Early Careerist Network

Welcome to the Early Careerist Network of Central Pennsylvania!

About Us

The Early Careerist Network (ECN) Committee is a local group of individuals who come together on a monthly basis to discuss upcoming events and planning, enhancement of the chapter and committee, current industry trends, and career interests focused towards early careerists younger than 40 years old who are a full member or Fellow of ACHE. We also focus on the needs of our student community. We are always welcoming new members to join us and enhance our committee even further! Come connect with your community and beyond!

Early Careerist Network

If you are under age 40 and a full Member or Fellow of ACHE, you automatically belong to the Early Careerist Network (ECN). For those who qualify, this unique benefit of ACHE membership offers a ready-made community of peers building healthcare careers to learn with and from, along with resources to propel career momentum.

Promote diversity, equity, and inclusion within the chapter and the broader healthcare community
Educate members on the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion in healthcare leadership
Identify and address issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion within the chapter and the broader healthcare community
Foster a culture of respect and inclusivity among members

Benefits of Becoming an ACHE Early Careerist

Join a ready-made community of peers building healthcare careers to learn with and from.

Complimentary webinars, articles, podcasts, and case studies
Complimentary electronic subscriptions to 3 publications
Access to the Membership Directory
Career Resource Center – Self Assessments, Career Planning Tools, Resume Reviews, Career Development Resources, Job Board, Complementary Job Posting Service
In-Person Learning Opportunities
Early Careerist Publications and Coupons for discounted products and services
Leadership Mentoring Network
Career Advising Network
Interview Prep Tool
Scholarship, Internship and Fellowship Opportunities
Mentor and Mentee Opportunities
Committee Member Opportunities
Board Member Opportunities
The Robert S. Hudgens Memorial Award for Young Healthcare Executive
ACHE Recognition Program
Diversity Resources – Partners in Diversity, ACHE Studies, Educational Programs, and more
Earn the distinction of board certification by earning the FACHE credential. Utilize the offered tools and resources to help you on the journey.
And more!
SPECIFICALLY FOR STUDENTS: CareerEDGE SE career management tool specially designed for Student Associates. CareerEDGE SE features a five-step framework for success, free assessments, career development articles, a placement and salary report, and more!

ECN Committee Leadership

Chair: Kimber Swisher, MBA, LSSBB

Kimber Swisher, MBA, LSSBB, is an inclusive and innovative Healthcare Leader with 20+ years’ experience with large integrated health systems spanning the United States. She is skilled in the implementation and sustainability of diverse portfolios of strategic and tactical Clinical Quality, Innovation, Patient Experience, Employee Engagement, Whole Health, IT/Informatics, Population Health, and Equity of Care initiatives. She leads through influence building high performing interdisciplinary teams utilizing Lean Six Sigma, Human-Centered Design, Change Management, Lean Management and High Reliability principles to advance equitable outcomes and improve organizational service and performance.
Kimber is originally from Northern California and relocated to York, PA in January of 2020. She has served on the ACHE of Central Pennsylvania Chapter Board since 2021 and held several positions within the board and within the community.

Co-Chair: Julie Fernald, MS, RHIA, FACHE

Julie Fernald, MS, RHIA, FACHE, is the Director of Health Information Management (HIM) and the Facility Privacy Officer for Lancaster Behavioral Health Hospital. Prior to her current role, she spent 18 years in various HIM related roles; mostly in the medical/surgical acute care field. During this time, she spent 15 years in academics teaching healthcare related courses, developing courses, and serving as a mentor and evaluator for other instructors.

Julie has had a passion for healthcare operations for many years and enjoys seeking out new opportunities. Specific topics of interest include safety, patient and staff satisfaction, workflow improvement, compliance, privacy, and technology.

ECN Committee Members

Avneet Aulakh, MHA

Avneet Aulakh, MHA, is the Health Information Manager (HIM) at Select Medical for the Critical Illness Rehab Division working to implement an electronic health record system throughout all of Select’s critical illness hospitals across the country. She is a Penn State Alumni with a master’s in health administration with various facets of experience in the healthcare industry including insurance sector, home health, and HIM. With a compassion for patient care and strong organizational skills, Avneet quickly propelled into leadership roles after graduation. Interests include streamlining operations, enhanced patient outcomes, advocacy, data accuracy, and compliance. She is driven by a strong desire to advance healthcare practices through strategic leadership and navigation of complexities by embracing opportunities for professional development.

