Dear AACE Community,
As we progress through the first quarter of 2026, we remain committed to advancing our 2026–2029 Strategic Plan, which is built on three foundational goals—being the professional home for clinical endocrinologists and the endocrine care team, defining, advocating, and influencing quality endocrine care for all, and engaging the global endocrine community to advance knowledge and patient health. February offered several opportunities to put these goals into action. Below are highlights from last month and a look at what is ahead in March.
February Highlights
- Executive Committee Retreat, Albuquerque, New Mexico (February 5–8): Last month kicked off with a productive Executive Leadership Team and Executive Committee retreat, where we aligned on key initiatives for the year ahead. Our conversations centered on clinical guidance documents, regional engagement, and new quality programs for clinical endocrinologists and the broader endocrine care team. AACE President Dace L. Trence, MD, MACE, and I look forward to sharing more at our Annual Meeting, taking place Wednesday, April 22, through Friday, April 24, in Las Vegas, NV.
- AMPs, Association of Meeting Professionals (February 10): I also had the pleasure of participating in the AMPs State of the Industry panel alongside Marshall Nayer, MBA, Reggie Henry, CAE, and Tara Higgins, with moderation from Desirée Knight, CAE, CMP Fellow, DES. Our discussion highlighted where the meetings and events landscape is heading, how organizations are adapting, and what it takes to create meaningful attendee experiences. These insights will help us continue to evolve AACE programs and meetings.
- ASAE CEO Symposium, San Diego, California (February 12–13): Later in the month, I attended the ASAE CEO Symposium with our President-Elect, Dr. Leslie Eldeiry, and our treasurer, Dr. Kenneth Izuora. The symposium provided a great opportunity for us to come together and learn about the different aspects of successful association management and governance.
- Southern Society of Endocrinologists Annual Meeting, New Orleans, Louisiana (February 27–March 1): I closed out the month by attending the Southern Society of Endocrinologists Annual Meeting in New Orleans. It was a pleasure to connect with clinical endocrinologists in the region an learn about the educational priorities, advocacy efforts, and resources they need to support their patients. These conversations will help inform how we continue shaping AACE education and resources to strengthen clinical practice and improve patient outcomes.
March Engagements
- ASAE Legislative Fly-In, Washington, D.C. (March 23–24): Later this month, I will be in Washington for the 2026 ASAE Legislative Fly-In, joining association leaders from across the country to engage with policymakers on issues that impacts AACE and other associations. We will continue advocating for initiatives that improve patient outcomes and strengthen the clinical practice environment.
Thank you for your commitment to excellence in endocrine care. As we move through March, I look forward to sharing more updates with our global community.
Thank you,
Johnnie White, MBA, CAE, CMP Fellow
AACE Chief Executive Officer