Chicago - May 12, 2005 - The Healthcare Financial Management Association (HFMA) has elected Richard Rodriguez, FHFMA to serve as the organization’s voluntary Chairman of the Board of Directors for 2005-06. His term will begin June 1, 2005 and will emphasize the business of caring.
Rodriguez’ theme will underscore why HFMA member organizations exist. “Most people who work in healthcare organizations do so to help other people, empathize with their concerns, and comfort them in times of need,” said Rodriguez. “Healthcare executives must constantly balance this caring mission with business objectives – no easy feat in today’s challenging healthcare environment.”
During his term, Rodriguez will urge healthcare financial professionals to further focus on the patient in order to put a “face on healthcare,” as well as attend to business issues.
Rodriguez will be inducted at HFMA’s Annual National Institute, scheduled for June in Las Vegas.
According to HFMA President and CEO Richard L. Clarke, FHFMA, “As he begins his new role as HFMA Chairman, Richard reminds healthcare financial professionals about the genesis of their involvement in health care. This is an important perspective; Richard’s time as Chair will be well served due to this focus and the myriad of talents he brings to HFMA.”
Beyond his volunteer duties for HFMA, Rodriguez is the Assistant Administrator at University Hospital in San Antonio.
A member of HFMA since 1980, Rodriguez has been extensively involved with the national Association. He has served on the National Matrix (1989-90), as Chapter Liaison Representative (1991-92), on the Diversity Group on Healthcare (1994-98), on the National Board of Directors (1995-97 and 2003-05), on the Investment Sub-Committee (1996-97), on the Executive Committee (1996-97 and 2003-05), on the Task Force on the Profession (1997-98), on the Audit and Finance Committee (2003-04), and on the Governance Committee (2004-05).
Rodriguez has also served the South Texas Chapter as Vice President, President-Elect, and President. He was awarded the Follmer Bronze, Reeves Silver, and Muncie Gold merit awards. He is a Fellow of HFMA (FHFMA), and received his BBA in accounting from St. Mary’s University, San Antonio, and his MBA in finance from Our Lady of the Lake University, also in San Antonio.
About HFMA
HFMA is the nation's leading membership organization for nearly 34,000 healthcare financial management professionals employed by hospitals, integrated delivery systems, managed care organizations, ambulatory and long-term care facilities, physician practices, accounting and consulting firms, and insurance companies. Members' positions include chief executive officer, chief financial officer, controller, patient accounts manager, accountant, and consultant. HFMA offers educational and professional development opportunities, information on key issues, technical data and networking opportunities, with the ultimate goal being to create a more supportive environment in which members do their business.
For more information, visit the Association’s web site at www.hfma.org
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