Happy New Year 2017! It's hard to believe we have started another year and as usual our opportunities in health care continue to spiral. I prefer to call them opportunities instead of challenges because it forces each of us to raise our personal bar of excellence. 

This endeavor can only be enhanced by the expertise of others and the partnerships we forge. I know, because through my involvement with ASHHRA, I have been able to elevate my game by the networking with our members. Here to serve you in 2017 is our new board line-up:

Jamie Parsons - Vice President

Kristen Fox - Immediate Past President

Willis Tisdale - Treasurer

Lindy White - Health Care Facility CEO Director

Christine Jensema - At-Large Director, Acute Care

Juliet Nelson - At-Large Director Acute Care

Cathy Henesey - At-Large Director Acute Care

Brenda Reinert - At-Large Director

Deborah Hanratty - At-Large Director, Continuum of Care

Sarah Fredrickson - Regional Director

Barbara Lutz - New-to-the-Profession Director

I feel honored to be working with such a talented group of men and women who together will continue on the strategic mission of making ASHHRA the professional association of choice for HR professionals in the health care continuum. Much of the work we do is made possible through committee work which supports the board level initiatives. The various committees that do such integral work are our Learning and Education Committee who work on bringing you continuing education to elevate your practice including the CHHR certification support. Lotus Yon will continue to chair this committee. 

The Conference Committee will be bringing you to Seattle this year, headed by Amanda Adams with the Host Committee chaired by Kimberly Washburn. 

Other important work is supported by our Advocacy Committee and Darrin Smith from Region 8. Darrin will lead this work as we go to the Hill in May. 

If you are interested in learning more about participating on any of these committees, please reach out to any of our Board Members or Committee Chairs. 

I am excited to embark on the important work we have ahead of us this year and would like to invite you to come along for the journey. I remain diligent in supporting our profession and wish each of you a healthy, happy and productive year.