Meet Sheila Lee
Meet SAHM’s New Executive Director
SAHM is pleased to introduce its new Executive Director, Sheila S. Lee.
Sheila joined SAHM three months ago as Director of Strategic Initiatives and is positioned to make a smooth transition into the role Ryan Norton held for 11 years.
Sheila has more than 20 years of experience in nonprofit association management. She specializes in professional societies whose members work in institutions, academia and health care settings.
In that role, she has served as staff liaison to the board of directors, supervising all association programs, including operations, membership, finance and governance. Previously, Sheila was responsible for developing and managing non-dues revenue streams in excess of $1 million to support scholarships, advocacy and global outreach as director of operations and development for the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP), the world’s largest association for scientific laboratory professionals. With ASCP, Sheila also developed and managed partnerships that resulted in increased engagement with members and industry partners. Learn more about Sheila in this Q&A from SAHM President Elect Paritosh Kaul.
To contact Sheila directly with any questions, ideas or concerns, you may reach her at slee@adolescenthealth.org or 847-686-2348.
More about Sheila Lee
SAHM President Elect Paritosh Kaul asked Sheila to answer a few questions to help SAHM members get to know her better. Here are her answers.
Could you share with us your journey in becoming the executive director for SAHM?
My career in professional healthcare association management spans roles as diverse as marketing and corporate relations to operations and board governance – all connected with a strong appreciation for passionate volunteers. My first role with healthcare organizations was selling exhibits and advertising space for the Association of Rehabilitation Nurses. Ever since then, I’ve worked with and been inspired by virtually every aspect of the healthcare provider team – from neurosurgeons and NICU nurses to information management system specialists, bioethicists and oncology social workers. I’m always impressed by the dedication they demonstrate to their profession. When Ryan announced his departure, I was surprised and delighted to be his successor and to have the opportunity to serve in the role of executive director.
What do you look forward to most about working with SAHM?
I think the way we care for our youth speaks volumes about who we are as a society. They are our future and despite the oftentimes horrific ways the “grownups” behave and treat them, they continue to persevere and even thrive. I think working with a group of specialists focused on helping their patients navigate their unique situations – still developing yet carrying some heavy burdens – is a very hopeful endeavor. I look forward to helping our members and other allied professionals achieve excellence in their practice and understanding of adolescent health.
What is your vision in how you might assist SAHM in reaching its goals?
SAHM is still a relatively young organization. The specialty and awareness of it is only going to grow for the foreseeable future. I would first like to assess the most pressing needs of our members and determine what resources are available to best meet their expectations. There appear to be great opportunities to help translate research into clinical practice. I envision an expansive library of educational resources available in a variety of formats – easily digestible and on-demand. Through collaboration, SAHM can continue to expand its leadership role in establishing and emphasizing training and resources. Our members are already considered the experts in the field. In the short-term, perhaps a speakers bureau and media training and a well-connected online community to facilitate collaboration around the globe. By ensuring an inclusive organization, we can create a broad and deep pool of leaders willing to provide relevant guidance to other healthcare professionals in the care of AYA.
What do you most enjoy in your “down time?” Any favorite hobbies or activities?
I mostly enjoy spending time with family and friends but that doesn’t happen every day, so I also take great pleasure being outside. Whether it’s a short walk around the block with my dog, or a hike to the nearby prairie, I enjoy being outdoors. I’m usually reading a few books at a time – and pick one up depending on my mood. Consequently, it can take me a long time to finish one! During the extreme days of COVID I turned to puzzles for enjoyment, while listening to music or podcasts. Now that the cold weather has returned, I imagine I’ll revisit that pastime again. I miss going to the theater, although I did venture into a movie theater over Thanksgiving break and that was a treat I missed during the pandemic.
What remains on your “bucket list?”
I don’t have a bucket list. Just do it! Whether that’s sitting on the patio feeling the warm sunshine or skiing with friends, I am trying to focus more on the here and now.
What three words best describe you?
Curious. Resilient. Empathetic.
If you could be any animal in the world, what animal would you be and why?
My first thought was a cat because they’re agile, pounce, play and are comfortable in any sunny spot, minding their own business. My second thought was a horse because they conjure up images of freedom, strength, speed and usefulness. Best of all would probably be my dog – spoiled rotten, fed, walked, loved.
