By Serena Agusto-Cox | News & Views
Leadership isn't defined by a title. It's built through curiosity, growth, mentorship, and a willingness to step forward when opportunities arise. For the 50 cardiovascular and pulmonary rehabilitation (CR/PR) professionals participating in AACVPR’s Leadership Development Academy (LEAD) this year, that journey is well underway.
Now in its second year, LEAD equips emerging and established professionals with the skills, confidence, and strategic perspective they need to thrive, improve CR/PR programs, and positively impact patient outcomes. Through a seven-month virtual experience, participants complete eight educational modules focused on topics such as management, finance, accreditation, quality improvement, marketing, technology integration, human resources, and team leadership. The program culminates in a capstone project that allows participants to apply their learning to real-world challenges facing their organizations and the profession.
But if you ask faculty what makes LEAD special, they'll tell you it's not just the curriculum. It's the people.
A New Generation of Leaders Steps Forward
The current cohort notably includes an exciting cross-section of experienced professionals and emerging leaders.
"What stands out most about this cohort is that many participants represent the future leaders of cardiovascular and pulmonary rehabilitation rather than individuals already in established leadership roles," says Betsy Hart, DCEP, ACSM-CEP, CCRP, CDCES, FAACVPR, supervisor for cardiopulmonary rehab services for MacNeal and Loyola Hospitals in Illinois. "This group is filled with professionals who have the passion and potential to lead but may not yet have had the opportunity, mentorship, or formal training to develop those skills."
Lorri Lee, MHA, BS, CCRP, CEP, FAACVPR, cardiopulmonary rehab supervisor at CHRISTUS Santa Rosa – New Braunfels, agrees. "What unites them is a genuine commitment to learning and advancing the field of cardiovascular and pulmonary rehabilitation,” she says.
Faculty members consistently point to the participants' enthusiasm and willingness to challenge themselves as defining characteristics of the group.
AACVPR President Stacey Greenway, MA, MPH, CCRP, MAACVPR, ACSM-CEP, executive director of the primary care and behavioral health service lines at ECU Health in Greenville, North Carolina, who has worked with both LEAD cohorts, adds, “I’ve really been impressed with the curiosity and motivation that these professionals bring to this learning process.”
Mark Stout, MS, CCRP, MAACVPR, program supervisor for cardiac rehabilitation at Lexington Health in West Columbia, South Carolina, notes that as much as the two cohorts differ, they also are similar in many ways. “The second LEAD cohort is not unlike the inaugural group in that they are driven to learn, improve their programs, and ultimately make the experience for their patients better," he says. "Both cohort groups have the desire to grow and exhibit characteristics of leadership."
Curious, Committed, and Ready to Grow
When asked to describe the current class, faculty members repeatedly return to themes of curiosity, commitment, and continuous learning. Hart says, "They are questioning in the best sense of the word. They are curious, thoughtful, and willing to challenge assumptions in pursuit of better solutions."
Similarly, Dean Diersing, MS, RCEP, CCRP, MAACVPR, vice president of UMC Health & Wellness Hospital in Lubbock, Texas, says, "This group continues to ensure they know the task at hand and have the details they need for success.” With each module, Diersing explain that participants are committed to growth and development.
Stout adds, “Committing to this endeavor takes ambition, desire, and energy to learn and grow outside of daily job responsibilities. It also provides an opportunity to learn from proven leaders in cardiovascular and pulmonary rehabilitation and put those leadership principles into practice."
Julianne DeAngelis, MS, CCRP, FAACVPR, CEP, program manager of the Center for Cardiac, Pulmonary, and Vascular Fitness and the Dean Ornish Intensive Cardiac Rehab at Brown University Health’s Cardiovascular Institute, shares a similar perspective. "They are all shining examples of engaged employees within their departments," she observes. "Several participants already started reviewing job descriptions, addressing compensation concerns, and strengthening team cohesion before completing the module."
