If you were able to attend the ASHRM Annual Conference in October, you likely returned home feeling energized and eager to apply some of that new knowledge you acquired. From the opening to closing keynote speakers and everything in between, it was a wonderful event. The feedback from attendees about the pre-conference education was also positive and very well attended. What I heard the most was that the variety and caliber of sessions was top notch, and I have to say that I agree. The virtual platform was impressive as well and I was able to attend sessions that I missed at the live event. Thank you to everyone who made this a spectacular experience including the Annual Conference Committee, the ASHRM staff, presenters, the ASHRM Advisory Board, the sponsors and of course the attendees. You all contributed to what I consider one of my favorite weeks ever!
It was an honor for me to share the stage with Margaret Curtin, Abdul Al Hamamsy, and Geri Amori during the leadership keynote panel discussing risk professional resiliency. I am grateful for their openness to share their experiences and expertise in this area. Over the upcoming year you will hear more from them and other ASHRM members. We realize that addressing our emotional well-being is an ongoing process and needs to remain a priority. The outpouring of comments following the keynote panel session in San Diego provided motivation to keep these discussions going and to move forward with activities focused on wellness. A small group will be convening and developing activities into the upcoming year. Please reach out to me if you would like to volunteer services such as instructing yoga, guiding meditation, or providing reiki. In early 2025 a white paper on risk professional resiliency will be shared. It will address the emotional burdens of a career in risk management and how we can build our resiliency reservoir.
With the holidays approaching, a complimentary webinar titled “Mindfulness for the Busy Mind” will be offered on Friday December 6, 2024, at 12 pm CST. Geri Amori, PhD, ARM, DFASHRM, CPHRM, will be reviewing the cumulative effects of stress and sharing techniques for practicing mindfulness. The strategies introduced during the session will help to promote reduced stress, better focus, and decreased emotional reactivity. This is a busy time of year and a good occasion to remember how important our well-being is and how we can protect it. One risk management credit will be offered, and this activity is free to ASHRM members. I am looking forward to the session and wanted to share the registration link with you: Mindfulness for the Busy Mind | ASHRM Events
You may have seen on the ASHRM Exchange that there has been a great deal of interest in convening risk management round table discussions. Thank you to Hannah Forster for introducing this fabulous idea. This is a wonderful opportunity for members to support, share, and learn from one another. The Past Presidents Council will be helping to facilitate these discussions virtually. You will hear more about this after the New Year. The past presidents are committed to the membership and their growth and development in the profession. They have offered to provide support for members who would like to present at the annual conference and may have questions. There is now an option to select that you are interested in speaking with one of them before presenting when you complete a submission. Members who are interested in presenting at next year’s annual conference, can submit a proposal by December 13, 2024. The link can be found by clicking here: Call for ASHRM25 Conference Session Proposals | ASHRM
If your year was like mine, 2024 was busy and filled with obstacles and challenges. My hope for you is that you feel proud of what you accomplished, learned new skills, surprised yourself with your achievements, and expanded your risk management network. There are exciting prospects ahead in 2025. I look forward to continuing to connect with you and hope that our paths will cross at an in-person event such as ASHRM Academy or the Annual Conference.
I want to thank the membership for providing me the opportunity to serve as president. This has been my most rewarding year professionally and I experienced some of my happiest moments this year in San Diego connecting with members and friends. Thank you for making this such a memorable and rewarding experience! I am eager to work with the 2025 Advisory Board guided by next year’s president, Chris Allman. I wish you a happy holiday season and New Year!
“I’ve had the time of my life… and I owe it all to you” – Bill Medley & Jennifer Warnes
Tatum O’Sullivan is a Senior Consultant – Healthcare with Aon Global Risk Consulting. Prior to transitioning to this role, she developed the risk management program for a large medical group within Mass General Brigham. She has worked in health care risk management since 2005. Her email address is: tatum.osullivan@aon.com
