What's so attractive about "a heck of a lot of work and responsibility for no pay"? These are the words used tongue-in-cheek by Jeffrey Dykens, president of the MA/RI Healthcare Financial Management Association chapter, to describe his new position. But if you ask him, he'll tell you he's exactly where he wants to be.

An HFMA member for a couple of decades, Jeff describes the organization as being extremely well-organized and hierarchical - its members are groomed to take on increasingly more responsibility as volunteers. He was tapped early to be the Sponsorship Committee Chair, where he helped grow the chapter's revenue stream by soliciting corporate sponsors. After entering the leadership track, it is only a matter of time before one is asked to serve a one-year term as Chapter President.

The MA/RI HFMA chapter (1,300 members strong) holds a similar mission to its national counterpart, the HFMA (currently boasting 37,000 members). Both maintain the grand vision of being the primary purveyors of financial educational programs within the healthcare industry, and of providing a venue where healthcare finance professionals can get updates on the "latest and greatest" data and trends. The chapter's educational programs' content and techniques are compelling, cost-effective, and efficient, allowing members to earn professional credits.

Monthly meetings held September through June in Westborough bring members together regularly, and frequent webinars and conference calls strengthen those relationships. Social events such as golf outings and a wine social and award dinner round out the fun and allow for greater networking opportunities between volunteers.

As the healthcare environment continues to change at a dizzying rate, the chapter is seeing a resurgence in interest, with some of the best turnouts ever at recent events. Although one can only speculate at this point as to the fallout of healthcare reform on state and national levels, folks want to be as prepared as possible, and are turning to reliable sources like the MA/RI HFMA for a financial compass. Heavy-hitting speakers such as Tufts' James Roosevelt, Charlie Baker, Professor Regina Herzlinger, and the U.S. Attorney are being brought in to engage and inform chapter conference attendees.

In his new role, Jeff will be looking to develop more outreach into Rhode Island and expand networking opportunities targeted toward HFMA's younger professionals. We take this opportunity to congratulate Jeff and welcome him to his role as President in an organization in which Leaders For Today strongly believes and participates heavily.

In this section, we present some of our top interim healthcare leaders who are completing their current assignments - and are ready to join your organization.

Candidate - Chief Nursing Officer

A seasoned nursing executive with experience in multiple healthcare systems, including teaching hospitals, community hospital, and integrated tertiary care systems. Experienced in strategic planning and operational functions. Catalyst for successful change within established cultures. Excellent analytical, critical thinking and interpersonal skills. Highly organized, accountable, motivated with a good sense of humor. Currently available. Click to view this resume.

Candidate - Nurse Leader

A nursing professional with strong leadership, operational and clinical management skills. A hands-on leader of clinical and administrative operations with the ability to collaborate with diverse organizational levels and stakeholders. Excellent coaching skills coupled with capability of fostering team loyalty. Solid asset management ability and cost containment focus. Currently available. Click to view this resume.

Candidate - Director, Women & Children Services

Director level leader with 15 years experience leading units to; higher patient satisfaction scores, construction, moving, exceeding budgetary goals, build/implementation of perinatal and clinical, MIS documentation systems, staff/physician led clinical/process/culture improvements, and family centered care (relationship based care) culture. Currently available.Click to view this resume.

For more information about these and other great interim healthcare executives, contact Jeff Souza, BSN, Chief Executive Officer, at 508-927-6890.

Our current opportunities include:

• Interim Chief Nursing Officer- Pennsylvania
• Interim Director, Budgets & Planning- Massachusetts
• Interim Director of Facilities - California
• Chief Philanthropy Officer - Massachusetts
• Corp & Foundation Relations Officer - Massachusetts
• Director, Physician Recruitment - Massachusetts
• Director, Cardiovascular Service Line - New Jersey
• Director, Strategic Planning & Development - New Jersey
• Director, Emergency Medicine - North Carolina
• OR Clinical Coordinator - Massachusetts
• Director, Billing Compliance - Massachusetts
• Director, Perioperative Services - Vermont
• Assistant Chief Nursing Officer - Massachusetts
• Director, Audit Services - New Hampshire

"It's not whether you win or lose but how you place the blame......
~ Anonymous