By Rabiha Ahmed
The 2023 CAHL Annual Meeting was one for the books, convening over 150 leaders from across California in Walnut Creek.
Delvecchio Finley, FACHE, President and CEO of Atrium Health Navicent, a crucial figure in CAHL’s inception, delivered the keynote address and seamlessly wove together the mission of ACHE. Finley began with reminding everyone of ACHE’s aims to serve as a catalyst – particularly for diversity – to connect everyone in our community to be successful in their roles, and to partner in diverse ways.
Throughout his address, Finley echoed the 2023 ACHE Congress’ theme, “Bolder Brighter Together.” Opening with a personal narrative, he reflected on his journey of building a community, which began in 2005 as one of CAHL’s founding members and inaugural chapter secretary. This pivotal role exemplified the power of community and partnership in his early career and resonated with many in the room.
Finley also shared ACHE’s 3 year strategic plan for 2022-2025, which includes ACHE’s audacious goal of targeting $1M towards the Fund for Healthcare Leadership. The fund is aimed towards advancing ACHE’s DEI efforts and offers members scholarships to further their careers and transform the delivery of care in their communities. With two years remaining, Finley challenged every member in the room to take “bold”action and contribute. With the power of our community pouring into the fund, we can be “Bolder Brighter Together.” Members can get involved at www.ache.org/fund.
Finley topped off his keynote with a poignant quote from Vernon Jordan, ”You are where you are today because you stand on somebody’s shoulders. And wherever you are heading, you cannot get there by yourself. If you stand on the shoulders of others, you have a reciprocal responsibility to live your life so that others may stand on your shoulders. It’s the quid pro quo of life. We exist temporarily through what we take, but we live forever through what we give.”
As we continue to lead our communities and advance access to care, let’s not forget to support our leaders and colleagues in need and reflect on the importance of being “Bolder Brighter Together.”
