Lawson 201213Ralph E. Lawson, FHFMA, CPA

National Chair

Mr. Lawson is the voluntary Chair of the Healthcare Financial Management Association (HFMA) during the 2012-13 term, beginning June 1, 2012.

Mr. Lawson is Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Baptist Health South Florida, Coral Gables, Florida.  He is also Chairman of the Board of Catholic Health Services in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

A member of HFMA since 1980, Mr. Lawson’s involvement with the National Association includes serving on the Matrix (1987-88), the National Advisory Councils (2006-07), the Audit & Finance Committee (2007-12), serving as chair 2010-11, the Strategic Planning Committee (2010-12), serving as chair 2011-12, the Healthcare Leadership Council (2010-12), serving as chair 2011-12, the Executive Committee (2008-12), and the Board of Directors (2007-12). Mr. Lawson also served the Colorado Chapter as Vice President and Program Chair, Treasurer, and President. He has received the Follmer Bronze, Reeves Silver, and Muncie Gold merit awards.

Mr. Lawson, a Fellow of HFMA and a Certified Public Accountant, received his Bachelor of Business Degree (Cum Laude) from the University of Colorado School of Business, Boulder, Colorado, and his Master of Business Administration (with distinction) from The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Rose 201213Steven P. Rose, FHFMA, CPA

National Chair-Elect

Mr. Rose is the voluntary Secretary/Treasurer of the Healthcare Financial Management Association (HFMA) during the 2012-13 term, beginning June 1, 2012.

Mr. Rose is Chief Financial Officer, Conway Regional Health System, Conway, Arkansas.

A member of HFMA since 1985, Mr. Rose’s involvement with the National Association includes serving as a Regional Executive (2004-05), on the Regional Executives Council (2008-10), serving as chair 2009-10, the National Advisory Councils (2010-11), serving as chair of the Executive Council, the Board of Directors (2008-12), the Executive Committee (2009-12, the Audit and Finance Committee (2010-12), serving as chair 2011-12), the Strategic Planning Committee (2011-12), and the Healthcare Leadership Council (2011-12). He has also served the Arkansas Chapter as Director, Secretary, Treasurer, President-Elect, and President. He has received the Follmer Bronze, Reeves Silver, Muncie Gold, and Medal of Honor merit awards.

Mr. Rose, a Fellow of HFMA and a Certified Public Accountant, holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from Arkansas State University, Jonesboro, Arkansas.

Kari S. Cornicelli, FHFMA, CPA

National Secretary/TreasurerCornicelli

Ms. Cornicelli is the voluntary Secretary/Treasurer of the Healthcare Financial Management Association (HFMA).

Ms. Cornicelli is Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, Sharp Grossmont Hospital, La Mesa, California.

A member of HFMA since 1986, Ms. Cornicelli’s involvement with the National Association includes serving on the E-Learning Advisory Group (2011), Health Reform Advisory Committee (2010-13), National Task Force for Revenue Cycle Key Performance Indicators (2010-12), Patient Friendly Billing Project Task Force (2003), National Board of Directors (2000-03), National Audit & Finance Committee (2000-03), National Advisory Council (1999-2000), and as a Region 11 Symposium Treasurer. In 2010, she was a panel speaker at HFMA’s MAP Conference, ANI Pre-Conference, and Audio Teleconference. Ms. Cornicelli has also served the San Diego Imperial Chapter as Director, Treasurer, Secretary, Vice President, President-Elect, and President. She has received the Follmer Bronze, Reeves Silver, and Muncie Gold merit awards.

Ms. Cornicelli, a Fellow of HFMA and a Certified Public Accountant, holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Weber State University, Ogden, Utah. 

Joseph J. Fifer, FHFMA, CPA

President and CEOFifer

Mr. Fifer is president and chief executive officer of the Healthcare Financial Management Association.

Prior to assuming this position in June 2012, Mr. Fifer spent 11 years as vice president of hospital finance at Spectrum Health in Grand Rapids, Mich. He also spent time with McLaren Health Care Corporation, Flint, Mich., as vice president of finance and Ingham Regional Medical Center, Lansing, Mich., as senior vice president of finance and CFO. Mr. Fifer started his career with nine years at Ernst & Young, also in Michigan.

