AHA Solutions & ASHHRA Announce the Second Annual Gary Willis Leadership Award

Celebrating the Operational Excellence of Human Resource Professionals in Health Care

 

AHA Solutions, a subsidiary of the American Hospital Association (AHA), and the American Society for Healthcare Human Resources Administration (ASHHRA) today announced the second annual Gary Willis Leadership Award (GWL). The GWL Award honors the memory of Gary Willis, a member of the ASHHRA board who passed away in 2010 after a battle with stomach cancer.

Recognizing mid-level human resources managers and directors who have made outstanding leadership and operations contributions to their organization, this award is for managers who are looking to advance their career through continuous educational opportunities promoting operational excellence.

Managers and Directors meeting the following criteria are eligible to apply for the award:*

  • Minimum of 5 years of human resources health care experience
  • ASHHRA member for one year or more
  • Title of manager or director

 

*Past and present ASHHRA Board members are not eligible for this award.

“We are happy to co-sponsor this award with ASHHRA to recognize talent in the industry while honoring a man who devoted much of his life to enhancing the human resource profession,” said Anthony J. Burke, President & CEO of AHA Solutions.

Gary Willis was a past president of the Montana Society of Healthcare Human Resources Administrators, a member of the ASHHRA Board of Directors, and won the ASHHRA Outstanding Chapter Achievement Award for 2004, 2005, and 2010. As the Director of Human Resources at Shodair Children’s Hospital in Helena, Montana, Gary believed strongly that Human Resources and Workforce Development are essential in building a partnership in all areas of health care to ensure that hospitals and health systems are employers of choice.

“Gary Willis was a talented member of the ASHHRA membership and board.” Stephanie Drake, Executive Director of ASHHRA commented. “It is such an honor to grant this award. For recipients it means walking in great shoes of honor, integrity, and leadership in the health care HR field.”

Applications can be submitted online beginning January 13th at www.aha-solutions.org or www.ashhra.org. Applications must be received by May 1st and winners will be announced at the ASHHRA 48th Annual Conference & Exhibition in September of 2012

About the AHA
The American Hospital Association is a not-for-profit association of health care provider organizations and individuals committed to the health improvement of their communities. The AHA is the national advocate for its members, which includes nearly 5,000 hospitals and health care systems, networks, and other providers of care and 42,000 individuals. Founded in 1898, the AHA provides education for health care leaders and is a source of information on health care issues and trends. For more information, visit www.aha.org.

About AHA Solutions
AHA Solutions, Inc. is a resource to hospitals pursuing operational excellence. As an American Hospital Association (AHA) member service, AHA Solutions collaborates with hospital leaders and market consultants to conduct the proprietary AHA Signature Due Diligence Process™ and identify solutions to hospital challenges in the areas of care continuum, cultural transformation, clinical integration and financial sustainability. AHA Solutions provides related marketplace analytics and education to support product decision-making. As a subsidiary of the American Hospital Association (AHA), the organization convenes people with like interests for knowledge sharing centered on timely information and research. AHA Solutions is proud to reinvest its profits in the AHA mission: creating healthier communities. For more information, contact AHA Solutions at 800.242.4677 or visit www.aha-solutions.org.

About ASHHRA
Founded in 1964, ASHHRA is a personal membership group of the American Hospital Association (AHA) and has more than 3,500 members nationwide. It leads the way for members to become more effective, valued, and credible leaders in health care human resources. As the foremost authority in health care human resources, it provides timely and critical support through research, learning and knowledge sharing, professional development, products and resources, and provides opportunities for networking and collaboration. For more information about ASHHRA, visit our website at www.ashhra.org.