May 16, 2023 (CHICAGO) – The Chicago Dental Society (CDS) Board of Directors has named Heather Nash, CMP, CAE, of Wilmette, Illinois, as the next Executive Director of the society. On June 1, 2023, Ms. Nash will succeed Randy Grove, who is retiring from the role after 33 years. A veteran in association management, Ms. Nash will lead the 14-member CDS staff and oversee management of the annual CDS Midwinter Meeting, one of the largest and most prominent scientific dental meetings in the country.
“With extensive work in membership, leadership, strategic planning and events, Ms. Nash’s experience will be invaluable in elevating our annual Midwinter Meeting and supporting the strategic goals of our organization,” said CDS President Dr. Michael Durbin. “We are excited that she has chosen to join the CDS team and are fortunate to have her.”
As a mission-driven and action-oriented strategic leader, Heather Nash is well-qualified for the Executive Director position. Ms. Nash has a track record of driving exceptional levels of member and revenue growth, building effective teams, and elevating organizational performance throughout her career. Heather Nash previously held the role of Chief Member and Event Engagement officer with the Emergency Nurses Association (ENA), a Schaumburg-based organization representing more than 52,000 emergency nursing professionals. During her time at ENA, Nash elevated membership and event growth, managed new organizational initiatives to grow revenue and oversaw the development of new educational programming and strategic planning.
Prior to her time at ENA, Ms. Nash held top leadership positions with the American College of Chest Physicians where she oversaw event strategy and supported the development of global growth and brand expansion. Early in her career, she worked among dental professionals as Director of Meetings for the Academy of General Dentistry.
“It’s a great honor to have been selected as the next Executive Director of the Chicago Dental Society,” said Heather Nash. “I’m thrilled to take on this position and look forward to leading the team of this premier organization to continue advancing the mission and values of CDS and its members.”
Heather Nash holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Illinois State University and is a Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) and a Certified Association Executive (CAE). She is an active member of the American Society of Association Executives, the Association Forum of Chicago and the Professional Convention Management Association.
Established in 1864, CDS is the largest local society of the American Dental Association, with more than 4,000 members in Cook, Lake and DuPage counties.
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About the Chicago Dental Society
Trust a Chicago Dental Society (CDS) dentist with more than just your smile. Talk with them and you’ll see their work is an investment in not just your oral health, but your overall health. They are current on the dental trends and technology through extensive CDS continuing education programs, including the Midwinter Meeting. The largest local affiliate of the American Dental Association, the non-profit Chicago Dental Society represents dentists across the Chicago region. They’re your neighbors, friends and community anchors. Connect with the Chicago Dental Society at cds.org/smile, where you’ll find our easy-to-navigate Find a CDS Dentist search tool. Or connect on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Instagram.
