Presenting Your 2016 AHRA Board of Directors Election Candidates

Elections for the 2016-2017 AHRA Board of Directors and President-Elect will take place online at www.ahraonline.org May 16-June 13, 2016.  Voting is open to all members in good standing.  Emeritus members may not vote.

 

AHRA President-Elect Candidates (in alphabetical order):

Angelic P. McDonald, CRA, FAHRA
Director of Cardiovascular Imaging
Houston Methodist Hospital, DeBakey Heart and Vascular Center
Houston, TX

I truly believe the role of the imaging administrator can be a powerful force within any organization.  A strong administrator does not simply run a department, they drive the momentum of their entire organization.  They are a critical element of patient progression, length-of-stay, revenue, patient experience, and innovation. 

Most imaging administrators do not realize the power they could wield when they speak up and truly engage in hospital operations.  I am proud to call myself an imaging administrator and serving as AHRA president means I will be in a position to evoke this passion, pride, and power to my peers across our association

 

Edward Morgan, CRA
Executive Director of Imaging
Dekalb Medical Center
Decatur, GA

I am interested in serving because I have the experience, knowledge, and leadership skills to help ensure that the AHRA remains the #1 choice for imaging leaders. I have over 25 years of experience in imaging management, and I have been an active member of this organization for the past 15 years.  As a past Design Team member, Member Recognition Committee member and Chair, Chairman of the AHRA Education Foundation, and a current member of the Board of Directors I feel I would bring to the office the consistency, dedication, and vision to continue to move the association forward. If I am elected to serve I would strive to educate our association on the ACA and its effect on our organizations.  It would be an honor to serve as the next president of the AHRA if elected.

 

Chris Tomlinson, CRA, FAHRA        
Sr. Director, Radiology / Executive Director, Radiology Associates           
The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
Philadelphia, PA

I feel it’s all about service to our organization and to our profession.   If, in the members’ view, my experience with the AHRA/industry make me a resource to the organization, I am happy to serve.  I can also provide continuity in leadership as I have participated in the strategic planning process, currently serve on the board, the EF Board, as the Finance Director and on the Executive Committee of the Board.  This allows me to “hit the ground running” and not waste time coming up to speed with the issues facing the association.  I would also like to get our members more involved in the leadership and work of the association.  While our leadership does a nice job driving the organization forward, it often feels very insular and that a primary group of people run the organization.  I believe in diversity of leadership and want to involve many more members in the leadership and running of the association.  This not only allows the association to be more responsive to the needs of the members, it also allows the members to build their resumes and experience for progression in their professional journey. 

 

AHRA Director-at-Large Candidates (in alphabetical order):

Wanda Coker, CRA, FAHRA
Radiology Director
Shriners Hospitals for Children
Greenville, SC
2^nd term

I joined the AHRA in 2004 and immediately became active, volunteering and serving on many committees as well as the Spring Conference and Annual Meeting design teams. It has been my honor and privilege to serve the last 3 years on the AHRA Board of Directors.  In addition, I have served on the Board Finance Committee and as the Board member Liaison to the RACC. We have seen membership grow to over 5,000. The Fall Conference went to a virtual conference with record attendance.  Also, the Board developed and approved a strategic plan with goals for the next 3-5 years. We believe that this will help position us for the future, as well as continue to advance our organization.  We have made excellent progress, but much more is needed to further develop our goals and continue to grow. Joining the AHRA and becoming involved is one of the best decisions that I have ever made. I do believe that it is the premier organization for medical imaging management.  I am excited and would be honored to have the opportunity to serve another term, to continue this work and to help lead the AHRA by my commitment, passion, and dedication to move our association into the future.

 

Gina Greenwood                                          
Director, Radiology Services
University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics
Madison, WI

Soon after beginning my Radiology career I specialized in MRI – a technology still early in development.  I quickly recognized the importance of resources provided by professional organizations, as I became an active member of the Section for Magnetic Resonance Technologists (SMRT).  My involvement grew into spending several years in leadership roles within the SMRT.  I experienced the reward associated with guiding the growth and development of impactful professional organizations, and I was hooked. 

