From Nashville to Arizona, Pennsylvania to Puerto Rico, the past year gave me a unique opportunity to see HFMA in action at the chapter level and to partner with HFMA’s National team to position the Association for even greater things ahead.
I’ve been blessed to share my year as National Chair with HFMA President and CEO Ann Jordan during her first year with HFMA. She has been a true partner and an enthusiastic leader. Hundreds of chapter volunteers and leaders stand equally eager to make a difference. They’ve welcomed with amazing hospitality and engagement a sometimes travel-
weary Chair.
When I chose the theme “It’s Time,” I had no idea how much interest there would be in stepping more purposefully into our mission of leading the financial management of healthcare. I’ve been humbled by the efforts made and the results driven. In retrospect, this shouldn’t have surprised me. It’s apparent to anyone paying attention that now is the time for “punctuated equilibrium” in the evolution of our healthcare system.
The work accomplished this past year in growing the Association (117,000 members!) and developing our ability to strategically transform our industry is impressive. I’m particularly proud of the work championed by Ann and Dave Johnson, a member of our National Board, to advance Healthy Futures, the name given to those strategies, and to engage a broad coalition of participants. I’m also pleased with the work of our Governance Task Force, which studied whether and how to adjust governance structures and processes as we consider new directions.
As the year unfolded, I was also reintroduced to the foundation of HFMA: what happens at the chapter level. I was impressed by the quality of education and speakers at chapter meetings and the sense of family and friendship that permeates them. These events are what sustain HFMA, and I’ll never forget that.
Through it all, I gained a deeper appreciation of what we’re capable of accomplishing as an association — and how we all make a difference for our organizations, our patients and the nation when we commit to action.
Two memories of friendship and hospitality exemplify the spirit of HFMA. One time, a chapter gave me a gift of cookies frosted with the “It’s Time” logo. I still have them in my freezer, and it’s safe to say they will never be consumed. Another time, a chapter leader shared a family tradition of making tomato sauce from bushels of tomatoes each fall, and when I expressed interest in his story, he brought me a quart of sauce as a gift. Thankfully, it made it home intact in my checked luggage.
These and many other experiences will stay with me forever as the dividends of a year of service. As I end my year as Chair, another star rises as Marc Scher begins his time as HFMA’s Chair. I know that under his and Ann’s leadership, HFMA will reach ever higher.
Thank you for the honor of serving as your National Chair. It’s still time.
