The Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP) today announced that Karen Middleton is to be the next chief executive. Currently the chief allied health professions officer at NHS England, she will be the first chief executive at the society who is a physiotherapist and will also be its first woman chief executive.
Karen, who is on Twitter as @KarenCHPO, tweeted “Yes I will be the next CEO of the CSP-honoured and delighted! UK Physios-we have a lot to do!” There is already a buzz of excitement coursing through the Twittersphere and we can’t think of a better person for the job! After 15 years as chief executive Phil Gray retires at the end of January and Karen will take her position in early February 2014.
The CSP reported that Council chair Dr Helena Johnson, said: ‘I am delighted Karen will be joining the CSP next year. She has had a hugely positive impact on physiotherapy in her current role. She brings great experience of health policy and leadership. We look forward to working with Karen to deliver the ambitious strategy which we have set out for the society.’
It appears that Karen is really adaptable to change as is evidenced in her engagement with technology and informatics. This is exciting news for physiotherapists in the UK at a time when it feels like the profession really needs a boost. We wish Karen well in her new role and look forward to contributing in any way that we can.
It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent that survives. It is the one that is the most adaptable to change. Charles Darwin.