I didn’t join AHRA until 2009, when my career focus widened from MRI to Radiology in general.  I began to understand the rich resources available and wished I had joined much earlier.  Immediately I wanted to become more involved, make deeper connections, and participate in the growth and development of AHRA.  With that decision, it was an easy next step to become an active volunteer.   

My background provides great groundwork for my potential to contribute to AHRA.  It’s necessary to continue increasing perceived value while protecting resource utilization.  It’s beneficial to include an air of levity while working diligently to accomplish goals. I understand the importance of the work and have had success with similar work.  I would be proud to serve on the AHRA Board!

 

Kyle Kellum   
Chief Operating Officer                    
Pagosa Springs Medical Center
Pagosa Springs, CO

A BOD position on the AHRA is a testament to serve the very professionals that make a difference in the lives of not just patients, but also to the employees/team members/colleagues across the globe.  It is a responsibility that is not held lightly, nor is it one that can be done without true commitment.  I believe in AHRA as an organization, what I’ve seen it do for the members, and what it has personally done for me as an individual and a career. 

My contribution to the AHRA is relationship building (fundraising), new member development, strategy, financial operations, and driving forward the goals of the organization.  My impact encompasses a passion, sharing with every member to make their roles easier, faster, and as worthwhile as possible.  I believe in a strong membership base to drive the knowledge share that has made the AHRA what it is today; we need to continue building on the human aspect which makes the organization so valuable to each of us.  I am happy to be a part of this delivery.

 

Enrico M. Perez, CRA, FAHRA
Administrative Director
Winthrop University Hospital
Mineola, NY

After being nominated I spent some time to consider the position of director for the AHRA and believe I still have much to offer and give back to an organization that has given me so much over the many years. This is the organization that provides its members the ability to network, bounce ideas off your peers, and provides valuable information to help with our positions. The organization then provides us with the resources to assist us in the performance of our jobs. Attending the meetings and webinars and reading the articles and books enables the member to further develop their skills, advance in their careers, seek further degrees, and become a CRA. If elected to this position it would give me the opportunity to ensure the educational opportunities given to our members continue to meet their expectations.  As a Board member I would plan to maintain the organization by listening to the members, listening to the industry experts, and working with the other directors to ensure we stay on target with the organization’s mission and responsibilities to ensure the organization is the “Go To Place” for Imaging professionals for their education, development, and growth. AHRA is where administrators go to enhance their careers and stay current with technology, ideas, and understand and discuss the latest concepts and issues. As a Board member I would work with the rest of the board and committees to ensure these goals are met, and that the organization continues to grow and to enhance our members’ requirements and foster additional growth. 

Thank You.

 

Brenda Rinehart, CRA, FAHRA
VP and COO
Gracestone Professionals LLC
Maple Valley, WA
2^nd term

As a previous board member, and volunteer in many capacities, I have spent my time as an imaging administrator being actively involved in the AHRA, my personal professional association.  I believe that making a difference in this capacity is important.  I joined the AHRA as soon as I was eligible, and sat for my CRA immediately.  I earned my FAHRA in 2012.  As the chair of the membership committee for many years, I understand the importance of growing membership and creating value for the membership.  

 

Mark Watts
VP
Novarad IT Solutions
Cave Creek, AZ

The AHRA has a history of preparing Imaging leaders for professional challenges. The core skills needed for success are changing. We are not the masters of a business within a hospital. We are a service provider within a new healthcare delivery ecosystem. l would like to help the membership understand this new paradigm and prepare them with new skills so that they may thrive. I see my skill and experience with Information Technology as an asset to facilitate the triple aim. 

I stepped away from the AHRA due to workload and am now given the extra time at work to support this organization.