Good Morning! We’re excited to share a big announcement.
With a lean team, Walk with a Doc supports chapters in over 500 communities around the world, but we’re just getting started. Destined for this, we launched a search for a new teammate to share our passion to help everyone enjoy the benefits of movement and camaraderie. It’s with great enthusiasm that we announce our newest teammate, Executive Director (ED) Carrie Callas.
The timing for appointing an ED for Walk with a Doc is pivotal, as the organization stands at an inflection point poised for exponential growth. The global spotlight on health and well-being has never been brighter, and Walk with a Doc’s mission aligns seamlessly with the current societal needs and trends. With that, we’d love to introduce you to Carrie Callas.
Meet Carrie:
Physical activity of choice:
I enjoy running, walking (of course!), and strength training.
Tell us about your past work experience that led you here:
I have been in leadership roles in the nonprofit sector for nearly two decades and I have a passion for improving health and wellness. I was drawn to WWAD because of its focus on prevention – creating healthy lifestyles that will help people live their best lives and prevent future chronic diseases.
What’s your vision for WWAD?
I wholeheartedly believe that Walk with a Doc has the potential to transform the healthcare system that we know. The simple program provides an opportunity to not only help people become more physically active, but to break down barriers by making health information and physicians more accessible in a fun and casual way. I’m excited to build on the foundation that the Walk with a Doc team has established by forming partnerships and enhancing our programming. We want to bring this sustainable model to more communities around the world, especially those who don’t currently have adequate access to health services. Dr. Sabgir said, “I hope that there will be a time when people won’t remember when they didn’t take walks with their doctors.” I look forward to helping make that dream become a reality.
Hobbies/interests:
I enjoy tennis, pickleball, walking my dog, music, travel, and spending time with my family.
Favorite thing about walking:
I like the fresh air, spending time outside, and that it improves my mood and allows time for me to think creatively.
History:
Carrie’s experience includes nearly two decades of leadership and management roles in nonprofit organizations. Most recently, Carrie was the Director of Programs at the Leukemia Research Foundation, where she directed the research grant program funding worldwide medical research, patient education and support programs, and developed strategic partnerships. Prior to this, she served as the Executive Director of two nonprofit community-based social service organizations – Family Service of Lake County and St Vincent de Paul Center. Before her time in nonprofit leadership, Carrie started her career managing marketing initiatives in the corporate sector at Discover Financial Services. Carrie holds a BS in Business Administration from Indiana University and a MA in Social Service Administration from the University of Chicago.
Here’s why now is the ideal moment for Carrie to join the team and what lies ahead for Walk with a Doc:
Inflection Point:
Walk with a Doc has reached a critical juncture where its impact and potential for growth are converging. The organization has established a strong foundation and a proven model, making it well-prepared to leverage this inflection point to catalyze substantial expansion.
Health and Wellness Emphasis:
Society’s growing emphasis on preventive healthcare and well-being plays perfectly into the hands of Walk with a Doc’s mission. Walk with a Doc’s comprehensive approach, which integrates physical activity, health education, and social interaction, resonates deeply with those seeking comprehensive wellness solutions. The organization’s physician-led walking groups provide an attractive solution for individuals seeking to enhance their health proactively.
Community Engagement:
The prevailing recognition of community engagement’s profound effect on mental and emotional well-being has elevated Walk with a Doc’s relevance. Beyond exercise, the organization facilitates genuine connections between medical professionals and community members, fostering a sense of belonging and shared purpose.
Healthcare Paradigm Shift:
The metamorphosis occurring within the healthcare landscape underscores the importance of preventive care and patient involvement. Walk with a Doc is at the vanguard of this transformation, bridging the chasm between medical practitioners and the public for a patient-centric, accessible healthcare experience.
Global Expansion Potential:
Walk with a Doc’s scalability potential on a global scale is immense. Its adaptable model can be tailored to diverse cultures and communities worldwide, cementing its status as a transformative entity in healthcare delivery.
In essence, the appointment of an Executive Director for Walk with a Doc at this watershed moment will facilitate capitalization on the prevailing health and wellness movement, ushering in a period of exponential growth. The organization is positioned not just to adapt to the changing healthcare landscape but to shape it, transcending boundaries to impart a lasting legacy of improved health and well-being. Welcome Carrie, here’s to the future!