Joan Washburn
Vice President
Allegheny Health Network, Women’s Institute

Member Spotlight Q&A: Joan Washburn

Current company, position, and other organizational affiliations:

Vice-President – Allegheny Health Network,  Women’s Institute

School(s)/Degree(s)

B.S. The Ohio State University, MBA, Ohio University

What do you enjoy most about your current position?

I enjoy the collaborative work between the Physicians, Staff, and Hospitals of Allegheny Health Network.  I came from a smaller health system and was looking forward to having more insight into a larger system.  The diversity of the people I work with and the work that I do gives me a sense of fulfillment every day. 

What professional accomplishment are you most proud of?

I am honestly most proud of how my team and I managed to keep everyone safe and continue to provide care to our patients during the Covid-19 Pandemic.  Looking back over the last year, I am still amazed at the resilience of our providers and staff.  I thought I would say getting my FACHE, or MBA, or the fact that I am a VP at a large network.  But it’s the remarkable work that we all continued in the face of so many unknowns this last year.  I always knew I could think on my feet and make tough decisions, but not like what we just experienced.  To come out on the other side and look back, it’s amazing.

Why did you decide to join ACHE?

You can never stop learning new things. I appreciate that ACHE provides excellent seminars.  I also appreciate the networking at events such as the national conferences.

What has been your favorite ACHE event and why?

I’ve actually enjoyed the online learning.  My most favorite seminar was Sarah Fotenot’s seminar, Healthcare Law Essentials.  She is an excellent speaker with volumes of insight into the legal environment.  Her seminar on the Post-Election Healthcare Environment in December was fascinating.

How have you applied your ACHE experience to your current role?

I recently read an article on Ethics and Big Data, and Big Data Analytics.  It’s helped me frame some of my presentations and analytical decisions.

What is your favorite thing to do in Pittsburgh?

Of Course…Steelers and Penguins games.

Ways to connect with you (LinkedIn, email, etc.)

LinkedIn, joan.washburn@ahn.org

Jason Fisher
Director, Hospitalist Advanced Practice Provider Team
UPMC Hamot, Erie, PA

Member Spotlight Q&A: Jason Fisher

Current company, position, and other organizational affiliations:

UPMC Hamot in Erie, PA
Director of the Hospitalist Advanced Practice Provider Team
Major, Air Force Reserve Nurse Corp, Youngstown Air Reserve Station, OH
Public Relations Officer for the Northwest PA Nurse Practitioner Association

School(s)/Degree(s)

MHA, Gannon University, 2020
DNP, University of Pittsburgh, 2015
BSN, Gannon University, 2012
ADN, Mercyhurst University, 2009

What do you enjoy most about your current position?

I enjoy the ability to work both clinically as a nurse practitioner and as an administrator in the hospital. It allows me to connect with patients and families 1:1 and influence larger changes in the hospital which can impact many more patients.

What professional accomplishment are you most proud of?

Obtaining fellowship in ACHE. Over the years I have held different positions in healthcare which include being a nurse’s aide, a bedside nurse, a nurse practitioner, and administrator. I have been in the Air Force for ten years as an enlisted member and now an officer and have obtained various degrees and certifications. Meeting all the requirements for ACHE fellowship and being able to pass the governors exam required knowledge and skills from all those different avenues.

Why did you decide to join ACHE?

I had never heard of ACHE until I started my MHA program in the fall of 2018. The director of the program suggested everyone join, and I was in a position in my career to join as a regular member. While in the MHA program, I took advantage of some of the educational event’s ACHE offered which helped to supplement and expand on what I was learning in the program at the time. From there I was able to connect with other ACHE members in the area.

What has been your favorite ACHE event and why?

At the end of October 2020, I was able to be the moderator for a local education event focused on crisis/disaster management and tied in a lot of what was happening with the COVID-19 pandemic. I enjoy the local education events because many times they include people you currently work with or might work with in the future. It allows for local networking opportunities and offers an insight to what is happening where you live.

How have you applied your ACHE experience to your current role?

The best experience I have gained from ACHE so far is the networking. I volunteered to be a mentee and made a very good connection with a mentor through the early careerist group. ACHE has allowed me to connect with people I otherwise would not have had the opportunity to meet yet.

What is your favorite thing to do in Pittsburgh?

Living in Erie, my family and I venture to Pittsburgh a lot. One of our favorite things to do is going to the Science Center.

Ways to connect with you (LinkedIn, email, etc.)

