New York, NY – After a distinguished seven-year tenure marked by significant growth, a sharpened focus on scientific integrity, and an amplified public voice, Thom Golab is retiring as President of the American Council on Science and Health (ACSH). While stepping down from the helm, Golab emphasizes that his departure is not an end, but a transition, expressing his continued commitment to supporting the organization he has come to deeply respect.
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Golab’s journey to leading one of the nation’s most influential science advocacy groups is as unconventional as it is inspiring. Without a formal background in science or health, his expertise was forged in the trenches of fundraising and nonprofit leadership for over five decades. This unique path, he argues, allowed him to foster an environment where independent voices could flourish, delivering impactful science communication without the encumbrance of a vast bureaucracy.
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Golab’s Unforeseen Ascent: From Fundraiser to President
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The narrative of Golab’s presidency began unexpectedly in mid-2019. With ACSH navigating a year-long presidential vacancy, the search committee extended an offer that initially left Golab, who describes himself with a self-deprecating "Tom Hagen, not Michael Corleone" analogy, surprised. However, his long-standing admiration for ACSH and its co-founder, Dr. Elizabeth Whelan, coupled with a belief in the organization’s vital mission, compelled him to accept the challenge.
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"I actually said, ‘I’m Tom Hagen, not Michael Corleone’," Golab recounted, referencing the iconic fictional consigliere. "But I have loved and respected ACSH since I first heard of it and its co-founder, Dr. Elizabeth Whelan. So, I agreed that if ACSH’s Board felt I was right for the job, I must be what ACSH needed."
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His entry into the presidency was facilitated by a dedicated staff, who he credits with making the transition remarkably smooth. Under his leadership, ACSH embarked on a period of operational streamlining and strategic redirection, solidifying its position as a critical voice in the discourse surrounding science and public policy.
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A Legacy of Impact: Confronting Misinformation and Amplifying Truth
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Golab’s presidency has been characterized by a resolute commitment to combating the dissemination of "bad science" and misinformation, particularly when it infiltrates policymaking and is amplified by what he terms "misinformed but ostensibly reputable journalists." This unwavering stance has yielded tangible victories and significantly elevated ACSH’s public profile.
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A prime example of this impact is the work of Dr. Josh Bloom, ACSH’s Senior Fellow, on the opioid overdose crisis. Bloom’s rigorous analysis, utilizing data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), demonstrably shifted the policy debate. His research conclusively showed that the epidemic’s root cause was not the overprescription of legal medications, but rather the pervasive presence of black-market fentanyl and other illicit opioids. This pivotal work exemplifies ACSH’s dedication to evidence-based advocacy and its ability to influence critical public health conversations.
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The organization’s success in the media landscape under Golab’s leadership is equally striking. In the past year alone, ACSH achieved nearly four billion media impressions, translating to an advertising value equivalent of over $24 million. This remarkable reach, especially for an organization with an annual budget under $1 million, underscores Golab’s strategic acumen in maximizing impact with lean resources.
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"Those numbers also say something about how ACSH has operated during the past seven years," Golab stated. "We have remained a remarkably small organization while producing an outsized impact. We strengthened our finances, streamlined operations, expanded our audience, and used the talent already here far better. I take some pride in that, but the greater accomplishment has been building an organization in which a handful of smart, independent voices can reach millions of people without a multimillion-dollar bureaucracy standing behind them."
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Strategic Vision and Operational Excellence
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Golab’s tenure has not only focused on external advocacy but also on strengthening the internal architecture of ACSH. He meticulously worked to improve the organization’s financial standing, ensuring its long-term sustainability. This financial prudence, combined with operational efficiencies, has allowed ACSH to amplify its voice and extend its reach without compromising its core principles of independence and scientific integrity.
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The emphasis on utilizing existing talent effectively has been a hallmark of Golab’s leadership. He fostered an environment where the expertise of ACSH’s scientists and researchers could be translated into accessible, impactful communication for the public and policymakers alike. This approach has been instrumental in building a reputation for reliable, science-backed information.
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A Thoughtful Succession Plan: Grooming the Next Generation of Leadership
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The transition of leadership has been a deliberate and carefully considered process. Two years ago, recognizing the inevitability of his retirement, Golab began to architect his exit strategy, a concept he had always prioritized in his previous roles.
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"ACSH was in a good place two years ago, when I told a long-time friend I was turning 65 and would be retiring. He asked, ‘What is your exit strategy?’ ‘Huh?’ ‘Thom, you are running the organization; you cannot leave without finding a worthy replacement’," Golab shared.
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Unlike previous positions where he had trained successors, this scenario required a more extensive search. In January, Golab identified Cameron English, an established freelance writer for ACSH, as a strong candidate. English, known for his dedication to ACSH’s mission and his positive rapport with the staff, expressed significant enthusiasm for a leadership role. His appointment as Executive Vice President at the March Board meeting marked a crucial step in the succession process.
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Yesterday’s Board meeting formally solidified this transition, with Cameron English officially appointed as the new President of ACSH. Golab expressed his confidence in English, stating, "At yesterday’s Board meeting, Cameron was appointed President of ACSH."
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Looking Ahead: A Foundation for Continued Impact
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Golab reflects on his presidency with a sense of accomplishment and gratitude. He acknowledges the Board’s initial leap of faith in appointing a fundraiser to lead a science organization, a trust he believes he has honored by leaving ACSH in a stronger, more visible, and better-prepared position for the future.
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"Seven years ago, the Board took a chance on a fundraiser who wasn’t a scientist. I hope I have repaid that confidence by leaving ACSH stronger, more visible, and better prepared for what comes next," Golab remarked.
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He pledges to remain a resource for the incoming leadership, offering advice and support as needed. "Now Cameron gets his chance. I intend to be around to offer advice when he wants it—and, having been a president myself, perhaps when he doesn’t."
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However, Golab emphasizes that the continued success of ACSH hinges not solely on its leadership, staff, or Board, but on its broader community. He issues a call to action for readers, scientists, physicians, and donors to remain engaged and supportive.
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"But ACSH’s future will depend on more than Cameron, our staff, or our Board. It will depend on the readers who share our work, the scientists and physicians who contribute their expertise, and the donors who understand that independence requires financial independence," Golab stated.
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He urges the ACSH community to continue its vital role in disseminating the organization’s work, introducing its insights to new audiences, and providing the financial support that underpins its independent voice. "If ACSH has informed you, challenged you, or occasionally irritated you into thinking a little harder, help us extend that reach—send an article to someone who should read it, introduce us to a new audience, or support our work financially."
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Thom Golab’s retirement marks the end of a significant chapter for the American Council on Science and Health. His leadership has undoubtedly left an indelible mark, reinforcing the organization’s commitment to evidence-based science communication and its vital role in navigating the complex landscape of scientific discourse. As Cameron English assumes the presidency, ACSH stands poised to continue its impactful mission, fortified by the legacy of its outgoing leader and the ongoing support of its dedicated community.
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