Happy Holidays!

By Bill Algee, CRA, FAHRA

Can you believe we are already deeply immersed in the holiday season?  This year is flying by.  It has been extremely busy for the AHRA team that’s for sure – with new beginnings and the sun setting of a career that has taken us to great heights.

How’s this for a first week on the job? Our new CEO Dan Kelsey started on Monday, November 25 with his introduction to the biggest imaging exposition of the year, RSNA. I think the term “baptism by fire” may apply here because over those three days Dan and the rest of the leadership team met with nearly 30 vendors to discuss their commitment to the Education Foundation and AHRA in general. Dan was very dynamic in these meetings and didn’t sit back and watch; he was right in there providing suggestions and taking it all in. It was such a blessing to hear our vendor partners say so many great things about the AHRA and how they value our relationship and are seeking ways to become more involved. We shared the love right back and thanked them for all they do for us as well. The Tuesday night AHRA Education Foundation reception was very well attended and many were eager to meet our new CEO. We are in great hands!

The weekend after RSNA, the 2019 Annual Meeting Design Team along with Deputy Executive Director Jay Mazurowski and myself met in Colorado to complete some of the planning for the AHRA 2019 Annual Meeting & Exposition. The 2019 Design Team is an energetic bunch who I believe are putting together the best meeting ever. We couldn’t be luckier to have Shelley Wells leading this team. She has a great vision and is willing to do just about anything.  My job was to stand by and watch them work their magic. The Gaylord Rockies is an unbelievable venue. We were able to take a tour even though the property wouldn’t officially open for another 18 days. I think we would all agree they had some work to do to get ready. If you haven’t already seen the videos that Shelley and I did while on-site, check out the AHRA Youtube channel. Before the meeting, my wife Lisa and I arrived early and took a day trip out to Red Rock National Park and Amphitheatre…. majestic is the only way to describe it. My goal is to attend a concert while there this summer. Who would have guessed?

I want to take one more opportunity to thank Ed Cronin for being our CEO for the last 14 years. AHRA’s membership, programming, and recognition is where it is today because of Ed’s vision and his support of all of the past presidents, board of directors and members. Having gotten to know him over the last 10+ years, I will truly miss our discussions and his great stories. Part of being a great CEO is having great stories and Ed is the storytelling king! He will certainly be missed.  Good luck Ed on your retirement you so deserve.  That house on the mountain in North Carolina is ready for you!

Lastly, I want to wish a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all of the AHRA family.  You are in my thoughts and prayers always and especially during this season.

“The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear.” – Elf the Movie

(My favorite of course!)

Bill Algee, CRA, FAHRA is the 2018-2019 president of the AHRA Board of Directors. He is the director of imaging services at Columbus Regional Hospital in Columbus, IN and can be reached at balgee@crh.org.