Letter from the President

Summer often feels like a season of connection, reflection, and renewed energy, and I am feeling especially grateful for this community as we move into the months ahead.

Thank You for Your Feedback

First, thank you to everyone who took the time to complete the ACHE Member Needs Survey. Your feedback truly helps shape the future of our chapter.

Over the past year, many of the initiatives we have launched, including our mentorship program, expanded educational opportunities, and increased networking events, have come directly from listening to our members and understanding what support, connection, and professional growth mean most to you.

As healthcare continues to evolve, we remain committed to building a chapter that reflects the needs of leaders across every career stage, specialty, and geographic region throughout Colorado and Wyoming. Your voice helps guide that work, and we are deeply grateful for your engagement and partnership.

Reflecting on Our Annual Conference

Our Annual Conference in Avon last month was an incredible opportunity to come together as a community to learn from experts, exchange ideas, and strengthen the relationships that sustain and inspire us in this work.

One of the greatest joys of ACHE of the Rockies is the connection and collaboration that happens when healthcare leaders gather to share perspectives and support one another.

It was wonderful to connect with so many of you, hear your insights, and continue building momentum together.

Looking Ahead Together

Thank you for being part of ACHE of the Rockies and for helping shape what comes next for our chapter. You are not in this alone, and we are so glad you are here.

With appreciation,

Julia Lamb, MHA
President, ACHE of the Rockies

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Message from your Colorado Regent

How We Build Community

The American College of Healthcare Executives recently updated its strategic plan for 2026–2028, with its biggest change being a transition from “diversity and inclusion” to “community” in its core values. Some people may be alarmed by this change, feeling it is a distinct step away from our efforts to bring people together from different backgrounds, life experiences, and perspectives. I would argue that the new focus on community continues to achieve all of that and more.

One of the key features of community is its ability to help its members, who share common goals, amplify their collective voices through discussions, debate, and commitment to a future vision. This can happen in both formal and informal settings with similarly strong impacts.

Community in Action

I have just returned from our ACHE of the Rockies Annual Meeting in Avon, Colorado, and during this year’s keynote address, I saw stress psychologist Rebecca Heiss unite a diverse group of leaders through her approach to living “fear[less].” The key focus of her talk was how we allow stress to impact how we pursue opportunities in our lives.

If the opportunities are frightening to us in terms of being new, unexplored, or high stakes, we are designed by evolutionary forces to run from them just like tigers do in their native environment. She challenged us to embrace the stress by showing up and, in doing so, practicing the act of choosing bravery over fear.

She demonstrated this through a few examples where she had the entire audience singing and dancing audaciously for 10- to 30-second intervals. We all delivered by bringing our collective energy to her requests, which weren’t scary because we were engaging in the activity together.

Her approach was brilliant, and several panelists following her keynote referred to extreme dancing, having “tea with the tiger,” and otherwise working through our shared vulnerabilities on a path to better opportunities as a community.

Sharing Vulnerabilities

Communities share vulnerabilities. When community members are open about their wants and perspectives, they foster an openness that allows them to flourish.

I practiced a similar activity with my team this spring. We experienced significant changes in our department’s structure and leadership, and people were feeling skeptical about efforts they were asked to lead and their ability to support one another in the adoption of a more mature organizational framework.

As someone who has a deep abiding love of music from many different genres, I suggested we make a “mix tape” to capture one song from each of us that had recently been on heavy rotation in our personal lives. My implicit goal for this exercise was to have everyone share something about themselves through a medium most people have strong feelings about: music.

The results were spectacular. People leaned into the task immediately, and within five days I had a 17-song Spotify playlist titled “Manifesting Quality 2026.”

Manifesting Quality 2026

We made a contest out of the playlist, and team members were asked to identify the contributor of each song, with the person having the most correct guesses winning a prize. This played to the group’s competitiveness, but it also forced people to think about how well they knew other team members.

People were consistently surprised by the diversity of the song selections. The association of some people with their songs was clear because they had been in the department for a while and were open about sharing their likes and preferences with coworkers. For others, the connection was less transparent.

One member submitted the song “Double Dutch Bus,” which you may remember for its No. 1 rank on the U.S. Hot Soul Singles chart from 1981. This choice had people practicing TikTok dances, reminiscing about the past, letting the song infiltrate their weekend plans, and randomly smiling for no reason. Very well played, literally.

