Chief Executive Officer

Korn Ferry has partnered with our client on their search for the role,
Chief Executive Officer.

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC) serves as the organization’s chief executive, strategic leader, and primary ambassador, responsible for advancing its mission, strengthening the respiratory care profession, and ensuring the long-term sustainability of one of the nation’s most influential healthcare professional associations. Reporting to the President of the Board of Directors, the CEO will lead a complex, member-driven organization supporting more than 41,000 respiratory care professionals through education, advocacy, professional development, accreditation, publications, and thought leadership.

The CEO will work closely with volunteer leaders, staff, members, industry partners, educators, policymakers, and healthcare stakeholders to maintain AARC’s position as the leading voice for respiratory care. As the organization enters a pivotal period of opportunity and transformation, the CEO will guide AARC through evolving healthcare delivery, workforce, technology, and member engagement dynamics, with responsibility for driving membership growth, enhancing educational offerings, diversifying revenue, modernizing technology, elevating advocacy, and reinforcing the value of respiratory care across the healthcare continuum.

The CEO will serve as the steward of AARC’s culture, people, and organizational effectiveness, fostering trust, collaboration, and alignment across staff, volunteer leadership, specialty sections, the House of Delegates, and industry partners. Building on AARC’s strong foundation in education, accreditation, and member service, the CEO will lead thoughtful change that strengthens organizational performance while preserving the culture, relationships, and mission that underpin the organization’s success.

In partnership with the Board and executive leadership team, the CEO will ensure strong governance, financial stewardship, accountability, and execution of strategic priorities, while providing continuity across changing volunteer leadership cycles and maintaining an unwavering focus on AARC’s mission, its members, and the patients whose lives depend on respiratory care expertise.

The Chief Executive Officer will provide visionary, mission-driven, and disciplined leadership for AARC, ensuring the organization remains the premier professional association for respiratory care while operating as a high-performing, financially sustainable enterprise. In partnership with the Board of Directors, volunteer leaders, and executive leadership team, the CEO will guide the organization's strategic direction, strengthen its educational and advocacy impact, foster a culture of collaboration and accountability, and position AARC for continued growth and relevance within an evolving healthcare landscape.

• Lead the development and execution of AARC's strategic vision, ensuring organizational priorities align with the evolving needs of respiratory therapists, healthcare systems, educators, students, and industry partners.
• Translate mission, strategy, and market opportunities into measurable outcomes that strengthen member value, organizational relevance, and professional impact.
• Anticipate emerging trends affecting healthcare delivery, professional education, workforce development, artificial intelligence, digital transformation, and other technologies to proactively position AARC for future success.
• Balance innovation, growth, and operational discipline while preserving the mission-driven culture and organizational strengths that have historically defined AARC.