Rick Chazal

Rick Chazal

United States

Statement of motivation

It is an honor to be once again considered for the position of Treasurer of the World Heart Federation, an office that I have occupied for the past year and a half. It is my belief that serving in this capacity is the best vehicle for me to contribute to the mission of the World Heart Federation; improving heart health for everyone. While recognized (but not universally embraced) by physicians, the importance of finance to an organization such as the Federation is crucial to achievement of goals.

During my term as Treasurer of the American College of Cardiology (2009 to 2012) I had the opportunity to appreciate the importance of this position in such an organization. As President of the American College of Cardiology (2016–2017) I had substantial interactions internationally, including working with World Heart Federation. These experiences helped frame my background and interest in serving the WHF as Treasurer, beginning in 2023, following four years as a board member and two years on the Finance and Audit Committee.

Crucial to the success of any not-for-profit medical organization is fiscal stability to support mission. Crucial to the success of a member organization is clarity and transparency in communications with supporters. In the past year and a half, working with leadership and staff, we’ve made an extraordinary effort to ensure a balanced budget with good stewardship of provided resources. When I took over as Treasurer, the previous year had been a struggle, resulting in a budget deficit. It was my approach, and that of the Finance Committee, to communicate this clearly to our strategic partners and to our Board along with plans to rectify the situation. This was achieved in my first full year in the position. Moving forward, the Finance Committee has made significant strides (in conjunction with administration) to oversee and control spending to avoid excesses. Further, there has been an effort to look for legitimate expansion of resources that align with our values and help serve our goals.

Governance plays a key role in the functionality of WHF. Traditionally, the organization has had a single “Finance and Advocacy Committee”. With maturation of the Federation, the opportunity to split a new Audit Committee from the Finance Committee provided a vehicle for improved oversight with independence of audit review. This was accomplished in the past year, with Ed Fry leading a stellar three person group of leaders with financial fluency to work with our auditors and report directly to the WHF Board.

It Is my hope to have the opportunity to continue to serve the World Heart Federation for another two year term as Treasurer with the goal of contributing toward governance, structure, and fiscal stability. It is an honor to serve with outstanding international leadership and colleagues.

Richard A. Chazal MD MACC

13 August 2024

Biography

Richard A. Chazal, MD, MACC

Rick Chazal is the Medical Director of the Lee Health Heart Institute’s Center for Cardiovascular Quality, Technology & Innovation located in Fort Myers, Florida (one of the five largest public health systems in the United States). He has practiced clinical cardiology in Fort Myers since 1983 with expertise in echocardiography, diagnostic catheterization and coronary computerized tomography angiography.

Dr. Chazal is a former chair of the Board of Governors for the American College of Cardiology as well as former Treasurer and Trustee. He served as ACC President 2016 – 2017. Currently he is a board member and Treasurer of the World Heart Federation. He holds positions as Professor, Department of Clinical Sciences at Florida State University College of Medicine and Courtesy Assistant Professor of Medicine (Cardiology) at the University of Florida.