Leading People Through Change was the topic of this year’s ASHHRA Annual Conference & Exposition and the theme of our year. Some of what you read here will sound familiar if you were one of the lucky ones who had an opportunity to attend the conference. If you didn’t have a chance to join us this year, you missed out on great speakers and an overall great conference. Don’t put off your plans. Take steps now to attend next year’s ASHHRA Annual Conference & Exposition at the Marriott Wardman in Washington, D.C., Sept. 28 through Oct. 1, 2013.

So what did you miss? A great presentation by Tom Flick, former Rose Bowl Champion and successful NFL quarterback, started off our conference. Tom wisely pointed out, "If we are not getting better faster than the competition, we are losing ground." In other words, change is here and leading people through it is the only way we are going to get better than the competition each and every day. Tom shared two challenges leaders face: complacency and a sense of true urgency. In his presentation he provided us with some great advice for the future. He recommended that we chase big dreams, live by our principles, and lead the way. This quick summary does not do Tom’s presentation justice. If you have an opportunity to see Tom present at a meeting in the future, sign right up. He was an excellent and engaging speaker, and he captured the essence of true leadership and our roles in exemplifying this leadership in our organizations.

Throughout the conference we had an opportunity to hear many speakers including some former ASHHRA presidents. Molly Seals, senior VP with Catholic Health Partners/Humility of Mary Health Partners, spoke on the best models for building tomorrow’s frontline hospital workforce. Bob Walters, corporate director, Health First, Inc., led a thought leader forum on physician integration. Bob Riney, president and COO, Henry Ford Health System, partnered with two other CEOs: Ken Lukhard, president, Advocate Christ Medical Center, and Michael Robinson, CEO and senior VP, Bon Secours Memorial Regional Medical Center. Together they provided an enlightening panel discussion on innovative strategies that transform care. The work going on in their organizations is an inspiration to us all and a bird’s eye view into our future.

There were over 180 exhibits this year and some great vendor partners helping us with solutions in all areas of human resources and some industry-specific solutions not solely restricted to human resources. Education, child care, retirement, compensation, benefits, consulting, financial wellness, IT solutions, onboarding... all areas of interest were represented at the exhibits. Literally, one-stop shopping for HR tools that you could touch and feel in an environment where you could ask lots of questions.

We also had a great opportunity to visit with old friends, celebrate wins, recharge our batteries, learn from each other, and just have a little fun. This message was brought home to us as we closed the conference with a bang! Carson Kressley, star of the hit Emmy award-winning series, Queer Eye for the Straight Guy, entertained us with his humor and candor. We learned that we cannot lead others through change if we are not confident in ourselves first. This might mean an annual hair and makeup physical, or eating right and staying fit, or just simply taking time out for ourselves every once in a while. Carson’s advice for changing how we feel about ourselves sent us home in great spirits and ready to Lead People Through Change.


Leading People Through Change,

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