LuShawna Gerdes, Executive Director

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What does LuShawna do for FPIN?

I am the Executive Director for FPIN. What does that mean? Well, it really depends on the day. Sometimes you will catch me traveling to the East Coast meeting with our publishers, whereas other days you might find me working with our volunteer physician leaders on strategic plan initiatives. As the acting CEO for the organization, it is my responsibility to ensure that FPIN is legally compliant and financially sustainable long-term which keeps me involved in operations, membership retention efforts, board committee work, and non-profit regulations.

I love my job so much that if I won the lottery, I would not only come to work the next day, but I would also share some of my resources with FPIN as a thank you for the opportunity to do the great work that I get to do everyday. There are many reasons for this, but they all have to do with the people involved in the organization including the amazing staff, Board of Directors, editors, faculty, residents, librarians, fellows, and the list goes on and on, etc.

Background

For most of my career, prior to working at FPIN, I was a business strategist and consultant – mostly for Fortune 500 for-profit companies and social enterprises. It was during this time that I honed my skills in developing sustainable revenue models, building dynamic teams, and strategic planning.

I also spent some time managing a recreational therapy department for an adolescent treatment facility in Southern California. This experience gave me an opportunity to learn a lot about working with diagnostic and treatment modalities in a healthcare setting.

My degree in Human Services has been incredibly helpful in my role as a non-profit executive.

Hobbies

I enjoy trying out new restaurants, going dancing, live music, and wine tasting with my husband. I am also an aspiring memoirist so I try to write whenever I get the opportunity.

Unique Skills

Some may call it odd, but for stress relief, I find it relaxing to search for travel deals. I have a knack for finding and booking luxurious travel accommodations for budget prices. In fact, it is not uncommon to find the FPIN staff staying at a top notch mansion while attending STFM each year.

Fun Facts

Nutrition and fitness have always been a big part of my life. When I was younger, I was more radical in my efforts with participation in mud runs and a sponsorship by Apex for the Miss Galaxy fitness competition. However, as I have gotten older, I have learned the importance of balance so my focus today is primarily in clean eating and moderate physical exercise. With that being said, I love a great spinning class!

What do you love most about FPIN?

Oh how I love FPIN, let me count the ways. You know how some people describe the hometown they love because it feels like a small town even though it is in a big city or it has grown, well that is how I feel about FPIN. My time with FPIN has spanned over a decade and in that time I have seen it grow three-fold, but the community feel remains – people still care about people! The other thing that I love is that FPIN is a place that truly promotes professional development for everyone. Within the FPIN family, faculty, residents, and staff alike, can find encouragement and education to take their career to the next level.

Favorite Netflix series or movie and why?

We switched over to Hulu this year so my series would have to be Million Little Things. Ultimately, this is a show about friendship. I am definitely someone that falls into the camp that believes that your friends are just an extension of your family. Therefore, I really enjoy watching the bonds of these friends as they go through the trials and celebrations of life.