By Tammie L. Jackson, FHFMA, MHA, CHFP
2021-22 National Chair of HFMA

Over the past year, we have faced multiple, simultaneous challenges. As a result, the year 2020—much like World War II, the assassination of JFK, and 9/11—is now a pivot in our history and in our lives. Everything from this point forward will be viewed through a lens of “before” or “after.” But what does this mean for our industry, our society and our association?

Our industry, still dealing with a global pandemic, has been forced to quickly assess problems, improvise solutions, plan, execute…and then repeat. As finance professionals, we have boldly moved entire operations to remote settings, made dramatic progress with digital front door strategies, and managed to forge a path forward for our organizations, our communities and our employees. Our work is not done, and lessons still remain to be learned. However, the amount of progress that was made in such a limited amount of time, and our ability to quickly pivot and execute assures us that we are strong. We are resilient. And, yes, the circumstances and future look brighter. 

Our society in the throes of extreme divisiveness and social injustice—the level at which many had never seen before—was forced to confront those thoughts, perspectives and norms that, while usually unspoken, are well understood and conceded. How we decide to tackle this ongoing crisis will forge the path forward and through. We have begun to boldly engage in uncomfortable conversations, acknowledge uncomfortable truths, and make bold commitments to change. The willingness to continue the hard work, and the willingness to change validates that we are strong. We are resilient. And, yes, the circumstances and future look brighter. 

And even our beloved HFMA, grappling with a landscape shifting beneath our feet, has had, and continues, to challenge our own norms and delivery models. We boldly embarked on a journey that will not only dramatically change how we respond to our members’ needs but will also shift our overall business model. These bold decisions will continue and will forge our path forward. The courage to challenge much of which is dear to us at HFMA and certainly that which is comfortable assures us that we are strong. We are resilient and relevant. And, yes, the circumstances and future look brighter. 

This year, we will begin to answer what follows the “after.” We must now determine what our “better” looks like. For our organizations, “better” looks like safe, efficient and effective digital patient experiences and productive remote workforces. For our communities, “better” looks like people who listen to one another, learn from each other and appreciate differences. And for HFMA, “better” looks like an association that is vibrant, relevant, resourceful and accessible. 

On all fronts, we know we are bolder. We are brighter. And we can be better than before.
So now, what about you? What does your “better” look like?