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
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