As I step down as the AUPHA Chair, I am filled with a sense of gratitude. In my speech, I expressed my thanks to numerous individuals, such as Dan Gentry, Jaime Stephens, my fellow board members, my wife Dawn, and, of course, our members for their unwavering support. Serving in this position has been one of the most fulfilling experiences of my career, and I am deeply thankful for the support I received from all of you. I am also grateful for the members of the past who made AUPHA the organization it is today.
Stepping down does not mean an end to our work together. On the contrary, it is merely a new beginning and an indication that there is more work to be done. The steadfast passion and dedication that I have witnessed within this organization have reinforced my belief that meaningful work is not confined to a title or position. It is about the impact we make and the connections we foster. I firmly believe that the primary reason we call AUPHA our academic home is due to the lasting bonds we establish with one another that extend well beyond the annual meeting.
Throughout my tenure as board chair, I have found great meaning in our collective efforts to advance the field of health administration education. Our efforts are guided by our commitment to excellence, innovation, and inclusivity. It has been about more than just achieving goals; it has been about making a difference in the lives of our students, our communities, and the entire healthcare system. Our recent recognition by AcademyHealth for Excellence in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion is a testament to our accomplishments and also a reminder of the work that exists.
As I transition from this role, I am excited about the opportunities that lie ahead. This new chapter allows me to continue contributing to our field in new ways, and I look forward to supporting our incoming chair, Dr. Cathleen Erwin, as she implements her vision.
I hope that we can all continue to find meaning in our work by staying true to our mission and values. I encourage AUPHA and our membership, both present and future, to strive to do work that matters, to inspire and be inspired, and to make lasting contributions that will shape the future of health administration education.
Thank you for the privilege of serving as your chair. I am excited to see the great things that we will accomplish together in the years ahead.
Sincerely,
Reid Oetjen