newsletter

President's Newsletter - February 2010

Dear CSHRM membership,

Welcome to 2010! My name is Debra Healey, 2010 President of CSHRM. As I write this I am aware that it is already February. Just a moment ago it was the turn of a new century, when Risk Managers identified and planned a systems response to the possible risk that computers might crash when the year 2000 arrived. I’d call this an example of Enterprise Risk Management. Here we are now a decade later bringing in 2010. As I reflect on this decade, I offer some of my own background as a metaphor for ERM. In 2000 I was in a Homecare leadership position at Middlesex Hospital and in the year 2004 an opportunity came my way to step into Risk Management. This career plunge led me to new knowledge and friendships where I met most of my fellow Board Members and mentors and to this opportunity of serving as 2010 President of CSHRM. Another unplanned opportunity came my way in 2009 that led me to return to my Homecare roots as Executive Director of that department where I now utilize Enterprise Risk Management theory every day. What I have learned in my 6 years as a Risk Manager is that the mission of a sound Risk Management program is to bring awareness and skills to all Managers who routinely manage all sorts of risk. As we all know, you just can’t make this stuff up!

As we welcome in 2010, the leadership of CSHRM is off to a quick start. The Board is planning a very busy and dynamic year. On January 8, 2010 the Board and CSHRM officers met at the Crowne Plaza for a retreat to set 2010 goals. We welcomed a new Board Member, Pat Toni, Risk Manager for Norwalk Hospital. Ken Felton from Willis also rejoins our Board. We have a well balanced board with seasoned, experienced members and newer members who bring fresh eyes and perspectives. In addition to planning for our educational programs and choosing a location to host the 2011 conference, the Board will focus on the following goals for 2010.

Increase communication to membership with more frequent email updates via the CSHRM website.
Send out an RFP to secure legal counsel to work on behalf of the membership of CSHRM.
Finish the review of by-laws and distribute to membership to consider and vote to approve.
Assist NESHRM in planning the 2010 conference in Portsmouth, New Hampshire.

Our first program of 2010 will be offered on March 17, 2010 at the Crowne Plaza. Plans for a dynamic meeting are underway and will be announced soon.

You have already received the brochure for our annual conference in Portsmouth, New Hampshire from May 2 - 4 with the theme of “Risk in the Electronic Age.” This year commemorates the 20th anniversary of the New England Regional Conference. We are fortunate to have Pauline Barry as President elect and an original founding member of CSHRM. She will head up a committee to plan some fun activities to recognize this important milestone. Stay tuned for more details.

Please feel free to call or email at 860-358-5704 or Debra_Healey@midhosp.org any time if you have any suggestions or requests that can contribute to our CSHRM organization. I look forward to a fun and exciting year!

Sincerely,

Debra Healey, MSN, RN, CPHRM
President, CSHRM