As your Board Chair for 2013, it has been a highly enjoyable experience and distinct pleasure working with so many talented professionals in your Chapter.  As I reflect on all that has been accomplished over the past 12 months I am truly impressed with where we have been and very optimistic about the continuing future of the Chapter.
We are fortunate that we have such a large pool of high-quality speakers across the country to choose from as we continue to provide you with cutting-edge educational programs that we hope will address so many crucial topics that impact our constantly evolving environment.  As you will see, on the next page, your Chapter provided many opportunities to learn from numerous experts who were willing to share their thoughts on ways to prepare for the future delivery of healthcare.  Also, your Chapter reached a major milestone this past October when it partnered with the Educational Foundation of the SETC to host the 1st International Conference on Healthcare Leadership. It was a great opportunity to showcase the Texas Medical Center (the largest medical center in the world) while providing a significant number of Face-to-Face CEUs to ACHE members. More specific information about the conference’s success is on the next page. On behalf of the Chapter and the Foundation boards a very heartfelt thanks to all those who provided their support, whether by attending, volunteering, and/or sponsoring. The conference could not have achieved the success it did without their participation and commitment.

During the 4th quarter session an announcement was made the Chapter Board will engage in a board retreat in early January to discuss restructuring the board’s composition in terms of numbers, representation, and length of service. During the 2014 1st quarter session attendees will be asked to approve the new slate of officers and directors that will include a replacement for Chuck Stokes, who has been honored with a position on the ACHE Board of Governors. We will miss Chuck’s leadership, at the Chapter level, but add our congratulations and best wishes for success in his new ACHE role.

Again, thank you for your support. It has been an honor to serve. Best wishes to you for the New Year and continued success.  George