Jack C. Lewin, MD Source: American Heart Advocacy

Jack C. Lewin, MD, is leaving the post of CEO of the American College of Cardiology (ACC) after serving in that role for more than five years “to pursue other opportunities and challenges,” according to a statement by the college to its members.

The college, via an email message from current ACC President William A. Zoghbi, MD, said that it wishes Lewin “well in his future endeavors and thanks him for his service and contributions.” Further information about Lewin's plans was not provided.

Moving forward, Thomas E. Arend, Jr., JD, currently ACC's general counsel and chief operating officer, will serve as the interim chief staff officer and CEO, according to ACC’s CardioSource website, alongside the current team of senior vice presidents and hundreds of others who work for and serve the college.

Previous to his work at the ACC, Lewin was the CEO of California Medical Association and its various subsidiary companies. He also was Hawaii's director of health from 1986 to 1994. In Hawaii, he was CEO of the 13-facility Community Hospital System, based in Kamuela.

Before that, as a commissioned officer in the U.S. Public Heath Service, he was the founding director of the Navajo Nation Department of Health, based in the three states of Arizona, New Mexico and Utah.