Dear Colleagues and Friends,

After 40 years in public health I have decided to retire in early 2023. Although I will miss NAQC and the important work we do together to provide high quality cessation services to people who use tobacco, I am enthusiastic about turning over leadership of the organization to a new person who can build on our past successes and bring new talents and skills to the organization. I am excited and ready for this next chapter and would like to thank NAQC staff, the Board, members and partners for the privilege of working on this cause. It has been 18 years since I founded NAQC in partnership with an innovative group of state quitline funders, service providers, researchers and national organizations. The continuing commitment of the founding members and the talented new professionals who have joined our field give me hope that NAQC’s important work will continue for many years to come. From now until early next year, NAQC staff and I will continue offering excellent programs, keeping NAQC strong, and planning for a successful transition to a new CEO.

The Board of Directors will launch the search for a new CEO this week. The job description has been posted on NAQC’s website and we would appreciate your help in distributing it to your members and colleagues.

Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact me (lbailey@naquitline.org) or the search consultant, Laurie Woodhouse (lauriewoodhouse@woodhousesearch.com).

With warm regards and gratitude,

Linda Bailey
President and CEO