Associations Thrive

How can hospitals in rural and underserved communities innovate, stay open, and thrive amid financial pressures and changing healthcare demands? And how can associations serve as the glue that binds competitors together for a common purpose?In this episode of Associations Thrive, host Joanna Pineda interviews Richard Roberson, President and CEO of the Mississippi Hospital Association (MHA). Richard discusses:MHA’s nearly 100-year history of serving a diverse mix of public, private, religious, and rural hospitals across Mississippi.How MHA helps connect members to collaborate on shared challenges.MHA’s powerful advocacy work at the state and federal levels to support hospitals and ensure they are heard by legislators and agency leaders.The launch and impact of IntelliTrue, a health information exchange platform that improves care coordination, reduces readmissions, and helps avoid unnecessary healthcare costs.How IntelliTrue connects hospitals, physicians, FQHCs, insurers, and mental health centers, providing clinical data that enables better patient care.The innovation behind TrueCare, a provider-owned Medicaid health plan formed by MHA members to improve care and reduce friction between hospitals and payers.How TrueCare is governed by a consortium of large and small hospitals and currently serves 100,000 Medicaid recipients.The power of storytelling and how MHA collects stories through affinity groups, hospital visits, and direct community engagement to humanize healthcare policy.Mississippi’s distinction of having the lowest hospital costs in the country: a positive for patients but a challenge for hospital sustainability.Richard’s vision for the next five years: improved patient outcomes through reduced ER visits and better coordination between providers, supported by a stable policy and payment environment.References:MHA WebsiteIntelliTrueTrueCare Website

What if we treated every cancer diagnosis not just as a medical challenge but as a journey of hope, strength, and transformation? And what role can an organization play in fostering community and empowerment through that journey?In this episode of Associations Thrive, host Joanna Pineda interviews Alissa McKinney, Executive Director of Above + Beyond Cancer. Alissa discusses:Iowa’s alarming cancer statistics and the environmental and behavioral factors contributing to the state’s high rates.How the medical community defines a survivor as anyone from the moment of diagnosis, not just those in remission.How Above + Beyond Cancer delivers mind-body-spirit programs for cancer survivors and caregivers, all free of charge.Above + Beyond Cancer’s 12-week evidence-based program with pre- and post-assessments to track participants’ strength and health improvements.Above + Beyond’s weekly offerings, like hiking, yoga, aquatics, and pole walking, specifically designed with input from healthcare professionals.Their rural outreach effort, a pilot program to expand cancer survivorship services into rural Iowa, in partnership with local cancer centers and YMCAs.The Transformational Journey program, including physically demanding treks in Patagonia and the Himalayas for survivors and caregivers.How one participant went from being unable to walk a mile to completing a 58-mile hike in Patagonia, rediscovering her strength and confidence.The Celebrate! gala, Above + Beyond Cancer’s signature event that honors organizations and individuals who uplift the cancer community.The upcoming 15th anniversary of Above + Beyond Cancer, including the launch of Iowa’s first-ever survivorship conference in June 2026.References:Above + Beyond Cancer Website

How can your association foster inclusive, empowering spaces that go beyond professional development to create real human connections?In this episode of Associations Thrive, host Joanna Pineda sat down with three Association Women Technology Champions (AWTC) leaders:Rebecca Achurch, CEO of Achurch Consulting and Secretary-Treasurer, Founder and Incoming Chair of AWTCGretchen Steenstra, Director of Client Strategy at DelCor Technology Solutions and Past Chair and Founder of AWTCJill Treby, Director of Membership at the American Association of Immunologists (AAI) and Chair of AWTCThey discuss:The founding and 5-year growth of AWTC as a community for women passionate about technology and leadership in associations.Why “champions” is a verb in AWTC’s name and what it means to be one.The evolution of AWTC’s signature event, Advance, and how it blends networking, learning, and personal development.How the Situation Room format during Advance fosters fast, impactful problem-solving through diverse perspectives.AWTC’s unique, inclusive membership model: free to join, with optional donations, and no barriers to entry.A growing recognition and awards program that celebrates women doing excellent work at all levels, not just lifetime achievers.AWTC’s commitment to access and belonging, including scholarship rates and no-cost virtual programs.The critical role of male allies and volunteers in supporting AWTC’s mission.How local groups (like in Chicago and Denver) are forming organically, expanding AWTC’s reach.Their excitement for 2026: expanded programming, deeper engagement, and a sustainable model that empowers volunteers to lead.References:AWTC WebsiteAWTC on LinkedInAWTC Advance 2025

What does a small association need to go independent? And what does it take to transform an association into an entrepreneurial, nimble, and innovative organization?In this episode of Associations Thrive, host Joanna Pineda interviews Addy Kujawa, CEO of the American Alliance of Orthopaedic Executives (AAOE). Addy discusses:How AAOE supports orthopedic and musculoskeletal practice executives, primarily C-suite leaders focused on the business side of practices.The organization’s evolution from being managed by AAOS to becoming fully independent, and thereby saving costs, increasing agility, and creating a tight-knit, high-performing staff team.The challenges and logistics of relocating the association from Illinois to Indiana, hiring new staff, and setting up operations from scratch.Why independence was the right decision: complete control, direct board governance, nimbleness, and a culture of ownership.How Addy introduced EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System) to improve accountability, strategic focus, and communication. They began with a 90-day pilot that transformed into a permanent operating model.The success of EOS in fostering innovation, sunsetting underperforming programs, and promoting team-wide accountability and ownership..A young professionals council that created a resource guide for new orthopedic execs, and a revamped webinar program that grew from 15 to 50 annual events.References:AAOE Website

What happens when schools don’t have enough psychologists to meet student needs? And how can associations help their members thrive in such an environment?In this episode of Associations Thrive, host Joanna Pineda interviews Eric Rossen, Executive Director of the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP). Eric discusses:How NASP represents over 24,000 school psychologists across the U.S., many of whom serve multiple schools due to a national shortage.The difference between school psychologists and school counselors, and why having both creates “force multipliers” for student success.NASP’s advocacy work around federal funding, including the fight to restore grant money that was being used to address workforce shortages.How NASP is addressing the mental health of its members, who often work in isolated environments, under high stress.Eric’s leadership journey from school psychologist to association executive, and how earning his CAE signaled a full embrace of his role as an association professional.His leadership style shift, from “doing” to empowering, and how he intentionally built trust when stepping into the Executive Director role.Why National School Psychology Week is more than recognition of school psychologists: it’s a tool for public awareness and appreciation of a critical profession.NASP’s upcoming 2026 convention in Chicago, expected to be its largest ever, with Dr. Miguel Cardona as the keynote speaker.How NASP is making its convention more expansive and impactful by welcoming affiliated organizations to host events under its umbrella, creating a “bigger tent” for school psychology.References:NASP WebsiteNASP Annual Convention