It seems incredible that we are closing out another year. In just a few short weeks, 2021 will be firmly in the history books. There is little certainty for what will come in 2022. It seemed we were turning the corner on COVID-19, only to have the omicron variant remind us that this journey is not over. We do know that there are glimpses of a new normal ahead. I am excited to be heading to Chicago in December for ACHE’s first in-person cluster since early 2020. And registration for Congress begins December 1 – to be held March 28-31, 2022, in Chicago, in person. There are COVID-19 protocols to be observed, and it will be different, though in-person education is something many have been awaiting.
There are changes to come for our Chapter Board as well. Todd V. Stepanuik completes a two-year term as Chapter Chair at the end of this month. He has led well in unsteady times, and under his leadership, we have welcomed 18 new members to the Chapter this year. Todd will continue on the board in the capacity of Immediate-Past Chair for a one-year term. Guy H. Bourbonnière will transition to Chair on January 1, 2022. Guy has served as Chapter Vice-Chair for the past two years and is ready to take the helm. Leslie Benecki, FACHE, has completed a third term on the chapter board, reaching the bylaws term limit. Leslie has been our Chapter Treasurer and Secretary/Treasurer for most of her tenure on the board and has been an exceptional financial steward for us. Leslie is passionate about the American College of Healthcare Executives and brought her talents to several committees of the board during her years of service. Thank you to Todd, Guy, and Leslie for your time and talents.
We also have new Chapter board members to welcome. Tanay Sharma joins as a director in the East region. We also welcome Michelle Hunter and Neil F. MacLean, FACHE in the Central region. Guy Bourbonnière has been elected to a second term in the Central Region. We have one vacancy remaining in the West region (if you live or work in the West region and are interested in serving on the Chapter Board, please reach out to me at froesch@gmail.com). To all of our new and continuing board members, I send my sincere thanks. The Chapter benefits greatly from your service. The camaraderie among board members is the return on your investment.
I would like to take a moment to invite each chapter member to join me in a virtual Regent’s Reception on Tuesday, December 7, 2021, at 7 p.m. Eastern. Please RSVP to me at froesch@gmail.com by December 3 to receive the meeting link. We will have a chance to connect with members of the Chapter and to recognize this year’s Regent Award recipient, Todd V. Stepanuik. Todd is also receiving ACHE’s Service Award this year!
One last request. If you haven’t had a chance to renew your membership, please use this link to renew today! Your membership and participation make a difference to our Chapter. If you are in transition, please remember ACHE is here to help. You can find information about the dues waiver program here.
As we head into the final weeks of 2021, please know that I am grateful for the opportunity to serve as the Regent for Canada. It hasn’t been what I thought it would be, given the pandemic. I can honestly say I believe I have connected with more members directly and more personally than I would have otherwise. This is a gift to me, and I do not take it for granted. Thank you for sharing your experiences with me. I hope you continue to do so. I wish you each a restful end to 2021 and good health in 2022.
Frances C. Roesch, FACHE
Regent for Canada
froesch@gmail.com