Our chapter is at the epicenter of healthcare in our country. We are surrounded by passionate members from clinicians at the bedside to executives in corporate offices dedicated to improving the health of the communities they serve. We exist as an association to “give light” to their activities and best practices to ensure healthcare entities can increase access, improve outcomes, and reduce health disparities while remaining financially stable. May we as an association empower others and develop people into leaders building upon their own potentials and passions, to “find a way”.

This next year we will be focused on a few initiatives to welcome individuals from all areas, at all levels, and in all stages of their careers. We plan to:

1. FOCUS ON DEI

It is my personal mission to ensure our chapter is a welcoming and open environment to all and increase the diversity of race and ethnicity, gender, generations, background, and thought represented at our events, among our volunteers, and in our leadership.

2. RETHINK OUR OFFERINGS AND THEIR DELIVERY

We want to make our education and events accessible and relevant to all of our members, from those on the front lines in patient access, to clinicians, and CFOs. We want to particularly meet the needs of those new to healthcare or in entry level positions seeking to grow their career and knowledge.

3. IMPLEMENT A STUDENT INITIATIVE

We will seek to engage undergraduate and graduate students across the state interested in working in healthcare. We will provide opportunities for them to be mentored by the healthcare leaders in our organization, exercise leadership skills by helping plan and lead events, and learn about the healthcare finance through our educational offerings.

Please reach out to me at katie.tarr@lbmc and let me know if you are passionate about any of these initiatives and I will get you connected with those heading them up.

I look forward to serving with you to drive these initiatives forward in the coming year.

Finally, mark your calendars to join us in person in Chattanooga September 21st to the 23rd for our Fall Institute! More to come soon.