Dear ASHHRA,

I like the saying "Rise and Shine!" It’s so full of possibilities. Just like an unopened gift box or the start of a new year full of opportunities. It’s an opportunity to shine, an opportunity to reinvent ourselves, set a new course, or simply accomplish an unfulfilled goal. Some people will climb a mountain, run a marathon, or learn to ski. Others will "stop and smell the flowers." They will set a goal to spend more time with family, visit friends, spend time enjoying nature, or just simply learn to relax and enjoy life every once in a while. Perennial favorite goals are to eat healthy and exercise more often (definitely on my list!). In our jobs, we may also resolve to develop our skills, talents, abilities, and improve our interpersonal relationships. Our goals may include helping our coworkers to also develop their skills, talents, abilities, and interpersonal relationships. I hope ASHHRA helps all of you to navigate successfully through this new year in order to lead people through change.

A wonderful opportunity and a gift in itself is ASHHRA. The knowledge gained through conferences, webinars, and newsletter articles helps us to achieve success every day. The long standing professional relationships and lifelong friendships that are formed through ASHHRA are an invaluable gift for us as professionals. As we begin our new year, please share in the gift of ASHHRA. Encourage your HR leadership team to join and tell your HR peers in the community about ASHHRA. Join ASHHRA committees, participate in taskforces, and attend conferences. Make this a part of your new year’s opportunities.

As health care leaders we are blessed with a unique set of resources in the ASHHRA team. Stephanie Drake, our executive director, and her dedicated team: Sharon Allen, Shirley Armistead, Ferdinand Libunao, Jamie Macander, and Emily Meskill, are always available to help. No question too small or too big, and they are just an email away (or a phone call if you’re like me and like to call and say hello). Our wonderful volunteer leaders, the ASHHRA Board, are also just a call away and willing and able to help. New on our board are Amy Barry, VP and CHRO with Martin Memorial Health Systems in Stuart, Florida, and Michael Robinson, CEO with Bon Secours Memorial Regional Medical Center, Richmond Community Hospital, St. Francis Medical Center, and HealthSource. As with all new years, change is inevitable. Melissa Kinnaird and Jeff Payne will leave our board this year. Jeff has served ASHHRA for many years and served as our president in 2010. Both Jeff and Melissa will be greatly missed. (Don’t go too far, though, we can always draft you back into service. J) In addition, Bob Walters will continue on the board as immediate past president. Bob has been a wonderful leader, truly leading in an era of constant and complex change at all levels of human resources. Bob exemplifies a transformational and engaging leader, and we were so fortunate to have him share his talents with us as our president. Thank you, Bob. It has been my honor to work with you, and I’m excited about continuing that work this year.

As we enter our new year, I wish you good health and great opportunities in all your endeavors. May you climb that mountain you’ve always strived for, stop and smell the flowers, and develop your personal skills and talent. It is a true privilege and an honor for me to serve you. Together we can model the way for friends, family, and coworkers and Lead People Through Change.

Sincerely,

Irma L. Pye, SPHR
ASHHRA 2012 President
Senior Vice President & CHRO
Valley Baptist Health System
Harlingen, Texas