Since assuming leadership of the Healthcare Financial Management Association in Westchester, Ill., 24 years ago, Richard Clarke has elevated the association to one of the most respected and authoritative healthcare associations. He has helped increase membership by over 8,000 members, introduced a website and online bulletin board system and formed a strategic alliance between HFMA and the Medical Group Management Association, among other accomplishments.
Before joining the HFMA in 1986, Mr. Clarke worked as senior vice president, treasurer and CFO for corporate affairs at Swedish Health Systems and its affiliate corporations in Seattle, Wash. A member of HFMA since 1973 and a chapter president, he came to the association with an intricate knowledge of its process and challenges.
Upon becoming president and CEO of HFMA, Mr. Clarke outlined a few goals that he planned to accomplish during his tenure. He wanted the HFMA to reflect upon its successes and failures and use that introspection to make decisions in the future. He wanted to reward employees for taking risks and thinking strategically, as well as to give people a sense of ownership in the association.
It may be over two decades later, but Mr. Clarke is still focused on evaluating organizational strategies and building dynamic teams. In the July issue of hfm Magazine, he asked members to concentrate their efforts on defining the role of each state's organization in its market, as well as holding hospitals accountable for patient outcomes and satisfaction.
Read Richard Clarke's address in the July 2010 issue of hfm Magazine.
Read more Becker's coverage on notable hospital industry leaders.
Hospital Industry Leader to Know: Robert Steigmeyer of Pennsylvania's Community Medical Center
Hospital Industry Leader to Know: Peggy Troy of Children's Hospital and Health System
Before joining the HFMA in 1986, Mr. Clarke worked as senior vice president, treasurer and CFO for corporate affairs at Swedish Health Systems and its affiliate corporations in Seattle, Wash. A member of HFMA since 1973 and a chapter president, he came to the association with an intricate knowledge of its process and challenges.
Upon becoming president and CEO of HFMA, Mr. Clarke outlined a few goals that he planned to accomplish during his tenure. He wanted the HFMA to reflect upon its successes and failures and use that introspection to make decisions in the future. He wanted to reward employees for taking risks and thinking strategically, as well as to give people a sense of ownership in the association.
It may be over two decades later, but Mr. Clarke is still focused on evaluating organizational strategies and building dynamic teams. In the July issue of hfm Magazine, he asked members to concentrate their efforts on defining the role of each state's organization in its market, as well as holding hospitals accountable for patient outcomes and satisfaction.
Read Richard Clarke's address in the July 2010 issue of hfm Magazine.
Read more Becker's coverage on notable hospital industry leaders.
Hospital Industry Leader to Know: Robert Steigmeyer of Pennsylvania's Community Medical Center
Hospital Industry Leader to Know: Peggy Troy of Children's Hospital and Health System