Member Spotlight
James Combs, MPA, RN, FACHE
Universal Health Services (UHS)
Number of years in your position: 2.9 years
Alma Mater(s): University of Cincinnati, University of Oklahoma and Chamberlain University College of Nursing
Hometown: Middletown, Ohio
Tell us about your career journey. My journey into healthcare started when I joined the military and got assigned to multiple clinics and hospitals around the globe in my 20 years of service. This provided the foundation for my career in the private sector as a healthcare executive. I’ve held leadership positions in group practice management, hospital operations, managed care operations, and healthcare finance. As a Registered Nurse (RN), I’ve also worked in Emergency Medicine and case management.
In my current role, I serve as the Director for Silver State Accountable Care Organization (ACO) where I am responsible for compliance in the Medicare Shared Savings Program, and have purview over value-based care initiatives. Silver State ACO has earned Medicare shared savings for the past 10 years and continues to be a leading ACO in the United States. In my spare time, I work per diem as an Emergency Room nurse, serve as a mentor with ACHE Nevada, and volunteer as a board member for the Nevada Nurses Association.
Why did you join ACHE and how long have you been a member?
I joined ACHE 16 years ago to network with other healthcare executives and gain access to their excellent continuing education platforms.
What would you tell other professionals who have not joined ACHE as to the benefits of membership?
Join ACHE if you want to expand your network, grow your influence, and be an up-to-date leader in healthcare.
What would your words of encouragement be to early careerists about pursuing healthcare leadership positions?
Come join us in creating a care system based on the values of kindness, quality, and respect! Healthcare is a great place to be and we need your young, bright, innovative minds to move our system forward.
Sisinyous Mengesha, M.D.
MHA Student and Graduate Research Assistant - School of Public Health, University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Number of years in your position: 1 year
Hometown: Addis Ababa
I went to medical school in China and completed a residency in Internal Medicine. Recognizing the crucial role of effective healthcare management in enhancing patient outcomes and optimizing healthcare delivery, I decided to broaden my horizon beyond clinical practice. After spending a decade in China, I moved to Las Vegas to pursue a Master’s in Healthcare Administration. Currently, I am a full-time MHA student and work as a Graduate Assistant in the Department of Healthcare Administration and Policy at UNLV’s School of Public Health. Additionally, I am also doing a Healthcare Quality and Patient Safety Internship at an HCA Facility.
Why did you join ACHE and how long have you been a member?
I joined ACHE to gain access to a network of seasoned professionals and resources that would enhance my understanding of healthcare management. The organization’s commitment to leadership development and best practices aligns with my goal of bridging clinical expertise with administrative acumen to improve patient outcomes and healthcare delivery. I have been a member for 9 months.
What would you tell other professionals who have not joined ACHE as to the benefits of membership?
I would tell other professionals that joining ACHE provides invaluable opportunities for networking, professional development, and staying current with industry best practices. Membership offers access to a wealth of resources, educational programs, and a community of like-minded individuals dedicated to advancing healthcare management and improving patient outcomes. It’s an excellent platform for enhancing leadership skills and broadening one’s impact in the healthcare field.
What would your words of encouragement be to early careerists about pursuing healthcare leadership positions?
I would encourage early careerists to embrace the dynamic nature of the healthcare environment as an opportunity for growth and innovation. Pursuing leadership positions allows you to make a meaningful impact on patient care and healthcare delivery. By staying adaptable and committed to continuous learning, you can navigate changes effectively and contribute to shaping a more efficient and patient-centered healthcare system.
Chelsea Montervino
Chief Financial Officer at Encompass Health
Current Role for 3.5 years
Rider University and WGU
Hometown: Ewig, NJ
I have over 20 years finance and accounting experience. I always appreciated Healthcare at a young age, from my pediatrician to my elementary school nurse. I always wanted to help the community in some capacity. The opportunity came up to move to Las Vegas in 2012. With the assistance of leaders and mentors, I found what I wanted to do and decided to stay in Nevada. I love my current role at Encompass Health as I get to wear many hats and help the community and staff. I love Healthcare as no day is ever the same and this community has a lot to offer and be offered.
Why did you join ACHE and how long have you been a member? I joined during my capstone of my masters program, and have been a member since 2021.
What would you tell other professionals who have not joined ACHE as to the benefits of membership? Networking and educational resources. This chapter listens to suggestions for topics that our members want to hear and work behind this scenes to try and accommodate them. While also keeping CPE guidelines in mind. Some professional organizations don’t have that luxury. -
What would your words of encouragement be to early careerists about pursuing healthcare leadership positions given the ever changing healthcare environment? Our industry is heavily regulated and ever changing. That can be stressful at times and we can become laser focused on certain metrics. Taking time to be compassionate to others and oneself can help remind us that we are here to help patients and the community.