Five team members skunked us, meaning no one was able to associate the contributor with his or her song. What does that mean? For me, it suggests that our work building community is in progress but off to a good start.

With more time and practice, perhaps we will become better at “seeing” one another and using the team’s differences to galvanize a more balanced approach to problem-solving. Just as Rebecca suggested in her keynote, we are coming together to tame our tigers through song and dance we metaphorically practice together.

Leading With “Yes, And…”

When coaching people through change and listening to group feedback, Rebecca pointed out the importance of leading with “Yes, and…” instead of “No, that won’t work.”

Transitioning from “diversity and inclusion” to “community” should be viewed this way. Yes, it’s a change, and it’s complementary to concepts we’ve historically valued in ACHE, like honoring the “richness of each of us” and “creating a community of belonging.”

Manifesting Quality 2026 Playlist

And for those of you who are dying to know the full lineup of Manifesting Quality 2026, here’s the playlist:

Keep dancing,

Tina Slee, FACHE
ACHE Colorado Regent

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Message from your Wyoming Regent

Greetings,

A Remarkable Spring in Wyoming

May proved to be a remarkable month across much of Wyoming. After a winter marked by unusually sparse snowfall, our state welcomed multiple significant snows well into spring — a reminder of how vital every inch of precipitation is to the health and sustainability of our communities.

ACHE Congress Reflections

In March, it was a privilege to join so many colleagues at the ACHE Congress in Houston, TX. The energy and engagement at our Chapter events exemplified the vitality and professional spirit that Congress brings each year — and it was truly wonderful to see such strong Wyoming representation.

With Gratitude

I would like to take a moment to extend my sincere gratitude to Robin Roling for her years of dedicated service to ACHE and to our Chapter. Her leadership has set a standard I am honored to follow, and I count her as both a mentor and an exceptional colleague.

Member and Fellow Recognition

It is my distinct pleasure to recognize the following individuals for their recent achievements:

New Members
Kelsey Prestesater — Cheyenne, WY
Kyle Brost — Thermopolis, WY
Jacques Denker, DO — Rock Springs, WY
Payton Gambill — Powell, WY
David Springer, MD, MS — Cheyenne, WY
Amber Scott — Cheyenne, WY
Keith Ervin — Powell, WY
Sierra D. Gross, MD — Sheridan, WY

New Fellows
Ryan Harmon, MHA, FACHE — Casper, WY
Casey Robinson, MHA, FACHE — Cheyenne, WY

Recertified Fellows
Katina Anderson, FACHE — Riverton, WY
Robin A. Roling, FACHE — Cheyenne, WY

Congratulations to our new members as they begin their ACHE journey, to our new Fellows who have reached this significant professional milestone, and to our recertified Fellows whose continued commitment to excellence reflects the very best of our profession.

Looking Ahead

Finally, I want to express my heartfelt appreciation to the formal and informal leaders of our Chapter for the extraordinarily warm welcome extended to me in this role. I look forward to the journey ahead and the collective impact we will make together over the coming years.

A Note on Wellbeing and Support

As some of you may know, I have served in the mental health space as a nontraditional executive, and that experience shapes the perspective I bring to this work. I want to close with a note that I carry with genuine conviction: burnout and exhaustion are increasingly affecting the people who dedicate their lives to caring for others — our colleagues, our teams, and ourselves.

I encourage each of you to remain attentive to the warning signs of suicide risk, including hopelessness, significant mood changes, withdrawal from friends and family, and substance misuse. This is by no means an exhaustive list, but it is a starting point for awareness.

Please know that support is available. If you or someone you know is struggling, dial 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. If you are a veteran, dial 988 and press 1 to be connected directly to the Veterans Crisis Line. Look after yourself and those around you — your wellbeing matters deeply to this community.

Wishing you a safe and restorative summer ahead.

Until next time,

Dustin

Dustin Brown, DHA, FACHE
Wyoming Regent

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The Path to Fellowship

2026 Fellows & Recertified Fellows Recognition

ACHE of the Rockies proudly congratulates our newest Fellows and Recertified Fellows for 2026. Achieving and maintaining the FACHE® credential reflects a strong commitment to excellence, leadership, and lifelong learning in healthcare management.

We are pleased to recognize the following members for this outstanding professional accomplishment.

