Established in 1849, the Indiana State Medical Association (ISMA) is the largest physician organization in the state, representing more than 10,000 physicians, residents, and medical students across every specialty and practice setting. With members practicing in communities large and small throughout Indiana, ISMA has long been regarded as a trusted and influential voice for the state’s medical profession.
ISMA’s mission is to advance the art and science of medicine, promote public health, and advocate for the highest standards of medical practice. Through its state and federal advocacy efforts, the Association plays a central role in shaping health policy and ensuring that the perspectives of Indiana physicians are well represented in regulatory and legislative arenas. In addition to its robust advocacy program, ISMA delivers high-quality educational offerings, regulatory guidance, legal and practice management resources, and leadership development opportunities that support physicians throughout their careers.
ISMA also oversees related entities—including its political action committee and charitable foundation—which extend the organization’s impact through policy engagement, public health initiatives,
Headquartered in Indianapolis, ISMA operates with an annual budget of approximately $5M and a professional staff of 25 under the direction of a Board of Trustees representing geographic districts statewide. Situated in one of the nation’s most dynamic and economically diverse regions, Indianapolis offers a high quality of life, a strong health care and life sciences sector, and a central location that contributes to ISMA’s ability to convene, connect, and support physicians across Indiana.
POSITION SUMMARY
The Executive Vice President (EVP)serves as the chief staff officer of the Indiana State Medical Association (ISMA) and is responsible for providing strategic leadership, operational direction, and organizational stewardship in support of ISMA’s mission and priorities. In close partnership with elected physician leaders, the EVP acts as a primary spokesperson for the Association and plays a central role in developing, advancing, and implementing policies, programs, and initiatives that strengthen the physician community and enhance the value of membership.
The EVP plans, organizes, and oversees ISMA’s wide-ranging programs and services to ensure that objectives are achieved, financial and operational plans are executed, and the organization remains responsive to member needs. This includes driving innovation in member engagement, professional development, and non-dues revenue opportunities while upholding the Association’s longstanding commitment to advocacy and public health.
The role requires maintaining strong, collaborative relationships with state and federal policymakers, healthcare organizations, and key stakeholders across Indiana. The EVP manages the Association’s staff, budget, and operational resources, ensuring accountability, transparency, and prudent stewardship of member investments. Through effective leadership, the EVP fosters a culture of excellence, teamwork, and service, positioning ISMA as a highly respected and influential voice for physicians and patients throughout the state.
SCOPE OF ISMA PROGRAMS & RESOURCES
ISMA offers a robust suite of programs and services that the EVP oversees and advances, including:
Physician Assistance Program: Confidential consultation, screening, referral, and case management for physicians experiencing substance use disorders, mental health challenges, behavioral concerns, or physical illnesses, supported by professional staff and a physician consultant.
Physician Wellness Resources:Various tools, articles, podcasts, programming and assessments focused on burnout, resilience, and professional well-being.
Insurance Programs: ISMA-supported medical and dental insurance plans offering superior benefits and affordability for ISMA members and their spouses.
Recognition & Student Support:Annual awards for physician leadership and community contributions, sponsorship of student leadership awards, and developing scholarship initiatives with Indiana’s medical schools.
Publications & Communications:ISMA Reports, e-Reports, and Legislative News, which deliver timely information on regulatory issues, practice management, and state legislative activity.
Public Policy Manual: Adopted through annual resolutions from member physicians, the Public Policy Manual serves as a centralized reference that guides ISMA’s advocacy across a wide range of health care and policy issues.
ISMA Annual Convention:The ISMA Annual Convention is a significant event for ISMA members, offering a platform to discuss and vote on resolutions, which become part of ISMA policy and help set the organization’s legislative agenda. The Convention includes various opportunities for fellowship and celebration, such as the Physician Wellness Symposium and the IMPAC Social/Panel Presentation.
This suite of offerings provides essential value to members and represents key program areas the EVP will guide, strengthen, and strategically evolve.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
The EVP is responsible for:
Governance and Board Relations: Support the Board’s governance role by facilitating informed decision-making and ensuring policy execution across the Association.
Strategic Leadership: In partnership with elected leadership, set the vision and ongoing strategic direction for the organization. Collaborate with the Board to refine and implement the strategic plan, ensuring alignment of budget, staff, and priorities with ISMA’s mission and standards. Provide guidance on policy, procedural, and long- and short-term planning initiatives.
