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We have officially made it through the dog days of summer. For many, this season brings the familiar rhythm of getting children back to school—or perhaps launching a young adult off to college for the first time. Some of you may even be starting an educational journey of your own. For all of us, the close of summer offers a natural opportunity to return to structure, sharpen our focus, and recommit to professional growth. With that in mind, now is an excellent time to consider (or to continue your journey of) pursuing your board certification as FACHE. I encourage you to explore CHEF University as a valuable way to prepare for the Board of Governors Exam. I took this course while studying for my own exam, and the combination of structured sessions and connection with others on the same path proved invaluable. The course meets on Tuesday evenings beginning September 15. Looking to add some in-person credits as well? I also invite you to attend CHEF Congress on September 23, where you can earn 4.5 In-Person Education credits while enjoying meaningful networking opportunities. 

A quick reminder: if you have not yet explored ACHE’s new website, you will need to re-register the first time you log in. I recommend taking a few minutes to do so soon, then looking around at the refreshed layout and new content. While you are there, please revisit the Strategic Plan. We are now in year two of the three-year cycle, and ACHE is beginning to revise language for the 2027–2029 version. Member input is welcome and important. If you have thoughts, comments, or ideas for the Board of Governors to consider, please share them with me at [email protected] or email ACHE directly at [email protected]. 

For those who like to plan ahead, please mark your calendars for the 2027 CHEF Annual Meeting on March 3 at Bobak's Signature Events, the same location as last year. On a related note, now is a great time to begin thinking about colleagues to nominate for our 2026 Awards, which will be presented at the Annual Meeting. Nomination forms and links will be shared in the coming months. More details are on the way, but it is never too early to start considering the remarkable professionals—the best of the best—who deserve to be recognized. 

As we move into the season ahead, thank you for the leadership, service, and resilience you all display in our healthcare community. Healthcare leadership requires grit, perspective, humility, and just enough humor to navigate the complexity of our profession. I am especially grateful for the ways we continue to support one another through the uncertainty about the changes in front of us.