Dear AACE Community,

As we settle into the new year, I am encouraged by the energy and enthusiasm already shaping 2026. We enter the first year of our new Strategic Plan with strong momentum, guided by new and returning leaders across our AACE Officers, Board of Directors, Board of Trustees, committees, task forces, workgroups, dedicated volunteers, and remarkable staff.

It is my great pleasure to welcome our 2026 AACE President, Dace L. Trence, MD, MACE. Dr. Trence is a highly respected clinician, educator, and leader whose career reflects a deep commitment to excellence in endocrine education, innovation, and patient-centered care. Her leadership and guidance will be instrumental in advancing our 2026–2029 Strategic Plan and our mission to elevate the practice of clinical endocrinology to improve global health.

As we begin implementing our strategic priorities, I will continue engaging with our members at various events throughout the year to share new AACE initiatives and gain insight into how we can continue to support your practice and patients. These ongoing connections provide valuable opportunities to collaborate and bring fresh perspectives that help shape programs supporting endocrinologists and the entire endocrine care team.

January Engagements

• PCMA Convening Leaders Conference, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (January 11-14): This month, I attended the 70th anniversary PCMA Convening Leaders Conference, where I connected with fellow association leaders and explored emerging perspectives on leadership and organizational strategy, as well as the challenges and opportunities facing professional associations today. The insights gained will help us continue to strengthen AACE as a forward-looking organization.

February Engagements

• Executive Committee Retreat (February 5-8): Members of the Executive Committee and our Executive Leadership Team will come together to kick off the year working collaboratively on key strategic initiatives that will guide our work in the months ahead.
• ASAE CEO Symposium, San Diego, California (February 12-13): I look forward to engaging in discussions with fellow chief executive officers focused on governance, innovation, and long-term sustainability. These conversations are especially timely as we align our operational priorities with our new strategic plan. Our President Elect, Leslie S. Eldeiry, MD, ECNU, FACE, and Treasurer, Kenneth E. Izuora, MD, MBA, FACE, will be joining me at the Symposium.

As we move through 2026, I am encouraged by the collaboration and leadership across our community as we bring our strategic priorities to life. I look forward to sharing updates in the months ahead and continuing our work together to achieve healthier communities through endocrine innovation, education, and care.

Thank you,

Johnnie White, MBA, CAE, CMP Fellow
AACE Chief Executive Officer