ACHE of Upstate New York
Earlier this year, Upstate New York’s Rochester’s Local Program Council kicked off Women’s History Month by teaming up with Healthcare Financial Management Association—Rochester Regional Chapter for the Women in Leadership Conference in Rochester, N.Y. In its first year as a co-sponsor of this annual event, ACHE of Upstate New York proudly celebrated the opportunity to reaffirm its commitment to advancing opportunities for women and girls—not only in healthcare leadership roles.The event was a true beacon of inspiration and empowerment for women in healthcare. Elizabeth Bostock, MD, system executive/medical director, women’s health, Rochester Regional Health, and an ACHE member, delivered an enlightening keynote address. Bostock’s speech was a riveting journey through the history of feminism, a narrative that underscored the importance of mutual upliftment. She urged the audience to embrace their individuality, encapsulating her message in the powerful phrase, “Be you, everyone else is taken.” Her words sparked a flurry of questions and comments, transforming the conference into a dynamic learning environment. She emphasized viewing negative experiences as opportunities for growth, a perspective that resonated deeply with the attendees.
The theme for the 2024 conference was “Empowering Leadership: Navigating Change, Fostering Diversity, and Building Confidence,” and it was brought to life in a vibrant panel discussion moderated by Meghan Finneran, FACHE, ACHE Regent and interim vice president, women’s health, Rochester Regional Health. The panel included Twylla Dillion, PhD, president/CEO, HealthConnect One; Destiney Fraguada, DHA, professor, Roberts Wesleyan College, and administrator II, University of Rochester Medical Center; and Erin Lemke-Berno, chief administrative officer/vice president, Clinical Network Integration, Rochester Regional Health.
The discussion delved into complex topics like imposter syndrome and the intersection of generational diversity and gender influence. These discussions sparked challenging yet meaningful conversations, providing attendees with fresh insights and perspectives. Several quotes from the discussion stood out:
- “It’s not a direct path, it’s a zigzag.”
- “Be courageously vulnerable.”
- “Everyone is already enough.”
- “Take care of yourself. It’s hard to be divine if you’re tired.”
The conference served as a platform for empowering women in healthcare, fostering a spirit of leadership, diversity and confidence that left an indelible mark on its attendees, inspiring them to navigate their unique paths with courage and conviction.
Missouri Chapter of the American College of Healthcare Executives
The Missouri Chapter of ACHE held its annual strategic planning retreat in November 2023 with a sharp focus on updating and standardizing the chapter’s foundation and operations. The chapter board updated and approved its Chapter Leader Handbook, which contains detailed descriptions of all functions of the chapter board members and all forms needed for chapter operations. The chapter also revised its mission, vision and objectives to align with ACHE’s. Additionally, the chapter aligned its chapter objective metrics with ACHE’s metrics.The annual goals were then assigned to board committees, with a plan for the goals to be reviewed quarterly at the board meetings. Committee updates are submitted prior to the board meeting for all members to review and be prepared to discuss. The chapter renewed its focus on member value offerings and assigned each value offering to chapter committees accountable to their success. To ensure chapter operations are maintained during board officer transitions, the chapter instituted an annual policy to update the approved chapter financial account holders and registered agent with the State of Missouri. Additionally, the chapter has also begun to leverage its LinkedIn presence to provide value for both current and prospective chapter members.
Another focus of the chapter is strategic partnerships with other ACHE chapters and healthcare organizations on networking and educational events. In March, the chapter and the Kansas Association of Healthcare Executives held a networking event in North Kansas City, Mo. This event was co-hosted by local chapters of the Medical Group Management Association, the National Association of Health Services Executives, Healthcare Financial Management Association and the American Organization for Nursing Leadership. Student members of the organizations were also in attendance. The event had over 40 attendees, and the Missouri Chapter of ACHE intends to replicate co-hosted events in other parts of Missouri with other healthcare organizations.
West Virginia Chapter of the American College of Healthcare Executives
West Virginia Chapter of the American College of Healthcare Executives has been hard at work elevating health administration across the Mountain State by engaging with higher education in preparing the next generation of healthcare leaders, increasing frequency and accessibility of chapter events, and enhancing preparation for the Board of Governors Exam.Engaging Higher Education
The chapter is engaging collegiate healthcare management programs throughout the state, including West Virginia University, Marshall University, Fairmont State University and American Public University. In addition to regular visits, the chapter hosted a special education and networking event just for students, faculty and early careerists. The chapter board also established a student representative board position.Enhancing Board of Governors Exam Preparation
One of the more enduring initiatives of the chapter is enhancing members’ readiness for the ACHE Board of Governors Exam. Chapter leaders have made this a focus, and in recent years it has held informational sessions, as well as individual and group coaching sessions to help with preparation. These efforts are bearing fruit as more and more members are advancing to Fellow. The chapter board also established an Advancement Committee and engaged current Fellows and former chapter leaders and Regents to develop and provide a series of preparation sessions. With a third of the current membership eligible to apply or already approved to take the Exam, it expects to greatly increase the number of Fellows in the state over the next three years.Increasing Frequency and Accessibility of Chapter Events
The chapter is transforming how it delivers events and is working to reduce the cost of its annual meeting by bringing in high-quality local and regional speakers and leveraging ACHE’s educational templates for in-person education. This has doubled meeting attendance over the past two years. Additionally, given the rural and mountainous Appalachian geography, it has increased the number of virtual events. One way is through a collaboration with WVU’s Master of Health Administration program, which offers quarterly “Administrative Grand Rounds” that address a variety of critical current topics in healthcare management. These are offered virtually and provide qualifying education through ACHE. Finally, the chapter established a partnership with the Center for Rural Health Development to co-sponsor the annual Appalachian Health Leadership Forum. This event brings together a variety of health professionals from across the state and Appalachia, and the partnership expands the frequency and accessibility of chapter events.To find your chapter, search the chapter directory. To discuss your ideas for chapters, contact Stacey A. Kidd, CAE, director, Chapter Relations, Department of Executive Engagement, at (312) 424-9323 or skidd@ache.org.