Announcing Changes to the FAER Board of Directors and New Strategic Plan

Author: Bram N. Harris

December 13, 2021

ANESTHESIOLOGY^® 2021 saw the conclusion of multiple members’ terms on FAER’s Board of Directors, including Board Chair Dr. Harriet Hopf. We would like to express our sincere gratitude to Dr. Hopf for her service and leadership. As Chair, Dr. Hopf contributed substantially to FAER’s work, including converting the 2021 Medical Student Anesthesia Research Fellowship (MSARF) to a virtual format to accommodate the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“While my tenure as Chair of the FAER Board of Directors has ended, I wanted to take this opportunity to say what a pleasure it has been to work with so many truly exceptional physician-scientists and leaders in anesthesiology, and the many others who support the important work of FAER.

“During my time as Chair, I had the pleasure to engage with the students, residents, and investigators who are supported by FAER. Seeing such talented anesthesiology investigators grow in their careers and pursuit of research has been profoundly rewarding — the future of anesthesiology is certainly bright! I look forward to continuing to support FAER and its mission. I'm delighted that FAER will be in good hands under the leadership of my successor, Dr. Roger Johns.”

- Harriet W. Hopf, MD, FUHM, FASA

Along with Dr. Hopf, the terms of the following board members similarly concluded:

Drs. Kain and Mason began their FAER Board terms in 2013, while Dr. Champeau’s term began in 2016. During their time on the Board, Drs. Kain and Champeau supported FAER as members of the Finance Committee. Dr. Champeau served as both Finance Committee Chair and Treasurer and has been succeeded in these roles by Dr. Donald Arnold. Dr. Mason contributed as a member of FAER’s Development Committee, where she will continue to offer her time and insight following the conclusion of her term on the Board.

FAER thanks Drs. Champeau, Kain, and Mason for all they have done for the foundation during their time on the Board and looks forward to hearing of their continuing success in the future.

With Dr. Hopf’s time as Board Chair now over, FAER joins her in welcoming her successor, Dr. Roger Johns, to the role. One of FAER’s earliest grantees, Dr. Johns joined the FAER Board in 2014. He has served in multiple leadership roles in academic anesthesiology over his career, including Acting Chair of Anesthesiology at the University of Virginia, followed by Mark C. Rogers Professor and Chairman of the Department of Anesthesiology at Johns Hopkins University from 1999 to 2003, where he continues to work as a Professor of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine today.

"It was my distinct honor to assume the role of Chair of the FAER Board of Directors following ANESTHESIOLOGY 2021. I want to thank Dr. Harriet Hopf for her leadership during her time as Chair and I look forward to continuing her legacy of strong leadership for FAER. Simultaneously, while I am sorry to see Drs. Champeau, Kain, and Mason’s Board terms end, I am excited to welcome Mr. Kiani and Drs. Gropper, Lane-Fall, and Lien. Their expertise and input from varying backgrounds will make for a phenomenal addition to the FAER Board. I look forward to working with them as FAER moves into the future.”

- Roger A. Johns, MD, PhD, MHS; Chair, FAER Board of Directors.

Alongside Dr. Johns, FAER is also excited to welcome the four newest members to the Board of Directors:

The new perspectives these four will bring to the Board of Directors provide a valuable expansion on the pool of knowledge guiding the foundation’s actions. FAER thanks them for their support and commitment to the future of anesthesiology research.

Visit the FAER Board of Directors page for a full list of current Board members.

Coupled with changes to the Board’s composition, the Fall Board meeting at ANESTHESIOLOGY 2021 also saw substantial work done on FAER’s new strategic plan.

“Of course, it would be impossible to speak on my excitement for the future without mentioning FAER’s new Strategic Plan,” said Dr. Johns. “This plan will ensure FAER not only maintains the critical support we offer to anesthesiology’s future investigators, but that we also continue to broaden the scope of those we’re able to reach and further strengthen the support we provide. Thank you to all those who contributed to this robust new plan, as well as all those who will lend their support to FAER as we execute it.”

The bulk of the plan has been assembled, moving now to a vote by the Board, and will go into effect in 2022. While the specific details therein are forthcoming, FAER is proud to share the new and improved mission and vision statements that will serve as the heart of the strategic plan:

Mission:
Developing the next generation of physician-investigators.

Vision:
A nurturing community of anesthesiologists advancing health through research.

Finally, as 2021 draws to a close, we hope you will include FAER as you plan your end of year giving. Your gift will substantially impact research in anesthesiology by helping to increase the number of individuals on the pathway to this incredibly important and rewarding career. Donate today at FAER.org/Donate!

THE FOUNDATION FOR ANESTHESIA EDUCATION AND RESEARCH (FAER)
FAER is a related organization of the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA). For 35 years, FAER has been dedicated to developing the next generation of physician-investigators. Charitable contributions and support to FAER help fuel the future of anesthesiology through scientific discovery. Funding priorities include: Research, Education, and Training. FAER has awarded over $50 million in research grants and programs since 1986. To donate to FAER, visit FAER.org/donate.