CHEF Standing Committees
Awards Committee
The Awards Committee, organized by the Chicago Health Executives Forum (CHEF) in collaboration with the American College of Healthcare Executives, aims to recognize and celebrate outstanding leadership and innovation within Chicago’s healthcare community. This honors program features multiple categories—ranging from early-career excellence to strategic innovation and community leadership—all intended to spotlight individuals and teams who drive positive change in healthcare delivery, equity, and management. The committee is composed of esteemed healthcare leaders across various disciplines in the Chicagoland area who are dedicated to identification and recognition efforts of our community. The Awards Committee organizes awards and honors presented at the CHEF Annual Meeting each year and other events.
Ishani Patel FACHE
Committee Co-Chair
UChicago Medicine
Tim Weidman
Committee Co-Chair
The Walsh Group
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
The Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee will be responsible for developing policies and initiatives that foster an inclusive environment within CHEF that recognizes the contributions and supports the advancement of all, regardless of race, ethnicity, national origin, gender, religion, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or disability. An inclusive environment can enhance the quality of healthcare, improve hospital/community relations, and positively affect the health status of society. In addition, the committee will work to develop and/or maintain strategic relationships with other healthcare societies including, but not limited to, the Asian Health Care Leaders Association (AHCLA), National Association of Health Services Executives (NAHSE), National Forum for Latino Healthcare Executives (NFLHE), Healthcare Financial Management Association (HFMA).
Racheal Hernandez
Committee Chair
Jamia Thomas
Committee Co-Chair
University of Chicago Medical Center
Early Careerist
The Early Careerist Committee is a dynamic new initiative of CHEF designed to support early careerist members of ACHE. Our mission is to build meaningful connections through networking, mentorship, and leadership development opportunities. Whether you're mapping out your next move, eyeing an administrative fellowship, gearing up for interviews, or simply figuring out where you fit in the healthcare leadership landscape — this committee is here to help you thrive. The Early Careerist Committee is your go-to space for building a strong professional network, gaining practical tools for success, and finding a supportive community that grows with you. Let’s navigate the early stages of your career together — and have a great time doing it! So, if you're passionate about growing your career and shaping the future of healthcare leadership, we’d love to have you join us. Reach out to get involved!
Janan Apple
Committee Co-Chair
Guy Morris
Committee Co-Chair
UI Health
Education and Networking
The Education and Networking Committee shall work with the Board of Directors to offer education and networking programs to the members. It shall assure that the Chapter offers at least the maximum number of ACHE supported Face to Face Continuing Education eligible events per year. In 2016, the Leadership Development Task Force was merged with the Education and Networking Committee. Together, the committees work to intertwine leadership in to all aspects of CHEF. They do so by working with the various committees in CHEF and striving to achieve our goals for the year which include the following.
- Develop programs geared towards health executives to develop and advance core competencies defined by ACHE and addressing different leadership types (ethical, business ethics, servant leadership)
- Provide programs relevant to all members at all stages of their career- from early careerist to senior level executives
- Provide guidance and connect members to the additional resources provided by ACHE that promote leadership and career skill development
- Promoting success of CHEF members and highlight achievements through various communication channel
Sun Lee-Such
Committee Chair
AdventHealth
Naomi Tolbert
Committee Co-Chair
American College of Healthcare Executives
Finance
The Finance Committee embodies a dynamic convergence of financial expertise and healthcare leadership. Comprising seasoned professionals and emerging talents alike, this committee is dedicated to fortifying the fiscal resilience and strategic financial management of events for CHEF members. The Finance Committee is chaired by the Treasurer and shall include the President, President-Elect, Secretary and Immediate Past President. The Finance Committee will meet at least quarterly to review the financial reports, evaluate the financial performance of CHEF activities and make recommendations on pricing to achieve positive returns on the collaboration with other CHEF committees, and the planned events. The Finance Committee is also responsible for developing a budget for presentation to the Board of Directors in November for review and ultimate adoption in December.
Through a collaborative approach, members leverage their diverse backgrounds in finance, accounting, healthcare administration, and related fields to cultivate innovative solutions and best practices tailored to the unique challenges facing the healthcare industry. With a steadfast commitment to excellence and a passion for advancing the common good, this committee epitomizes the enduring spirit of leadership and service that defines ACHE and its local chapters. The CHEF Finance Committee volunteers help support the Treasurer and Co-Chairs in the analysis of monthly financial statements, participation in Finance Committee meetings, and provide guidance to other Committees to ensure the financial wellbeing of future CHEF events.
Marketing & Communications
The Marketing and Communications Committee plays a crucial role in maintaining and upholding the CHEF brand across various platforms, including website, social media, and email communications. The committee is responsible for ensuring that CHEF's messaging is consistent, impactful, and aligned with its mission and values, ultimately engaging with the Chicago healthcare community. Committee members will have the opportunity to hone their marketing, communication, and digital media skills through hands-on experience in content creation, social media management, and strategic communication planning. By promoting CHEF’s initiatives, events, and achievements, members will have the chance to engage with the broader Chicago healthcare community.
Karl Gieseke
Committee Chair
UI Health
Janan Apple
Committee Co-Chair
Membership and Advancement
The Membership and Advancement (M&A) Committee serves a pivotal role in developing and implementing strategies that foster CHEF membership recruitment, retention, professional growth, networking opportunities, and industry advancement. Comprised of esteemed professionals and thought leaders within the local healthcare sector, this Committee drives activities that assist in shaping the future of healthcare leadership and innovation through achieving FACHE status. M&A Committee members volunteer their time by attending the standing monthly Committee meeting, participating in regional CHEF events, facilitating the yearly CHEF University, and leading other initiatives as identified by the Committee.
Ishani Patel FACHE
Committee Chair
UChicago Medicine
Barton Thyer FACHE
Committee Co-Chair
HKS
Sponsorship and Development
The CHEF Sponsorship Committee builds long-term relationships with leading healthcare organizations interested in supporting and connecting with our Chicagoland ACHE members through educational and networking events, professional development, and scholarships. If you're interested in partnering with CHEF, or are interested in joining the committee, please email the committee at [email protected].
Bartosz Stefaniuk
Committee Chair
Rush University
