Crystal Milazzo
About the Author
Crystal Milazzo, MPA, has devoted her career to the administration of nonprofit organizations and executive communications. Based in Beaverton, Ore., Crystal is an award-winning speechwriter and currently a senior editor and writer, leadership communications, at HFMA. When she’s not working with the Association’s elected leadership, Crystal is shining a spotlight on the work and accomplishments of HFMA’s chapters and its members.
Latest Work
Remembering HFMA trailblazer Ronald Kovener
HFMA joins friends and family in remembering Ronald Kovener who died at the age of 92 on July 26, 2023, in Indianapolis. An accountant, he had been a member of HFMA since 1961 and served as National President from 1972 to 1973. Kovener reminisced about his HFMA experience in 2021 when the Association celebrated its…
Iowa Chapter celebrates 70th anniversary
Mid-January 2024 was a notable time for members of HFMA’s Iowa Chapter. Things kicked off with a blizzard. Then there was a second blizzard and a presidential caucus. It was a lot for one week, but that wasn’t all. The real highlight took place on Jan. 17 when the Chapter gathered in the Des Moines…
Sanford Health selects Scott Wooten as CFO
Following a comprehensive national search, Sanford Health in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, has named Scott Wooten, MBA, FACHE, as executive vice president and CFO. Wooten is a seasoned finance leader in the nonprofit healthcare sector. Prior to joining Sanford, he led Wooten Strategic Advisors, providing consulting services to physician groups, health systems, insurance companies, retail…
Kaleida Health taps Matthew Drake and Hugh Chisholm for new roles
Two HFMA fellows have been appointed to new leadership positions at Kaleida Health, the largest healthcare provider in Western New York. Matthew Drake, FHFMA, MBA, is the health system’s new executive vice president of strategy and partnerships. Drake, a member of HFMA’s Rochester Regional Chapter, previously was Kaleida’s executive vice president and CFO. Prior to…
Puerto Rico Chapter signs collaborative agreement
HFMA’s Puerto Rico Chapter recently joined forces with Puerto Rico’s College of Health Services Administrators to address challenges and opportunities in the field of health services administration. The relationship was made official when the two groups signed a collaborative agreement on Sept. 15 during the Chapter’s Annual Healthcare Update in Isla Verde, Puerto Rico. The…
First Illinois Chapter kicks off 75th anniversary celebration
HFMA’s first chapter — fittingly named First Illinois — recently turned 75 and is marking the major milestone with a year-long celebration. And how did they kick things off? With a party, of course. The event took place July 20 at the Carlucci restaurant in Rosemont, Illinois. Seventy-two attended the celebration, which was part of…
HFMA member Michael Bumann shares experience as Burning Man medic
Thanks to unprecedented heavy rain, thousands who attended the 2023 Burning Man event Aug. 27-Sept. 4 in Nevada’s Black Rock Desert found themselves literally stuck in the mud. For HFMA member Michael Bumann, it was a transformative experience. Bumann, of Olympic Valley, California, is the founder and CEO of RedDot, a company that specializes in…
Maryland Chapter event focuses on inclusion and equity
There’s growing demand on the healthcare industry to close disparity gaps and ensure health equity. But hospitals and health systems can’t do it alone. Collaboration and partnerships are necessary. And that was the impetus behind the HFMA Maryland Chapter’s 2023 Inclusion and Equity in Healthcare Conference, which took place April 27 at the Reginald F.…
Phoenix Children’s selects Michelle Bruhn as new CFO
Phoenix Children’s — Arizona’s only freestanding children’s hospital — recently hired Michelle Bruhn, CPA, as executive vice president and CFO. In the new position, Bruhn will oversee finance, treasury, revenue cycle and managed care contracting as well as be directly responsible for fiscal policy, performance goals and planning. Bruhn most recently served as executive vice…
Heffernan and Stoll honored with 2023 Morgan Awards
HFMA’s highest individual award — the Frederick C. Morgan Award for Individual Achievement — is awarded annually to a member who has made outstanding contributions to the Association over the course of a career. For only the third time since the award was first presented in 1959, two members received the special honor when the…