Revenue and Growth: Identify and launch new non-dues revenue opportunities. Develop and oversee marketing, branding, and membership strategies that expand engagement and increase revenues. Promote the value of ISMA membership through innovative retention and recruitment efforts.
Advocacy and External Relations: Champion the highest levels of advocacy for Indiana physicians at state and federal levels. Maintain strong relationships with the AMA, the federation, legislators, and other key stakeholders. Develop legislative strategies and oversee their execution to advance favorable policies and address proposed legislation.
Program and Project Oversight: Lead, direct, and coordinate all programs, projects, and major organizational activities. Serve as liaison and provide staff support to various ISMA committees. Build trusting relationships with physicians, practice leaders, and other stakeholders, balancing diverse perspectives.
Financial Management: Establish and maintain fiscal responsibility, developing and operating within an approved annual budget. Oversee the accuracy, integrity, and timeliness of all financial accounting and reporting, ensuring adequate allocation of resources for present and future needs.
Staff Leadership and Management: Recruit, train, motivate, and retain ISMA employees while maintaining a positive, collaborative culture. Define roles, establish performance standards, conduct evaluations, and provide ongoing coaching and feedback. Address performance issues effectively and recognize achievements. Promote cross-departmental collaboration, strengthen internal communications, and optimize workflow and technology use for maximum efficiency.
Organizational Representation: Exhibit strong commitment to ISMA through active promotion of its policies, programs, services, publications, and activities. Enhance ISMA’s image and reputation with members, external organizations, and industry partners.
Other Duties: Perform additional responsibilities as assigned, supporting the overall mission and strategic goals of ISMA.
KEY OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES
With a strong organizational foundation and a new 2026–2029 Strategic Plan currently in development, ISMA seeks an EVP who can continue to manage and grow the Association’s revenue, programs, and services while positioning the organization for long-term success. Significant opportunity exists to strengthen engagement with a diverse physician membership representing a wide range of specialties, practice settings, and political perspectives, reinforcing ISMA’s role as a unifying and credible voice for medicine in Indiana, while also identifying and pursuing new revenue opportunities.
The EVP will have the opportunity to work collaboratively with staff and leadership to align priorities, clarify responsibilities, and support a positive, high-performing, and cohesive team. Advancing membership retention by demonstrating ISMA’s value and relevance in a complex healthcare environment remains a top priority, alongside guiding the Society’s advocacy efforts in alignment with member needs and strategic objectives.
At the same time, the rapidly changing healthcare landscape—including, ongoing pressures related to physician reimbursement, and increasing regulatory complexity—presents both challenges and opportunities. Navigating these dynamics successfully will require strategic leadership, proactive advocacy, and thoughtful prioritization to support physicians’ ability to practice medicine sustainably while addressing the growing and varied needs of the state’s physician community.
A minimum of 6–10 years of progressive leadership experience in complex organizations, with demonstrated success in strategic planning, operations, and team leadership
Strong relationship-building skills with a track record of engaging diverse stakeholders
Proven financial management experience and the ability to drive membership and non-dues revenue growth
Demonstrated success leading state and federal advocacy efforts and maintaining visibility with key policymakers
Solid understanding of current healthcare issues, particularly those impacting physicians; knowledge of issues facing Indiana physicians is a distinct asset
Exceptional written, verbal, and public-speaking skills
Experience as a senior executive within a healthcare or professional association preferred
Knowledge of issues affecting Indiana’s healthcare environment preferred
Experience working with an affiliated foundation a plus
Some evening and weekend work required; ability to travel up to 20%
COMPENSATION & LOCATION
ISMA offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience, qualifications, and demonstrated leadership capabilities, along with a comprehensive benefits package. The EVP is expected to maintain a regular, in-person presence at the Indianapolis headquarters.
SEARCH TIMELINE
Applications for the Executive Vice President position will be accepted until February 23, 2026.
First-round interviews are expected to take place in March/April 2026, with finalist interviews scheduled for early May 2026.ISMA anticipates that the new Executive Vice President will assume the role by summer 2026.
SEARCH PROCESS
The search for ISMA’s next Executive Vice President is being conducted by Tuft & Associates.
Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume to: Jill Christie, President, Tuft & Associates, c/o cbabjak@tuftassoc.com
