The HIMSS Board of Directors has elected Richard Duncan, FHIMSS, and Leroy Baker, FHIMSS, as chair and vice-chair, respectively, for the 2002/2003 term.
Duncan brings 30 years of experience in healthcare to HIMSS. Currently vice president, information technology services, at Catholic Health Initiatives -- Louisville Office in Louisville, Ky, he served as vice president and CIO at The MetroHealth System, Cleveland, Ohio, and at Lehigh Valley Hospital, Allentown, Pa. He earned his BA degree at Birmingham Southern College, Birmingham, Ala, and his MBA at Samford University, also in Birmingham.
Previously, Duncan served as chair of the 1998 Conference Planning Committee, and as member of HIMSS’ Task Force 2000. He also was chair of the Healthcare Information Systems Executive Association (1998).
Duncan sees his biggest challenge as ensuring that HIMSS keeps expanding and growing as new technologies and consumer trends change healthcare.
"I would like HIMSS to continue to be a learning, challenging, and realistic experience for members, vendors, information technology managers, and leaders who are responding to changes in the industry, while assuming new roles and building relationships." Duncan said.
Leroy Baker, FHIMSS, has been involved in healthcare for 20 years. The Assistant Director of Management Engineering at the University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics, Madison, Baker’s career includes a stint as partner at Performance Associates, Tampa, Fla, and Madison, Wis, and several years as a healthcare consultant. He earned his BS degree in Industrial Engineering and Operations Research at Virginia Tech, Blacksburg.
At HIMSS, Baker served as chair and member of the Professional Development Committee and as an officer with chapters in Virginia, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. Additionally, he was a member of the Nominating Committee and the Management Engineering Advisory Council.
Besides working on policy issues at HIMSS, Baker would like to continue the development of programs that add value to HIMSS membership beyond the annual conference.
"I believe that the growing role of chapters, SIGs, regional conferences, and expanded educational offerings will ensure HIMSS’ growth while improving services to its members."
Duncan and Baker will take office on July 1, 2002.