CHEF Receives Regent-at-Large Award for Chapter Accomplishments in Diversity

I am very happy to share that CHEF was the recipient of the Regent-at-Large Award for Chapter Accomplishments in Diversity.? The award was presented at the 2015-2016 Chapter Leaders Conference here in Chicago.? This award reflects our effort
to be a leader in the drive to make diversity and inclusion part of the strategy for success in healthcare both now and in the future.? Even though the committee has been in existence for less than a year, it has made a great impact on CHEF.? This is entirely due to the ingenuity and hard work done by the committee members, its Chair Charlene Roderick, and CHEF Board of Directors member Crystal Vasquez.

In 2014, the CHEF Board of Directors established a full standing committee devoted to increasing diversity amongst its membership.? An additional board member position was added to the Board of Directors that would be dedicated to diversity for CHEF.? In addition, the BOD appointed a chair for the newly created Diversity and Inclusion Committee.

The Diversity and Inclusion Committee was directed to 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 because 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 Leadership Association (AHCLA) National Association of Health Services Executives (NAHSE), National Forum for Latino Healthcare Executives (NFLHE), Healthcare Financial Management Association (HFMA).

The CHEF BOD has given the D&I Committee the goal of recruiting additional ACHE members so that CHEF?s membership demographics match the demographics of metropolitan Chicago.? The committee has organized events throughout the year intended to increase CHEF?s presence and profile amongst minority healthcare leaders.? In addition, the committee works to add elements of diversity and inclusion to all the other events that are being put on by CHEF throughout the year.

I want to again congratulate Charlene, Crystal, and the rest of the board and committee members who endeavored to make diversity and inclusion an integral part of CHEF.