Email: Fisher092484@yahoo.com

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/jason-fisher-dnp-mha-crnp-fache-4aa041134

Text/phone call: 814-403-8865

Hillary Holes
Director, Health Equity at Healthcare Council of Western Pennsylvania

Member Spotlight Q&A: Hillary Holes

Current company, position, and other organizational affiliations:

Director, Health Equity at Healthcare Council of Western Pennsylvania

Secretary of the Young Professionals Board of Literacy Pittsburgh

Member of the Young Leadership Council for Adagio Health

School(s)/Degree(s)

Bachelor of Science in Public Health from Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania

What do you enjoy most about your current position?

Working with different types of healthcare organizations and meeting new people. It is very interesting to me that healthcare organizations can have such different processes when it comes to organizational aspects and day-to-day workflow of staff.

What professional accomplishment are you most proud of?

Being promoted to a Director position within Healthcare Council. This has given me many opportunities to work with Healthcare Council’s member organizations as well as different community-based organizations throughout Allegheny and surrounding counties. This also happened around the same time I passed my Certified Health Education Specialist certification!

Why did you decide to join ACHE?

To meet new people, learn about different career paths, and participate in events that I normally wouldn’t participate in.

What has been your favorite ACHE event and why?

I really enjoy the Dinner with the CEO events. I attended the event with the CEO of Millie’s and learned so much from him. I recently participated in the CEO event with Wigle Whiskey, Knotzland and 412 Food Rescue. It was so different to be in a virtual event, but I thought that we were able to ask more questions and communicate with the panelists more than we would have in person. I love learned about local businesses in our area and how they were started.

How have you applied your ACHE experience to your current role?

Yes, I most certainly have. Whether it be from someone I met at an ACHE event or even learned about on the ACHE website; I have always found ways to apply ACHE to my job.

What is your favorite thing to do in Pittsburgh?

Outdoor yoga overlooking the city, visiting breweries, exploring the architecture of buildings in different neighborhoods.

Ways to connect with you (LinkedIn, email, etc.)

Email: Hillary.holes@hcwp.org

Linked in: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hillary-holes-ches-122590140/

I am also on Instagram and Facebook

Mary Jane Antoon
Administrator of the Erie Ambulatory Location
Shriners Hospitals for Children (SHC)

Member Spotlight Q&A: Mary Jane Antoon

Current company, position, and other organizational affiliations:

Shriners Hospitals for Children (SHC), Administrator of the Erie Ambulatory Location 

School(s)/Degree(s)

Villa Maria College, Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Magna Cum Laude, 1980

Gannon University, Master of Science in Nursing, With Distinction, 1990

What do you enjoy most about your current position?

Leading the mission of Shriners Hospitals for Children at the Erie ambulatory location and being part of an organization that values patients, families, staff and providers.

What professional accomplishment are you most proud of?

SHC – Erie achieved the #1 ranking in the nation for Best Places to Work in Healthcare for 2019. This award was such a tremendous tribute to our great team.

Why did you decide to join ACHE?

I joined ACHE about 17 years ago with the encouragement of two colleagues at that time who were members. ACHE has provided the opportunity to learn, share and grow as a healthcare executive. Earning the FACHE credential also has provided recognition as a healthcare leader and demonstrates a commitment to lifelong learning and development.

What has been your favorite ACHE event and why?

The local chapter education events are so important, especially the northern based ones for those of us in Erie and northwest PA. I also used the tuition waiver to attend a Cluster in the past, a very generous benefit! 

How have you applied your ACHE experience to your current role?

ACHE helps guide my leadership and decision-making every day. The importance and value of ACHE as a resource for daily practice, opportunities and challenges can’t be underestimated. 

What is your favorite thing to do in Pittsburgh?

I learned a lot about Pittsburgh when my son attended undergrad at Pitt. Pitt football remains a favorite, as well as the many diverse places to eat and enjoy.    

Ways to connect with you (LinkedIn, email, etc.)

The best way to connect with me is mjantoon@shrinenet.org

Sarbesh Chaudhary, FACHE
Director, Laboratory Services
Butler Health System

Member Spotlight Q&A: Sarbesh Chaudhary, FACHE

 Current company, position, and other organizational affiliations:

Current company – Butler Health System

Position – Director, Laboratory Services

Other affiliations: American Society for Quality, American Society for Clinical Pathology

School(s)/Degree(s)

Master of Business Administration (MBA), Healthcare Management and Information Technology, Goldey-Beacom College, Wilmington, DE

Master of Business Administration (MBA), Comprehensive, International Technological University, San Jose, CA

Master of Science in Medical Technology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India

What do you enjoy most about your current position?

