I feel that my role is to strategically lead the association toward success, not only in the present but in the future. We need to anticipate the needs of our constituents and be prepared to meet those needs. Working with our membership including our SOURCE affiliates will ensure that we will continue to deliver a quality product in the most cost effective way.

Your board has worked hard in the past to determine what our Vision for the future is and the necessary steps we must take to reach our vision. Our Quality Committee has and will continue to build on our quality initiatives. This will yield ongoing enhanced clinical outcomes that support our development of economic and regulatory principles in conjunction with state agencies. We will foster our collaborative relationships with ORS, our QIO, CMS and DCH that will be enhanced by setting specific QI goals developed by our providers that are monitored and reported to improve services.

The services we provide will continue to position us to be recognized as high quality providers. We will communicate this effectively to our constituents and the communities we serve to boost our image. This will demonstrate to stakeholders that we deliver high quality and cost effective services. We should be proud of our profession and convey this message every day.

To deliver our services, we will need highly trained, competent staff. Our pool of licensed staff is limited and therefore we must take steps to develop them and encourage others to see long term care as a viable career. We will continue to support the Career Lattice program, as we grow our own as well. Continuing the education services we provide is a must as the complexity of our business escalates.

We have a full agenda this year. We need each member to be an active participant in our association. With you, we will accomplish our goals and make our vision a reality.

Again, thanks for your support. I promise to lead with integrity and be a leader for all. I am always open to hear your concerns and ideas and will always believe that together we are much greater than the sum of the parts. As a united association, we will continue to achieve outstanding results.

Sincerely,

Jim Gilliam
Chairman of the Board