How IASLC Powers Cross-Functional Impact With Workzone

Advancing a Global Mission Through Better Project Management

The International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC) is a nonprofit organization committed to eliminating thoracic cancers worldwide. With more than 9,000 global members—from oncologists to patient advocates—IASLC manages a broad and growing portfolio of programs, including education, conferences, scientific initiatives, membership engagement, and communications.

For a nonprofit working at this level of complexity, effective coordination and visibility are not optional—they’re essential. That’s where Workzone comes in.

“We use Workzone to run the day-to-day operations,” said J. Michael Hoehn, IASLC’s Chief Operating Officer. “It brings transparency, accountability, and planning structure to everything we do.”

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A Platform That Connects Every Team—and Every Project

At IASLC, work doesn’t happen in silos. Every department—whether it’s conferences, membership, education, marketing, or IT—depends on coordinated execution to deliver on the organization’s mission. Workzone serves as the central hub that brings all of those moving parts together.

“Our conference team uses it to manage everything involved in planning a successful meeting,” Michael explained. “Membership is using it to redesign our membership structure and launch a new online community. Our education team tracks podcast production, webinars, and learning modules. Marketing uses it to manage all of their cross-departmental campaigns. It’s all in Workzone.”

Rather than relying on spreadsheets or disconnected systems, IASLC operates from a unified source of truth—enabling clarity around task ownership, deadlines, and priorities. “It’s not just a project manager’s tool,” Michael said. “It’s how we align as an organization.”

With Workzone, every initiative—whether tactical or strategic—has a clear path from idea to delivery.

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Plan Smarter, Prioritize What Matters

Workzone has become core to how IASLC manages time, attention, and resources. Michael meets weekly with each of his department heads to review active projects and individual task lists directly in the platform.

“We look at what we’re behind on, what we’re on track for, and what’s coming down the pike,” he explained. “It’s about building the habit of workforce management into our DNA.”

Workzone also supports broader prioritization at the leadership level. “Like most organizations, we have a lot going on. It’s easy to lose focus,” he said. “Workzone helps me have the right conversations with our CEO about what matters now—and what can wait.”

For project management in nonprofit organizations, where teams are often stretched across competing priorities, this level of structure brings discipline without rigidity.

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Enabling Cross-Team Coordination That Works

IASLC’s initiatives often span multiple departments, and Workzone has improved how those teams coordinate. Michael described a common scenario: “Someone’s done all the work for a new initiative and then drops it on marketing with no warning. That just doesn’t work.”

By encouraging teams to map out project steps, owners, and dates from the start, Workzone prompts earlier collaboration—even if informally. “It forces people to be more thoughtful,” Michael said. “They start to recognize how their work connects to others.”

That shift has strengthened communication and improved planning across the board. “Sometimes it’s painful,” he admitted, “but ultimately it leads to better results.”

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Unmatched Support and Partnership

What sets Workzone apart for IASLC isn’t just the functionality—it’s the service.

“I’ve worked with a lot of software platforms,” said Michael. “What makes Workzone unique is how responsive and supportive their team is. If you click the question mark in the corner, someone actually gets back to you. Fast.”

He continued, “We’ve done one-on-one training, we’ve had questions answered right away, we’ve even had conversations with their product team about how we want to use the platform. The level of personalized support we receive has made all the difference.”

That support has made it easier for IASLC’s staff—many of whom had limited prior exposure to project management tools—to feel comfortable and confident using the platform.

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Scales with You—From Growing Needs to Global Impact

For IASLC, Workzone strikes a rare balance: it’s powerful enough for a large, complex organization—but still accessible for users new to project management.

“It’s intuitive enough that it’s not overwhelming for staff,” Michael said, “but robust enough to support detailed collaboration, planning, and reporting.”

As IASLC’s needs evolve, the platform has adapted with them. “When we have ideas or feedback, the team listens. Sometimes it’s, ‘Let me show you how to do that today.’ Other times it’s, ‘That’s a great idea—let’s explore it.’ Either way, they engage.”

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Purpose-Built for Project Management in Nonprofits

IASLC’s experience with Workzone shows what’s possible when software, service, and strategy come together. The platform has helped the organization streamline its work, improve accountability, and strengthen cross-team alignment.

“You’re not just getting software,” Michael said. “You’re getting a team that wants to understand your work, help your people succeed, and make project management part of how you operate every day.”

Join the growing list of nonprofits transforming impact with Workzone. Book your demo today.