Laboratory services service line touches almost all areas in patient care. I like working with different service line leaders and members to ensure that patient care needs are met. My current position provided me an opportunity to assist my health system to serve the community and fight this COVID pandemic.

What professional accomplishment are you most proud of?

I am proud of achieving Fellow of American College of Healthcare Executives (FACHE) credential which provided me recognition as a leader among leaders in healthcare management.

I served as a National Examiner for Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award Board of Examiners at National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). Baldrige examiners are part of an elite group of more than 400 professionals from around the United States.

I was selected as a Forty Under Forty Honoree by American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP). It recognizes top 40 members under the age of 40 for their achievements and leadership qualities that are making an impact on pathology and laboratory medicine.

Why did you decide to join ACHE?

I decided to join ACHE because it is a highly reputed professional organization for healthcare leaders. I wanted to obtain FACHE credential for my professional development. ACHE provided me mentorship and networking opportunities.

What has been your favorite ACHE event and why?

ACHE networking events are my favorite as they provide me an opportunity meet other healthcare leaders.

How have you applied your ACHE experience to your current role?

Lessons learned from ACHE continuing education are totally practical and I use those learnings in my current role.

What is your favorite thing to do in Pittsburgh?

My favorite thing to do in Pittsburgh is to visit museums and parks.

Ways to connect with you (LinkedIn, email, etc.)

https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarbeshchaudhary/

chaudharysarbesh@gmail.com

Darlene Morocco
Clinical Director of Cardiovascular & Respiratory Care Services
UPMC Passavant, McCandless & Cranberry Campuses

Member Spotlight Q&A: Darlene Morocco

1. Current company, position, and other organizational affiliations:

UPMC Passavant, McCandless & Cranberry Campuses, Clinical Director of Cardiovascular & Respiratory Care Services, Affiliated with the UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute (HVI). Member of ACHE & PONL

2. School(s)/Degree(s)

Master’s in Healthcare Administration (MHA) from Walden University.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from Youngstown State University.

Registered Nurse (RN).

Nurse Executive-Board Certification (NE-BC) through the American Nurses Credentialing Center.

Six Sigma Green Belt Certified.

3. What do you enjoy most about your current position?

It is difficult to name just one. I love the broad scope of leadership responsibilities this position has granted me. I enjoy operational and fiscal management, program development and strategic planning and the impact I can have on others and patient outcomes. I also love to mentor others.

4. What professional accomplishment are you most proud of?

Academically, I am very proud of earning my MHA and Six Sigma Green Belt Certification. Professionally, I had the opportunity to be the project manager in achieving Chest Pain Center Accreditation from the American College of Cardiology at one of my former organizations. 

5. Why did you decide to join ACHE?

I have always respected the Mission of the ACHE and felt it had the highest standards of executive leadership resources, training, and support. I am also preparing to sit for my Board of Governors Exam to become a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives which is a professional goal of mine. 

6. What has been your favorite ACHE event and why?

I loved the 2019 Annual Meeting at the Botanical Gardens. The President address was so inspiring, and the atmosphere and collegiality was wonderful.

7. How have you applied your ACHE experience to your current role?

First, I have truly enjoyed the Western PA local chapter of the ACHE. I try to attend every event they offer and have applied many of the insights of the guest speakers to my leadership and front-line teams. As I prepare for my BOG exam, I have applied the ACHE Code of Ethics, Governance and Finance training to my day to day operational responsibilities. 

8. What is your favorite thing to do in Pittsburgh?

I love Pittsburgh for many reasons: sports, entertainment, dining, and the arts but I absolutely love the Strip District, especially shopping at Pennsylvania Macaroni Company! 

9. Ways to connect with you (LinkedIn, email, etc.)

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darlene-morocco-a6b49736/

Email: Moroccodl2@upmc.edu

Kaitlin Roderick
Master’s Candidate in Health Care Policy & Management
Carnegie Mellon University’s Heinz College

Member Spotlight Q&A: Kaitlin Roderick

Current school, program, and any extracurricular affiliations:

I am a second year master’s candidate in Health Care Policy and Management at Carnegie Mellon University’s Heinz College. I am the president of the Heinz Health Care Club and a volunteer with Global Links.

Prior School(s)/Degree(s):

I obtained my Bachelor of Arts degree from Washington and Jefferson College in Washington, PA. My major was sociology, and my minor was in chemistry.

What do you enjoy most about being a student?

