Board Spotlight 2025–2026

What made you run for a board position?

I ran for the board to increase my knowledge and expand my network as part of my career goals. I started as a First Year Director and am now the President-Elect.

What is something you like about being on the board?

One of the best things about being on the board is the friendships I have made, as well as the professional opportunities being on the board has provided me. Networking with other health information professionals and vendors has been incredibly insightful to the changing landscape of our profession. I love new and emerging technologies and job skills. The board has allowed me an opportunity to investigate and learn more about them.

What is something you have learned about IaHIMA or AHIMA since becoming a board member?

There are all sorts of opportunities to get involved at the state and national level. I got the courage to apply for a Practice Council position in 2022 and was appointed to the CDI Practice Council for this year. It has allowed me an even greater reach for my passions and to work on important documents that will be used across the US. There are so many short-time-commitment opportunities to volunteer within the state for committees or events as well for Nationals. Adding these to your resume can be beneficial for you and can network you into other opportunities.

Is there anything else you would like to share?

If you haven’t already, create a profile on LinkedIn and start networking. Build your tribe of reliable HIM professionals that you can ask questions to when you are stuck on a coding problem or documentation question, anything! Sometimes it is just nice to have your own cheering section! Look me up, I’ll be waiting!

What made you run for a board position?

Being fairly new to Iowa, I have always strived to join in on things to help me meet new people and network! At first I was hesitant as this was way out of my comfort zone, with it not being a local thing, but I jumped in with both feet and haven’t looked back since!

What is something you like about being on the board?

I joined the IaHIMA board in 2018 and since then I have learned so much about the Health Information profession. Being apart of the board also has allowed me to do some traveling that I otherwise wouldn’t have been able to do! Being able to attend the AHIMA Conference & being a Delegate for Iowa really has been a highlight for me!

What is something you have learned about IaHIMA or AHIMA since becoming a board member?

AHIMA – After attending the AHIMA Conference and the AHIMA House of Delegates I realized just how impactful our profession can be! There truly is a void in health information literacy between the facility and the patients and if I can help to make just the smallest difference in someone being able to understand or navigate their healthcare journey, that’s a win for me!

IaHIMA – Getting the opportunity to network with others in the same profession within our state gives us all such a huge resource to help us learn and grow! It can be so impactful! I would highly recommend if you are looking for an opportunity like what I talked about, please reach out to a board member and we would love to chat with you about our organization!

What made you run for a board position?

I had always aspired to join the board but was initially hesitant due to fear of the unknown. My perspective changed during an annual state meeting when a board member spoke passionately about the numerous benefits of board service. She highlighted the exceptional educational opportunities, networking possibilities, and leadership development available through the board. The chance to attend AHIMA conferences, gain exposure to new ideas, and connect with both local peers and the national board was particularly appealing. Additionally, serving on the board promised to enhance my resume and offer a meaningful way to contribute to our association, which had already provided me with so much. Inspired by her encouragement and the range of opportunities for involvement, I decided to run for a position—and succeeded. I am deeply grateful for this opportunity and encourage others, whether new to the field or seasoned professionals, to consider board service.

What is something you like about being on the board?

The networking opportunities have been a standout aspect of my board experience. It has allowed me to connect with influential and knowledgeable individuals, some of whom have become lifelong friends. Serving on the board has also enabled me to develop valuable professional skills and provided significant personal and professional fulfillment. As Grace Whiting Myers articulated in her 1929 address, being part of a great board brings together diverse excellence, broadening our outlook and embracing great possibilities.

What is something you have learned about IaHIMA or AHIMA since becoming a board member?

Since joining the board, I have gained a deeper understanding of AHIMA’s House of Delegates and its role in advocating for healthcare transformation and public policy. I learned about “Capitol Hill Day,” where members meet with federal legislators to discuss key legislative issues impacting our profession. Attending these events with our Legislative Liaison and participating in educational sessions with AHIMA’s Chief Public Policy and Impact Officer, Lauren Riplinger, have been highlights of my board service. This exposure to advocacy work has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my board experience, reinforcing the impact of our collective efforts in shaping health information policies.

