Chief Operating Officer – American Board of Emergency Medicine (ABEM)

Nominate today for the 2026 America’s Most Admired Cultures™ program Learn more Waterstone Human Capital Submit Resume info@driwaterstonehc.com (703) 294-6684 DRiWaterstone – Executive Search and Development Services for Non-Profits Executive Search Why Choose Us Executive Search Process Sectors and Positions Meet Our Clients What Our Clients are Saying Our Recent Placements Career Services Resume Submission Leadership & Culture Advisory Available Positions About Our Team Vision, Mission and Values Code of Ethics Resources Blog Subscribe to the DRiWaterstone Newsletter Free Webinar Contact Apply Now Contact Chief Operating Officer – American Board of Emergency Medicine (ABEM) The American Board of Emergency Medicine (ABEM) - East Lansing, MI Position Details Apply The American Board of Emergency Medicine (ABEM) seeks a strategic, hands-on Chief Operating Officer . Founded in 1976, ABEM certifies more than 50,000 emergency physicians, is one of 24 member boards of the American Board of Medical Specialties, and operates with 51 full-time staff and a $27.8 million annual budget. In this new position, the COO will report to the Executive Director for Administrative Affairs, serve on ABEM’s Executive Leadership team, and lead finance and investments, budgeting, human resources, facilities, and meeting and event services. This is a rare opportunity to build ABEM’s operating foundation. ABEM’s Board is developing a new strategic plan and shifting its focus to governance and strategy, placing more responsibility for operations with staff leadership. ABEM is looking for a leader who will strengthen financial stewardship, lead strategic and resource planning, and get the operating model right for ABEM’s next era. Responsibilities: Set financial strategy and annual goals, oversee cash flow, reserves, accounting, taxes, audit, and risk, and direct ABEM’s financial services firm and investment partner Maintain ABEM’s Strategic Framework, priorities, and dashboards, and lead budget development, forecasts, and resource planning Develop administrative and operational policies and systems, strengthen project management and continuous quality improvement, and prepare staff for AI and new technologies Oversee HR policy, talent, compensation, and benefits, and coach an eight-person team led by the Senior Operations Manager Ensure concierge-level meeting services for physician volunteers and Directors, and oversee the headquarters building, contracts, vendors, and records retention Ideal Candidate: 10+ years in a nonprofit setting, including financial management, HR management, and strategic planning, and 7+ years of organizational leadership and supervisory experience A record of leading an organization’s processes and building a coherent strategy and plan, with resource planning across multiple stakeholders Accounting, treasury, investment, and audit experience, plus governance reporting experience, such as with a finance committee Experience in certification, credentialing, testing, or accreditation, or in complex event-based or multi-site operations A bachelor’s degree in business, finance, HR, or a related field (master’s preferred), and comfort using AI tools Prior experience with the COO title is not required. ABEM will also consider leaders ready to step up from a senior or second-in-command role who have supervisory experience. A background in healthcare, health or medical education, or an association is a plus. Location: Hybrid, with headquarters in East Lansing, Michigan. Travel up to 20 percent, including Board meetings and in-office meetings. See the position description for a comprehensive overview of the key responsibilities and qualifications for the role. DRiWaterstone is proud to lead this search on behalf of the American Board of Emergency Medicine. Apply The DR i Waterstone Advantage Career Placement Redefined Available Positions Begin Your Search Now Submit Your Resume Join Our Database