Greetings, Kentucky
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By Joe Taylor
As I’m penning this month’s letter, it's sunny and 80 degrees outside; tomorrow’s high temperature is predicted to be 57 degrees – a 23 degree difference. WELCOME TO KENTUCKY!
So yesterday at 1:15 PM Central time, we put the 2020 Annual Healthcare Coalition Conference to bed. It was an EXCELLENT conference! We had approximately 400 registrants; 36 sponsors/exhibitors including four Presidential Level Sponsors (Cooney Engineered Solutions, Harshaw Trane, Johnson Controls, and Mitchell & Lindsey); one Platinum Level Sponsor (Air Equipment Company); six Gold Level Sponsors, and sixteen Silver Level Sponsors. Thank you all so much. We really couldn’t have pulled off the first EVER Virtual HCC without you.
I think that most of our sponsors and exhibitors were pleased with the attendance and their overall experience in their virtual exhibit booths. Thanks again all.
Our speakers were tremendous as always: Keynote Speaker Jonathan Fanning left people feeling “inspired,” “motivated,” and “contemplative.” Jim Kendig tailored his usual informative presentation specifically to Kentucky; Doug Erickson’s advance look at the 2022 FGI Guidelines and changes surrounding lessons learned during the pandemic left me feeling good that the FGI has our backs. Nancy Galvagni’s “State of the State” gave us all a first-hand look at just how deeply and strongly the KHA staff feels about supporting its Kentucky hospitals and caregivers. I could go on and on. Thanks to all of our session and break-out presenters. I truly believe that the quality of our virtual education offerings was at least as good as our previous face-to-face events. Oh, and let’s not forget that we had presentations from two of ASHE’s finest; Michael Roberts, Region 3 ASHE Board member and Shay Rankhorn, ASHE President-Elect.
The results of the KSHE board elections were presented during the annual meeting of the members. In January 2021 the leadership baton is being passed to current President-Elect Martin Wheatley. Martin will be an AWESOME KSHE president. Your vote also added three new board members: Kurt Gessner (Norton Women’s & Children’s Hospital) will serve as a Director of Education. Ron Henley (Baptist Health Paducah) will be the second Director of Education, and David Hinkle (Baptist Health Corbin) will serve as Director-Membership. Both Kurt and Ron are returning to the board, and as previous KSHE presidents, they both bring (back) an immense amount of expertise.
I am personally sad to say that Andy Woommavovah will be rolling off the KSHE board for this next term. As Vice-President of Membership, Andy and his team grew the number of KSHE members by 69% - from 570 to 962 – over the last 2 years. Andy is passionate about taking care of patients and growing the Healthcare Facilities Team in the Commonwealth. Hopefully he will soon return to the KSHE board.
Finally, I am thrilled at this year’s selections for KSHE’s special recognition awards. The James Mason Leadership Award was presented (virtually) to Mike Canales for his passionate dedication to advancing Healthcare Facilities Education throughout the Commonwealth. The Norm Menser Award was presented to Mr. David Wilcox, State Building Inspector for the Department of Housing, Building and Construction. Congratulations gentlemen!
That’s it for this month. Protect the people you love. Wear a mask, maintain social distancing, wash your hands and stay warm.
Best wishes,
Joe Taylor
KSHE President
