National Volunteer Week Member Spotlight: Kendall Brown

HIMSS is celebrating National Volunteer Week to recognize the impact of volunteer service and the power of volunteers. This week, HIMSS features Kendall Brown, a HIMSS Changemaker Chapter Leader Volunteer Awardee. 

Share a recent volunteer initiative led by your chapter that made an impact on your community.

All of SFLHIMSS initiatives impact the community, however spotlighting three here: 1. South Florida HIMSS held a Hurricane supply drive for Naples & Fort Myers, Florida victims post-Hurricane Ian. This included monetary donations to the Foundations at Naples Community Hospital and Lee Memorial Hospital. 2. This year will mark our 12th year hosting SFLHIMSS Annual Scholarship Fundraising Golf Tournament. This fun-filled mindful event reminds the community that the work we do impacts our student professionals and molds the Health IT profession in South Florida. The Scholarship has helped several recipients launch their careers in Health IT and are forever grateful that SFLHIMSS is a part of their career journey. 3. SFLHIMSS hosted a full Brightline Train coach car to HIMSS24. This included a free one-way ticket for SFLHIMSS Professionals to enjoy a relaxing and fun-filled 3-hour South Florida to Orlando commute to HIMSS. What better way to build relationships than uninterrupted time with your Health IT peers!

How does your chapter motivate members to volunteer their time and expertise? How do you ensure their contributions are recognized and valued?

Everyone wants to be a part of the chapter, really. Year over year, SFLHIMSS has grown membership, sponsors and OAs. We consistently remind members that their involvement is an integral part of the Chapter and that SFLHIMSS is a volunteer organization led by our members. Like any volunteer organization, what you put into it is what you get out of it. We encourage members to not just show up but be an instrumental part of the organization. SFLHIMSS goal is to incorporate FUN into every event and initiative! This is what makes SFLHIMSS South Florida's premier health tech organization. We encourage members to be a part of the Board, lead a committee, help plan an event or discussion topic. This is your HIMSS membership and SFLHIMSS is your home chapter. It is the members role & responsibility to participate.

How does your chapter support members with professional development and skill-building?

In Spring of 2023, SFLHIMSS created and launched a Beta-Mentor/Mentee program where we paired 10 mentee/mentors (20 participants) together for a 10-weeks. The results and feedback are beyond humbling & rewarding. We have created a valuable program where SFLHIMSS students and members, sponsors Health IT Executives, etc. can pay it forward and help pave the future of South Florida Health IT. SFLHIMSS mentor/mentee program has springboarded the chapters professional development efforts. During the Winter of 2023, we kicked off SFLHIMSS second Mentor/Mentee cohort, where we parried 11 mentor/mentee pairs (22 participants) for 6 months and are excited to host our first Mentor/Mentee Graduation on April 17, 2024.

What are some upcoming opportunities or initiatives is your chapter excited about?

SFLHIMSS biggest event of the year is our 13th Annual Conference "IntegraTe" October 24, 2024 where 300+ healthcare professionals congregate to educate, network and celebrate the chapter's successes. SFLHIMSS Program Committee has begun planning and we encourage volunteers to assist. This is our largest event of the year that draws attraction from HIMSS National and Nationwide. During IntegraTe, we announce the winner of our Annual Innovation Award so be sure to follow the chapter on Linkedin, subscribe to member emails and watch the website for more information.