ACHE of South Florida (ACHE-SFL) is the local official chapter of the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE) and provides members with educational programs, networking and volunteer opportunities, career and advancement resources and the ability to connect with healthcare executives.
Learn MoreAs a member, you'll join more than 48,000 healthcare leaders from across the country and around the world who are dedicated to improving health. If you want to connect with local healthcare professionals, join ACHE and select ACHE of South Florida as your home chapter.
Learn MoreWe invite you to attend the many events we host throughout the year, including educational programs, networking events, webinars, seminars and much more.
The first quarter of 2023 has come and gone too quickly! Our chapter has had a busy few months as we plan for the year ahead. As this year’s President some of my goals include facilitating increased member engagement, encouraging greater student membership and encouraging those student members to continue with ACHE of South Florida after graduation. Furthermore, I want to work with the chapter to boost the number of members with Fellowship credentialing. My request to all of you is to give back to your chapter, by fostering collegial interaction and where appropriate offering mentorship to our newest members. Finding ways to give all interested members a “seat at the table” and encouraging greater involvement will grow and strengthen our organization.
On February 28th we had over 250 attendees at our Board Installation Dinner. Congratulations to the 2023 Board of Directors and a special thank you to Shane Strum, President & CEO, Broward Health, and K. Scott Wester, FACHE, President & CEO, Memorial Healthcare System for leading our fireside chat.
We recently held our first education event at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, and it was a terrific program. Panelists shared their knowledge on financing via private equity or alternative funding in healthcare. It was very relevant to today’s healthcare landscape. If you were not able to join us in person you have the opportunity to view the lecture on our website at Event Videos.
ACHE Congress was held in March’ and I would like to thank those members who attended and presented on behalf of our chapter. You represented us well!
ACHE of South Florida received the Chapter Innovation Grant under the leadership of our Immediate Past President, Oyinkansola “Bukky” Ogunrinde. This grant encourages a focus on growing the membership of C-suite leaders who work in non-hospital settings. Special thank-you to Haroula Norden, FACHE, President-Elect for spearheading this effort and ensuring we fulfilled all requirements for the Chapter Innovation Grant.
I am very honored and excited to have the opportunity to lead our 1,200 members through this year, a year of recovery. I encourage each of you to engage with our chapter and your fellow members throughout the year.
Please reach out to me or any of our Board of Directors at any time.
For the latest news, including upcoming events, member and sponsor spotlights and much more, please bookmark our chapter's website and follow us on LinkedIn!
Wishing you all the best!
Jenna Merlucci, FACHE
Chapter President
ACHE of South Florida
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“As much as I would like to plan my day, it doesn’t necessarily go that way.” That’s the way Aganette Parks, MHA, PMP, described her position as the associate administrator at Delray Medical Center.
“I oversee the daily operations for several ancillary departments,” she continued, highlighting surgical services, pharmacy, food and nutrition services, therapy services, the inpatient rehabilitation facility, and environmental services as being among them. She doesn’t do everything every day, but said, “A lot of my work is putting out fires. If any of my departments runs into any issues, I help remove any barriers, and provide them with the resources they need to do their job.”
Parks became interested in healthcare at a young age. She said her parents were Haitian immigrants who came to America before she was born. “I watched at a very young age how my parents, who didn’t speak much English, tried to navigate the healthcare system, and how complex it was.” She noticed the lack of cultural competency within the field, and said, “Seeing that at a young age made me want to get into healthcare and health administration to see if I could make a positive impact, to reach not just the Haitian community, but others within the community and be a representative.”
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