Honoring Our Progress, Our People, and a New Chapter for AHIMA

As we close out the year, I have been reflecting on the moments that showed our purpose in motion. I think about the students who found their footing in the HI profession, the thoughtful conversations our community led around AI and interoperability, and the countless volunteers who shared their time and expertise in ways that empowered our work. When I say our work is big, this is what I mean. It reaches people in every corner of healthcare and it has an impact far beyond what most will ever see. 

This year, we moved the HI profession forward in so many meaningful ways. We invested in the future workforce, supported learners and educators, and continued to guide national conversations about data integrity and patient trust. We also helped HI professionals prepare for technology and policy changes that are transforming how information is created, shared, and understood. All of this happened because our community showed up with commitment and care. 

Recently, I shared news about AHIMA’s next chapter of leadership with the appointment of Dave Cella as our CEO. His experience and steady approach position our enterprise for a strong and focused future. I am grateful for the direction ahead and the shared belief that our mission will remain at the center of everything we do. 

Looking forward, our priorities remain clear. We will continue advancing education that prepares professionals for an AI-enabled world. We will continue voicing the needs of the HI community in national policy discussions. We will support innovation that helps people trust the information they rely upon for care. And we will keep building a professional home where you feel seen, supported, and equipped to do work that matters. 

We have accomplished so much together this year. I am deeply proud of the progress we made and the community that carried it. Thank you for giving your time, your talent, and your belief to a mission that truly touches lives. I am hopeful for what we will create together in the year ahead. 

With gratitude, 

Maria Caban Alizondo, PhD, RHIT, FAHIMA 
President and Chair, AHIMA