That commitment to learning extends beyond the Academy itself. Faculty members see that this cohort is actively working outside their comfort zones to gain new perspectives and skills. “They are seeking out opportunities to learn more and be better as individuals, as well as provide the best service possible for their patients,” Greenway says.
Leadership Beyond the Title
One of the most rewarding aspects of LEAD, according to faculty, has been watching participants recognize their own potential.
According to Hart, "Many enter the program unsure if they belong in leadership conversations. Watching them gain confidence, contribute ideas, and realize the value they bring to the profession has been incredibly rewarding." She also points out that many healthcare professionals mistakenly believe leadership is possible only in a formal, official capacity.
"Many participants are waiting for permission to lead," Hart elaborates. "One lesson I hope they take from the Academy is that leadership often starts long before the title. Lead by example. Try new ideas. Take thoughtful risks. Not everything will work perfectly, and that's okay."
Faculty members also see participants expanding their thinking beyond the daily demands of managing a CR/PR program.
Hart points out that participants have become increasingly comfortable speaking up and leading discussions. "They are beginning to focus on broader issues, such as innovation, sustainability, advocacy, and organizational impact,” she explains.
DeAngelis has been impressed by participants' willingness to apply what they've learned and advocate for positive change. "I was inspired to hear that they are willing to try new things and have the confidence to go to their own leaders and voice concerns as a way to improve their programs and day-to-day operations," she says.
Stout says participants have gained confidence through peer learning and shared experiences. "Many participants have similar questions about leadership, programming, and day-to-day challenges. Seeing an individual's 'light bulb' go off is exciting," he elaborates.
Shaping the Future of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation
The conversations taking place within LEAD also provide insight into the issues shaping the future of CR/PR. According to faculty members, participants have actively discussed the opportunities and challenges facing today's programs, including:
- Workforce development and staff retention
- Virtual and hybrid care models to improve patient care access
- Demonstrating program value within health systems
- Navigating organizational and healthcare system change
"A recurring theme has been the growing flexibility within cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation programming," Lee says. "Participants are actively discussing opportunities such as billing double sessions, expanding virtual care offerings, and individualizing treatment plans to better meet patient needs."
During talent management discussions, DeAngelis says participants frequently raised the challenges of compensation for clinical exercise physiologists, engaging new staff members, and helping veteran employees adapt to change.
Stout notes that participants are also learning an important lesson about leadership and change management. "The biggest challenge for participants heading into the future is managing the obstacles that get in the way of growth in our profession," he says. "You can only control what you can control. Once you understand that balance, you can focus your time and energy on areas where you and your team can make an impact."
What encourages faculty is the way participants approach these challenges, combining evidence-based practice with a willingness to innovate.
"This group is not constrained by historical processes," Lee says. "Instead, they are focused on how our profession can evolve, leveraging technology and innovation to improve patient care while preserving the clinical excellence that defines cardiovascular and pulmonary rehabilitation."
Faculty members have also observed participants strengthening critical leadership skills that will help them navigate the future of the profession, including situational assessment, financial and operational awareness, human resources management, strategic thinking and flexible decision making, and quality improvement. "These behaviors give me optimism about the future of CR/PR and the leaders that will emerge from this cohort," Stout says.
Building Leaders, Strengthening the Profession
As LEAD continues to grow, faculty members see enormous potential for the current cohort to influence the future of AACVPR and the profession.
"What excites me most is this group's commitment to people," Hart says. "They genuinely care about healthy workplace cultures, effective communication, and creating environments where everyone has a voice."
Diersing believes the impact will extend well beyond individual excellence. "As participants grow in confidence, self-awareness, and leadership skills, they bring those strengths back to their teams and organizations," he says. "These individuals will be better equipped to navigate and lead change."
Stout believes one of the program's most valuable aspects is its networking opportunities. “This group has built strong relationships that will be leveraged for a long time,” he predicts.
DeAngelis sees a similar ripple effect extending into the profession's future. “I think this program is going to make them great mentors for the next generation of leaders,” she says.
