Steven P. Rose, FHFMA, CPA
National Chair 
Mr. Rose is the voluntary Chair of the Healthcare Financial Management Association (HFMA) during the 2013-14 term, beginning June 1, 2013.
Mr. Rose is Chief Financial Officer, Conway Regional Health System, Conway, Ark.
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.
Kari S. Cornicelli, FHFMA, CPA
National Chair-Elect 
Ms. Cornicelli is the voluntary Chair-Elect of HFMA during the 2013-2014 term, beginning June 1, 2013.
Ms. Cornicelli is Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, Sharp Grossmont Hospital, La Mesa, Calif.
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.
Melinda S. Hancock, FHFMA, CPA
Secretary/Treasurer
Ms. Hancock is the voluntary Secretary/Treasurer of HFMA during the 2013-2014 term, beginning June 1, 2013.
Ms. Hancock is a partner with Dixon Hughes Goodman in Glen Allen, Va.
A member of HFMA since 1994, Ms. Hancock's involvement with the National Association includes serving on the National Advisory Council, the Regional Executives Council (chair 2011-12), the Board of Directors, and the Executive Committee. 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, and Founders Medal of Honor.
Ms. Hancock, a Fellow of HFMA, received her Bachelor of Business Administration in accounting from the College of William & Mary and her Master of Business Administration in healthcare administration from the University of Phoenix.
Joseph J. Fifer, FHFMA, CPA
President and CEO
Mr. Fifer is President and Chief Executive Officer of HFMA.
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. He is an active community volunteer and runner. Mr. Fifer and his wife, Katie, have three children: Sarah, Tom, and Joe-Joe.
Reginald J. Albert, FHFMA
National Director
Mr. Albert is a voluntary Director of 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 and a Master of business administration, Master’s Certificate in healthcare administration, from Southern New Hampshire University.
Michael M. Allen, FHFMA, CPA
National Director
Mr. Allen is a voluntary Director of HFMA during the 2012-15 term, beginning June 1, 2012.
Mr. Allen is Chief Financial Officer, Gundersen Health System, La Crosse, Wisc.
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.
Kevin F. Brennan, FHFMA, CPA
National Director 
Mr. Brennan is a voluntary Director of HFMA during the 2013-2016 term, beginning June 1, 2013.
Mr. Brennan is Executive Vice President of Finance and Chief Financial Officer, Geisinger Health System, Danville, Pa.
A member of HFMA since 1992, Mr. Brennan’s involvement with the National Association includes serving on the Principles and Practices Board. He also serves as Treasurer of Geisinger Health System Foundation, is a member of the Board of Directors of Geisinger Assurance Company, Ltd., Cayman Islands, British West Indies, and Treasurer/member of the Board of Directors of Geisinger Insurance Corporation, Risk Retention Group, Burlington, Vt.
Mr. Brennan, a Fellow of HFMA and certified public account, holds a Master of Business Administration degree in healthcare administration and a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration, both from LaSalle University. He has been a certified public accountant since 1979 and is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants.
John J. Byrnes, MD, FCCP
National Director
Dr. Byrnes is a voluntary Director of HFMA during the 2013-2016 term, beginning June 1, 2013.
Dr. Byrnes is Chief Medical Officer, Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth Health System (SCL Health System), Denver.
A member of HFMA since 2005, Dr. Byrnes is an avid HFMA speaker and author, regularly contributes to industry publications, and is a frequent speaker nationally and internationally. He is nationally recognized for his work in quality, safety, and outcome reporting. He has contributed to seven books, including The Healthcare Quality Book, Global Fees for Episodes of Care, The Health Care Professional's Guide to Patient Centered Care for the 21st Century, The Physician's Guide to Disease Management, and Redesigning Healthcare Delivery. He is nearing completion of the first of two books in a set titled The CQO's Playbook. Prior to joining SCL Health System, Dr. Byrnes held senior executive positions at some of the nation's leading healthcare systems, including Spectrum Health System, Sharp HealthCare, Catholic Healthcare West, and Lovelace Health Systems.
Dr. Byrnes received his BA/MD from the University of Missouri–Kansas City. He completed an internship in internal medicine and residency in anesthesiology at the University of Texas Health Sciences Center, including Texas Children’s Hospital, The Texas Heart Institute, MD Anderson Cancer Center, and Memorial Hermann Health System.
Michael P. Freed, CPA
National Director
Mr. Freed is a voluntary Director of HFMA during the 2012-15 term, beginning June 1, 2012.
Mr. Freed is System EVP and president of Priority Health, Grand Rapids, Mich.
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.
Carol A. Friesen, FHFMA
National Director
Ms. Friesen is a voluntary Director of HFMA during the 2012-15 term, beginning June 1, 2012.
Ms. Friesen is Vice President of Health System Services, Bryan Health, Lincoln, Neb.
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 healthcare administration.
Jonathan B. Gavras, MD, FCCP
National Director 
Dr. Gavras is a voluntary Director of HFMA during the 2013-2016 term, beginning June 1, 2013.
Dr. Gavras is Senior Vice President, Delivery System, and Chief Medical Officer, Florida Blue, Jacksonville.
Dr. Gavras has been a member of HFMA since 2012 and currently serves on the board of directors for the American Lung Association of Florida. Throughout his career, he has been active in community and professional organizations. Prior to joining Florida Blue, Dr. Gavras held leadership positions at UnitedHealth Group, and Prudential Healthcare. Before assuming administrative roles, he was in the private practice of pulmonary and critical care medicine in Jupiter, Fla.
Dr. Gavras, a Fellow of American College of Chest Physicians, and holds undergraduate degrees in chemistry and psychology from Case Western Reserve University, and a Doctor of Medicine from New York Medical College. He completed his training in internal medicine and pulmonary diseases at the University of Rochester where he also served as chief medical resident and clinical fellow.
Kim Griffin-Hunter, CPA, MBA
National Director 
Ms. Griffin-Hunter is a voluntary Director of 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.
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.
Rebecca L. Speight, FHFMA, CPA
National Director 
Ms. Speight is a voluntary Director of 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 and a Certified Public Accountant, received her Bachelor of Science in business administration in accounting from the University of Arkansas and her Master of Business Administration from the University of Tulsa.