Quarterly Reflections – First Half of 2024

Published on February 15, 2025

Greetings ACHE of MA Members,

As the vibrant energy of summer approaches, I’m excited to share the incredible progress our Chapter has made in the first half of 2024! The fantastic work of our committee members has driven remarkable advancements that will significantly shape our strategic development, expanding our support for your growth and impact as healthcare leaders in our state.

In the year’s first half, we focused on strategic planning and metrics that have fostered new leadership within our Board, revitalized our essential Early Careerist Network (ECN) and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I) Committees, and created a dynamic programming framework. This framework offers members a quarterly schedule of In-Person, Virtual, and Qualified education credits, networking sessions, social gatherings, and opportunities for civic engagement. Our commitment to addressing your evolving needs as members remains steadfast. We’re fostering a culture of transparency and inclusiveness, essential for guiding leaders through this transformative era in healthcare.

Here are some highlights from the first half of 2024:

• Strategic Planning for Growth: In January, we renewed strategic planning efforts to enhance the growth and diversification of our Chapter committees, setting key goals and objectives aligned with our annual metrics. This strategic approach ensures we serve our members effectively and support their professional engagement.
• Board Member Updates: We proudly welcomed several new members, each bringing unique industry expertise. Additionally, some familiar faces have returned, enriching our leadership team with extensive knowledge.
• Empowering Early Careerists: Our vibrant Early Careerist Network has been restructured across the Chapter’s committees. By elevating new leaders from this dynamic and crucial segment, we aim to foster innovation and fresh perspectives.
• DEI Committee Focus: We are expanding the critical role of our DEI Committee, recognizing that leadership development for our members hinges on DEI initiatives in every aspect of our Chapter.
• Election of Justine Zilliken, MHA, MBA, FACHE, as the Regent for Massachusetts: Announced during the ACHE 2024 Congress on Healthcare Leadership, Justine brings significant visibility and executive leadership skills to the Regent role as the Chief Strategy Officer for Sturdy Health. Her leadership has already significantly benefited ACHE of MA, and we expect well-coordinated momentum alongside ACHE throughout the year. During the Congress, we also celebrated the achievement of four members who attained Fellow (FACHE) status at the 90th Convocation Ceremony.

In addition, we’ve hosted two quarters of expert-led panels addressing critical topics like the healthcare staffing shortage and essential industry skills. We’ve also spotlighted notable leaders, including Steve Walsh, President and CEO of the Massachusetts Health and Hospital Association, and Dr. Denise De Las Nueces, interim CEO and CMO of Boston Healthcare for the Homeless.

And we’re just getting started! We have exclusive programming for members focused on facilitating authentic conversations and meaningful connections – like our June 13 Midsummer Mixer! This is a perfect opportunity to gather with fellow members beneath a canopy on Northeastern University’s green, where networking will meet the joy of summer games.

This event is open to members only, so if you still need to become a member, renew your membership or join today at ache.org! Membership is your gateway to continuing as a vital member of a prestigious community driving healthcare excellence forward. Membership also provides access to unique opportunities and special pricing at events such as ACHE’s 2024 Boston Cluster in July, a thought-provoking DEI panel on inclusive leadership featuring Dr. Alastair Bell in September, and our 2024 Annual Healthcare Summit at the Putnam Club at Gillette Stadium on Friday, November 8.

Our exceptional keynote speakers for the 2024 Summit have been announced, and early bird registration is live for this year’s conference.  Our theme is “Seeking Alpha in Healthcare: Building Financial Resilience Through the Power of Collaboration,” and the day will include a panel discussion with top healthcare CFOs.  They will explore challenges and requirements for financial sustainability in healthcare and actionable strategies for enduring financial vitality from health systems, insurance, and policy experts. I encourage you to check out the events page on our website and follow us on LinkedIn for details on all our events.

Lastly, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to each of you for the valuable perspectives, wealth of experience, and unwavering commitment you bring to our Chapter. As we approach the midpoint of this year, I eagerly anticipate witnessing the most remarkable achievements within our Chapter over the second half of the year!

Warm regards,

Ali Raja
President, ACHE of MA