Winter 2024 Newsletter

President’s Message – Year-End Review

2024 has been an incredible year with a variety of ways to add value to UHE membership. In 2024, we began holding “Open” Board meetings. This allowed any member to call into, and listen in on, the Board meetings. Our board meets every other month and report back on activities, such as events or milestones toward creating value for our members. This board of volunteers is excited to serve you in growing your professional skillsets.

We held a handful of panel discussion events offering In Person (formerly Face-to-Face) and Virtual Interactive Credits. We also began partnering to share Virtual Interactive events from neighboring states. We have continued partnering with Utah Hospital Association, but have also added partnerships with Rural Health Association of Utah, Utah office of Primary Care and Rural Health, as well as BYU Healthcare Leaders to offer ACHE Qualified credits. We also held an Education Day which offered 6.5 In-Person credits. Beginning in 2024, the requirement to qualify for FACHE application or reappointment is 12 In-Person, 12 Virtual Interactive, and 12 Qualifying credits. (Check out our FACHE tab for more info)

Special thanks to Britt Berrett who recruited a large number of students to the chapter and engaged them to help with various events, including the Wasatch Cup. The Wasatch Cup is a case study competition where universities provide a team to solve a strategic problem for a healthcare organization. Britt also was instrumental in organizing a reception for UHE members and alumni from Utah schools to meet together at ACHE Congress.

Additionally, we added “Value in the Basics” sessions to highlight specific benefits to membership. This has been attended by new members and by seasoned members. We had some incredible in-person networking opportunities as well! We had the opportunity in 2024 to enjoy special events such as Sundance Film Festival, Bees baseball game, and a service project at the Utah Food Bank. We intend to continue these activities in 2025.

A quick preview of 2025 will include an official name change from “Utah Healthcare Executives” to “ACHE of Utah.” While honoring the history and efforts of the chapter founders and leaders, feedback has pointed us toward more clarity for those relocating to Utah or looking for a professional membership. We will also be updating the website with the new name and transitioning to a new platform that is more user friendly. We will continue to offer 15 In-Person / Virtual Interactive credits from locally planned events, as well as notify chapter members about Virtual Interactive credits available though neighboring state chapters.

Please be on the lookout for event notifications. If you have not recently checked your contact information, please log into your myache and update your email address and cell phone number. Please also join the UHE LinkedIn page for notices and reminders of events and activities.

I am honored to serve with such a talented and motivated group to bring you professional growth and fulfillment. Please contact e directly with any feedback to help make your membership experience better. Enjoy the Holiday Season! I look forward to seeing you in 2025!

Kurt Forsyth, FACHE

Chapter President, Utah Healthcare Executives (UHE)

Regent’s Message

Dear Utah ACHE Members:

Holidays are a great opportunity to reflect on all the things we’re fortunate to have and experience. As I have been thinking about gratitude quite a bit lately, I was so pleased to be part of a wonderful meeting at Primary Children’s last week which gave such a valuable lesson in gratitude.

This was a Department Heads meeting with about 50 people or so and we were reviewing our 10 KPIs (key performance indicators) for the hospital for 2025. Directors then use these to determine their Department and Nursing Unit goals for the next year. Members of the executive team took turns presenting one or two of the goals, and between each goal there was a gratitude slide.

The gratitude slides were each about a group important to our hospital – Community, Patients & Families, Researchers & Specialists, Medical Providers, Caregivers, Volunteers, Leaders. Each group had a slide with a gratitude statement like “We are grateful for our patients and families, for their trust and cooperation, and for inspiring us to continually strive for excellence in our care.” And another “We are grateful for our caregivers who work tirelessly to provide exceptional care and comfort to our patients.”

Then after each gratitude slide the leader asked if anyone in the room would like to say what they’re grateful for. Several people spoke of caregivers who helped them with difficult situations, or gratitude for supportive supervisors, or parents of patients. I was really impressed with how vulnerable and thankful people were. In my decades of leadership, this was such a unique and important experience. People spoke about this meeting and the gratitude moments for days.

A quick computer search about gratitude claims many benefits – improved health, increased energy, keeps you present, allows for perspective and patience, increases optimism, improved relationships. Increased employee engagement, higher productivity, stronger team dynamics, better employee retention, more positive workplace culture.

During this holiday season I encourage you to think about what you are grateful for and let people know. I hope that you’ll take some time during the holidays to practice gratitude and try this with your teams.

I also hope to see you at an upcoming ACHE of Utah program:

Feb 21 – Inclusive Leadership in Healthcare –breakfast at Utah Valley University

Wishing you all Happy Holidays!

Lisa

Lisa Vitkus, MBA, MPH, FACHE
Regent for Utah

Member Spotlight

This month we are featuring Anna Rogers.

Anna Rogers

Upcoming Events

Inclusive Leadership in Healthcare

Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to learn from top healthcare leaders at no cost! Join Utah
Healthcare Executives for a panel discussion on “Inclusive Leadership in Healthcare”, featuring
insights from leaders at Intermountain Health, University of Utah Health, Holy Cross Hospital, and
HCA Mountain Division.

Date: Friday, February 21, 2025
Time: 7:30 AM – 10:00 AM (Networking and Panel Discussion)
Location: Utah Valley University, Keller Building Room 401-403

This FREE event provides an excellent opportunity to network, gain actionable strategies for fostering
inclusivity, and earn 1.5 ACHE Face-to-Face credit hours. A light breakfast will be served.

RSVP by February 19, 2025, to Jasmine Juarez at uhe.ache@gmail.com.

Take advantage of this high-value learning and networking experience without spending a dime!

Utah Healthcare Executives Volunteers at the Utah Food Bank

Members of the Utah Healthcare Executives Networking Committee, along with other volunteers, recently came together to support the Utah Food Bank’s vital mission to fight hunger across the state. During this meaningful service project, our team helped sort and pack food donations to be distributed to families and individuals in need. While it was a small act of service, it served as a powerful reminder of the importance of community and the impact we can make when we work together toward a shared goal.

Hunger aﬀects thousands of Utahns every day, and the Utah Food Bank plays a crucial role in addressing this issue. Their dedication to fighting hunger statewide is inspiring, and we are grateful for the opportunity to contribute to their mission.

Volunteering not only allows us to give back but also strengthens our bonds as healthcare professionals and community members. It’s a reminder that leadership extends beyond our workplaces—it’s about fostering meaningful connections and taking action to create a better world.

We encourage others to join us in supporting the Utah Food Bank or other local organizations making a diﬀerence. Together, we can continue to build stronger, healthier communities for all.

Thank you to the Utah Food Bank for the incredible work you do and for allowing us to be a part of it!