Fifer To Lead HFMA Board -- Promote Courage In Leadership

Chicago HFMA has elected Joseph J. Fifer, FHFMA, CPA, to serve as the organization’s voluntary Chairman of the Board of Directors for 2006-07. His term will begin June 1, 2006 and will emphasize courage in leadership .

Fifer’s theme will help HFMA members embrace their leadership role within their organizations. “Courage in leadership describes acts of leadership demonstrated when courage is needed,” said Fifer. “A courageous leader is a person who goes beyond what is expected, taking a risk for the right reason, making a tough and possibly unpopular decision because it’s the right thing to do.”

Building on the business of caring principle, Fifer challenges healthcare financial professionals to rethink the role of finance and understand its potential in providing quality care.

HFMA President and CEO, Richard L. Clarke, FHFMA said, “As the healthcare finance industry faces growing challenges in the days ahead, organizational leaders will need to demonstrate even greater courage as they are faced with even more complex decisions. Joe’s theme is timely in that it focuses us on not only making difficult decisions, but making them because they are the right decisions to make.”

In addition to his volunteer duties, Fifer is Vice President of Hospital Finance at Spectrum Health in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He has been a member of the HFMA since 1983 and has been involved with both his local chapter and the National Association. Fifer served as Chapter Liaison Representative (1992-93), on the National Board of Directors (1993-95 and 2004-06) and on the Executive Committee, (1994-95 and 2004-06). He was a member of the Task Force on Organization, Governance & Structure (1995-96), and the Audit & Finance Committee (2004-05). He also served the Central Michigan Chapter as Treasurer, Secretary, President-Elect, and President.

Fifer has been awarded the Follmer Bronze, Reeves Silver, Muncie Gold, and Medal of Honor. He is a Fellow of HFMA who received his Bachelors degree in Business Administration from Saginaw Valley State University, University Center, Michigan.

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