Possibilities Became Realities for HFMA in 2000-01

Healthcare Financial Management, May, 2001

Cape, Connie S.

This has been an exciting year for the healthcare industry. We are dealing with near-miraculous breakthroughs in clinical areas, new technologies that are poised to improve our work and personal lives, and challenges posed by staffing shortages, new regulations, and demands for high-quality services at a low cost.

HFMA also has had an exciting year. We are implementing many of the initiatives identified in the corporate strategic plan, including developing Web-based educational tools and lessons for our members. By using alternative educational venues and methods, we are able to provide timely education to many more members. We also have seen an increase in attendance at national meetings such as the CFO Exchange, which attracted more than 200 attendees this year.

And I personally have had an exciting year. I cannot begin to describe the incredible experiences and wonderful memories that I am taking from my year as HFMA Chairman. As Chairman, I have had the opportunity to visit almost half of our 70 chapters. In all of the locales I have had the pleasure to visit, I have witnessed many examples of conscientious dedication to our organization, our industry and the patients we serve.

I wish to thank each and every one of these chapters for the invitation and hospitality. You and the chapters I didn't get to visit are what make HFMA so special. You invigorate the Association with energy, vitality, and purpose. Without you the members, we certainly would not succeed. It humbles me to compare my contributions to the ones you make year in and year out.

I also want to take this opportunity to thank and applaud our talented and motivated National staff. I know we all have been recipients of information and invitations from our National staff. I hope that you have used this information, accepted some of these invitations, and taken advantage of all the resources that we enjoy as members of HFMA. The next time you are at an ANI, a Leadership Training Conference, or any other HFMA-sponsored event, be sure to introduce yourself to and get to know the National staff. I guarantee you will benefit from the experience.

Another group to which I would like to send my special thanks is the National officers and Board members with whom I have had the pleasure to serve and get to know. I'm afraid this column is not long enough to name each of these individuals and their contributions. The time and effort they have invested in this organization is nothing less than phenomenal, considering that they all still perform a more-than-full-time job and remain involved with their families and the communities in which they live.

There are so many other people from across the country who have been long-time supporters and friends to me. If I try to name them all, I know I will be guilty of leaving someone off the list. So instead, let me at least thank my friends from HFMA's Eastern Michigan and Show-Me chapters. Please know that I appreciate your support. Also, I want to thank those who have mentored me in my National roles: Richard Henley FHFMA, FACHE, Lori Mitchell FHFMA, CPA, and numerous other National officers and directors. Your efforts have paved the way for the strong organization that HFMA has become.

My focus this year was on service, networking, and mentoring. The chapter, regional, and National organizations met my expectations in all of these areas. I hope they met yours as well.

Thank you for allowing me to serve as your Chairman. As I step down, I want to encourage you once again to always keep your dreams in focus. I urge all of you to renew your commitment to your communities, your families, your healthcare organizations, and HFMA. Your investment of time and energy will be returned to you, with dividends, many times over. Imagine the Possibilities for yourself today, tomorrow, and forever.