Danielle Swerhone

Hello Everyone from across the ACHE Canadian Chapter,

I trust this message finds you all well as we still deal with the snow and cold across our country, but know that warmer days and spring are soon to arrive.

We already have a lot of key things happening within the Chapter for 2018 and into the future.  As the new strategic plan is being rolled out for all members to participate in, our Bylaw document is also being reviewed to reflect and capture the changing times. Chapter policies and procedures are also under a review process.

Elections took place in March and our new Board will be inaugurated into their roles at the Annual Business Meeting.  A thank you note goes out to Marcy Saxe-Braithwaite for her leadership as our Chapter President. Marcy will be moving into Past Chair, still serving on the Board for one more year.   Thanks also goes out to our departing Board members Rakesh Calton, MD, FACHE, James Haney, FACHE and Gilles Le Vasseur, JD, FACHE who all contributed to the success of our chapter over their terms on our Board.

The start of any new year is a good time to visit the ACHE National website at www.ache.org  to make sure that all your educational credentials are up to date as well as your email address, as this is the primary way we communicate news and upcoming events.   It is important to remember that every time you are in the ACHE portal, you must check off the box at the bottom of the page, allowing ACHE to send email to you.

ACHE National is evolving to meet the ever-changing needs of the members, in response to the new challenges facing everyone in the health care field, and the needs of the new generations of leaders.  The National Board has passed a new strategic plan, new vision and mission, and support educational opportunities more wide spread across North America.

Upcoming opportunities to consider:

Health Achieve in Toronto has been postponed till 2019.  A new format and program will be coming out at this time.  Consider attending a cluster of ACHE instead for your annual educational conference event.

It is important to consider earning the distinction of Board Certification as a Fellow of ACHE.  Many of our Chapter members have achieved the FACHE status, and there is always room for more!  I would encourage those of you who are simply considering this achievement to take the next step in advancing your career, and achieving Fellow status.  Earning this credential demonstrates a healthcare leader’s competence, leadership skills and commitment to excellence in the field.

Incentives for all Members to consider:

ACHE National is promoting Board of Governors Exam Fee Waivers to all eligible ACHE Members who apply for the FACHE credential between March 1 to June 30, 2018.  There are criteria outlined on ache.org/FACHE. 

Leader to Leader Program Reward items for members who sponsor new Members and encourage current members to earn their FACHE credential are rewarded through this program.  Points can be redeemed instantly for quality items.  Go to ache.org/L2L.

To reduce the barriers to educational programming for ACHE members experiencing economic hardship, ACHE has established the Tuition Waiver Program.  ACHE makes available a limited number of tuition waivers available to members and Fellows whose organizations lack the resources to fund their tuition for many different educational programs.  All requests are due no less than eight weeks before the program date, with notification to the individual not less than six weeks before the program date.  Go to ache.org/Tuition Waiver.

Consider giving back to your profession with a donation to the Foundation of ACHE Fund for Healthcare Leadership.  Your contribution helps the next generation of leaders by providing scholarships, education and resources needed to make an impact on the future of healthcare.  Consider donating to the Fund at ache.org/Fund.

I want to take this opportunity to thank you all for your continued support to our chapter and in making this next year one of growth and new beginnings. It is my pleasure and honor to serve as your Regent.  I can be reached through dswerhone@gmail.com, if you have any feedback or suggestions.  I look forward to meeting, speaking and working with many of you in the years ahead. 

With enthusiasm,

Danielle Swerhone, RN, BN, MHSA, COHN, FACHE, FCCHL
Regent for Canada