Growing with HFMA: "HFMA is my evolution of personal growth and friendship." - From The Chairman

Healthcare Financial Management, Nov, 2003 by David P. Canfield

So says Gail Holt, FHFMA, CFO at Memorial Hospital, Chester, Ill., and a member of HFMA's Southern Illinois Chapter. As a long-time member, Gall has been actively involved in HFMA as a volunteer, as a leader, and as a friend. Involvement in HFMA allows people to grow, to develop and try out new skills, and, of course, to meet new people and make new friends in a variety of settings, whether at chapter meetings, educational programs, or social events.

"I have been in health care and a member of the Southern Illinois Chapter of HFMA for 23 years," Gail says. "As a new member, I found insightful leaders and inspiring mentors who showed me what HFMA meant to them. Their impressive, significant contributions as National leaders and Board members inspired me to attend educational sessions and accept an invitation to join the program committee. That involvement led me to eventually become a Board member, chapter officer, and chapter president.

"Even though leadership is necessary for the survival of the chapter, even more important, it has given me a personal opportunity to reshape myself into a creative individual who is proactive to change, a team player, and a fearless visionary. The chapter team effort allowed our chapter to win the Robert M. Shelton Award for five consecutive years of sustained chapter excellence. All of these things have helped to make me articulate and outgoing, in both my personal and professional endeavors."

She continues, "My role in the Southern Illinois Chapter allowed me to advance to National committees, Regional positions, and the Chapter Advancement Team. I have met so many wonderful people in the past 23 years. No matter what our role, we have one common bond: working together as a team. HFMA has helped each of us, through educational sessions and networking, to build lasting friendships. These friendships have given me an opportunity to travel and visit many chapters and see the United States. ANI and LTC are fantastic opportunities to make new friend ships and get reacquainted with old friends. The horizons are endless, locally, regionally, and nationally."

HFMA: it's personal

Thanks for sharing your story, Gail. HFMA does offer members a chance to grow. All you have to do is become actively involved in the organization to reap enormous rewards. Whether your goal is to develop new job skills, network with the best in the business, or simply enrich your friendships, HFMA can help you do all of those things. Gaff is testimony to the opportunities that exist.

As I travel around the country to attend HFMA chapter meetings and National HFMA programs, I've had an opportunity to meet many of you. I look forward to meeting many more of you in the future and hearing your "HFMA: it's personal" stories.