A New Vision for the NLA

The National Lipid Association owes much of its success to the founding lipid legend members, not only for their dedication to the organization but for hiring Chris Seymour as their Executive Director. When the Southeast Lipid Association began in 1997, John R. Guyton, MD, FNLA, had heard of Chris Seymour’s abilities through his prior directorship of the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists. A Navy reservist, Chris Seymour’s basic philosophy and work ethic matched those who hired him to manage the National Lipid Association. Chris laid the groundwork that made the association we know today – an organization with over 2,000 members from across the globe, 2 publications, 3 informative and exciting meetings annually, and an organization that produces several certified professionals every single year.

Seymour started with a small staff, some of whom are still with us, Cynthia Moore, office manager, and Clark Morgan, information systems manager. As the years passed, his team continued to grow. Chris DeVille and Allison Fellers Lowe were hired in the Education Department, Lindsay Hart as a meeting planner, and her husband, Brian Hart, as a legal consultant. As time passed, Brian’s relationship with Compass Management and the National Lipid Association bloomed. Brian has the social skill, intelligence, and high level competency to manage others in an effective manner. Brian is a big-hearted, hard-working, quit-witted professional. Joyce L. Ross, MSN, CRNP, CLS, FNLA and NLA past president stated, “Brian can make anyone he is talking to feel that they and their issue is the most important thing on his agenda. He can take an idea, ask the right questions, and form the idea into a working product of NLA. The best thing however is his sense of humor.” These qualities, coupled with his background in law made him an excellent candidate to pass the literal and metaphorical torch to when Seymour decided to take the NLA’s load off his plate. In June of 2015, at a Board of Directors meeting held in Chicago, Illinois, the executive directorship of the NLA transferred from Commander Chris Seymour to Brian Hart, JD.

Brian’s new vision for the NLA focused on what was important to NLA leadership: membership recruitment and retention, through marketing and boosting member benefits. I have been very impressed with his approach to leadership, and ability to implement a collective vision. His approach is friendly and respectful, but always responsible. His other focus centered on new funding opportunities to feed the projects we see today. Clark Morgan, who has been with the NLA from its inception explains, “things for the NLA are better than they have ever been. Brian, and his partners, have helped make NLA a more modern, nimble, and muscular association.”

Brian’s dedication to the NLA is seen by many. Alan S. Brown, MD, FNLA, and NLA past president added, “as we have navigated through controversies regarding guidelines and our own sense of identity as well as financial issues, Brian has led the organization with clear vision and steadiness. It has been a pleasure to work with him.” His vision has created a more enlightened, forward-thinking, public-engaging organization. Carl E. Orringer, MD, FNLA, and NLA past president stated, “Brian’s sense of fairness, openness to all points of view, concern for the welfare of all members of the organization, and smart decision making has served the NLA well and will continue to foster its growth in the future.”

As Brian gained comfort in his role as Executive Director of the NLA, one of Seymour’s largest clients, Seymour decided it was time to sell his company, Compass Management, and fully retire. Chris Deville, who has worked with Brian for several years explained, “as a leader and business owner, Brian understands the value of having a reliable and knowledgeable team to depend on. Brian has surrounded himself with people whom he shows mutual respect and whose contributions and input he values.” Brian, his wife Lindsay, and their colleague Erin Corrales purchased Compass Management in 2018. Erin Corrales, President of Compass Management adds, “Brian is a pragmatic, thoughtful leader. I lean on Brian frequently for his expertise in complex issues and can always count on him to guide my decision making and provide a different perspective than my own. While the business side of Brian is noteworthy, on a personal level, Brian is a friend to me, my husband, and my children and we can always count on him to make us laugh. He equally shines, as a father, husband, and friend.”

Since the NLA was already under Brian’s guidance, the management company’s ownership was a smooth transition for the organization. Lindsay Hart, COO of Compass Management and Chief of Staff for the NLA shares, “I have had the unique pleasure of watching Brian grow both personally and professionally in his career. I am taken aback each and every day at how effortless it has been for him to step into the role as Executive Director of this incredible organization. It is so natural, like he was made to do this. He is passionate, dedicated, and loves the leadership, members, and staff of this organization like he loves his family. It is a part of him, it’s who he is, and the NLA has helped shape him into a terrific leader because of the support and love the people of this organization have given him. It has been particularly endearing to watch him build a relationship with each President and Executive Committee member over the course of each year. He adapts to the communication styles and needs of each leader, and it shines a light on his capacity to continuously adapt, grow, and evolve with the best interests of the NLA always at the forefront of his mind. As his wife, business partner, mother of his children, and his colleague, I can confidently say that Brian gives his all to whatever he is passionate about. His love for his children, for me, for our business, and for this organization is a testament to how much he cares about the people of the NLA and the work they do.” The NLA will always be in good hands with Brian leading the way, and the members, including myself, are excited to see what path he will help leadership carve.