President’s Welcome

It is an honor and privilege to begin a new HFMA year as your chapter President. The Metropolitan New York chapter is comprised of exceptional leaders and together, with our outstanding members, we are what makes this chapter what it is today – extraordinary! Metro New York has the most dedicated volunteers that consistently bring our membership quality education and networking opportunities.
I would like to thank our corporate sponsors whose generosity enable us to provide community outreach and education to our members. Our Corporate Sponsors are the backbone of this organization, and we are lucky to have so many generous sponsors!
I welcome you to learn more about our rich traditions and history! Our chapter represents over 900+ members within Metropolitan New York, leveraging access to 60 National Chapters and 96,000 members. HFMA helps healthcare financial management professionals, and their organizations succeed. The benefits in becoming a member are endless as we encourage our professional and personal networking, educational value including industry certifications at no extra cost, Founder Point Program earning recognition for your volunteerism and fostering the building blocks for lifelong relationships and friendships.
As your chapter President, along with the entire Executive Team and Board of Directors we are committed to bringing value to our members and ask that you consider joining one of quality education and networking events. Our educational committee’s such as our industry premier 63rd Joseph A. Levi Annual Institute, Compliance, Finance, Revenue Cycle (My Passion), Technology and many others will continue to excel into the future, remaining committed to putting on stellar education events that address local, national and regulatory guidelines and keeping our fingers on every changing pulse of our industry.
It started from a personal journey and an idea and we engage you to participate in our ever-popular Knowledge is Power series which has evolved into its 10th year – giving back to our members. In addition to help end food disparities have provided the community in partnership with Island Harvest over 3,500 meals to date.
Let me help you and together we will find that there is a fit for everyone in our chapter, no contribution is too small, time is valuable and whether it is joining a committee call, sending an email to a colleague, securing a speaker and or spearheading an event we all start somewhere. My call to volunteer program will be open the whole year through and I encourage you to contact me [email protected] and or a chapter leader to find out more on how to become active and involved.
I look to you all to please help me on my journey this year. As we embark together, we continue to be inspired. This year’s theme from HFMA National Chair, Aaron Crane is “IGNITE THE SPARK” …Aaron shares his message which is one that includes the courage to take a risk, go out of the box, and not letting perfection hold you back! With that mindset nothing is impossible. We at Metro New York understand this first hand.
The pandemic and the challenges of the last few years has made us stronger teaching us as leaders to tap into our strength, stand tall face our issues head on and remain flexible to adapt to change – NOTHING is impossible. We are inspired to keep finding ways to “IGNITE THE SPARK” keep yourself challenged and the folks that you lead around you engaged. This theme is something we all need to embrace.
This year’s theme encourages, healthcare finance professionals to get out of their comfort zone tackle the uncomfortable with grace and fortitude. When we commit to embracing change, our achievements-and the future that we are shaping-will surpass our expectations. In order to be successful in the future we as leaders in healthcare must change our way of thinking. Our industry is at a critical point and with new ideas and techniques we can expand the reach of HFMA both on a local and national level.
I am confident that together we stand up and reach the bar set by our Past Presidents but do so while we “Ignite the Spark.” I pinch myself and say not sure where the time has gone when I reflect on my early HFMA days to current day. I look back with a sense of accomplishment, a smile and look forward to what is yet ahead of us.
I urge you all, share with your co-workers, colleagues and friends and participate in our success. Pursue leadership opportunities by volunteering; take advantage of local education; and participate in networking opportunities.
I look forward to this coming year and leading the Metropolitan New York Chapter toward meeting all our goals! “Ignite the Spark” Be involved, stay involved Knowledge is Power Wishing you to stay safe & healthy.

Cathy
Catherine Ekbom, FHFMA, CRCR
President HFMA Metropolitan New York
