“The growth and development of people is the highest calling of leadership.” — Harvey S. Firestone
Fellow Healthcare Leaders,
Leadership is not a solo endeavor. The strongest leaders invest in others, celebrate excellence, and create opportunities for future leaders to thrive. One of the things I value most about ACHE is our shared commitment to developing leaders. Whether through mentorship, volunteer service, educational programming, networking, or professional advancement, we are all investing in the future of healthcare leadership.
This edition of the Regent’s Newsletter highlights several opportunities to engage with and celebrate our leadership community. From the announcement of my 2026 Regent’s Advisory Council, to nominations for the Regent’s Awards, to our upcoming CAHL 20th Annual Meeting & Awards Ceremony, Tides of Transformation, these initiatives reflect our commitment to recognizing excellence, fostering professional growth, and strengthening the healthcare leadership community throughout Northern and Central California.
Introducing My 2026 Regent’s Advisory Council
One of the privileges of serving as your Regent is the opportunity to appoint a Regent’s Advisory Council that helps advance ACHE’s mission and strengthen leadership development opportunities across Northern and Central California.
I am pleased to announce the members of my 2026 Regent’s Advisory Council. These accomplished healthcare leaders will provide guidance, perspective, and support as we continue to foster professional growth, engagement, and leadership excellence across our region. I am grateful for their willingness to volunteer their time, expertise, and leadership in service to our members and profession.
Please join me in thanking the members of my 2026 Regent’s Advisory Council:
- Abraham Cicchetti, MSHA, PPMC, CHEP
- Sheila Baxter, MPH
- Bryan J. Bucklew, FACHE
- Kelly Flannery, MHA, FACHE
- Sachin Gangupantula, MBA, FACHE, MS
- Kiren Rizvi Jafry
- Bryanna Gallaway, MPA-HSA, CPXP
- Steven Foster, MBA, MHA, FACHE
- Kenny Pawlek, FACHE
- Joleen Lonigan, DNP, RN, NE-BC, FACHE
- Siri T. Nelson, FACHE
- Tracey Lewis Taylor, FACHE
- Clair Kuriakose, MBA, PA-C, FACHE
- Dr. Nicole Barnett
Learn more about the Regent’s Advisory Council: https://ache-cahl.org/regents-advisory-council/
Nominations Now Open for the 2026 Regent’s Awards
Each year, the Regent’s Awards recognize exceptional healthcare leaders who have demonstrated outstanding leadership, professional achievement, and commitment to advancing healthcare management.
The four award categories are:
- Early Careerist Healthcare Executive Award
- Emerging Healthcare Executive Award
- Senior Careerist Healthcare Executive Award
- Community Impact Award
Recipients of the 2026 Regent’s Awards will be recognized at the CAHL 20th Annual Meeting & Awards Ceremony. I encourage you to nominate a deserving colleague or consider nominating yourself. While professional accomplishments and leadership impact are important considerations, nominees who are highly engaged and visible within CAHL and ACHE through volunteering, speaking, mentoring, committee service, and other contributions will receive strong preference within their respective award category.
Completed nomination packets must be submitted no later than 11:59 p.m. PT on June 30, 2026.
Please submit nomination packets to: NS.ACHERegent@gmail.com
Award criteria, nomination forms, and additional information are available at: https://ache-cahl.org/regents-award/
Join Us for CAHL’s 20th Annual Meeting & Awards Ceremony
This year marks a significant milestone as the California Association of Healthcare Leaders celebrates its 20th anniversary. I invite you to join healthcare leaders from across our region for the CAHL 20th Annual Meeting & Awards Ceremony, Tides of Transformation, on August 28 aboard the San Francisco Spirit Yacht.
This special event will celebrate leadership excellence, recognize our Regent’s Award recipients, strengthen professional connections, and provide an opportunity to reflect on the future of healthcare leadership in California.
I hope to personally welcome many of you as we celebrate the accomplishments of our members and the continued growth of our healthcare leadership community.
Registration is now open: https://ache-cahl.org/event/cahl-20th-annual-awards-gala-tides-of-transformation/
Stay Connected
Thank you for your continued commitment to lifelong learning, professional excellence, and advancing healthcare leadership. Our chapter’s strength comes from the engagement, service, and leadership of members like you.
It is an honor to serve as your Regent, and I look forward to connecting with many of you at upcoming events throughout the year.
Warm regards,
Nikhil Singal, FACHE
Regent for California – Northern & Central
ns.acheregent@gmail.com