I enjoy the networking events that I get to attend as well as the courses that I can take. I also enjoy being able to participate in new opportunities. I had the chance to become a volunteer at Global Links as well as become a part of the Heinz Health Care Club. There are many opportunities that I have been able to take advantage at Heinz College!

What academic or professional accomplishment are you most proud of?

My most proud academic achievement was being accepted to graduate school. My professional accomplishment that I am most proud of is working with the Jewish Healthcare Foundation as an intern this summer.

Why did you decide to join ACHE?

I decided to join ACHE to increase the number of individuals in my network and take advantage of the many benefits that they offer such as the Administrative Fellowship Guide.

What is your role in ACHE (committees, responsibilities, etc.)?

My new role as the student representative on the ACHE WPA Board is to be an active participant in the Western PA chapter. To do this, I will attend board meetings, chapter events, and serve on the Early Careerist Committee.

What is your favorite thing to do in Pittsburgh?

My favorite thing to do in Pittsburgh is to visit all the museums! There are so many different museums scattered throughout Pittsburgh, and it is so incredible to look through all of their exhibits. My favorite is Phipps Conservatory around the holidays!

Ways to connect with you (LinkedIn, email, etc.)

Emails: kroderic@andrew.cmu.edu or kaitlindroderick@gmail.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaitlin-roderick/

Jordan McBride
MHA/MBA Candidate
University of Pittsburgh

Member Spotlight Q&A: Jordan McBride

Current school, program and any extracurricular affiliations:

University of Pittsburgh

MHA/MBA Candidate

Administrative Resident at Emanate Health

Extracurricular affiliations: GSPH Health Policy & Management Association, Katz Healthcare Club, Katz Operations Club, Katz Strategy Club

Prior School(s)/Degree(s):

University of Georgia

BS Nutrition Science

What do you enjoy most about being a student?

I enjoy getting to work with my peers who all come from different backgrounds. Everyone is able to contribute different insights based on previous experiences, and it has helped me develop an even greater appreciation for project-based school work. 

What academic or professional accomplishment are you most proud of?

I am most proud of completing a risk adjustment data validation CMS audit during my summer internship in the MHA/MBA program. It was my first experience on the payer side and opened my eyes to other areas of healthcare.

Why did you decide to join ACHE?

I decided to join ACHE to have the opportunity to meet individuals that are passionate about healthcare, and to learn about their experiences and paths throughout their career.

What is your role in ACHE (committees, responsibilities, etc.)?

Member of the Marketing and Management Committee

I create the invites for our events, manage the ACHE Western PA website, and perform other marketing and management functions as needed

What has been your favorite ACHE event and why?

My favorite ACHE event is the annual ACHE Congress because it brings together all chapters across the country. As a student, it is incredibly beneficial to meet other graduate students in various programs and to share our experiences and ways to improve our programs.

How have you applied your ACHE experience in an academic or professional setting?

The ACHE Newsletter gives me a lot insights into what is happening in the healthcare world and I often use stories and thoughts from those articles in both academic and professional settings.

What is your favorite thing to do in Pittsburgh?

I simply cannot pick a favorite. Here are my top 5:

1. Attend any Pittsburgh sporting event
2. Walk along Grandview Avenue in Mount Washington
3. Get shaved ice from Gus and Yiayia’s on the North Shore and walk around the park
4. Go to the Strip District and explore the different restaurants and shops
5. Walk around and explore Frick Park

Ways to connect with you (LinkedIn, email, etc.)

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordandmcbride/

Email: Jom182@pitt.edu

Ross Swanson
Chief Operating Officer & Executive VP of Sales
Corazon Inc

Member Spotlight Q&A:

Current company, position, and other organizational affiliations:

Corazon Inc, Chief Operating Officer & Executive VP of Sales

Other affiliations: Former board member of Pittsburgh Musical Theater, General member of the American Heart Association

School(s)/Degree(s)

Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing at Case Western Reserve University – MSN (Acute Care Nurse Practitioner concentration)

Case Western Reserve University – College of Arts  & Sciences – B.S. Communications (minors in Biology & Chemistry)

What do you enjoy most about your current position?

Being able to lead/spearhead vital aspects of a growing company. There is a large level of accountability and when you execute on key strategies and achieve performance targets, it’s very gratifying. The work that we do also benefits local communities around the U.S. by ensuring greater access to core healthcare services.

What professional accomplishment are you most proud of?

Achieving the title of COO at Corazon and remaining with the organization for just over 16 years. I have become a leader / shareholder in an organization that provides complex services for healthcare entities with complicated needs.

Why did you decide to join ACHE?