New Fellows

• Casey Robinson, MHA, FACHE – Cheyenne, WY
• Sanjeev K. Sah, MHA, FACHE – Castle Pines, CO
  
  

Recertified Fellows

• Duane B. Gill, FACHE – Castle Rock, CO
• Gina Temple, PhD, FACHE – Colorado Springs, CO
• Heather A. Richards, FACHE – Centennial, CO
• Jacqueline A. Davis, MHA, FACHE – Montrose, CO
• Jami D. Craig, FACHE – Denver, CO
• John R. Tucker, FACHE – Salida, CO
• Katina Anderson, FACHE – Riverton, WY
• Mehul Lakhani, FACHE – Aurora, CO
• Rachelle Landry, RN, FACHE – Parker, CO
• Robin A. Roling, FACHE – Cheyenne, WY
• Teal Heath, FACHE – Larkspur, CO

Considering FACHE Advancement?

Contact Teresa Fraker, Advancement Chair, at [email protected] for exam prep assistance and additional information.

FACHE Overview Webinar (Free)

Interested in advancing your healthcare leadership journey and learning more about the FACHE® credential? Join ACHE of the Rockies for a free virtual FACHE Overview Webinar on June 18.

Date: June 18, 2026
Time: 12:00 PM MDT – 1:00 PM MDT
Location: Virtual Event

This informative one-hour session will provide an overview of:

• The FACHE® application process
• Eligibility requirements
• The Board of Governors Exam
• Credential maintenance requirements
• Live Q&A

Whether you are just beginning to explore the Fellow credential or preparing to take the next step toward advancement, this session is a great opportunity to learn more about the value and process of becoming board certified in healthcare management.

Register Here

Board of Governors Exam Fee Waiver Campaign Runs Through June 30

Take the next important step in your career by advancing to Fellow status while also taking advantage of the Board of Governors Exam fee waiver offer — a savings of $225.

Candidates who submit an FACHE® application between March 1 and June 30 are eligible to receive the waiver, pending approval of the application.

Visit ache.org/FACHE to learn more.

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Message from your Military/VA Liaison

VA Program Highlight 

The team at VA Western Colorado Health Care System is deeply proud to serve the women Veterans in their community. They have worked intentionally to build a culture where every woman who walks through their doors leaves feeling seen, valued, and treated with dignity and respect.

This commitment begins with strong, trusting relationships between staff and Veterans and extends to thoughtful details throughout the facility—from the lobby’s welcoming “Women Veterans: I Am Not Invisible” campaign presence to ensuring women feel safe, recognized, and honored for their service.

Building Trust Through Exceptional Care

The team is especially proud that their trust scores exceed 93%—a meaningful achievement given how difficult trust can be to earn among women Veterans.

Their dedication is also reflected in exceptional preventive care benchmarks, including:

• Osteoporosis screening rates above 86%
• Leading national performance in cervical cancer screening
• Leading national performance in breast cancer screening

These achievements represent more than strong dashboard metrics; they are clear indicators of the team’s commitment to the long-term health and well-being of the women who have served our nation.

The team recognizes that trust is earned through consistency, respect, and follow-through. Every interaction—whether clinical, administrative, or community-based—is an opportunity to reinforce that trust.

Engagement, Outreach, and Community Support

As part of their forward-facing campaign for women Veterans, the program continues to expand a strong portfolio of engagement, outreach, and education efforts.

The team hosts a consistent and well-attended Women Veterans Coffee Hour, fostering connection, trust, and peer support throughout the community.

Additional outreach initiatives include:

• Annual Women Veterans Appreciation Celebration
• Baby Showers for expectant Veterans
• Cardiac Awareness Month campaigns promoting preventive care
• Breast Cancer Awareness Month education and screening initiatives

Nationally Recognized Programs

The team has also facilitated and developed several programs nationally recognized by the Office of Women’s Health.

One program supports Military Sexual Trauma recovery through group settings, including the Sexual Health and Intimacy (SHI) Group, which provides a safe and supportive environment for discussion and healing.

Another program, “Taking Charge of Your Change,” offers a virtual support group focused on perimenopause and menopause, ensuring women Veterans have access to education, support, and community during this important life transition.

These initiatives reflect the organization’s ongoing commitment to visibility, connection, and whole-person care for the women they are honored to serve.

Emergency Department Excellence

The organization is also proud to have a highly proficient and compassionate Emergency Department team dedicated to the unique needs of women Veterans.

The department maintains detailed transfer policies and women-specific note templates embedded within emergency order sets, ensuring timely, coordinated, and evidence-based care.