Mr. Fifer was Chair of the HFMA Board of Directors in 2006-07. An HFMA member since 1983, he served as a chapter president and for two terms as an HFMA board member.

A Fellow of HFMA and a CPA, Mr. Fifer received his bachelor's degree in Business Administration from Saginaw Valley State University, University Center, Mich. He is an active community volunteer and runner. Mr. Fifer and his wife, Katie, have three children: Sarah, Tom, and Joe-Joe.

Albert 201213Reginald J. Albert, FHFMA

National Director

Mr. Albert is a voluntary Director of the Healthcare Financial Management Association (HFMA) during the 2011-14 term, beginning June 1, 2011.

Mr. Albert is Vice President, Physician Practices, PenBay Physicians & Associates, PenBay Healthcare, Rockport, Maine.

A member of HFMA since 1995, Mr. Albert’s involvement with the National Association includes serving as a Regional Executive (2010-11) and the Board of Directors (2011-14).  He has also served the Maine Chapter as Director, Vice President, President Elect, and President. He has received the Follmer Bronze, Reeves Silver, and Muncie Gold merit awards.

Mr. Albert, a Fellow of HFMA, holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a major in Accounting from Thomas College, Waterville, Maine, and a Master of Business Administration, Master’s Certificate in Healthcare Administration, from the Southern New Hampshire University, Manchester, New Hampshire.

Michael M. Allen, FHFMA, CPAAllen

National Director

Mr. Allen is a voluntary Director of the Healthcare Financial Management Association (HFMA) during the 2012-15 term, beginning June 1, 2012.

Mr. Allen is Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, Winona Health, Winona, Minnesota.

A member of HFMA since 1994, Mr. Allen’s involvement with the National Association includes serving as Chairman of HFMA’s National Board of Examiners (2001-05), serving on the Health Reform Advisory Committee, HFMA’s MAP App Task Force, Value Project Task Force, and the National Advisory Council (2007-2009).  He also testified on behalf of HFMA before the House of Representatives Financial Services Committee in May, 2009. Mr. Allen has also served the McMahon-Illini Chapter as Director, Vice President, President-Elect, and President. He has received the Follmer Bronze, Reeves Silver, and Muncie Gold merit awards. 

Mr. Allen, a Fellow of HFMA and a Certified Public Accountant, holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Illinois State University, Normal, Illinois. 

Batheja 201213Kiran N. Batheja, FHFMA

National Director

Mr. Batheja, is a voluntary Director of the Healthcare Financial Management Association (HFMA) during the 2010-13 term, beginning June 1, 2010.

Mr. Batheja is Vice President, Revenue Cycle Management, Kingsbrook Jewish Medical Center, Brooklyn, New York.

A member of HFMA since 1991, Mr. Batheja’s involvement with the National Association includes serving on the Patient Financial Services Forum Advisory Council (1996-00), serving as chair in 1998-00, the Audit & Finance Committee (2010-12), the National Advisory Councils, serving as chair of the Patient Financial Services Council in 2010-12, and the Board of Directors (2010-13). Mr. Batheja has also served the Metropolitan New York Chapter as Director, Treasurer, Vice President, President-Elect, and President. He has received the Follmer Bronze, Reeves Silver, Muncie Gold, and Medal of Honor merit awards and is a recipient of the HFMA Patient Financial Services Forum Award of Excellence.

Mr. Batheja, a Fellow of HFMA, received his Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts.

Michael P. Freed, CPAFreed

National Director

Mr. Freed is a voluntary Director of the Healthcare Financial Management Association (HFMA) during the 2012-15 term, beginning June 1, 2012.

Mr. Freed is Executive Vice President of Corporate Resources, Chief Financial Officer, Spectrum Health, Grand Rapids, Michigan.

A member of HFMA since 1989, Mr. Freed’s involvement with the National Association includes serving on the Health Reform Advisory Committee (2011-13) and the Large System CFO Council (2006-15).

Mr. Freed, a Certified Public Accountant, holds a Bachelor of Science in Business (magna cum laude) from The State University of New York, Albany, New York.

Carol A. Friesen, FHFMAFriesen

National Director

Ms. Friesen is a voluntary Director of the Healthcare Financial Management Association (HFMA) during the 2012-15 term, beginning June 1, 2012.

