews. The LUGPA search committee interviewed five candidates that were carefully reviewed and assessed relative to the position criteria and background information the agency learned from in-depth discussions with the LUGPA Search Committee.
“We believe there is no better candidate to lead and grow LUGPA than Celeste. She brings public policy, advocacy, financial management and revenue generation skills that promise to advance LUGPA on a national scale. I look forward to working with her and all that she brings to our organization,” said Dr. Kirsh.
Through these exciting transformations, LUGPA continues to expand its robust relationship with W.J. Weiser & Associates through executive administration, member services and association management. Kirschner said she is eager to work with Weiser to provide additional support and member value as the independent, integrated model of care during this period of momentous change.
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LUGPA represents urology group practices in the United States, with more than 2,000 physicians who make up more than 20 percent of the nation’s practicing urologists. LUGPA and its member practices are committed to best practices, research, data collection and benchmarking to promote quality clinical outcomes. For more information, visit lugpa.org.