Additionally, the Emergency Department has developed a robust sexual assault response policy and a clear, respectful care pathway that prioritizes safety, dignity, and trauma-informed support for every woman Veteran who seeks care.

Leadership and Commitment

The success of the program is grounded in the people who lead it.

Dr. Elvi Whiteford, a Western Colorado native and family medicine physician, joined the health care system in 2023 and partners closely with:

• Ramona O’Neill, RN – Women Veterans Program Manager
• Brandie Austin, RN – Acting WVPM
• Marian Coleman, PSA

Together, the team brings extensive experience in organizational leadership and collaborates to strengthen and advance the Women Veterans Program across Western Colorado.

They remain honored to serve the women Veterans of Western Colorado and are committed to building on this strong foundation for years to come.

COL Matthew J. Mapes
Matthew Hogel, MS-HCA, FACHE

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Education Opportunities

When Purpose Meets Performance: Advancing Quality in High-Reliability Organizations

June 3, 2026
12:00 p.m.–1:00 p.m. Central Time
1 ACHE Qualifying Education Credit

Explore lessons from a high-risk operational failure outside of healthcare and how these events can shed light on persistent challenges in patient safety. Drawing on a well-known reliability case regarding nuclear weapons, participants will examine why even the most advanced safety systems break down when frontline teams lose connection to mission and purpose.

This discussion directly connects these insights to everyday clinical workflows where complexity, repetition, and competing demands can weaken adherence to safety practices and engagement.

Speaker

Neal Alexander
Perioperative Director
St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center

Register for Free

Advancing Academic Medical Center Excellence: Navigating Clinical, Operational and Research Demands

June 10, 2026
10:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m. Central Time
1 ACHE Qualifying Education Credit

Academic medical centers (AMCs) operate at the intersection of clinical care delivery, groundbreaking research, and practitioner education — creating both unique value and increasing operational pressures.

This session explores how executive teams balance clinical operations, research pipelines, training programs, innovation investments, and financial realities while navigating growing complexity across healthcare systems.

From sustaining robust clinical trial programs to scaling diagnostic and data capabilities that support both patient care and research, participants will gain insights into the evolving challenges facing AMCs today.

Register for Free

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Welcome New Members

Please join us in welcoming our newest members to ACHE of the Rockies!

2Lt Jessica Hintz — BHG
Allie Ramsey — Bamboo Health
Amanda Vick — SageWest Health Care
Amber Scott — Cheyenne Regional Medical Center
Amy S. Perez, MSN, RN, NE-BC — AdventHealth Littleton
Angelica Thiel — UCHealth
Anja Knutson, MS — Family Care Center
Benjamin D. Ziesmer — AdventHealth
Brant Roth — Kai Health
Chamisa MacIndoe, DO — UCHealth Memorial Hospital
Christopher J. Graham — HCA Healthcare
Craig Cohn — Vail Health
Eliana L. Rosenbluth, MHA — CU Anschutz School of Medicine
Elizabeth ter Haar, MD — Community Medical Services
Eric Hester — Newmark
Eva Wiggins — AdventHealth
Ian White — Department of Veterans Affairs
Jayden Miracle, MHA — Melissa Memorial Hospital
Jennifer Frimpong
Jetzely Gonzalez, III, MPH
Julia Solano — UCHealth
Kailey Osborne
Keith Ervin — Cody Regional Health
Kerie Zavala
Kriste Crespi
Kristi Olson — CommonSpirit Health
Laura Johnson, MSN, RN — Illuminate Colorado
Lee A. Syphus — Mercy Medical Associates
Luceil Elder
MAJ Michael McAllister — 627th Hospital Center
Majid R. Tanas, PharmD, MHA, FACHE — UCHealth
Maranda English — Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains
Mark Drumhiller, MD, MBA — Cheyenne Regional Medical Center
Megan Lane — Stride Community Health Centers
Michael Musella, BS — SpecialtyCare
Michele R. Tusi — HCA HealthONE
Nick Kennedy — HuMargin Group
Olivia Haloi, MD, MPH — Vivent Health
Robert C. Hicks, BS, MHA — University of Phoenix
Rudolph Will
Sierra D. Gross, MD — Sheridan Memorial Hospital
Teresa Hicks — Children’s Hospital Colorado
Thomas Kittle — MedStar Health
Tony A. Dicus, MBA, RRT, NMT — Mindray

We are excited to have you as part of a growing community of healthcare leaders dedicated to advancing the profession, supporting one another, and shaping the future of healthcare across the Rocky Mountain region.

