By Vanessa Orr, South Florida Hospital News, for ACHE of South Florida

In January, Oyinkansola “Bukky” Ogunrinde, MHSA, became president of ACHE of South Florida, the first African-American woman elected to the position in its 50-year existence. Not only does she bring a multitude of experience to the role, having been a member of ACHE for the past 16 years, but she also brings a wealth of new ideas.

“I am very excited to be named president of this chapter, and it means a lot to me,” she said. “I believe I will bring a different perspective to the presidency, and I’ve got a number of themes—including innovation, connection, collaboration, inclusion and well-being—that I hope will resonate.”

n addition to strengthening connections with all ACHE members, Ogunrinde wants the organization to collaborate with other healthcare entities and community organizations.

“One of my goals is to make sure that all members feel included with a focus on diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging, and to ensure that members of different backgrounds and orientations feel that they belong here and are welcome to interact,” she said.

“I also want to prioritize our members’ well-being, which is more critical than ever before,” she added. “Not only do we suffer from the pandemic like the rest of the population, but as the healthcare provider community, we have the obligation of taking care of everyone else.”

Ogunrinde, the founder and chief practice transformation officer for Funmi Healthcare Consulting, where she provides physician practice and ambulatory care management services, joined ACHE in 2007 and the South Florida chapter in 2016.

“I joined because ACHE is the premier organization for healthcare professionals and leaders, and as an administrator in healthcare management, which is a relatively small world, I was looking to grow professionally,” she said. “ACHE provides educational programs and the ability to network, along with personal and professional development opportunities.

“I found mentors through ACHE who helped make me the leader that I am today, and now it’s time to give back since I have received so much,” she added.

Ogunrinde has already held her first planning meeting with board members and has scheduled an annual member meeting in February. “We want to talk to members, update them on what happened last year and what we’re planning for this year, and get them excited,” she said.

“It’s important that our members be active participants, which is why I want to speak to them directly about the opportunities that ACHE provides,” she continued, adding that members can become engaged by serving on any one of the organization’s five standing committees (educational programming, networking, membership, student services and sponsorship).

“Membership engagement is very important to me,” she added. “Being a part of ACHE is synonymous with being in the profession, and our mission is to give our members the tools they need to operate effectively as leaders—especially during these trying times.”