CHICAGO – A new PCMA Foundation scholarship fund for Chris Wehking, the American Society of Anesthesiologists’ chief business events strategist, 2014 PCMA board chair and 2019 PCMA Foundation Lifetime Achievement recipient, is generating significant industry attention. Wehking died Nov. 28 after battling a long illness.
Hundreds of industry members have signed up for the Chris Wehking Education Scholarship Fund, whose mission is to “create scholarships for deserving individuals to enable them to pursue their education and learning and continue to advance in their careers.”
“Chris was always passionate about providing the resources and support people needed so they could contribute to the best of their abilities,” said Paul Pomerantz, FACHE, president and CEO of the American Society of Anesthesiologists. “Mentorship and career development were core values for Chris. When someone was facing a life challenge, illness, loss of a loved one or damage from a disaster, he was the first to offer support and involve others in the effort.”
Related. In Memory of Chris Wehking, American Society of Anesthesiologists
“Chris Wehking was a consummate professional, a gentle giant in all aspects of his life, and a great friend,” said Mary Pat Heftman, vice president of exhibitions at Winsight Media. “He was generous with his time and always made the person in front of him feel like the most important person in the world. He was a highly respected business event professional and always brought a great exuberance to life. I am immensely grateful to have served with him on the PCMA Board of Directors and to have been a friend as well.”
Organizations wishing to donate can text 41444. Enter the prefix “WEHKING,” the dollar amount, your first and last name, and you will receive a link to complete the payment process. Donors outside the United States can visit foundation.pcma.org/donate and select the “In Honor of” option and enter “Chris Wehking.”
PCMA’s goal is to fund 1,000 scholarships for the next generation of event professionals to continue Chris’ legacy of mentoring and developing young professionals. For more information on donating, contact JoAnn Bedrosian Ryan at jryan@pcma.org
Contact Paul Pomerantz at (847) 825-5586 and Mary Pat Heftman at mheftman@winsightmedia.com