Ms. Friesen is President and CEO, Crete Area Medical Center, Crete, Nebraska.

A member of HFMA since 1999, Ms. Friesen’s involvement with the National Association includes serving on the National Advisory Council (2010-12) and as a Region 8 Regional Executive. Ms. Friesen has also served the Nebraska Chapter as Director, Treasurer, Secretary, Vice President, and President. She has received the Follmer Bronze, Reeves Silver, and Muncie Gold merit awards.

Ms. Friesen, a Fellow of HFMA and Certified Healthcare Financial Professional, holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Management and a Master of Public Health in Health Care Administration. 

Griffin-Hunter 201213Kim Griffin-Hunter, CPA

National Director

Ms. Griffin-Hunter is a voluntary Director of the Healthcare Financial Management Association (HFMA) during the 2011-14 term, beginning June 1, 2011.

Ms. Griffin-Hunter is National Leader/AERS Provider Healthcare Practice and Partner, Deloitte & Touche, LLP, Miami, Florida.

A member of HFMA since 1996, Ms. Griffin-Hunter’s involvement with the National Association includes serving on the National Advisory Councils (2009-11) and the Board of Directors (2011-14).

Ms. Griffin-Hunter, a Certified Public Accountant, holds a Bachelor of Business Administration and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Miami, Miami, Florida.

Hancock 201213Melinda S. Hancock, FHFMA

National Director

Ms. Hancock is a voluntary Director of the Healthcare Financial Management Association (HFMA) during the 2010-13 term, beginning June 1, 2010.

Ms. Hancock is CFO and senior vice president, Bon Secours Virginia Health System, Richmond, Virginia.

A member of HFMA since 1994, Ms. Hancock’s involvement with the National Association includes serving on the National Advisory Councils (2007-10), the Regional Executives Council (2010-12), serving as chair 2011-12, the Board of Directors (2010-13), and the Executive Committee (2011-13). Ms. Hancock also served the Virginia Chapter as Director, Secretary, President-Elect, and President. She has received the Follmer Bronze, Reeves Silver, and Muncie Gold merit awards.

Ms. Hancock, a Fellow of HFMA, received her Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting from the College of William & Mary, Williamsburg, Virginia, and her Master of Business Administration in Healthcare Administration from the University of Phoenix, Phoenix, Arizona.

Lantos 201213Phyllis F. Lantos, FHFMA

National Director

Ms. Lantos is a voluntary Director of the Healthcare Financial Management Association (HFMA) during the 2010-13 term, beginning June 1, 2010.

Ms. Lantos is Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, New York-Presbyterian Hospital, New York, New York.

A member of HFMA since 1978, Ms. Lantos’ involvement with the Association includes serving on the Principles and Practices Board (2006-09), the National Advisory Councils (2010-12), serving as chair of the Payment and Reimbursement Council, the Strategic Planning Committee (2010-12), the Board of Directors (2010-13), and the Healthcare Leadership Council (2010-12). She has received the Follmer Bronze, Reeves Silver, and Muncie Gold merit awards. Ms. Lantos is a member of the HFMA Large System CFO Council (2000-10) and has spoken at the Metro New York Annual Institute (2006-2010).

Ms. Lantos, a Fellow of HFMA, holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, and a Master of Management from the Alfred P. Sloan School of Management, Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Speight 201213Rebecca L. Speight, FHFMA, CPA

National Director

Ms. Speight is a voluntary Director of the Healthcare Financial Management Association (HFMA) during the 2011-14 term, beginning June 1, 2011.

Ms. Speight is CFO, Lake Pointe Health Network, Rowlett, Texas. 

A member of HFMA since 1998, Ms. Speight’s involvement with the National Association includes serving on the Board of Examiners (2007-11), serving as Chair in 2010-11, and the Board of Directors (2011-14). Ms. Speight has also served the Oklahoma Chapter as Treasurer, Vice President, President-Elect, and President. She has received the Follmer Bronze, Reeves Silver, Muncie Gold, and Medal of Honor merit awards.

Ms. Speight, a Fellow of HFMA (FHFMA) and a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) received her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in Accounting Degree from the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Arkansas, and her Master of Business Administration Degree from the University of Tulsa, Tulsa, Oklahoma.