It doesn’t seem possible that my year as ASHES president is coming to an end. As I reflect on some of the accomplishments ASHES has made during this past year, I am very proud of the board of directors and the members who have served on different committees and task forces.

ASHES has truly raised the bar and it continues to do so. Among our accomplishments are the following:

• Working on a much-needed disaster planning document;
• Issuing a business case document;
• Taking the lead on the pesticide issue with the Environmental Protection Agency;
• Releasing a statement on green cleaning practices;
• Developing a mutually beneficial partnership with the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology;
• Developing a partnership with the National Association of Healthcare Transport Management and co-locating our conferences;
• Holding a successful conference with record attendance and a record number of exhibitors;
• Providing audio conference educational offerings;
• Redesigning our Web site;
• Issuing a standard of practice for cleaning and disinfection document;
• Releasing a cart, closets, equipment and supplies document;
• Working with our first Corporate Champions: JaniKing and Rubbermaid; as well as
• Developing the Environmental Services Department of the Year Award in partnership with Health Facilities Management magazine.

I would like to thank the ASHES staff and board of directors for all their help and support. Without them, we could not have made such progress this past year. And, to all our members, thank you for your hard work, kind words and encouragement. This has been a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Tina Cermignano, your incoming president, has the vision and the energy to keep the momentum going. Please give her your support as ASHES continues the journey to excellence. Remember that when you connect the people and the partners, the possibilities are endless.

Thank you for a great ride.

Rose Hamann, CHESP
Director, environmental services and security
Blessing Hospital
Quincy, Ill.

Update

New ASHES president and board members

ASHES’ board of directors announced its selection of Tina Cermignano, CHESP, as president for 2008. Cermignano is operations manager for quality at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. She has been an ASHES member since 1987 and currently serves as an ASHES at-large board member. Cermignano’s term as president begins Jan. 1, 2008.

Additionally, ASHES members in October elected Fiona Nemetz, CHESP, and Mark Regna to serve on the board of directors. Both Nemetz and Regna will serve three-year terms beginning Jan. 1.

CHESP scholarships available

Do you want to take the Certified Healthcare Environmental Services Professional (CHESP) exam but funds are tight? Apply for a CHESP scholarship today! For more, visit www.ashes.org or call ASHES at (312) 422-3860. The next deadline is Feb. 15. Scholarships are available to ASHES members only.

New and improved online directory

Companies can reach their target audiences year round by adding a listing to the new and improved ASHES online business directory. Submit a listing at www.ashes.org.

CHESP renewal or training hours available

Do you have enough renewal hours if your CHESP is set to expire? ASHES is offering the conference program CD-ROM. View the speaker slides while listening to the audio portion. More than 50 hours of continuing education is featured, including a post-test for each session. The CD-ROMs are also perfect for in-house training of supervisors and managers. For more information, visit www.ashes.org.

This article first appeared in the December 2007 issue of HFM.

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