Whether you are early in your healthcare leadership journey or a seasoned executive, we encourage you to get involved, attend events, engage with fellow members, and take advantage of the many resources available through both ACHE of the Rockies and the national ACHE organization.

Your membership is more than access to events and resources. It is an investment in your professional growth, your network, and your future.

Maximizing Your Membership

One of the greatest strengths of ACHE membership is the opportunity to build meaningful professional relationships.

Healthcare is a relationship-driven industry. The connections you make through ACHE can lead to mentorship opportunities, career advancement, collaboration, leadership development, and lifelong friendships.

ACHE of the Rockies proudly brings together more than 900 healthcare professionals from across hospitals, health systems, physician groups, academia, consulting, insurance, military and veteran healthcare, post-acute care, and many other sectors of the healthcare industry.

Our chapter exists to create opportunities for members to learn, connect, and grow together.

Why Networking Matters at Every Career Stage

Early Career Professionals

For those just beginning their healthcare leadership journey, networking provides exposure, mentorship, and guidance from experienced leaders who have walked a similar path.

Attending ACHE events can help you:

• Build confidence and visibility
• Learn from established healthcare executives
• Explore different career paths within healthcare leadership
• Identify mentors and sponsors
• Expand your professional opportunities

Many of the relationships formed early in your career can become the foundation of your future leadership network.

Mid-Career Professionals

As professionals move into leadership and management roles, networking becomes increasingly valuable for collaboration, idea sharing, and career growth.

ACHE membership helps mid-career leaders:

• Exchange ideas and best practices with peers
• Build relationships across organizations and specialties
• Stay informed on emerging healthcare trends
• Develop leadership and strategic thinking skills
• Position themselves for advancement opportunities

Healthcare leadership can often feel isolating. ACHE provides a trusted community of peers who understand the challenges and opportunities healthcare leaders face every day.

Senior and Executive Leaders

For senior leaders and executives, networking is about influence, mentorship, legacy, and shaping the future of healthcare leadership.

Experienced leaders play an essential role in:

• Mentoring the next generation of healthcare executives
• Sharing insights and lessons learned
• Building strategic partnerships
• Strengthening the healthcare leadership community
• Contributing to the advancement of the profession

Some of the most impactful conversations happen outside the boardroom. ACHE events create an environment where leaders can connect authentically with peers facing similar organizational and industry challenges.

Take Advantage of Your ACHE Membership

Your ACHE membership includes access to a wide range of professional development and career advancement resources, including:

• Monthly educational programs featuring nationally and locally recognized healthcare leaders
• Reduced registration fees for educational and networking events
• Access to ACHE’s online Member Directory
• Members-only career resources and job opportunities
• Continuing education opportunities
• Career planning and leadership development tools
• Access to Healthcare Executive magazine and other ACHE publications
• Opportunities to pursue the prestigious FACHE credential
• Volunteer leadership opportunities through your local chapter

Membership in ACHE of the Rockies is included when you join ACHE nationally, providing both local and national opportunities to engage with healthcare leaders across the country.

Membership Renewal Reminder

Have you renewed your ACHE membership?

Maintaining your membership ensures continued access to the professional development resources, educational programming, leadership opportunities, and networking connections that help healthcare leaders thrive.

Most importantly, renewing your membership keeps you connected to a strong and supportive healthcare leadership community here in the Rockies and across the nation.

We encourage all members to renew promptly and continue investing in their professional growth and the future of healthcare leadership.

Thank you for being part of ACHE of the Rockies. We appreciate your involvement and look forward to seeing you at an upcoming event.

Andrew Walker, MBA

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Newsletter Featured Sponsor

Dräger is a global leader in medical and safety technology, developing equipment and solutions that protect, support, and save lives in healthcare, emergency response, and industrial environments.

Founded in 1889 and headquartered in Lübeck, Germany, the company provides critical care technologies — including ventilators, anesthesia systems, patient monitoring, and respiratory protection — used in hospitals and healthcare systems worldwide.

With more than 16,000 employees and operations in over 190 countries, Dräger’s mission is guided by its philosophy of “Technology for Life,” helping clinicians improve patient outcomes while enhancing safety and operational efficiency.

Interested in Sponsorship Opportunities?

Please contact Sharmarke Mohammed , Sponsorship Chair, if your company — or one you know — may be interested in supporting ACHE of the Rockies through sponsorship opportunities.

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