Over the last several months I’ve taken the opportunity to introduce you to our board members and to some of the ASHHRA staff. You’ve read about their work with education, the annual conference, concierge, non-hospital members, and many other initiatives and programs underway in great part through the efforts of each and every one of our board members and staff, along with their committees. Among these great leaders are four others you should know about. These individuals sometimes quietly... wait... maybe quietly is not the word. These individuals sometimes work behind the scenes; they help ASHHRA accomplish its goals and meet the needs of our members. So here they are:

Bob Walters, corporate director, HR operations at Health First, Inc. in Melbourne, Fla., is our immediate past president. He is the wonderful supportive person that usually sits to my left and makes sure I don’t miss anything. Bob also led our Though Leader Forums and did a great job with both of them. Bob, thank you for being there and sharing your expertise and support with our board and our members.

Michael Robinson, chief executive officer and senior vice president of operations at Bon Secours in Mechanicsville, Va., is our CEO on the board. If you’ve ever met Michael you know that he is one of the busiest CEOs in the business. Yet, he was willing to share a year of his time and share his opinions on the business of health care. Thank you, Michael, for helping us stay in tune with the needs of our CEOs.

Joe Micucci, manager, health improvement strategies at Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia, Pa., is our treasurer and the man behind the camera. If you’ve ever attended an ASHHRA event, you might have noticed a professional photographer and JOE! Joe is our historian, although that is not his official title. If you have been attending ASHHRA conferences, it’s very likely that Joe captured your photo. When it comes to capturing the moment, he is the most enthusiastic person you will ever meet. Joe, every moment we spend with friends and family is so precious, thanks for capturing our ASHHRA friends and family and all those special moments over the years.

Not behind the camera, but behind the scenes is Shirley Armistead. Shirley is ASHHRA’s senior governance specialist, and she quietly and calmly helps us all move in the same direction together. Working closely with Stephanie Drake, executive director, Shirley makes sure we remember to "dot our Is and cross our Ts"—both literally and figuratively. Shirley has been with AHA 20 years, and seven have been with ASHHRA. Thank you, Shirley, for keeping us on the straight and narrow path all these years.

To borrow from Tom Flick, our keynote speaker at the annual conference, say thank you to your friends, family, and coworkers today. Send them a note that you are thinking of them and appreciate the help and support they give you. Send a text or an email or even make a phone call if that is easier for you. Let them know how much you count on them and how glad you are that they are in your life. Don’t wait for Thanksgiving. Leading People Through Change begins with building community. This is a great opportunity to reach out and say thanks!


Leading People Through Change,

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