Five years from now, faculty members envision many of today's participants serving as program leaders, educators, mentors, researchers, AACVPR volunteers, and committee leaders. Some may even return to the Academy as faculty members themselves.
Stout says, “We’re already seeing this play out with some of the members of the first LEAD Academy cohort."
Hart adds, "Our profession has many great voices. It’s time for more individuals to step forward, share their experiences, and help shape the future of cardiopulmonary rehabilitation."
If faculty observations are any indication, the next generation of leaders is already doing exactly that.
Meet the Faculty
Betsy Hart, MS, ACSM-CEP, CCRP, CDCES, FAACVPR, is supervisor of cardiopulmonary rehabilitation services for MacNeal and Loyola Hospitals. A clinical exercise physiologist with more than 25 years of healthcare experience, she is a Fellow of AACVPR, chair of AACVPR's Member and Affiliate Relations Committee, course director for AACVPR's CCRP Virtual Prep Course, and faculty member for AACVPR's Leadership Development Academy (LEAD). Committed to advancing clinical practice and education, Hart is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Clinical Exercise Physiology at the University of Illinois Chicago.
Lorri Lee, MHA, BS, CCRP, CEP, FAACVPR, is a clinical exercise physiologist who has worked in the cardiopulmonary rehabilitation field for 27 years. She serves on AACVPR's Member and Affiliate Relations Committee, Marketing Advisory Committee (MAC) Task Force, and Government Affairs Committee, and regularly participates in Day on the Hill advocacy initiatives.
Stacey Greenway, MA, MPH, CCRP, RCEP, FAACVPR, has worked in the field of cardiopulmonary rehabilitation for more than 26 years. She is executive director of the Primary Care and Behavioral Health service lines at ECU Health in Greenville, North Carolina. Greenway earned a master's degree in exercise physiology and a Master of Public Health from East Carolina University. She currently serves as president of AACVPR, is a past president of the North Carolina Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation Association (NCCRA), and has participated in AACVPR's Day on the Hill advocacy efforts since 2014.
Mark Stout, MS, CCRP, MAACVPR, has worked in cardiovascular and pulmonary rehabilitation for more than 30 years. He earned bachelor's and master's degrees from the University of South Carolina and currently serves as program supervisor for Cardiac Rehabilitation at Lexington Health in West Columbia, South Carolina. Stout has held numerous leadership positions within the South Carolina Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (SCACVPR), including president. A CCRP-certified professional, he is a past chair of AACVPR's Program Certification Committee, current chair of the AACVPR Quality of Care Committee, and was recognized as a Master Fellow of AACVPR in 2024.
Dean Diersing, MS, RCEP, CCRP, MAACVPR, is vice president of UMC Health & Wellness Hospital in Lubbock, Texas, where he has served in a variety of leadership roles over the past 22 years. He earned a master's degree in clinical exercise physiology from Texas Tech University and has served as adjunct faculty at both Texas Tech University and the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center. Diersing is an American College of Sports Medicine Registered Clinical Exercise Physiologist (RCEP) and an AACVPR Certified Cardiac Rehabilitation Professional (CCRP). A Master Fellow of AACVPR, he served on the AACVPR Board of Directors for six years and is a past president of both AACVPR and the Texas Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (TACVPR).
Julianne DeAngelis, MS, CCRP, CEP, FAACVPR, is program manager of The Center for Cardiac, Pulmonary and Vascular Fitness and the Dean Ornish Intensive Cardiac Rehabilitation Program, both part of Brown University Health's Cardiovascular Institute. With nearly 30 years of experience in cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation, she leads teams focused on patient care, program delivery, and data and outcomes management for research and quality improvement initiatives. DeAngelis serves on AACVPR's Registry Committee and has presented at the AACVPR Annual Meeting on topics including interdisciplinary team leadership, employee engagement, patient care, and outcomes management. She is passionate about building engaged, motivated teams and supporting their professional growth and success.