Chapter Chair Holiday Message

Dear Colleagues,

I hope this message finds each of you safe and secure as we continue to battle the COVID-19 pandemic.

It seems like only yesterday I assumed the role as Chair for the Canadian Chapter.  When I look back to the start of my term, it would have been impossible to imagine what these two years would hold.  I write today for my final Chair message of 2021 and my last as your chapter Chair. It has been a highly rewarding two years in the role.  I want to thank all my fellow board members for their hard work and support over my term and especially this year. All chapter members should be aware of and appreciate the highly committed and talented professionals who volunteer their time to serve as their board leaders.

Our lives will be forever changed as we continue to adapt to the pandemic’s constraints, both today and in the future. I hope that it will bring some good things to our world – better access to telemedicine, improved and more effective use of primary care, and possibly a greater appreciation for healthcare as a public good.  When I reflect back on the past 21 months I can only be amazed at what we have learned and what we have experienced.  One lesson we have learned throughout this pandemic is that time and life wait for no one.  Health and wellness are not guaranteed.  Please focus on what you can do to ensure you are leaving 2021 healthier, happier, and stronger than you were at the beginning of this year. As always please take care of yourselves while we all continue to battle the pandemic.  Take time for you.  You are worth the time.

At the recent Regent’s reception hosted by Frances Roesch I had the distinct pleasure of recognizing a very worthy recipient of the ACHE Recognition Program: Regent Frances Roesch.   It was an honor to acknowledge her given her longstanding and dedicated Chapter service.  Her contribution to healthcare management excellence through volunteer service to the chapter, ACHE and to the profession is commendable.   Frances has been recognized for the “Service Award”.  By way of background, the ACHE Recognition Program celebrates members’ commitment to the healthcare management profession. Recognition is bestowed at three levels based on a range of specific volunteer activities that demonstrate leadership and contributions to furthering professional excellence. All active ACHE members are eligible to be recognized.  Congratulations Frances as you are indeed a worthy recipient.

Recently, ACHE announced revisions to its vision and mission statements as well as the core value of diversity and inclusion. The introduction of words such as advancing, leadership, and champion (versus improving, management and advocate) provide an important element of proactivity and drive to the strategic direction of the organization.

  • Vision: To be the preeminent professional society for leaders dedicated to advancing health.
  • Mission: To advance our members and healthcare leadership excellence.
  • Core Value of Diversity and Inclusion: We champion diversity and foster inclusion to advance equity in the workplace and the communities we serve.

It is also my privilege to welcome three new members to the Chapter Board commencing January 2022:

  • Central Region – Neil MacLean (FACHE), Michelle Hunter
  • East Region – Tanay Sharma

Their diverse talents will be a great addition to the Board. 

I also wish to extend a sincere thank you to Leslie Benecki who has been a valuable member of the Board (Treasurer).  Her term expires at the end of this calendar year having served for 3 terms.  I greatly appreciate her selfless devotion to the Board as her contributions have been numerous. 

My message would not be complete by not taking the opportunity to celebrate the diverse gifts and talents involved in service by my fellow Chapter board members and the various committee members.  Special recognition must be given to them for their ongoing dedication to advancing the Chapter.  The Canadian Chapter is served by an outstanding Board of Directors from across our great nation who integrate various perspectives.  I thank them for their insight, dedication and support.  Finally, I would also like to acknowledge the efforts of Stacey Griffin, my MHA executive assistant as she has enthusiastically provided support to the Chapter Board during my tenure.

I am genuinely inspired about what 2022 will bring for the Canadian Chapter.  Guy Bourbonniere will be stepping in as Chair effective January 1, 2022 and I wish him all the very best. Guy brings a breadth of experience and passion to the role.  I very much look forward to working with Guy in 2022.

Best wishes to you and your families during this very different holiday season. Stay safe and thank you for your leadership. It matters.

Merry Christmas

Todd Stepanuik, Canadian Chapter Chair