After a statewide and national search for qualified candidates, the California Health Information Association (CHIA) is pleased to announce that Sharon Lewis, MBA, RHIA, CHPS, CPHQ, FAHIMA has accepted the opportunity to serve as the next Chief Executive Officer (CEO)/Executive Director for CHIA.    
Sharon brings more than 30 years of diverse professional experience in Health Information Management (HIM), which includes numerous volunteer leadership roles for our local, state and national HIM associations. She has extensive practical experience in health information management, performance improvement, consulting, and business, and she brings with her a sound understanding of the diverse spectrum of CHIA's members and other stakeholders. Additionally, she is an educator who has worked with hundreds of students, mentoring and encouraging them along their career paths. She is a frequent speaker and author on a wide variety of HIM topics including privacy and security and information governance. Sharon's breadth of practical experience as well as demonstration of innovative and strategic thinking will be valuable for the direction of CHIA, to meet the needs of the members as well as adapting the value of the HIM profession to a rapidly changing healthcare environment.     

Sharon Lewis resides in San Luis Obispo with her husband and they are the proud parents of one son and two daughters, each pursuing their educational goals. She enjoys music, outdoor recreation, and participation in several local school and community activities.

Sharon will begin her role as CHIA's CEO/Executive Director on November 13, 2015 at which time Deborah Collier, RHIA, CHIA's current President-elect will assume the President role in accordance with the CHIA Bylaws. LaVonne LaMoureaux, RHIA, CAE will assist with a smooth transition and on boarding of the new CEO/Executive Director.

A special thank you is extended to the Transition and Selection Committee members: Brian Faust, Robin Hernandez, Gloryanne Bryant, Tracy Elmer, Cindy Doyon, Debi Boynton, Shirley Lewis and Deborah Collier for their time and commitment to ensure a thorough and fair screening of candidates to recommend to the Board for the final interview and selection process.  

Please join the CHIA Board of Directors in welcoming Sharon Lewis as our new CEO/Executive Director. Sharon is excited about serving as CHIA's CEO/Executive Director and is looking forward to working collaboratively with everyone with a commitment to the mission, vision, and core values of CHIA.