I have always experiencing large exposure to ACHE since Corazon was the key influencer to start the ACHE Western PA chapter. In fact, Corazon’s CEO, Karen Hartman, was the first president of the organization of Southwestern PA  health care executives that ultimately became ACHE. I also thought that the learning and networking opportunities were perfectly aligned with my needs as a healthcare executive.

What has been your favorite ACHE event and why?

Our chapter’s annual December meeting. It’s held in a beautiful location (Phipps Conservatory) just in time for the holiday season. We secure great presenters for that.

How have you applied your ACHE experience to your current role?

The items that I’ve learned at ACHE educational events are completely intertwined with my work. As a professional consulting firm, my job is to have my finger on the pulse of the healthcare industry with intimate knowledge of industry trends and ACHE helps me t maintain this.

What is your favorite thing to do in Pittsburgh?

This is a tie – 1) Take my dogs to the local parks (have two Labrador retrievers [one yellow and one black]) or 2) ride around town with my partner, Brent, on our Segways (yes we own a small fleet of Segways and could start our own mini tour company if needed).

Ways to connect with you (LinkedIn, email, etc.)

Yes I’m on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rossswanson/

My work email is: rswanson@corazoninc.com

Laura Duncan
Senior Administrator
Department of Medicine, UPMC

Member Spotlight Q&A:

Current company, position, and other organizational affiliations?

Senior Administrator within the Department of Medicine of UPMC. I’m also the President of the National Association of Health Services Executives, Pittsburgh Chapter.

School(s)/Degree(s)

Master of Health Administration (Pitt) and Master of Healthcare Informatics (Chatham)

What do you enjoy most about your current position?

I love the variety of complex problems within UPMC and University of Pittsburgh’s School of Medicine, to exert influence within a highly matrixed environment, and driving unique fiscal and clinical integrated programs in partnership with UPMC’s Health Plan.

What professional accomplishment are you most proud of?

It’s in process right now–implementing an equitable and value based compensation program for our physicians within specialty medicine.

Why did you decide to join ACHE?

Networking, professional development,  and supporting future healthcare leaders

What has been your favorite ACHE event?

I enjoy the Holiday party!

How have you applied your ACHE experience to your current role?

I appreciate the insights and advocacy for diversity and inclusion; I have used several articles from ACHE’s materials to push for more voices and consideration.

What is your favorite thing to do in Pittsburgh?

I love walking my dog along the Allegheny River and Point State Park. I enjoy all the diversity of food and Downtown’s Cultural district.

Ways to connect with you (LinkedIn, email, etc.)

LinkedIn is my jam – https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauracdgraham/

Sameer Kokan
Consulting Manager
ProspHire, LLC

Why did you join ACHE?

I joined ACHE as a student pursuing my MHA in order gain a better understanding of what I could expect in the professional world. I wanted to be part of an organization that focused on healthcare management excellence, and would help get me on the right path to helping contribute to wellness in my community and beyond. ACHE was, and continues to be, the perfect fit.

Looking back, have you been lead to opportunities because of your membership in ACHE?

I have been able to connect with a wide array of healthcare professionals, drawing on their knowledge and experience to help me in my career. Specifically, ACHE Congress is a great opportunity to create and foster those connections.

What would you tell other professionals who have not joined ACHE as to the benefits of membership?

An ACHE membership gives you access to a vast international network of professionals in various areas of the healthcare industry. These members are willing and able to help each other by sharing ideas, making connections, and providing mentorship. Additionally, there are great educational opportunities available as part of membership that can help you stay up-to-date on the ever-changing healthcare environment.

Are networking opportunities throughout Western Pennsylvania something that draws your attention?

Absolutely! Healthcare in Western Pennsylvania is a very unique environment, which fosters tremendous opportunity. The sheer amount of work that needs to be done leads to a wide variety of important and fulfilling roles within the industry. Networking is particularly important in my role as a Consulting Manager at ProspHire.

What would your words of encouragement be to early careerists about pursuing healthcare leadership positions given the ever changing healthcare environment?

I would tell them not to limit themselves by being too narrowly focused on a specific aspect of healthcare. I’ve been fortunate to have a career that covers a broad spectrum: pharmaceuticals, IT, healthcare construction, patient experience initiatives, and consulting. By putting myself in different situations and roles, I’ve learned what I enjoy doing. Maybe more importantly, I’ve also learned what I don’t enjoy doing. Your career will not be linear, but rather will take many twists and turns. Keep focused on your long term goals, but understand that there are many ways to arrive at your destination.