Sam Herbert

Sam Herbert serves as the Associate Director at Geisinger Health System. Herbert has 26 years of experience in information technology in the healthcare, insurance, finance, and banking industries. Herbert earned a master’s degree in computer science engineering, specializing in Multimedia Technology, from Anna University in India, a Master of Business Administration from Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania, and a bachelor’s degree in electrical and Electronics Engineering from Anna University in India. Herbert also holds a Master of Science in Cyber Security Management and Policy from the University of Maryland Global Campus, a Master of Hospital Administration from Colorado State University Global Campus, and a Master of Public Administration from William Howard Taft University. Herbert is a Fellow of the Healthcare Financial Management Association (FHFMA®), a Fellow of the Academy for Healthcare Management (FAHM®), and a Fellow of the Health Insurance Advanced Studies (FHIAS®). In addition, Herbert also holds multiple other certifications, including ITIL®, ISACA CDPSE®, and Six Sigma Master Black Belt.

Melanie Matthews

Melanie Matthews, BS, is an experienced Office Coordinator, working for Cosmetic and Plastic
Surgery of Central Pennsylvania. Prior to her current role, Melanie has spent years in the
healthcare industry as a CNA at UPMC Memorial hospital on the Med/Surg floor, and as a
Physician Office Assistant for WellSpan Cardiology in the Monitor department.
Melanie is originally from York, Pennsylvania, and received her Bachelor of Science degree in
Neuroscience from King’s College, and is currently enrolled in a dual degree MBA/MHA masters
program at the University of Scranton.

d enjoys seeking out new opportunities. Specific topics of interest include safety, patient and staff satisfaction, workflow improvement, compliance, privacy, and technology.

We’re Looking for New Committee Members!

Interested in learning more about the ECN Committee? Would you like to join the committee? We are always looking for new members!

Reports To: Early Careerist Network Chair & Early Careerist Network Co-Chair

Responsibilities:

Provide content ideas for social media/marketing platforms.
Participate in in-person team building/planning sessions, when possible.
Help plan educational sessions and networking events; including identification of topics.
Help research and identify venues and speakers for educational sessions and networking events.
Help research and identify venues and speakers for educational sessions and networking events.
Help identify membership engagement and retention needs. Participate in related activities.
Collaborate with local Chapter Board Members and other Committee members to achieve the needs of the chapter.

Eligibility Criteria: Must be a member of the Chapter.

Experience Required: No prior experience necessary.

Time Commitment:

Participate in 10-12 monthly virtual meetings.
Participate in a minimum of 1 volunteer activity with the committee or chapter.
Participate in a minimum of 1 in-person chapter event.
Time as needed to complete assigned responsibilities.

Term: A minimum of 1 year beginning on or after 01/01/XX but ending no later than the last day of the same calendar year. Yearly reappointment is required.

What We’re Working On

Increasing chapter enrollment and engagement amongst early careerists and students

Increasing chapter presence in the community

Determining and understanding the needs of early careerists

Engaging with college and university graduate and undergraduate Program Directors and other staff to understand and meet the needs of students

Designing appropriate programming

Important Links

Become a member of ACHE today! – ACHE Membership: Join the Community of Healthcare Leaders | American College of Healthcare Executives

ACHE National Website – American College of Healthcare Executives | American College of Healthcare Executives (ache.org)

Early Careerist Network Resources – Career Resource Center | American College of Healthcare Executives (ache.org)

Career Resource Center – Career Resource Center | American College of Healthcare Executives (ache.org)

CareerEDGE – ACHE CareerEDGE | American College of Healthcare Executives

Early Careerist Newsletters – Newsletters

Chapter Contact Information

Email us: Contact | Central PA (ache.org)

Past Events

We’ve had a great time planning and hosting/co-hosting several events this year. Check out the pictures below!

Coffee and Credentials Networking Event

March 9, 2024 – Location: Roast Up, York, PA

Early Careerists, Students and Board Members met up for a morning of coffee, pastries and conversation as a way to establish relationships and grow their network.

