Spring 2022 Newsletter

Message From Your ACHE Regent

Greetings!

My name is Sam Schone, FACHE, and I have the honor of being your newly elected Regent for Iowa. In order to best represent and serve you, I thought it would be helpful to share a bit about myself.

In 2014, my wife and I moved to Des Moines after I accepted a position with MercyOne. Soon after relocating I inquired about volunteering with the ACHE of Iowa; and in true “Iowa Nice” fashion was welcomed with open arms. During my 8+ years of involvement with the chapter, I’ve had the privilege of working with so many talented leaders whom I respect and admire. The healthcare workers and leaders in this state are nothing short of remarkable with their selfless contributions to their patients, communities and profession. This is one of the reasons I’m proud to call myself an Iowan and I’m delighted this is where I get to work and raise my family.

I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to our outgoing Regent and my friend, Kevin Kincaid, for his leadership and service over the past three years. These were anything but normal times, but Kevin provided great leadership, influence and presence, even if it was primarily over zoom!

In March, I attended the ACHE Council of Regents meeting and ACHE Congress on Healthcare Leadership in Chicago. It was a truly special experience to come together and meet face-to-face with peers from across the country and across the world.

L-R: Delvecchio S. Finley, FACHE, Chair-Elect of ACHE, Anthony A. Armada, FACHE, Chair of ACHE, Sam Schone, FACHE, Regent for Iowa, Carrie Owen Plietz, FACHE, Immediate Past Chair, and Michael J. Fosina, FACHE, 2020-2021 Chair

Chad J. Vargas, FACHE and Sam Schone, FACHE at the Convocation Reception, March 2022

One of the most distinctive responsibilities I have as regent is participating in the convocation ceremony where we recognize members who have earned Fellow status in the College within the last year. This year ACHE of Iowa had four members earn their Fellow credentials and I’d like to help honor them here for their great achievement. The new Fellows are Chad J. Vargus, FACHE, Jennifer Crimmins, FACHE, Casey S. Greene, FACHE, and Amy S. Kennebeck, FACHE.

I’d also like to re-acknowledge the 2019 and 2020 new Fellows from Iowa, since they were not able to have an in-person convocation. Congratulations to Melanie A. Boyd, FACHE, Ryan P. Grekoff, FACHE, Blessy V. Peacedale, MBBS, FACHE, Adam J. Santi, FACHE, Dawnett L. Willis, FACHE, and Paige Moore, FACHE.

Participating in the convocation ceremony reminded me of the importance of our Fellow credentials and renewed my own sense of purpose about why I was called to Healthcare Leadership. We are currently facing very trying times in healthcare but with the passion and innovation I witnessed at Congress, I’m confident we will persevere and continue blazing new trails.

I encourage our membership to get involved with ACHE and to use the organization as your catalyst, connector and trusted partner. A great way to get involved is to volunteer your time to help your local chapter, serving on a subcommittee or mentoring others. Also, I encourage you to continue to learn and grow by attending local educational programs. ACHE of Iowa chapter officers are listed below and they are eager to connect with you about upcoming events and volunteer opportunities.

Lastly, I invite you to share with me your feedback and suggestions on how ACHE can improve your member experience. As your regent, it’s my duty to represent our local members within the broader organization and to influence the greater good of ACHE.

ACHE of Iowa – Chapter Officers
President – John Heinemann
President-Elect –Catherine Hillestad
Membership Chair – Ryan Danielson
Education Co-Chair – Paige Jaeger
Education Co-Chair – Lorenzo Suter

Stay well,

Sam Schone, FACHE
Market Director, Orthopedics & Neurosciences
MercyOne Central Iowa