SHSMD Announces New Executive Director Evan Williams
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Sharon Cohen
CHICAGO (July 10, 2024) – The Society for Health Care Strategy & Market Development (SHSMD), a professional membership group of the American Hospital Association, is pleased to announce the appointment of Evan Williams as its new Executive Director. Williams is a strategic and collaborative association leader and Certified Association Executive (CAE) who brings a wealth of experience and a strong track record of success.
Williams will succeed Diane Weber who has led SHSMD with distinction for the past 12 years.
“We are delighted that Evan is joining the team,” said Deanna Martin, MS, CAE, vice president of the AHA’s Professional Membership Groups (PMGs). “Evan’s experience and vision of growth for the organizations he serves, along with his collaborative nature, makes him ideal for this role as we continue to support members.”
Williams began his career in state government affairs and advocacy in Illinois before transitioning to the association sector. He spent eight years as vice president of external relations for the Mechanical Contractors Association. In 2014, he joined the Appraisal Institute as director of professional services and resources, where he led strategic and operational activities for a global professional society of real property valuers with more than 16,000 members in nearly 50 countries.
Williams is known for engaging volunteer leaders and staff in formulating and executing strategic objectives. His leadership at the Appraisal Institute included guiding the organization’s strategic plan, enhancing member retention and recruitment, and driving diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives. His innovative approaches have significantly contributed to the growth and efficiency of the organizations he has served.
He has been heavily involved in the Association Forum, serving for many years on various committees and groups, including the Board of Directors and as Chair of the Board of Directors. His extensive volunteer service and leadership have earned him
numerous accolades, including the Association Forum’s John C. Thiel Distinguished Service Award and a spot in the USAE News Forty Under 40.
"SHSMD is indispensable in powering the strategy professions of health care," Williams said. "I am thrilled to lead SHSMD and look forward to working with members, volunteer leadership, staff and other stakeholders to advance our mission."
Williams holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and History from Millikin University and has earned several prestigious awards and certifications, including CAE and the Institute of Organizational Management (IOM) designation. He is a
member of the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) and was recognized in the Association TRENDS Young & Aspiring Association Professional program.
“SHSMD is committed to understanding and addressing the evolving needs of our members in health care communications, strategy, marketing and planning across every phase of their career. Evan brings a depth of experience leading professional
societies, and a highly collaborative approach to leadership, that will serve our members well,” said David Grandy, FACHE, vice president, Innovation, at Kaiser Permanente. “On behalf of the Board, I’m eager to partner with Evan as we advance
SHSMD’s vision of being the premier organization for the professions we serve.”
Williams also will serve as the Executive Director of the American Society for Health Care Risk Management (ASHRM), a professional membership group of the AHA, under a shared leadership model.
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About SHSMD
The Society for Health Care Strategy & Market Development (SHSMD), a professional membership group of the AHA, powers the strategy professions of health care, including marketing, digital engagement, communications, strategic planning and business development. As the largest membership association in its sector, SHSMD empowers its members to overcome challenges, anticipate future trends and drive change toward a vision of healthier people and communities through bold, actionable and inclusive strategies. For more information, visit the SHSMD website at shsmd.org.