We Are HIMSS Member Spotlight: Tony Black

At HIMSS, our members are the heart of our organization, made up of more than 100,000 individuals, 480 provider organizations, 470 non-profit partners and 650 health services organizations. Because their contributions are essential to our success, we seek to recognize their many accomplishments across title, worksite, region and career stage. Today and every day, we celebrate the essential endeavors of these health information and technology changemakers. #wearehimss

Tony Black is a member of the HIMSS Professional Certification Board and the TIGER International Task Force. 

Tony Black, CAHIMS, SHIMSS, PAHM, CHPA, TOGAF, AWS-SA
Executive Cloud Architect, Healthcare/Life Sciences
IBM

What does certification help you do?

Certifications let you and others know that a governing body has accessed your ability and acumen in a given subject matter and show that you are capable of delivering at a specific level. Certifications speak for you by demonstrating challenges sought and accomplishments achieved.

What is one of the biggest challenges you’ve encountered? How did you overcome it?

One of the biggest challenges I had was ensuring that my skills and accomplishments were relevant for IBM's Academy of Technology. I overcame it by pausing and taking time to understand exactly what they were looking for, and by making my background shine.

What advice do you have for someone who is considering certification?

Thoroughly understand what certification represents and determine if it makes sense for you to move forward. Then plan, prepare, focus and execute. Once you achieve the certification, use it to grow stronger than you are today, then proceed to the next challenge.

What's your favorite quote?

"Anything worth doing is worth doing right.”

Who or what inspires you?

My grandmother continues to inspire me because she never accomplished everything she wanted, but she never gave up.