A Time for Love and Celebration

By Ernesto A. Cerdena, PHDc, RT, CRA, FAHRA

Two weeks ago, the AHRA world mourned the loss of our Past President Ed Yoder. On behalf of our association, Ed Cronin, David Fox, Chris Tomlinson, Wanda Coker, Wes Harden, and I attended his beautiful memorial service held in Lexington, South Carolina. Ed’s loving wife Rita Yoder and their precious children prepared heartwarming arrangements to honor and celebrate Ed’s life and fondest memories. David Fox delivered uplifting thoughts and prayers during the eulogy. The entire AHRA nation will definitely miss our “rock star” Ed for his solid contributions and the legacy that he left behind. I ask for you to please keep Ed’s family in your thoughts and prayers. We love you Ed!

On January 15, the AHRA Board of Directors held its monthly call meeting, and we had a productive discussion about many topics. Here is a brief summary:

• Sheila Sferrella, Chair of the Regulatory Affairs Committee and Bill Finerfrock from Capitol Associates presented updates on regulatory and legislative issues. There are a lot of activities going on in the Capitol. Sheila spends many hours every week gathering vital information to address our members’ regulatory questions and concerns. As chair of the committee, Sheila is constantly in communication with Bill, our Washington, DC insider, and the members of the committee, our subject matter experts. Their joint efforts and actions provide knowledge-based and best practice information to educate our membership. Thank you Sheila, Bill, and the Regulatory Affairs Committee for your hard work and dedication.
• Mike Suddendorf, AHRA’s marketing director, presented the goals, strategies, tactics, and target implementation dates for our operational plan. It truly is an impressive plan. The entire AHRA staff has contributed to building the plan with an emphasis on membership benefits, CRA recognition, alliance with other professional associations, and strengthening our relationships with our corporate partners.
• The Board also discussed AHRA’s Spring Conference, to be held in the “Windy City” of Chicago March 15-17 at The Palmer House. The Spring Conference design team, led by John Beall, has lined up industry expert speakers to discuss relevant topics in medical imaging today. The program includes the Advanced Track, Basic Track, and CRA Exam Workshop. You do not want to miss this exciting conference filled with networking opportunities with your peers and chances to connect with old friends and make new ones while learning and developing yourself as an effective leader.
• Lastly, Ed Cronin, Deb Murphy, Jason Newmark, and I recently had the opportunity to attend the American Society for Association Executives’ symposium for Chief Elected Officers and CEOs. It was attended by over 200 people from different associations such ACR, ACHE, and many others. We discussed improving the effectiveness of the Chief Staff Officer and Chief Elected Officer partnership, knowledge-based decision making, clarity of roles and responsibilities between the board and the association staff, and clarity and consensus on what constitutes success. It was a very relevant and effective meeting.

As you can see, folks, we are constantly in motion. We have the LOVE to serve YOU, our members. All we need from YOU is to share your LOVE for the association and get involved as we celebrate more accomplishments for our association. Happy Valentine’s Day!

Ernesto A. Cerdena, PHDc, RT, CRA, FAHRA is the president of the 2015-2016 AHRA Board of Directors. He is the director of diagnostic imaging/radiology services at Waterbury Hospital in Waterbury, CT. He can be reached at ecerdena@wtbyhosp.org.