President’s Welcome
For the second time, I have the honor of welcoming you to the Western Pennsylvania Chapter of HFMA.
Thanks to our exceptional and experienced Leadership Team, Board of Directors, and dedicated volunteers, both past and present, our chapter has established a strong foundation and a consistent rhythm of success. That foundation allows us to focus on what matters most, delivering meaningful value to our members.
At the chapter level, this value is driven by two primary areas: education and networking.
Education
Healthcare has always been an evolving industry, but the pace of change has accelerated dramatically. With social media, artificial intelligence, and an endless flow of information available at our fingertips, staying informed has never been easier. However, having access to information is not the same as understanding the complete picture.
Our educational programs are designed to keep members informed about the issues, decisions, and trends shaping today’s healthcare environment, as well as those being considered for the future. Equally important, these programs provide opportunities for meaningful interaction and discussion.
Events such as our Medicare Update, Spring Symposium, Women’s Event, and Early Careerist Programs give attendees direct access to industry experts, thought leaders, presenters, and panelists. This ability to engage, ask questions, and share perspectives is one of the most valuable benefits of our chapter.
Networking
Throughout my experience with the Western Pennsylvania HFMA, the greatest value I have gained has been the relationships I have built, both personally and professionally. The knowledge I have acquired through chapter events and leadership involvement is immeasurable.
If you want to understand where healthcare is headed and why, spend time with the professionals who are working in the industry every day. Listen to the challenges, barriers, and concerns they face, and learn how they are overcoming them. Engage with our business partners who are developing the software, services, and technologies that help address these challenges and advance healthcare delivery.
When you actively engage with our chapter, you gain more than information. You gain knowledge, perspective, relationships, and inspiration.
Thank you for your continued support of the Western Pennsylvania HFMA. I look forward to connecting with you throughout the year and working together to strengthen our chapter and the healthcare community we serve.
Patrick J. McKenna, CRCR
President – WPA HFMA
Account Executive
Solventum Health Information Systems
2026 – 2027 WPA HFMA Leadership
- President-Elect: Rich Nagy (AHN)
- Treasurer: Kevin Dadey (Centri Consulting)
- Secretary: Nicholas Smerk (Quadax)
2026 – 2027 WPA HFMA Board of Directors
- Ryan Thompson – (UPMC)
- Lauren Stroup – (Independence Health/WVU)
- Matthew Polak – (RSM)
- Mark Spehar – (Vizient)
- Daniel Bucci – (WVU Uniontown)
- Paul Horton – (HBK)
- Lauren Beam – (UPMC)
Thank you to our sponsors!
