Summer Regent’s Report

A Message from your ACHE Regent

Summer 2025

Dear Connecticut ACHE Colleagues,

As we move through the summer season, I want to start off by reflecting on the incredible energy, engagement, and commitment our Connecticut healthcare leadership community has demonstrated so far this year. Healthcare continues to face tremendous headwinds, yet we continue to show up and deliver high-quality care to our communities and patients. While summer brings a welcome opportunity to slow down, it also offers a chance to recharge, connect, and prepare for the important work ahead. It is my sincere hope that you were able to do just that this summer, whether it be a large vacation or a weekend getaway.

CTAHE has been active in creating meaningful opportunities for members to learn, network and grow. From educational programs to networking events, and from mentoring relationships to student engagement through the Higher Education Network, I am inspired by the ways we continue to support one another in advancing leadership excellence in healthcare.

Since the last Regent message, CTAHE hosted many events ranging from Board of Governors Exam Prep, HEN Fellowship events, our 10th Annual Golf Outing, a virtual Mentorship Panel Discussion, educational conference in collaboration with the Connecticut Health Council, and four networking events throughout the entire state. Additionally, the Annual Meeting was held in June and featured a wonderful key note panel presentation moderated by Barry Stein, MD, of Hartford Healthcare and featuring Jasper Tolarba, DNP, RN, FACHE, of Nuvance Health and Gretchen Jackson, MD, PhD, of Intuitive Surgical.

Members also voted on the new CTAHE Board officers and directors. Congratulations to new Directors, Janaya Hernandez, and Siobhan Blancaflor. The 2026 Board Officers, President Austin Potter, FACHE (also a Hartford Business Journal 40 under 40 Honoree ), President Elect Ethan Kurtzman, FACHE, Vice President Stephen Liebowitz, DHA, Treasurer Alex Ofer, FACHE, and Secretary Siobhan Blancaflor are positioned to take the chapter to new heights starting in January!

The Annual Meeting also highlighted great accomplishments including ACHE Service, Chapter, and Regent Awards. Congratulations to all honorees: Oladayo Sule, FACHE, Janaya Hernandez, Claudio Capone, FACHE, Susan Prior, Leslie Zucker, LFACHE, Michael Novak, FACHE, Crista Durand, FACHE, Stephen Liebowitz, Alex Ofer, Siobhan Blancaflor, Victoria Baez, Tami McCumons, FACHE, Greg Murphy, FACHE, and Christopher Bauer, MD.

Special recognition to CTAHE’s Annual Sponsors who have helped to make all of these events happen: Berkeley Research Group, Exact Sciences, Hartford Healthcare, Yale New Haven Health, Berry Dunn, Bristol Health, and Trinity Health.

As I have embarked on a new journey as an American Hospital Association NextGen Fellow, I have had the opportunity to connect with many more healthcare leaders. In every discussion, it was never more evident that we are facing yet again unprecedented times. Many are even calling this period of uncertainty a pandemic of its own. But just as we have stood the test of time during COVID, healthcare will remain a people industry and we will prevail again. We will embrace our change management principles to adapt, be innovative, and focus on our patient-centered care. Moreover, know that your professional association, ACHE, is here to support you. Your CT Chapter is already in the throes of organizing educational events that will offer you the opportunity to attain the education and network necessary to continue delivering on your organization’s missions.

As we roll up our sleeves to continue the work before us, let us not forget the simple reminders that the summer months just offered us. One of the greatest benefits of living in New England is the opportunity to engage in fall fairs and festivals. While there are many fairs and festivals here are just a sample of a few prominent ones to disconnect and recharge with your friends and loved ones:

• Haddam Neck Fair, Haddam Neck, CT, Aug. 29–Sept. 1
• Woodstock Fair, South Woodstock, CT, Aug. 28–Sept. 1
• Goshen Fair, Goshen, CT, Aug. 30–Sept. 1
• Hebron Harvest Fair, Hebron, CT, Sept. 4–Sept. 7
• North Haven Fair, North Haven, CT, Sept. 4–Sept. 7
• Norwalk Oyster Festival, Norwalk, CT, Sept. 5–Sept. 7
• Bethlehem Fair, Bethlehem, CT, Sept 5–Sept 7
• Berlin Fair, Berlin, CT, Sept. 11–Sept. 14
• Orange County Fair, Orange, CT, Sept. 20–Sept. 21
• Guilford Fair, Guilford, CT, Sept. 19–Sept. 21
• Durham Fair, Durham, CT, Sept. 25–Sept. 28
• Mum Festival, Bristol, CT, Sept. 26–Sept. 28
• Apple Harvest Festival, Southington, CT, Oct. 3–Oct. 12

Before we know it, the leaves on the trees will begin to change colors. It is a beautiful reminder to stay rooted to our shared mission during these times of change.

As we continue to move through the later end of the year, I encourage you to reflect on your professional goals, deepen your connections within our chapter and explore new ways to engage with ACHE. Opportunities abound, whether through volunteering, attending events, or pursuing advancement to Fellow status!

A heartfelt thank-you to ACHE’s Premier Corporate Sponsors, whose support helps ACHE continue to move the needle on our strategic plan to better serve you: Core Clinical Partners, Exact Sciences, Genentech, GSK, Intuitive, JLL Healthcare, LeanTaaS, Quest Diagnostics, RLDatix, and Sanofi.

Your work makes a difference, whether you’re participating in an ACHE program, contributing to your organization’s strategic initiatives, or mentoring the next generation of healthcare leaders. Together, we will continue to strengthen the fabric of healthcare leadership in Connecticut.

Warm Regards,

Ysmael Albert Peguero, DBA, FACHE
Regent for Connecticut