By Lois Thomson, South Florida Hospital News, for ACHE of South Florida

As a youngster, Arlen “A.J.” Ross knew what he wanted to do as a career, and it was NOT go into healthcare. “Growing up, my mother was a pharmacist, and my father was in healthcare administration. I told both of them I would never follow in their footsteps,” Ross said, then added with a chuckle, “Lo and behold, I almost identically followed the pathway my father set.”

That pathway has Ross currently established as Director of Business Operations for Baptist Health, Palm Beach Market. Of his responsibilities, he said, “I do a little of everything for Baptist in the North Region, from emergency medical services outreach to all of our fire rescue and EMS agencies, to integration for the North Region, to different operations and special projects. Literally, it depends on the day and what is needed to be accomplished.” He said he’s also currently serving as interim director for environmental services, transport services, telecommunications, and linen services.

Ross’ father was a hospital administrator in New York (and was an EMT), who had the responsibility for ambulatory services, including the Emergency Department and Ambulance Services. Ross himself began working in fire rescue as a critical care paramedic firefighter – “exactly what I told my father I would not do” – then worked in a hospital as a paramedic. After furthering his education, he went into different operational aspects and worked his way up to his current position.

So while Ross in essence followed his father’s career path, it was also Ross’ father who introduced him to the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE). “Being a healthcare administrator, my father had always recommended, ‘If you’re going to further your career you’re going to go down certain pathways, and joining ACHE gives you the resources and the ability to connect with others and network.'” Ross has found that to be true. One person with whom he has networked is Haroula Norden, the immediate past president of the organization and with whom he previously worked at Memorial Health System.

Along with Norden, Ross said, “There have been many others as well who I’ve been able to connect with, and if ever you have any questions, you’re able to reach out to those networks for answers, because someone is going to know, or know someone else who can assist you in moving on to that next level.”

Ross, who joined ACHE in 2017, is currently serving as programming chair-elect for the organization. He said the committee is looking to expand education opportunities for the membership at large, “everything from virtual education where we’re able to do everything via Zoom; or in person, where you’re able to network face-to-face.”

This work will continue next year when he moves up to programming chair, and Ross said, “As we move forward, we’re adapting to anything the membership as a whole would like.” He said the newest element this year has been the change in adapting to doing virtual credits, and so far, the members seem to be in favor.

His answer as to whether he would encourage others to join ACHE is, “in a heartbeat. The ability to network and have a vast array of people at your fingertips who are able to assist in your career pathway – whether that’s in the private sector or public sector – there’s someone, somewhere, who has probably done what you’re looking to do, and you’re able to work with them to see what your next steps would be and have that mentorship and guidance.”

Ross added that as he felt more comfortable in his role and his leadership abilities, he became a mentor both locally and with the national chapter, which enabled him to connect and share insights with other ACHE members throughout the nation. “Now I have a network of colleagues across the country.”