On behalf of everyone at the Texas Hospital Association, happy New Year and welcome to The Scope!
Each year, after the clock strikes midnight and the New Year begins, we often spend the first days of January reflecting on all that was accomplished over the past 12 months and setting goals for the year ahead. As we kick off 2023, one of THA’s resolutions is shifting to a digital-first focus, which includes launching The Scope here on our website. The Scope will replace our bi-monthly Texas Hospitals magazine, ensuring we can disseminate information expediently for members. The Scope will be the No. 1 source for news and thought leadership related to Texas hospitals and the major issues impacting health care in Texas.
The Scope launch is just one of the many things THA has in store for members this year. THA has a lot to look forward to in 2023 – from new initiatives to educational opportunities and, of course, 140 days’ worth of legislative action across the street.
THA’s executive leadership team shared their resolutions for the year ahead. Here’s what’s top of mind for them as we head into the New Year:
“2022 was a strong year for THA which I think has set us up to head into 2023 energized, determined and with some big goals in mind. We are constantly trying to evolve the way we connect with and advocate for our members and I think that will be especially important this year because it’s a legislative session year. Acting as a voice and vehicle for our members is really going to be our North Star in 2023. We want to use this year to pull our collective efforts and create meaningful change and results for our members around the issues impacting their hospitals and communities. It’s going to be a big challenge, but we’re up for it.”
JOHN HAWKINS
CEO/PRESIDENT
“Every year that the Texas Legislature is in session, like 2023, is a pivotal one for Texas hospitals. The advocacy team’s resolution for 2023 is to be the strongest possible voice for our hospitals and advocate for all the issues they face as they try to move forward from the pandemic, including financial stability, the workforce shortage and the heightened need for better behavioral health care in a post-COVID world.”
JENNIFER BANDA
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, ADVOCACY AND PUBLIC POLICY
“Through direct member engagement and feedback, the THA Foundation will strengthen and continue to grow our educational, clinical, technical, and business programs, products, and services in 2023. This will in turn create greater value for THA members and strengthen THA’s ability to support the mission of our members: improving the health of all Texans.”
Fernando Martinez
President, Texas Hospital Association Foundation/Chief Strategy Officer/Chief Digital Officer
“In 2023 we will continue striving to strengthen our relationships with our members through education and engagement opportunities and providing resources to support health care leaders and the communities they serve. We also want to continue to identify opportunities to promote the diversity that reflects our members in THA Boards, Councils, Committees and member forums.”
Mitzi Ressmann
Chief Operating Officer
“Our goal, as always, is to be the best communications shop in the country. For 2023, we’re working on upping our digital and innovation game, expanding our footprint in micro-videos and perfecting our speed and clarity on all messaging, particularly on complex issues. The team is energized for the New Year and ready to tackle legislative session, annual conference and any other surprises that come our way.”
CARRIE WILLIAMS
CHIEF COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER
“Going into 2023 our goal is to be the most effective advocate for Texas hospitals that we can be. By staying abreast of and educating hospitals on emerging legal and regulatory concepts affecting the industry, we’ll be better able to influence legislative and regulatory initiatives for the betterment of hospitals and the patients and communities they serve. And, of course, we’ll continue to maintain a keen focus on the association’s operations to ensure we meet and exceed the highest standards of legal compliance and business ethics.”
STEVE WOHLEB, J.D.
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT/GENERAL COUNSEL
“Going into 2023 THA and its Family of Companies is committed to minimizing any increase in membership dues by seeking avenues available through non-dues revenue programs. In 2023, we plan to enhance outreach to members regarding the strong current programs such as COMPASS, THA Retirement Programs for Members, THA PSO, THA Peer Review Network and the Endorsed Partner Program. This stream of income enables THA to fund operations and membership programs while strengthening its advocacy efforts and providing members well vetted programs to contain their own cost of operations. THA’s financial condition is strong, and these programs allow for THA to maintain its status as one of the top 10 State Associations in the country.”
IGNACIO ZAMARRON
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER/ SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, BUSINESS AFFAIRS
2023 is shaping up to be an important and busy year for Texas hospitals and all of us at THA. With the 88th Legislature convening next week, we’re ready to get started. Be sure to follow THA on social media, download THA’s official advocacy app and keep up with The Scope to stay updated with Texas hospitals news and informed on the key issues impacting Texas hospitals and health care.