ASHE recently recognized several members at its annual conference and technical exhibition in San Antonio for their dedication to improving the health care physical environment and making significant contributions to the field.

"Members recognized at our annual conference should be proud of their achievements," says ASHE Executive Director Dale Woodin, CHFM, FASHE. "Whether ASHE is celebrating them for their decades of dedicated service or applauding them as emerging leaders, each of these individuals is furthering our collective goal of optimizing the health care physical environment."

ASHE's lifetime achievement recognition, the Crystal Eagle Award, was presented to Bill H. McCully Sr., CHFM, SASHE. McCully, of Lowell, Ark., joined ASHE in 1977 and was the 2003 ASHE president.

The President's Award, which is presented at the discretion of the sitting ASHE president to an individual who goes above and beyond to optimize the health care physical environment, was presented to Steve Spaanbroek, CHFM, CHC, FASHE, of Chocowinity, N.C.

The team from the Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center won the Excellence in Health Care Facilities Management Award, which is sponsored by Trane. That award is given to those implementing new or innovative programs or processes.

ASHE also recognized members who attained Senior (SASHE) and Fellow (FASHE) status within ASHE.

The SASHE designation is bestowed on those who have been ASHE members in good standing for at least five years and have supported ASHE in terms of education and leadership. New SASHE recipients are: Richard C. Armstrong, Tampa, Fla.; Michael A. Hatton, Houston; Diane M. Hughes, Little Rock, Ark.; Devin J. Hugie, Torrance, Calif.; Daniel Koenigshofer, Chapel Hill, N.C.; Rene Robison Jacobs, Kansas City, Mo.; William A. Johnson, Oakbrook Terrace, Ill.; Russell D. Kent, Bremerton, Wash.; Edmund L. Lydon, Burlington, Mass.; Tracy C. Robinson, Liberal, Kan.; Terry M. Scott, Houston; Tim Staley, Little Rock, Ark.; and Joseph W. Taylor, Owensboro, Ky.

The FASHE designation is bestowed on those who have been ASHE members in good standing for at least seven years and have supported ASHE through education, leadership and written contributions. New FASHE recipients are: David A. Dagenais, Dover, N.H.; Jonathan J. Flannery, Little Rock, Ark.; Edward J. McKenzie, Morton, Ill.; William R. Morgan, Boise, Idaho; Steve Spaanbroek, Chocowinity, N.C.; Philip C. Stephens, Charlotte, N.C.; and Randal L. Wegner, Marshfield, Wis.

ASHE also announced the following winners of the Emerging Regional Leader Awards from each of ASHE's 10 regions. They are: Region 1, Jona Roberts, Lebanon, N.H.; Region 2, Dennis L. Rudloff, Philadelphia; Region 3, Jack A. Merrill, Madisonville, Ky.; Region 4, Stanford O. Stephens III, Brunswick, Ga.; Region 5, Scott Tripp, Noblesville, Ind.; Region 6, Mark Doll, Grinnell, Iowa; Region 7:, Michael J. Spaulding, Baton Rouge, La.; Region 8, Stacy Grant Seibert, Kansas City, Mo.; Region 9, David Lockhart, Roseville, Calif.; and Region 10, Keith A. Deline, Olympia, Wash.

This month's column was written by Deanna Martin, ASHE's senior communications specialist.

INSIGHT

ASHE redesigns website and launches new blog

ASHE has redesigned its website to help keep members up-to-date about zissues affecting the health care physical environment. The ASHE website (www.ashe.org) now features a rotating carousel of news that members can use to quickly find information they need. The website also includes quick links to popular industry resources. Additionally, ASHE has launched a blog (www.ashe.org/blog) where members can read about new developments and post comments to discuss important issues.

ASHE urges members to comment on Guidelines

The Facility Guidelines Institute (FGI) is accepting public comments for the nationally accepted Guidelines for Design and Construction of Health Care Facilities, which outlines minimum recommendations for health facility new construction and renovation. Among the changes proposed for the 2014 edition of the Guidelines are several new risk assessments, updated commissioning guidance, staff nap rooms in hospitals, and medication safety zones. The public comment period for the FGI Guidelines runs through Nov. 22 and ASHE is urging its members to take part. For more information, visit the FGI website at www.fgiguidelines.org.