Lone Star Chapter

President’s Message

Dear HFMA Lone Star Chapter Members,

It is a true honor to serve as the President of the HFMA Lone Star Chapter this year. I am grateful for the opportunity to lead a community of professionals who are deeply committed to advancing healthcare finance and strengthening the organizations and communities we serve.

I want to congratulate Chris Kubin for an exceptional 2025-2026 year. Under his guiding vision of Step Up, Speak Out, Stand Strong, our chapter increased membership by 34%, continued to increase membership certifications, and remained financially strong. In addition, our chapter partnered with the Oklahoma Chapter for another successful Red River Showdown and chose a new venue for our summer and winter conferences allowing room for future attendance growth. I appreciate Chris’ guidance and mentorship as I prepared to lead the chapter.

I also want to thank all our Texas State and Lone Star sponsors. Without you we would not be able to provide the exceptional educational events that we have become known for. I look forward to your continued involvement and support this year.

This year, our chapter theme—“Forge the Future – Empower Communities”—is inspired by the pioneering spirit that defines Texas. Early Texans forged their path through uncertainty, carving opportunity from challenge and building something enduring. They did not wait for a defined road—they created one.

Today, we are called to do the same.

Healthcare finance leaders are navigating a period of unprecedented change. The rapid evolution of technology, the growing role of artificial intelligence, and increasing financial pressures, including declining reimbursement, are reshaping our landscape. These forces demand that we lead with agility, innovation, and purpose. We are not simply adapting—we are forging the path forward for the next generation of healthcare leaders.

To meet this moment, our chapter will focus on three key priorities this year:

Strengthen Engagement at Our Flagship Conferences: We will increase participation and deepen engagement at our in-person Summer and Winter Conferences in Dallas—creating spaces where members can connect, learn, and collaborate to shape the future together.
Expand and Empower Our Volunteer Community: We will grow our volunteer base by 10%, providing more members with opportunities to contribute, lead, and actively shape the direction of our chapter.
Extend Our Reach Across Texas: We will broaden access to our in-person conference experiences by expanding our engagement with members in El Paso—ensuring our chapter’s impact is felt across the entire region we serve.

These priorities are grounded in a simple belief: when we invest in our people, we strengthen our profession and better serve our communities.

Our chapter’s strength lies in its members—your expertise, your innovation, and your willingness to engage. Whether you have been part of HFMA for years or are just getting started, I encourage you to take an active role this year. Attend an event, volunteer, share your perspective, and help us continue to build a vibrant and forward-thinking community.

The road ahead may be complex, but together, we have the insight, resilience, and determination to forge what comes next—and in doing so, empower the communities that depend on us.

Thank you for your continued support of HFMA and the Lone Star Chapter.

Warm regards,
Tawny Schaffer
President
HFMA Lone Star Chapter