By Gregory Dale
the AFRO
Kweisi Mfume, former U.S. Congressman and current chief executive officer of the National Medical Association (NMA), recently announced that he was stepping down from the position, effective in June.
“I’ve had the opportunity to work with a great number of very talented physicians and scientists, as their chief administrator who runs the ship day in and day out,” Mfume told the AFRO in a recent interview. “I’ve really enjoyed my time working there.”
The NMA is the nation’s oldest and largest medical association representing the interests of more than 30,000 African-American physicians and their patients.
Mfume, who also once served as president of the NAACP, notified the NMA’s board last week of his departure that’s set to occur on June 7. Despite his imminent exit, he’s offered to stay longer in the position to ensure a smooth transition for the organization’s next leader.
He joined the NMA in 2010, and explained that at the time of his hire, he agreed to stay in the position for a year to try to help it reach its goal of becoming more effective among the plethora of healthcare and medical organizations.
“Quite frankly, I feel like I’ve been able to do just that, working with board and committee members to create a more efficient fiscal operation,” Mfume said. “After working so hard, I’m just going to take a break and try to recharge my engines for whatever my next step or endeavor might be. I’m not even in a rush to try to come up with solid plans [for my next step], but I’m sure something will present itself.”
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