A bolder, brighter, better healthcare finance industry is within reach

Abraham Lincoln, the 16th president of the United States, preserved the Union during the American Civil War, one of the most pivotal times in our history. He is quoted as saying, “I claim not to have controlled events, but confess plainly that events have controlled me.” While I am in awe of Lincoln’s steadfast leadership during such a tumultuous time, it has always been the inner qualities he was known to possess that have endeared him to me — faithfulness, honesty, resolution, humor and courage. It is this quote and these qualities that I reflect on as I near the end of my term as Board Chair.

I began this year with a tremendous amount of vulnerability, not knowing what to expect and acknowledging there is much we simply cannot control. Notwithstanding, my Bolder. Brighter. Better. theme was intended to pay homage to this incredible journey we’re all on while also serving as a call to action to be better in light of what we’re learning about ourselves and also about our capabilities. It was a challenge for us all to reflect on that which informs our individual and collective stories — both before this qualifying pivot and after — and to choose our path forward with intention. I have been inspired by so many bold decisions — big, small, personal and institutional — that we have made to make things better for our industry, our society, our Association and ourselves. Despite our lack of control as we stand on sand that is shifting beneath our feet, we have been able to make decisions, promote health equity and forge a brighter path forward.

I will forever reflect on this past year of my career with nothing but gratitude. Grateful not only for your invitations, your hospitality and your warm welcome but also for your willingness to listen and have frank conversations, and for how you reciprocated my personal stories with your own shared experiences. I’ve witnessed many demonstrations of those Lincolnesque qualities I find so endearing: faithfulness, honesty, resolution, humor and courage. I am also grateful for and remain in awe of the talent and dedication of the HFMA staff and executive team. This truly has been an incredible year. Most sincerely, I thank you.

I have asked you so many times over this last year, what’s next? As we look ahead, I am encouraged about the work we have willingly taken on. HFMA’s insistence on addressing the cost effectiveness of health is a bold and worthy cause. Leaning on our track record of convening stakeholders, we have a real opportunity to drive these conversations, uncover solutions and foster initiatives that can drive down the cost of care while also improving the health of our communities in equitable ways. I look forward to contributing to and participating in this work.

And with that, I reflect on another quote from President Lincoln: “The probability that we may fall in the struggle ought not to deter us from the support of a cause we believe to be just.”

Continue to be bold, friends. Forge a brighter path forward, and make it better. Godspeed!