Strategically Mapping Your Early Career Development

May 21, 2024 – Virtual Event

This event was sponsored by ACHE of Eastern PA and we were honored to be asked to support as co-sponsors! During this event the virtual panelists discussed many topics. Some of the topics included critical skills and experiences early careerists should focus on developing, how to leverage networking opportunities, how to effectively manage work-life balance, and considerations for how AI plays a part in the hiring process.

Advancing Women in Healthcare Leadership – Gender Equity in Talent Management

June 11th, 2024 – Four Points by Sheraton York, York PA

This evening was filled with a dynamic discussion between our esteemed panelists who discussed considerations for gender equity organizational strategies in talent recruitment and management, leadership development, mentoring and sponsorship programs, and intersectionality principles that result in improved organizational performance. We are so grateful for our Moderator and Panelists!

Pictured left to right: Christian Caicedo, MD, MBA, CPE, FACHE (Moderator), Stacey-Ann Okoth, PhD, DNP, MBA, RN, FACHE (Panelist), Hattie B. McCarter (Panelist), Norman Bristol Colon (Panelist)

Pictured left to right: Panelists Norman Bristol Colon, Stacey-Ann Okoth, PhD, DNP, MBA, RN, FACHE, Hattie B. McCarter

Pictured left to right: Julie Fernald, MS, RHIA, FACHE (Co-Chair Early Careerist Network), Kimber Swisher, MBA, LSSBB (Chair Early Careerist Network), Norman Bristol Colon, Stacey-Ann Okoth, PhD, DNP, MBA, RN, FACHE, Hattie B. McCarter, Christian Caicedo, MD, MBA, CPE, FACHE

Pictured left to right: Raffle basket winners Tiffany McKenzie and Ann Wilson

Event Sponsor Grand Canyon University representative Jenna Ward

The evening concluded with an impromptu book signing by Dr. Stacey-Ann Okoth, PhD, DNP, MBA, RN, FACHE. Dr. Okoth is the CEO and Founder of Okoth Inspire LCC and the current Treasurer of the ACHE of Central PA Chapter. Her book, Resilience Through the Stethoscope: A Nurse Executive’s Journey, was published on August 23, 2023 and can be purchased on Amazon. Follow Dr. Okoth on her website at www.okothinspire.com and on LinkedIn at www.LinkedIn.com/in/staceyannokoth.

About the book:
“Resilience Through the Stethoscope: A Nurse Executive’s Journey” is a compelling narrative that chronicles Eliza’s remarkable journey from her Jamaican roots to becoming a seasoned healthcare leader. Through her experiences as an immigrant, a nurse, and ultimately an executive, the book delves into the challenges she faced, the lessons she learned, and the transformative moments that shaped her path.

Eliza’s story is one of resilience, determination, and the pursuit of excellence. She navigates the complexities of being an outsider, facing cultural differences, financial limitations, and the daunting task of fitting into a new environment. The book vividly portrays her struggles with identity, belonging, and self-worth as she overcomes language barriers and social pressures.

Throughout her journey, Eliza’s encounters with toxic leadership, personal losses, and the COVID-19 pandemic further test her resilience. She shares pivotal moments where mentors, education, and personal growth become her guiding lights, propelling her forward despite obstacles. Her commitment to continuous learning, embracing change, and advocating for patient care exemplify her leadership philosophy.

Eliza’s ascent through the ranks of healthcare leadership demonstrates her dedication to overcoming challenges and seizing opportunities. Her experiences in diverse healthcare settings, dedication to improving patient experiences, and the importance of advocating for informed choices underscore her journey’s central themes.

The book celebrates Eliza’s achievements, including her numerous degrees, certifications, and recognition within the industry. It emphasizes the importance of mentorship, self-belief, and authenticity in leadership. As the narrative unfolds, readers witness Eliza’s transformation from a young immigrant to a respected leader, offering valuable insights into the healthcare industry and the broader pursuit of success in the face of adversity.

Author Dr. Stacey-Ann Okoth, PhD, DNP, MBA, RN, FACHE

Upcoming Events

Please visit the Events page for more information.