Whether you want to volunteer, strengthen your leadership skills or become a Fellow, your local chapter is an excellent place for networking, professional development and career advancement opportunities.
During today’s unprecedented events, chapters are providing valuable services and programs, including many that are conducted virtually. Below are examples of chapters small and large from across the nation that are offering their members exceptional experiences.
Exam Preparation in Central New York
Health Care Management Association of Central New York has been focusing on preparing its members to take the Board of Governors Examination in Healthcare Management. The chapter has developed an Exam prep course. The complimentary prep course is composed of monthly, 60-minute webinars that cover one section of the Exam and is facilitated by the chapter’s volunteers. The chapter’s board members developed the program based on what they learned from other chapters that had successful prep courses.
Connecticut Association of Healthcare Executives Pivots to Virtual Events
Connecticut Association of Healthcare Executives had just hosted two in-person events before the COVID-19 pandemic flooded Connecticut. The chapter quickly realized members serving on the front lines would still need support and education and pivoted to a virtual platform to provide them.
CTAHE scheduled a series of virtual networking sessions. The first one, Virtual After 5, was held April 1, and there were over 30 participants, who were so excited to see, connect and learn from each other. Everyone noted that even though they were so busy, this hour provided a refresh to connect with their fellow leaders and see that they were not alone. The chapter also hosted a successful virtual coffee chat, “Leading from a Distance,” which offered coaching tips to those who were managing remote workforces.
The chapter is partnering with neighboring chapters in Rhode Island and Massachusetts, as it was determined that COVID-19 education, lessons learned and best practices via webinar were necessary. The first webinar, “Digging Deep: Lessons Learned from the Field to Care for Yourself and Your Colleagues During Times of Prolonged Stress,” hosted by American College of Healthcare Executives—Rhode Island Chapter, had over 300 registrants.
Lots of Variety in North Carolina
In 2020, Sandhills Healthcare Executives Forum is working to add one or two Student Associates to the board—the chapter would allow them to attend its meetings/events at no cost.
SHEF created a new website using association management software, which is also used to more efficiently set up its meetings and store all chapter documents. The chapter now has the capability to send out notifications of any events, announcements and links to its new Facebook and LinkedIn accounts. SHEF is also on Twitter and Instagram. The chapter did not have a website or a social media presence prior to the board’s annual strategic planning session.
SHEF is also pushing to enhance its role in helping its members take the Board of Governors Exam by adding an Exam workshop. The chapter’s goal is to increase the number of members who take and pass the Exam in 2020.
Engaging, Collaborating in the Sunshine State
ACHE of South Florida has been focusing on rebranding, engagement and collaboration strategies. This effort began with a name change, a new logo and a redesigned website. Formerly known as South Florida Healthcare Executive Forum, Inc., the chapter wanted to better align itself with ACHE so the affiliation was clear to members. The redesigned website will enhance the user experience with a more professional image and ease of navigation.
ACHE of South Florida will continue to collaborate with other organizations, such as the National Association of Health Services Executives, on appropriate educational topics and networking events. This collaborative effort will help achieve diversity among chapter members and the topics and panelists it offers. This strategy can also help the chapter recruit members by increasing its visibility in the community.
ACHE of South Florida has committed to greater membership engagement in 2020, which it plans to achieve through sending monthly email communications to all members, highlighting important information. The chapter is also enhancing its visibility on social media to better engage members and share their stories. Additionally, its new website will allow members to interact with the chapter, obtain information and register for events. The chapter also plans on hosting events geared toward specific groups, such as Fellows, sponsors and students.
Virtual Mentor Relationships in Utah
Utah Healthcare Executives has refreshed its mentoring program so members can sign up and connect with mentors through the chapter’s homepage. Prior to this development, mentor participation was solicited on an annual basis by mentoring committee members, and mentors were matched with mentees via an overly cumbersome process. The new process allows for greater mentor flexibility and participation and a more diverse mentor pool for mentees to select from. UHE’s mentoring committee will engage with participating mentors on an annual basis. Specific criteria related to willingness and frequency of engagement are in place for mentors who wish to post their profiles and allow mentees to engage with them in a mentoring relationship. Mentees must be members of ACHE to be considered for the program. It is up to the mentors to decide how many mentees they will engage, and the process is set up to be more automated than previously. These updates to the mentorship program have only been in place since January 2020, and feedback thus far has been positive.
To find your chapter or search the chapter directory. To discuss your ideas for chapters, contact Jennifer L. Connelly, FACHE, CAE, vice president, Department of Regional Services, at (312) 424-9320 or jconnelly@ache.org.