What made you run for a board position?

I was initially encouraged to run for a position with IaHIMA to network and get more involved. My first involvement was serving on the Nominating Committee. I do have to say that was about the best way to get introduced to what IaHIMA is and does. This year I ran for and was voted in as First Year Director, having served a 2-year role I was able to learn and get a better understanding of each position.

I have enjoyed networking with members throughout the state of Iowa. Being involved and active in IaHIMA has made me more aware of what is up and coming in the world of HIM.  I feel this experience has made me a better professional. Learning more about how AHIMA works with the support of the state organizations has been educational for me. I am excited to have the opportunity to attend the House of Delegates at the National AHIMA meeting this fall.

I was nervous to run for my first position but am so glad I did. I have been able to push myself out of my comfort zone & assist in areas that I would not have normally been comfortable doing in the past.

What made you run for a board position?

My boys have grown up with our youngest son graduating high school in 2024.  I volunteered a lot during their school years and enjoyed the social and teaming interaction with others; when Stacy Oakland (IaHIMA 2nd Year Director) asked me if I’d ever consider a board position and encouraged me to give it a try I thought “Why not.”  I also think it’s a great opportunity to get involved in the HIM community as far as networking and want to make better connections and relationships. 

What is something you like about being on the board?

This is my first position on the board, what I’m liking so far is getting to know others’ that I would not have gotten to know with just attending the State Meetings.

What is something you have learned about IaHIMA or AHIMA since becoming a board member?

Members from our board attend the National meeting. 

Is there anything else you would like to share?

I was worried about adding another thing to my life but I’m honestly happy I chose to give this a shot.  If you want to look at a board position that will gradually get your feet wet, the Nominating Committee is that position for you!

What made you run for a board position?

I decided to run for a board position to network and commit myself to a cause outside of work. My kids are teenagers and older now, so it felt like a great time to do something for myself to grow and learn. I wanted to participate in something outside of my work, but in something I can learn from too so this was a perfect fit.

What is something you like about being on the board?

I am new to the board this year, but something I like so far about being on the board has been how serious the other board members take their positions and how hard they work to improve and maintain the IaHIMA state component association.

What is something you have learned about IaHIMA or AHIMA since becoming a board member?

Since I have become a board member, something I have learned about IaHIMA are the bylaws and guidance provided by AHIMA for the state component associations. In addition, as a new board member, I have realized that the AHIMA has relied on the volunteer work of state component association boards more than I had initially assumed.

Is there anything else you would like to share?

I would like to share that I am glad I ran for a board position and would encourage any other IaHIMA member to consider running next year. The process so far has been enlightening and encouraging. So far, it has been a great growing experience and I hope that other Iowa members realize this and the potential of them serving towards growing and improving IaHIMA.

What made you run for a board position?

I wanted to learn more about our Annual meeting and the planning that goes into it. I wanted to be a part of creating a value-added meeting for our members.

What is something you like about being on the board?

Being a part of the Board is a great way to network with members from other organizations. I have learned so much from each and every one of them.

What is something you have learned about IaHIMA or AHIMA since becoming a board member?

I have never been involved in planning an event like our Annual meeting before so it has been a learning experience about how much time and effort is put into ensuring we have a great meeting for our members!

What made you run for a board position?

I was the director of our state association from 2006- 2008. It was a great learning experience. While serving on the board I did a lot of networking with other members. This incentivized me to advance my education through the University of Cincinnati. I now have some extra time since my kids are finished playing college sports. It was great timing to reanalyze and volunteer for the IaHIMA board.

What is something you like about being on the board?

I like the confidence and experience that I gained as a HIT professional. As a member of the board, it helped me foster my leadership skills to become a better educator.

What is something you have learned about IaHIMA or AHIMA since being a board member?

That many hands make light work. It is so important to get members to volunteer. It is a learning experience they won’t regret.

Is there anything else you would like to share?

It is great to see all my graduates from NICC either serve on the board or come to the state meeting. Once a student comes to a state meeting, most want to come back and network with other professionals. I love to see how my former students have advanced in their careers and make connections along the way.