2026: A Year to Accelerate and Build Momentum

The start of a new year is more than a pause—it’s a launchpad. It’s a chance to look forward with intention, to recognize what’s shifting, and to commit to the actions that will shape our future. As we step into 2026, I’m energized by the momentum we’ve built and ready to accelerate the progress that matters most. 

The health information profession is expanding its influence. Expectations are rising. Tools are evolving. Decisions carry greater impact. In this dynamic environment, clarity and innovation aren’t optional—they’re essential. Thoughtfulness and speed must work hand in hand. 

AHIMA is here to lead that charge. 

Our work begins with listening—actively and deeply. We listen to members driving change every day, to educators preparing the next generation, and to employers adapting to new realities. That insight fuels action. It helps us identify where to lead boldly and where to strengthen support for the profession. 

Preparation is our foundation, and we’re doubling down. We will continue investing in education that anticipates change, credentials that retain their value, and leadership development that empowers professionals to step forward with confidence. We’re also amplifying the message about the critical role health information (HI) professionals play—not just in technical expertise, but in shaping decisions across clinical care, operations, and policy. 

At the same time, we’re embracing imagination. 

Healthcare will keep asking new questions. Technology—including AI—will keep unlocking new possibilities. Through it all, HI professionals remain the trusted guides who understand how data becomes insight and how insight drives action. Health information is more than a record—it’s a catalyst. It helps patients make informed choices, equips teams to act decisively, and gives leaders and policymakers the clarity to allocate resources where they matter most. 

Our impact reaches beyond any single moment or healthcare setting. HI connects individual stories to systemic decisions about access, quality, sustainability, and outcomes. It also strengthens the fabric of healthcare itself. 

AHIMA’s strength has always been its members. Your work grounds our vision in reality, challenges us to think bigger, and keeps us honest about what’s next. That partnership is powerful—and it’s what makes progress possible. 

As we look ahead, I feel confident not because the path is easy, but because we’re moving with purpose. We’re asking better questions. We’re acting with clarity. We’re building momentum together. 

2026 is not just a year for steady progress—it’s a year for bold steps, thoughtful choices, and collective action. Together, we’ll continue shaping a professional home that drives growth, accountability, and trust. 

Thank you for the work you do and for the trust you place in AHIMA. I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished—and even more excited about what we’ll achieve next.

Thea Campbell, MBA, RHIA, is AHIMA Board President/Chair.