AHIMA CEO Search
The Pursuit Of Our Next Chief Executive Officer
We have launched the search for our next Chief Executive Officer, supported by executive recruitment firm Korn Ferry and a dedicated Search Committee composed of AHIMA Board Members and staff. We are committed to a thoughtful and inclusive process that reflects the needs of our association and our members. A comprehensive and strategic approach has been identified to ensure we select a leader who aligns with our mission and has the executive skills to guide AHIMA and HCPro into our next chapter of growth.
Who is on the Search Committee?
The Search Committee includes AHIMA Board members, executive leadership, and representation from both AHIMA and HCPro:
- Mona Calhoun, Search Committee Chair, Past President, AHIMA Board of Directors
- Aurae Beidler, Secretary, AHIMA Board of Directors
- Maria Caban Alizondo, President/Chair, AHIMA Board of Directors
- David Cella, President, HCPro
- Leslie Moore, Liaison, General Counsel, AHIMA
- Rachel Podczervinski, Treasurer, AHIMA Board of Directors
- Lauren Riplinger, Chief Public Policy and Impact Officer, AHIMA
- Ryan Sandefer, Former AHIMA Board Member
Timeline
Hiring a CEO for a national nonprofit is a significant process that can vary widely. Members can expect the process to take approximately 6-9 months.
The timeline generally includes:
- Preparation Phase (1-2 months): Forming a search committee, defining the role, and creating a job description.
- Recruitment Phase (2-3 months): Active recruitment involves posting the job, reaching out to potential candidates, and conducting initial screenings.
- Selection Phase (1-2 months): Conducting interviews (often several rounds) and completing reference checks; negotiating and finalizing an offer.
- Transition Phase (1-2 months): Once the candidate accepts the offer, there鈥檚 often a notice period at their current job, followed by onboarding and orientation.
We began the process in winter 2024 and anticipate announcing our new CEO in November 2025.
AHIMA CEO Search FAQ
What鈥檚 the process for the CEO search?
The AHIMA Board of Directors Policy Manual contains the CEO Succession Plan, which establishes the procedures used by the Search Committee during the search process and includes the option of retaining the services of an executive search firm.
Who was selected to conduct the search?
The CEO search is being led by AHIMA鈥檚 Board of Directors with the support of a Search Committee composed of AHIMA and HCPro leaders and facilitated by executive search firm .听
Why is it necessary to use an executive search firm?
There are many great reasons to rely on a search firm when filling the critical role of CEO:
- Objective Perspective and Strategic Alignment: Search firms offer an unbiased perspective which avoids internal biases and ensures a fair evaluation of all candidates. They are skilled at working collaboratively with search committees to understand and incorporate organizational goals and challenges and ensure the selected CEO aligns with AHIMA鈥檚 vision.
- Access to Top Talent and Expertise in Executive Recruitment: Search firms have extensive networks and can reach candidates who may not be actively seeking new roles. They specialize in identifying high-performing executives and they have a disciplined, merit-based process to assess candidates thoroughly.
- Time Efficiency and Confidentiality: Managing a CEO search internally is time-consuming. Search firms streamline the process, allowing the hiring committee to focus on strategic decisions rather than administrative tasks. These firms ensure a high level of discretion, protecting both the organization and the candidates.
What skills and experience are needed to lead a membership association like AHIMA?
AHIMA, like other any other association, needs a CEO with a successful track record in business and operations functions. Their ultimate responsibility is ensuring organizational and financial stability, which requires specialized knowledge and experience related to association management. We are looking for candidates with the:
- Ability to stabilize the organization and strengthen operations
- Understanding of the integrated nature of AHIMA and HCPro
- Capacity to rebuild trust and engagement with stakeholders
- Vision to advance AHIMA鈥檚 position as a leader in health information
- Expertise to foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and innovation
Will the CEO candidates be required to have HI credentials?
AHIMA鈥檚 CEO is responsible for running a professional association. That requires specialized knowledge in nonprofit management, board relations, finance, operations, strategy and marketing. The AHIMA CEO is also responsible for leading HCPro, a wholly owned, for profit subsidiary of AHIMA, and must be able to effectively serve in that role with an emphasis on commercial product and service development.
The AHIMA CEO search is designed to reflect the primary responsibility of association management. The comprehensive search process will help ensure we select a leader who aligns with our mission and has the executive skills to guide AHIMA and HCPro into our next chapter of growth.
Most, if not all, large health associations are led by CEOs who do not have the respective health credential for those sectors; however, we will certainly review favorably applicants with HI credentials.
Where does the CEO fit into AHIMA governance?
AHIMA鈥檚 main governing body, the Board of Directors, is made up of 15 AHIMA-credentialed members who guide the association鈥檚 organizational and financial priorities. Those priorities are then implemented by the AHIMA CEO and staff.
AHIMA鈥檚 CEO reports to the AHIMA Board of Directors. This structure and reporting relationship provides a mix of industry representation and professional expertise. For health informatics, this is an especially important dynamic to maintain the integrity of professional credentials and uphold the certification standards healthcare institutions rely on.
Should our association be governed by leaders with HI credentials?
AHIMA is led by credentialed leaders who make up the Board of Directors as well as in key roles responsible for upholding the clinical and technical authority of the association. AHIMA鈥檚 Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs and Professional Credentials and the Senior Vice President of Health Information Career Advancement are both appropriately credentialed.
The House of Delegates is also made up of HI credentialed members and plays an essential role in highlighting the most pressing matters that are impacting our members and the profession. The House of Delegates regularly provides updates to the AHIMA Board and works with relevant AHIMA staff.