It is hard to believe it’s already December and this is my last president’s message! Let me begin by saying thank you for the honor of being able to serve as your ASHHRA president this year. It has been a truly wonderful experience, and I am glad I was able to share that with each of you.

A very special thank you to the members of the 2015 Board of Directors who will be leaving board service at the end of this year:

• Maureen O’Keefe, ASHHRA past president: She retired in October of this year, and we wish her all the best in this new phase of her life.
• Jim Frain, ASHHRA treasurer: Jim has been such an integral part of the board having served the full seven years. The good news is that Jim will be chairing the CHHR Committee and representing us on the AHA – Certification Committee Board.

Thank you to all of the great volunteers who gave their time on behalf of ASHHRA in 2015 for their service to our organization!

As I take the time to reflect on this last year, I am so proud of the great work we have accomplished and all the great things we have yet to do. The annual conference was just wonderful, and what a great location. It was special for me because, by coincidence, it was held in Florida, my former home state and that I got to share that with you. All of our accomplishments are not possible without our wonderful ASHHRA staff! And of course all of you, our members. We are an amazing group of HR professionals and have much to be proud of. Please take the time to reflect on all the good work done in 2015 and be thankful.

Let me also say to each and every one of you: I have thoroughly enjoyed serving and representing you as ASHHRA president. I know that I leave you in excellent hands as I turn the reins over to Kristen Fox.

Wishing you and your families the most wonderful holiday season and the happiest of new years!

Debbie Rubens, CHHR, SPHR-CA, SHRM-SCP
ASHHRA 2015 President
Director, Human Resources
Shriners Hospitals for Children Northern California

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