2007 President's Report

On behalf of the Board of Directors of the Chapter, I extend our warmest greetings to all in the professional healthcare community throughout this region of Texas. Having been elected as Chair of the Greater Houston Chapter, I have the honor of serving in this leadership role during 2007. I am following Melanie Lopresto, M.D. Anderson, Mark Wallace, Texas Children's Hospital, and Andy DeYoung, UT Medical Branch in this role. Indeed, these are big shoes to fill.

Much work has gone into planning an action-packed, professionally fulfilling year. The theme that we have chosen for 2007 is "Management Matters". By this we mean that each of us in the professional healthcare community has a responsibility for high effectiveness in whatever leadership role we play... and, also, that the quality of overall organizational management is a major determinant in the quality of healthcare services. As leaders and managers in the healthcare field, we all have a special obligation of trust to the patients and communities we serve. In addition, we have a prime opportunity to demonstrate the role and importance of leadership in fulfilling this trust.

A number of superior educational offerings are planned during 2007 as a resource to all leaders and managers. Top quality presenters, both regionally and nationally, have been lined up to lead these educational sessions. Some take place during breakfast meetings and other during evening dinner sessions. The full schedule for the year appears elsewhere on this website. Valuable Category I and Category II credits are awarded for several of the sessions.

Whether you are a long-time member of the Chapter renewing for 2007 or a new member, we welcome you and value your collegiality. One of the major benefits of affiliation with the Chapter lies in its networking opportunities related to the "movers and shakers" in healthcare managers across the region. Any healthcare professional at the leadership/managerial level who also demonstrates interest in advancing the values of the profession is eligible to join. Students enrolled in academic programs in the healthcare professions are also eligible and encouraged to join at student rates.

Information on membership application also appears elsewhere on the website. Again, welcome and please join us in enhancing our own skills and fostering high quality performance by each of us individually and by our field as a whole.

Sincerely,

David J. Fine, FACHE
Chair, ACHE Greater Houston Chapter
President and CEO, St. Luke's Episcopal Health System