End of the Road

By Bill Algee, CRA, FAHRA

Ironically, KISS has chosen to call their final tour the “End of the Road” which is very fitting for this installment of my “President’s Post.” Their tour is going to last another year or two, but my tour, headlining the AHRA, is quickly coming to an end. I will remain on the board for one more year, so you aren’t getting rid of me just yet. The Annual Meeting and Expo is just days away and I hope to see many of you there.

When I started this journey, I knew we were in for one of the biggest challenges in AHRA history, in finding a new CEO. This work was paramount to the future success of the association. The selection committee, led by AHRA Board Member Rick Perez, did an excellent job vetting search firms and candidates to find our new leader. In the seven months since Dan Kelsey has been in this position, he has met many challenges and adversities head on and has brought a wealth of ideas to the table. Due to his broad background in association management, he has access to a network of colleagues in areas where we could use some assistance. You will be hearing and seeing more about new ideas and opportunities in the near future. In the words of Timbuk 3: “The future’s so bright, I gotta wear shades!”

I truly believe that this year I have grown as a leader in a multitude of ways; but in my AHRA role I think I really learned a few things about myself. Being an extrovert, often times it is hard for me to sit and listen or watch a situation unfold, but I worked very hard to ensure things weren’t about me. As President it was about learning how to lead a group of my peers who I am sure are smarter than me (and honestly incredible leaders that I aspire to be). So sitting back and listening has been invaluable, and truly a gift. Effectively learning to better budget my time to find that work/life/AHRA balance is something that is a work in progress. What no one tells you, when you become President, is that you were just elected to an actual part-time job! One goal I had was to always get my monthly LINK articles done before I was asked for them, but I think I actually accomplished that with the first article only. Lastly, I would say I discovered the power of “inclusion” in dialogue and deliberation. I can assure each of you that your board of directors practices this without question. We openly share ideas and knowledge and work to find the best solutions, in a manner that involves every member. I can honestly say that the board has done an incredible job of that over the last few years. Decisions aren’t made in a vacuum.

I want to thank each and every AHRA member for your support, prayers, and encouragement over this year. The periodic emails I received and kind words were incredible. I am still to this day somewhat in disbelief that I am your President… I am humbled beyond measure. God bless you all and thank you so much.

KISS ends every show with one song and I feel this is how it should end…

You keep on shoutin’, you keep on shoutin’
I wanna rock and roll all night and party everyday! (wth the AHRA!)

“Rock and Roll All Nite” – KISS

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.