Dear Kim,
Welcome to the Heartland. You have a good start on presenting yourself through your LinkedIn profile but there is room for even more effective branding….once you can clarify matters for yourself. Your summary does speak to specific roles you foresee taking on so you have the start on a mission statement to carry with you in making new networking contacts. You should join and participate in the ACHE chapter there in your state of residence but don’t overlook activities of the chapter to your east, also. You can use participation in chapter events and chapter directories and the ACHE affiliate directory to identify affiliates who have identified themselves as having expertise in those areas related to process and data management that you mention as strengths and interests. From them you may gain insights that let you maximize the value of your graduate study by carrying out school–related projects that benefit these new network members in their jobs and you in your studies and professional identity management. Often, the hardest part of career management is getting focus so you can tell with authenticity what it is that you want to do, be that general management or some functional role. When you can do that, chances are much better that people will listen and be prepared to assist.