ACHE of Massachusetts

A Message from Your Chapter President, Third Quarter, 2025

Published on October 1, 2025

October 1, 2025

Greetings, ACHE of MA Members,

With the arrival of October, we’re just one month away from our flagship event—the 2025 ACHE of MA Annual Healthcare Summit, taking place on October 23 at the Cross Insurance Club at Gillette Stadium. This “don’t miss” event for healthcare leaders across the region offers 7.5 ACHE In-Person Education Credits and 2 Qualifying Education Credits—the most ever offered by our Chapter in a single program! This year’s theme, “Leadership Rewired: Building Capacity for AI, Automation, and Innovation in Healthcare,” couldn’t be more timely. As organizations are pressed to find efficiencies, continue to navigate financial constraints, workforce needs, operational challenges, and the rapid evolution of digital technologies and AI, the Summit is designed to provide the insights and strategies leaders need to thrive in this complex environment.

The day will feature high-impact panels, interactive poster sessions, and curated networking opportunities. We’ll dive into identifying high-value AI use cases, asking the right questions of vendors and partners, navigating regulatory and ethical challenges, and building the infrastructure to turn innovation into meaningful outcomes. One major theme you’ll hear is the ethos of people and culture first, technology second. Discounted pricing is available for students, administrative fellows, retirees, groups from the same organization, and those in career transition. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain actionable insights, expand your network, and strengthen your leadership for the future of healthcare. I hope you can join us -to register, click HERE.

As fall settles in, I have also been reflecting on the meaningful connections we’ve made with members over the summer. Through conversations across the state, we’ve gained valuable insight into how healthcare professionals at every stage of their careers are responding to this moment of profound change. The pace of transition—driven by restructuring, evolving care models, and technological disruption—can be overwhelming. Yet, it’s also creating space for new approaches to leadership, strategy, and care delivery. In response, our Chapter has remained agile and intentional, expanding our programming, deepening partnerships, and creating opportunities for dialogue—whether through virtual forums, in-person gatherings, or collaborations with academic and industry partners.

A strong example of how quickly we can pivot when needed, involves the recent transition of our Chapter Regent. We are immensely grateful to Justine Zilliken for her exceptional leadership and the legacy she leaves behind for a new opportunity in the Midwest. At the same time, we’re excited to welcome Jeff Blackwell, MHA, FACHE, as our new Regent (interim). Jeff brings deep experience from senior leadership roles across the state and has already helped shape the future of our Early Careerist Network by establishing Vice Chair positions on every committee—creating new pathways for emerging leaders to engage and grow. Lingda Hou, MA, who has served as the ECN Vice Chair for our Sponsorship Committee will now represent ACHE of MA early careerists on the Board. Congratulations to both Jeff and Lingda!

As we look ahead, our focus remains clear: fostering community and convening leaders across the healthcare ecosystem, sharing knowledge, and empowering healthcare leaders to lead with courage and conviction. We’re committed to supporting your professional growth—offering a space to exchange ideas, explore new opportunities, and expand your network. We hope you’ll join us on October 23 as we continue to reimagine the future of healthcare leadership in an era shaped by AI, automation, and innovation.

Best regards,
Jack Bailey, MS, FACHE
President
ACHE of MA

Member Spotlight

Let's Connect

Nancy O’Hare, ScD, FACSM, MBA

I had been a candystriper as a middle schooler and enjoyed visiting with patients at our local community hospital. I would deliver food trays, letters and flowers, and talk with the patients about their illnesses and lives in general. After completing my BS, MS (University of Massachusetts, Amherst) and ScD…

Barrett Franklin, MS, MBA, FACHE, CCE

Deputy Network Director | VA New England Healthcare System, VISN !

Getting my fellowship pushed me to learn specifics about areas that I knew, but hadn’t ever truly studied. It gave me a newfound appreciation for how complex our day-to-day healthcare world really is that I for one sometimes take for granted. And once I’d earned the credential I was proud of the accomplishment, and welcomed easy segway anytime I met a new healthcare leader. Participating in the committees of ACHE of MA has been a great networking tool. I’ve gotten to get to know some of the best and brightest from my own backyard. It also made walking into Congress for the first time that much easier, when I saw some familiar faces.

Daphnie Pierre, MBA

Senior Manager CFAR Consulting and Coaching

I joined ACHE of MA about four years ago when I was new to healthcare, and the Early Careerist Network was a huge help in getting me connected. I also got to learn from great leaders through my work on the Membership Committee. Now, as the leader of the mentorship program, I get to pay it forward by supporting others as they navigate their entry into healthcare. to grow your career and join other healthcare leaders

Ellen Mahoney, MBA

Chief Operating Officer ZurickDavis

I had always been involved with ACHE, as my company has been a sponsor of the local chapter. Eventually, I realized I should join as a member myself, and immediately became part of the membership committee upon joining. It has been so wonderful to network and be a part of making membership better for our chapter. I just became the Chair of Membership, and I am really enjoying that role. I cannot imagine that I would still be a member had I not gotten so involved, and it has led to so many connections that I could not do without!