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ACHE of East Tennessee - 2024 Q4 Newsletter
A Message From Your Regent
Each fall, myself and several ACHE members from across our state get the opportunity to connect with students in ten undergraduate and graduate programs across Tennessee. I thoroughly enjoy participating in these sessions, mostly because of the enthusiasm and interest demonstrated by the students. In all cases, I have the ability to connect with students about my journey and speak about what I would do the same and what I’d do differently, if I had the opportunity to make decisions again.
In addition to the ten undergraduate and graduate level programs that I associate with as Regent, this past month we had the opportunity to host about fifty students from one of our local high schools at our hospital. Fortunately, we do this a few times each year at our facility, and I always find it invigorating. I can’t think of many things more inspiring than being able to expose young people to our great industry. We frequently make the point that healthcare offers all kinds of options: from quality management to laboratory medicine to nursing to supply chain. While challenging, I make the point every time that we won’t find a more rewarding career than helping our patients at their greatest level
of need.
One of the common threads that weaves through these sessions is the value of the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE). From networking to educational opportunities to leadership development, our organization offers something for everyone. My challenge for all of us is twofold: a) take advantage of all that ACHE offers, and b) pour that back into young people. Simply put, young people are the leaders that will move our industry forward after we’re gone.
Lastly, I want to let this group know that this will be my last message as the Regent for Tennessee. My family and I have made the decision to relocate out of our great state, and I am incredibly grateful for my time serving in this role. I highly recommend getting involved with ACHE, whether as a Regent or as a part of the local chapter; it’s been not only enjoyable but rewarding and a great way to connect with healthcare leaders from across the globe.
I will look forward to staying connected and seeing you at ACHE 2025 Congress on Healthcare Leadership!
My best to each of you,
Timothy A. Slocum, FACHE
Regent for Tennessee
A Message From Your President
Continuing the theme of work relocation, I will be moving to Dallas in January. I am blessed to have been offered the position of Dean of Academic and Student Services for the newest South College campus in Farmers Branch, TX. It has been an honor to serve on this Board for the past several years – and I am leaving the chapter in the very capable hands of Deana Clardy, the 2025 Chapter President. She will be supported by a strong Board, including President-Elect Mark Daffer.
This seems like the perfect time of year to summarize the advice given by Deb Bowen, the President of ACHE. In her recent article in Healthcare Executive, she states that “connection and community are more important than ever” (Bowen, 2024, p. 6). She talks about good leaders’ ability to rise to the occasion during emergencies, and to rally the teams. Many local leaders were put to the test recently, during the devastation brought on my multiple hurricanes. Bowen encourages us to focus on the following:
- Collaboration: This must be cultivated every day to build trust and relationships we can all depend on in the most desperate situations.
- Develop agility and the ability to adapt: Regular training and practice of scenarios is a worthwhile investment.
- Show gratitude and support: Cultivate a culture that seeks to lessen emotional stress and support employees (Bowen, 2024).
Caring is at the center of all that we do. As we navigate future challenges, let’s remember to also support each other as leaders. Only by taking care of ourselves and each other can we fully support those who depend on us every day.
Thank you to each and every one of our members, volunteers, Board members, directors, and officers who support this chapter. I am encouraged by an increased interest from members wanting to serve on the Board, or otherwise support the chapter, and great member input on how the chapter can advance. Surely, 2025 will be the best year yet!
Happy Holidays!
Chris McCracken, FACHE
President ACHE of East Tennessee
Bowen, D. (2024). The resilient leader: A connector for the community. Healthcare Executive, Nov/Dec, 39(6).
Welcome New Members
Please welcome to our newest members, joining our chapter since October 1st!
Upcoming Events
The chapter will offer the maximum allowed number of in-person education credits in 2025, which is 12. In addition, the plan is to offer virtual events, which will count towards the 12 virtual hours required for fellowship. Above is a quick reminder of how the education requirement works. The table outlines four ways to meet the 36-credit requirement.
