Greetings,
I thought I would take the opportunity to share with you in this message my reflections on the excellent work your local chapter has done providing you with opportunities to strengthen your leadership skills, and network with others since the start of the pandemic, along with some other recent reflections.
Thanks to Kim Lumia, FACHE, our Chapter President and Annamarie Grise, our Executive Director for pivoting the chapter to virtual events. Early virtual network events in April provided an opportunity to connect at the end of busy days. Participants in these events noted the need for social connection, reflection and sharing similar themes of leading during the uncertain times. Partnerships fostered with the Rhode Island and Massachusetts Chapters on webinars expanded our learning and in zoom break out groups we all met new peers. A recent webinar hosted by the chapter on 8/13 and sponsored by Patriot Energy Technology, “Energy Resiliency and OPEX reduction – Healthcare Environments” explored with members innovative opportunities for onsite power solutions that could assist us in lowering our utility costs in these fiscally challenging times.
Chapter leadership was also proactive by engaging in early discussions with ACHE as how Face to Face credits could be held this year. The discussion resulted in CTAHE being the first chapter to be granted the opportunity to host a Face to Face 6 credit program virtually. “Possibilities, Probabilities and Creative Solutions Breakthrough Thinking for Complex Environments” was held over three Wednesday evenings in July. I participated in the program along with about 30 other members. What a worthwhile program learning different approaches to leading and connecting with your teams given the uncertainty that all experienced early in the pandemic.
2020 continues to be a year of challenge with many opportunities for reflection. The pandemic has highlighted many inequities and disparities in healthcare, has made us recommit being stewards of diversity and inclusion and for me has expanded the need for promoting, supporting and celebrating gender equity efforts.
Congratulations to Morris Gross, LFACHE for achieving ACHE’s life time fellow status. Morris has been a member of ACHE since 1977. His contributions to CTAHE’s educational programs over the years have been tremendous.
While I do enjoy summer warmth, I look forward to the fall. I am excited about the chapter’s virtual student welcome back session on September 30th. Connecting with a student and fostering leadership connections is so enriching.
It has been an intense year with the pandemic. We have all learned to work differently, and take on unanticipated challenges with skill and resiliency. Continue to be the best leader you are by supporting those around you, listening and fostering a work environment of inclusivity. Equally as important, take time to be well and stay well.
As always, please reach out to me if you have any questions regarding ACHE.
Denise J. Fiore, FACHE
Regent for Connecticut
