The World Federation of Chiropractic recently announced not only a new president, as is customary every two years, but also an incoming secretary-general, marking the first time since the WFC's inception in 1988 that someone other than David Chapman-Smith, Esq., will serve in that capacity.
Dr. Brown will succeed Chapman-Smith – who co-founded the WFC 26 years ago and has served as secretary-general since that time – as of July 1, 2015, with Chapman-Smith serving in a transitional role until June 2016.
"In Richard I see a person with exactly the qualities the WFC now needs and that I hoped my successor would have," said Chapman-Smith, commenting on Dr. Brown's appointment. "He is a man of many talents, a true spirit of service, strong communication skills and a profound understanding of the international profession and the direction it and the WFC should take for future success."
U.K. native Dr. Brown, a 1988 graduate of Anglo-European College of Chiropractic with a Master of Laws degree from Cardiff University, has broad organizational experience within the chiropractic profession, including service as president of the British Chiropractic Association (2009-2013) and secretary-general of the European Chiropractors' Union (current). He also served as a member of the AECC Board of Governors (2006-2011) and as secretary-general of the European Academy of Chiropractic, the academic arm of the ECU. Dr. Brown will relocate to WFC headquarters in Toronto, Canada, to serve as WFC secretary-general.
Dr. Stewart, a graduate of Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College, was elected president at the WFC's recent executive council meeting in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Dr. Stewart succeeds Dr. Dennis Richards and, like Dr. Brown, also has an extensive chiropractic résumé, including serving as president of the Canadian Chiropractic Association (2002-2003) and the Manitoba Chiropractors' Association (1994-1997). He also has represented Canada / the North American region on the WFC Council since 2006, most recently as first vice president.
"I am excited by the advances and new opportunities for the chiropractic profession in many countries at present, and the vision and quality of the leaders beside me on the WFC Council," said Dr. Stewart. "For these and other reasons the work of the WFC is more important than ever."
Look for a comprehensive review of David Chapman-Smith's chiropractic achievements and an exclusive interview as his June 2015 retirement date approaches.
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