The Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) appointed Justine Varieur Turco as its CEO and executive director, effective August 31, 2026.
RT’s Three Key Takeaways:
- New Leadership: The Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) appointed Justine Varieur Turco as its CEO and executive director, effective August 31, 2026.
- Extensive Experience: Turco transitions to the role from the American College of Cardiology (ACC), where she managed scientific publications, clinical practice guidelines, and strategic partnerships.
- Executive Transition: She succeeds Elaine Weiss, who is retiring after seven years leading the organization and more than 40 years in association leadership.
The Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) has appointed Justine Varieur Turco as its CEO and executive director, according to the organization. Turco will officially begin her tenure on August 31, 2026, succeeding Elaine Weiss, who is retiring after seven years at the helm of STS.
Turco joins the society with more than 20 years of executive leadership experience across medical publishing, education, and professional societal leadership. She most recently served as the vice president of scientific publications and guidelines at the American College of Cardiology (ACC). In that role, she oversaw the JACC journals portfolio, ACC/AHA clinical practice guidelines, educational initiatives, and strategic partnerships.
“The Board is extremely confident that her experience and bold leadership will help build on STS’s strong foundation and advance the Society’s global mission in support of cardiothoracic surgeons and the patients they serve,” said Vinay Badhwar, MD, STS president, in a news release.
Badhwar also expressed gratitude for the leadership of Weiss, noting that her dedication helped strengthen the society and position it for long-term success. Weiss is retiring after more than four decades of leadership within various associations.
Turco’s career also includes leadership roles at Boston Children’s Hospital and other healthcare organizations.
“Healthcare is at an important inflection point, shaped by evolving policy, technology, and care delivery models,” said Turco, in a news release. “STS has long been a leader in advancing quality, education, research, and data-driven improvement in cardiothoracic surgery. I am honored to join the Society and look forward to working with its members, Board, and staff to build on that legacy and support the specialty’s continued advancement.”
As chief executive officer and executive director, Turco will work closely with the STS board of directors and staff to advance strategic priorities. Her focus will include maintaining the organization’s leadership in surgical quality, clinical data, education, research, and advocacy.
