Every April, we celebrate National Volunteer Week and recognize the leaders of ACHE’s 76 chapters for the work they do to provide value to ACHE membership. Two of those chapter leaders, Christina G. Carney, FACHE, CEO, Shawnee Health, Carterville, Ill., and LCDR Raben B. Talvo, FACHE, U.S. Navy, share how they got involved in their local chapters. We hope their experiences leave you inspired to give back to your ACHE community through your chapter.
Christina G. Carney, FACHE
Mid-America Healthcare Executive’s Forum
When did you start volunteering with your chapter, and what are the roles you have held?
I began volunteering with my local ACHE chapter over 10 years ago and have held many roles within the chapter leadership. Initially, I assisted with communication and laid the groundwork to establish what is now a communications committee of our board. I have also served as chapter board secretary, and I am now in my second term as president of the Mid-America Healthcare Executive’s Forum.
What have been some of your favorite and fulfilling experiences as a chapter leader?
Working with the leadership of our chapter and interacting with the membership is always fun, insightful and fulfilling. Seeing the level of talent and commitment to our profession is inspiring.
Why should ACHE members volunteer with their local chapter?
Being a volunteer with the local chapter is a great way to network with professionals. The ability to work with individuals from multiple organizations and at various stages in their career is beneficial to anyone looking to advance their own knowledge, skillset and professional footprint.
Outside of ACHE, what are some volunteer activities you participate in?
In addition to local and national ACHE committees and leadership roles, I have been a past board member of our local PTO, holding several officer roles, including president. I am currently the treasurer of my community’s school Athletic Booster Club, and I am on the board of the Veterans Honor Flight of Southern Illinois, organizing free flights to take veterans to Washington, D.C., to visit their memorials and monuments.
LCDR Raben B. Talvo, FACHE
National Capital Healthcare Executives
When and why did you start volunteering with National Capital Healthcare Executives? What roles have you held?
I started volunteering there when I moved to the area in 2023. Initially, I joined as a member, but in January of this year, I stepped into the role of director of operations. I am in the Navy, and my current duty assignment is a staff role in a Program Management Office. I believe that joining the board of directors at the chapter would allow me to maintain and enhance key competencies essential to effective board leadership such as strategic thinking, team building, decision-making, collaboration and negotiation.
What have been some of your favorite and fulfilling experiences as a chapter leader?
One of the most rewarding aspects of my leadership role at National Capital Healthcare Executives has been the opportunity to closely collaborate with my fellow chapter leaders. This collaboration has not only advanced the chapter's and the ACHE’s missions but has also allowed me to forge meaningful connections with our members. Genuine relationships with our members foster trust and engagement while allowing me to holistically understand how I can assist. Having been in their position, I understand the kind of support needed for professional development, and I use this insight to guide our efforts in assisting them on their professional paths.
Why is it important for ACHE’s military members to get involved in their chapter?
For ACHE’s military members, involvement in their local chapter is critical. With over two decades in the Navy, I've come to appreciate the importance of building connections outside the military, especially as I approach the later stages of my military career. The challenges we face in healthcare are universal, whether in military or civilian settings, and by collaborating within ACHE, we can share insights and strategies for healthcare excellence. This collective effort enriches our healthcare ecosystem, enabling us to tackle issues and innovate solutions together.
Outside of ACHE, what are some other volunteer activities you participate in?
Beyond my work with ACHE, I'm passionate about mentorship. My background as a nurse has allowed me to mentor enlisted sailors aspiring to enter military nursing programs. I'm also involved with the Philippine Nurses Association of San Diego's Education Committee and the Health Information and Management Systems Society's National Capital Area Chapter. In addition, I've recently signed up as a mentor with ACHE. The mentorship I've received has been instrumental in my career and I'm eager to give back, guiding and nurturing the next generation of healthcare leaders.