As I approach the end of my tenure as Chair of the Board, I am naturally inclined to reflect back on the last year and a half. To serve in this position is truly a gift. I had the serendipity to work with a host of dedicated board members who were insightful and truly clever with their ideas and talents. But the best part of the gift was getting to work closely with the AUPHA staff. As an organization, we recognize their excellence at various functions, but until you have had the pleasure and privilege of working with them on an ongoing basis you really don’t know how great they are. Over the years I have worked in many associations. I have never worked with a more capable staff who not only excel at all that they do, but are also some of the nicest people you will ever know. I will truly miss working with each and every one of them.
AUPHA is institutionally very sound and positioned to move into challenging and exciting endeavors. Our three strategic initiatives will allow our association to emerge as a leader in new areas. I am very encouraged particularly by our endeavors on the international front and with the plan to increase our relationships with practitioners. Both of these undertakings will allow AUPHA to gain increased visibility and recognition as the leader in healthcare management education.
We live and work in uncertain time on many fronts. Clearly, the Supreme Court decision on the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act will have major ramifications on healthcare delivery. Regardless of how they decide, major changes will ensue. Either a changed system will be put into place, or we go back to the drawing board and revisit reform. I find great comfort knowing that in AUPHA I will have a group of colleagues that can help me understand the nuances of these changes and, most importantly develop strategies to effectively teach the meaning of these changes to my students.
And so, dear friends, I look forward to seeing you in Minneapolis. I also would like to extend to Sharon, our incoming Chair, congratulations and the promise of my support and help whenever she may need it.
Peter