Derrick Glum, MBA, FACHE
Chief Executive Officer, Saint Mary's Regional Health Network
Number of years in your position: 1 year, 3 months
Alma Mater(s): Weber State University, Western Governors University
Hometown: Ogden, UT
Why did you join ACHE and how long have you been a member? I joined ACHE in 2014. I joined in order to become acquainted with like-minded individuals, gain exposure to the acute care executives to learn and network. I’ve immensely enjoyed the learning and education opportunities offered by ACHE and its helped develop my personal career growth and learning.
What would you tell other professionals who have not joined ACHE as to the benefits of membership? I would say that if someone if considering joining, to just do it. The networking, infrastructure, and learning opportunities really are second to none for healthcare executives. There are a lot of other benefits belonging to the ACHE with the chance to serve the community.
What would your words of encouragement be to early careerists about pursuing healthcare leadership positions given the ever-changing healthcare environment? For anyone who is striving to grow their career, I would encourage you to just keep going. If you are looking to work in healthcare at any level you have a personal reason for doing so. As we all strive to ensure the best care is being delivered, and trying to have a great environment for our staff and providers, healthcare executives are really the leaders working to ensuring those things exist. Don’t give up, keep learning and striving to do better every day. Whether you’re early in your career or more tenured, we all lean on each other for implementing best practices and working on solutions to solve for delivering better healthcare.
Mark Reece, MPH, MBA
Director of Business Development Marketing, and Communications Saint Mary’s Health Network
Number of years in your position: 3 Alma Mater(s): California State University, Fresno & Capella University Hometown: Reno, NV |
Healthcare administrator with a background in business development, marketing, communications, and strategic planning. Professional healthcare career began in 2016 in the private EMS sector before transitioning to the hospital setting in 2020. Former NCAA Division I baseball player who is passionate about hospital operations and bettering healthcare for communities. Why did you join ACHE and how long have you been a member? First year as a member; joined to learn more about industry best-practice and solutions that are geared towards advancing healthcare. What would you tell other professionals who have not joined ACHE as to the benefits of membership? Surrounding yourself with resources and professionals who have extensive experience in the healthcare sector boosts your own ability to impact change. |
What would your words of encouragement be to early careerists about pursuing healthcare leadership positions given the ever changing healthcare environment? Working in healthcare you have the privilege of constant opportunity. These opportunities almost routinely involve an endeavor directly related to improving access to care, quality of care, or types of care/clinical interventions (i.e. new equipment, new technologies, etc.). Being in a position to elicit a positive impact on the lives of many is a great source of encouragement, and is one that healthcare leaders encounter on a daily basis.
Jennifer O'Neal, MHA, BA, CRCR
Patient Access Team Lead Sunrise Hospital and Medical Center and Sunrise Children's Hospital Las Vegas, NV
Number of years in your position: 2 years
Alma Mater(s): The University of Arizona Global Campus
Hometown: Townsend, Georgia
I began my journey as a doctoral student with my alma mater, University of Arizona Global Campus. While I’m in search of career advancement and growth opportunities, currently working at Sunrise Hospital and Medical Center/Sunrise Children’s Hospital, Patient Access Team Lead in Patient Access Admitting/Registration Department. In my role as a Patient Access Team Lead is to ensure the best patients experience and outcome achievements through our services delivery. Engage my team and educate on staff development, professionalism, to be strategic and efficient achieving business operations success. With my long-standing career as an advanced healthcare professional of 30 years and educational accomplishments, I aspire to inspire my team to take a stronger active approach, to be positively engaged, empowered, and seize opportunities improving the quality of care and patient satisfaction. Why did you join ACHE and how long have you been a member? Recently, I was invited to become a member of the ACHE NEVADA Chapter and nearing my three months. Joining ACHE has been the best decision I’ve made, as I am striving to further advance and grow within my career. It is highly important to be surrounded by propels who share the same beliefs and passion about healthcare. What would you tell other professionals who have not joined ACHE as to the benefits of membership? Sharing with other professionals, I would encourage them to join ACHE. It is an amazing feeling, to be apart of an organization committed to helping you to achieve your goals and objectives as a healthcare executive. Networking is a vital part to growth exposure with other healthcare leaders. |
What would your words of encouragement be to early careerists about pursuing healthcare leadership positions given the ever changing healthcare environment? Nothing is impossible when you believe in yourself. Expand your circle with great healthcare leaders and not be afraid to observe and/or ask questions. The ever changing healthcare environment will always evolve and we must do the same. Pursue your passion and purpose, to find the right fit for you.