| To the UW Medicine community,
I’m writing to inform you of my decision to launch the search for a UW Medicine Chief Executive Officer / Executive Vice President for Medical Affairs / Dean of the UW School of Medicine (CEO/EVPMA/Dean). The last nine months have allowed me to gain important insights into both the challenges and opportunities ahead for UW Medicine and seek valuable feedback on the type of leader and leadership structure needed to support the incredible teaching, research and clinical work you do every day. I appreciate everyone who provided me their reflections and insights, and I appreciate Tim Dellit’s leadership and ongoing commitment as Interim CEO/EVPMA/Dean. The CEO/EVPMA/Dean position is unique to the University in that it combines a significant administrative leadership role (CEO/EVPMA) and academic leadership role (Dean). As a result, the search will combine elements of an academic search outlined in Executive Order 20 with elements of search practices for senior administrative positions. A search committee has been appointed to consider both qualified and interested internal and external candidates, but on an expedited search timeline to reach a final decision by October 2023. I’ve also asked the committee to keep candidates and evaluations confidential. I will determine any procedures for finalist evaluation once they make their recommendations to me. The purpose of this timeline and search structure, which was determined after consultation both internally and externally, is twofold. First, the challenges and opportunities facing UW Medicine are significant. In addition to the urgent and unprecedented financial challenges in the clinical enterprise, the School of Medicine is at a critical moment preparing for its next accreditation. Identifying new leadership by fall will allow the CEO/EVPMA/Dean to lead essential strategic planning and budget development work. Second, we expect the pool of candidates for this position to be in established and highly visible positions. Additional confidentiality will help attract the most robust and diverse candidate pool. An overview of the search committee and their charge can be found on the search advisory committee webpage. I am grateful to those who have agreed to serve. The search will be supported by Spencer Stuart Executive Search. The search website also includes instructions on how to nominate candidates for the position. I welcome your nominations. Thank you, |
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