CAHL Newsletter July 2025

LEADERSHIP INSIGHTS

The Value of Mentoring

Two hands holding a square piece of cardboard with black text reading give back

By Kenny Pawlek | It’s nearly summer. School is finishing, vacations are near, and interns are joining our organizations!

It’s a rite of passage for most of us. An internship offers a glance into our future career, allowing us to “test the waters” and confirm the choices we’ve made. Now that I’m further along in my career, it’s my turn to give back and provide opportunities for students to experience working in a hospital.

CAREER DEVELOPMENT & TRANSITION

Knowing How to Respond Appropriately When Asked Inappropriate or Illegal Questions During an Interview

By Robyn Ply and Michael O'Connell | A Personal Story - Robyn Ply’s perspective: Early in my career, I interviewed for a leadership role at a healthcare organization—a new position that aligned well with my aspirations and would allow me to further develop and apply my leadership skills. In the week leading up to the interview, I dedicated time to prepare thoughtfully: researching the organization, speaking with employees to better understand the culture, and working with mentors to refine my responses.

MENTORSHIP

2025 Spring CAHL Mentor Program Recap

Image of a cup of coffee and a pen with notecards and the top notecard reads be a mentor

The California Association of Healthcare Leaders (CAHL) just completed yet another successful round of our Spring Formal Mentorship Program. Spanning 3 months, from February 18th to June 6, 2025, our cohort of mentees were able to deeply engage with their mentors and receive unique insight from experienced leaders committed to guiding the next generation of healthcare executives.

HIGHER EDUCATION NETWORK

Leadership Opportunities for Early Careerists in Healthcare Administration

By Neha Chowrasia | Healthcare administration in the United States is undergoing rapid transformation—driven by technology, evolving patient expectations, and pressing system-wide challenges. For early careerists, this moment presents not just uncertainty, but tremendous opportunity.

Compass with text at due north reading Leadership

VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT

Volunteer Spotlight | Marie-Paule Metzker

Marie-Paule Metzker, MHA, CPA is a Financial Director for both Sutter Auburn Faith Hospital and Sutter Center for Psychiatry. She serves on the CAHL Mentorship Committee. Tell us a bit about what you’ve been doing as a volunteer, and why you chose this particular role.

Volunteering with CAHL has been a great way to contribute to the organization and build relationships with members and volunteers.