THE PATH FORWARD FOR TSHHRA 2010

   As the end of my year as President for TSHHRA is drawing to a close, I would like to take this opportunity to look back at 2009 and to thank each of you for the contribution that you make every day to our profession.

    The year 2009 was billed as the year for change and TSHHRA was no different from the rest of the world from that aspect.  Change is often defined as to make the form, nature, content, future course, etc., of (something) different from what it is or from what it would be if left alone.

   TSHHRA started 2009 with the most unexpected of changes.  The tragic death of our 2008 President, Kelli Jones in January 2009 resulted in a change in presidents a little sooner than expected.  When I took on the role of president-elect, I expected the normal passing of the gavel at the annual conference.  This past year that was not meant to be.  Kelli’s death was a loss that rocked our state board in a way that was totally unexpected.  She will never be forgotten.

   Not only did TSHRRA see a change in presidents, but the United States did as well.  An historic election in November 2008 saw the election of our country’s first African American president.  A little over a year ago we were all wondering what changes that decision would bring – I think many of us are still wondering.  We have seen changes in business practices; multiple changes in laws and effects on employers and employees; economic uncertainties; unemployment at an all time high; and continued optimism about job growth.  Human Resources professionals have been challenged with compliance issues in an unprecedented manner and often are charged with the implementation of  new laws and regulations without fully knowing all of the rules.

   Across the State of Tennessee, health care organizations were and continue to be immersed in a period of extraordinary change.  Many of us have been tested by a weakened economy which has certainly changed the way we operate.  Many of us were involved in staff reductions that could not have been predicted this time last year.  Many of us saw changes in operational procedures and reductions in available programs and as you know, our nation’s healthcare system is immersed in a period of extraordinary change which is still being debated not only in the halls of Congress but also in the homes and communities across the country.

    These changes had an effect on TSHHRA in another way that we had not planned for in that we had to make the decision to cancel our annual conference for the first time in TSHHRA history.  The conference which would have been held in April in Northeast Tennessee was cancelled due to feedback from members across the state.  Many of us were experiencing challenges so great that we knew we could not be available to attend a conference during that time.  Travel budgets were drastically cut, if not eliminated entirely, which added to the challenge of having a state conference.

   Through the leadership of our board of directors and our many members, TSHHRA has emerged from these trials a stronger and more resilient organization.  Today, we are squarely focused on that which lies ahead.  In April, 2010, Kim Walker, Human Resources Manager from Sumner Regional Health System will take on the leadership role as president for TSHHRA.  Kim is ready to take the reins and will lead our organization in a manner that will help us to move forward on that path which lies ahead.  You will see our partnership with the Tennessee Hospital Association be strengthened in a way that will be a benefit to all TSHHRA members.  You will see continued enhancements to our website that will provide additional information to members in a more efficient manner.  You will see enhanced benefits available to members of TSHHRA.  And most importantly, you will have the opportunity to see each other as we meet again for our annual conference at Fall Creek Falls State Park March 31-April 2, 2010 – I hope to see you there.

    The members of your board of directors are all committed to maintaining an association that you can be proud of.  Please feel free to contact any of us at any time with ideas or suggestions that you may have in which we can serve you even better!  On behalf of the board, I thank you for all that you do every day to take care of the people we serve and I thank you for the support you have given me.  It has been an honor to serve as the 2009 TSHHRA President.

Sincerely,

Rhonda Reeves