A Year of Fiscal Discipline: How We Put AHIMA Back on Track

In any organization, financial sustainability is the foundation for long-term success. While AHIMA has faced significant financial challenges over the years, we made a critical course correction in 2024. We realigned our priorities, made tough but necessary decisions, and restored fiscal discipline. Today, I want to share how we turned things around, why it matters, and where we go from here. 

A Hard Look at the Numbers

For years, AHIMA operated under a model that was not sustainable. Revenue fluctuations, increased expenses, and a lack of financial discipline led to repeated losses. In fact, in prior years, AHIMA outspent its revenues by $13 million in a single year. But 2024 marked a turning point. We took a hard look at our financials and made a commitment: we would live within our means, invest wisely, and rebuild the financial health of the organization. 

By streamlining operations and reducing expenses, we reversed the trend. This was not just about cost-cutting—it was about making strategic decisions that positioned us for long-term success. We focused on: 

• Operational Efficiencies – We optimized workflows, eliminated 42 positions, and reduced non-critical expenditures while ensuring essential functions remained intact. 
• Expense Reduction – Across the board, we cut $15 million in operating expenses, including $5.2 million in compensation and benefits, $4.2 million in professional fees, $1.2 million in printing and publications, $500,000 in travel, and $700,000 in staff recruiting and training. 
• Financial Responsibility – Unlike in previous years, we did not dip into our $17.1 million investment fund to cover operational shortfalls. Instead, we built a budget that worked within our revenue stream. 

The result? AHIMA generated $1.2 million in operating income in 2024—the first time we’ve been profitable in three years. From July through December alone, we produced $1.9 million in income, demonstrating the impact of our financial turnaround. 

Investing in Our Members’ Future 

Turning things around financially was not just about balancing the books—it was about ensuring AHIMA could continue to serve our members in the best way possible. Our commitment to empowering people to impact health® means we must invest in the tools, education, and advocacy that support the profession. 

That’s why we’re making strategic investments in: 

• Technology Improvements – We’re addressing member concerns with a $1.6 million investment in our member management system. 
• Advocacy Efforts – We’re strengthening our presence in Washington, DC, investing over $2 million annually to ensure the voice of health information professionals is heard at the highest levels of government. 
• Educational Growth – We’re reinvesting in new and improved learning materials to keep HI professionals at the forefront of the industry. 

Looking Ahead: A Commitment to Sustainable Growth 

This turnaround isn’t a one-time event—it’s a long-term strategy. In 2025, we’re continuing this momentum with a budgeted operating income of $2.4 million, further strengthening our financial position. We’re committed to responsible financial management, ensuring every dollar is spent in a way that benefits our members. 

We know that our work isn’t done, but we’ve built a foundation that ensures AHIMA is stronger, more stable, and better positioned to serve our members than ever before. The path forward is clear, and together, we’re ready to continue growing, innovating, and leading the health information profession into the future. 

Tom Mehs is the CFO at AHIMA.