From the Board

People often ask me how I went from being a bedside nurse to leading information technology for large healthcare organizations. The truth is—I didn’t leave nursing behind. I still think like a nurse every single day. 

As clinicians, one of the first things we’re taught is Airway, Breathing, and Circulation (ABC). Before diagnosing every possible condition or deciding on a treatment plan, we stabilize the patient. We identify what is preventing them from functioning and address the most critical issues first. 

Over the years, I’ve realized that’s exactly how I approach technology leadership. Whether the conversation is about artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, cloud modernization, digital transformation, or implementing a new electronic health record, I don’t start by asking, “What’s the newest technology?”

I start by asking three questions.

Airway: What is preventing the organization from moving forward? 

For me, the airway represents flow. How does care move through our organization? How does information move? How do clinicians move through their day? 

If there is friction, I want to understand what’s causing it. Is the obstacle our people? Is it a broken process? Is it outdated technology?

Too often we try to solve process problems with technology, when the technology was never the problem in the first place. If we don’t remove the obstruction, we simply automate inefficiency.

That is one reason I appreciate HIMSS’ recent focus on moving AI from pilots to production through governance rather than hype. Organizations seeing meaningful success are those that begin with the business and clinical problem, establish governance, and then determine where AI can create measurable value—not the other way around. 


Breathing: Does the organization have the capacity? 

Opening the airway isn’t enough. The patient still has to breathe. 

In technology, breathing represents our ability to support the flow. Do we have resilient infrastructure? Can our networks handle increased demand? Is our cybersecurity posture mature enough? Is our data trustworthy? Are our teams prepared to adopt and sustain change? 

As leaders, it’s easy to become excited about innovation. But innovation without capacity creates frustration instead of transformation. 

HIMSS’ recent research reinforces this point. AI is becoming a foundational capability for healthcare, but organizations that scale successfully have invested in digital infrastructure, governance, workforce readiness, and trusted data before attempting enterprise-wide adoption.

Circulation: Is value reaching the patient? 

This is where I believe technology leaders should spend most of their time. 

Circulation isn’t simply moving data from one system to another. It’s ensuring the right information reaches the right clinician at the right moment so they can make the right decision for the patient. It’s making sure patients have access to their information. It’s reducing administrative burden so clinicians can spend more time caring for people instead of documenting care. It’s giving leaders timely, reliable information to improve quality, safety, and operational performance.

Technology should improve the delivery of healthcare—not become another obstacle within it. 

If our investments aren’t improving patient outcomes, clinician experience, operational efficiency, or financial stewardship, then we need to ask ourselves a difficult question:

What problem were we actually trying to solve?

Leadership Matters More Than Technology: One message continues to emerge from HIMSS Global: healthcare is moving beyond AI experimentation toward responsible, enterprise-scale transformation grounded in governance, trust, cybersecurity, and measurable outcomes.

I couldn’t agree more. 

Technology will continue to evolve. Artificial intelligence will become more capable. Cyber threats will become more sophisticated. But our responsibility as leaders remains the same:

• Remove barriers.
• Build capacity.
• Deliver value.

That’s the framework I learned as a nurse, and it’s the framework that still guides every technology decision I make today.

As members of HIMSS Maryland Chapter, we have an opportunity—and a responsibility—to lead healthcare through this transformation. Not by chasing every new technology, but by ensuring every innovation advances the health of the patients and communities we serve. 

Because in the end, technology is never the destination. Better healthcare is.

Tonya D. Reeder, RN, BSN, 
MBA, MS-HCA

HIMSS Maryland Board Member

HIMSS Maryland Chapter 
Recognized with FY2026 
Advocacy Changemaker Status


The HIMSS Maryland Chapter is proud to announce that it has once again achieved HIMSS Chapter Advocacy Changemaker status for FY2026, the highest level of chapter advocacy recognition. This honor reflects the chapter’s continued leadership, dedication, and impact in advancing the HIMSS mission and vision through the power of advocacy.


This marks the chapter’s second year as a Changemaker since HIMSS introduced the designation two years ago, building on a long tradition of advocacy excellence that includes many years of gold and silver-level recognition. As the chapter enters its 20th year of governors’ proclamations and advocacy engagement, this recognition celebrates the ongoing commitment of HIMSS Maryland members, volunteers, and leaders to improving health through information and technology.


Interested in helping shape the future of health IT advocacy in Maryland? We invite HIMSS Maryland members to get involved by joining the Advocacy Committee and lending their voice to this important work.

Upcoming Events

Leading Healthcare Transformation: Your Roadmap 
to PMP Certification Success Webinar

Friday, September 18 from 12:00 - 1:00 PM

Take the next step in your professional journey with the HIMSS Maryland Chapter and learn what it takes to earn the globally recognized Project Management Professional (PMP®) certification.

This engaging webinar will give healthcare and Health IT professionals a practical roadmap to PMP success—from understanding eligibility and navigating the application process to building an effective study plan, choosing the right resources, and preparing confidently for exam day.

Whether you're a project manager, clinician, analyst, consultant, or healthcare technology leader, you'll walk away with actionable strategies you can put to work on your certification journey. Plus, stay for the live Q&A and get your questions answered by experienced PMP-certified professionals.

We’re just over a week away—don’t miss this opportunity.

Register today and start building your roadmap to PMP success!

Fall Networking Event – Connect, Collaborate 
& Kick Off the Season!

Fall is right around the corner, and it’s the perfect time to reconnect with the HIMSS Maryland community!

Join us on September 23 from 6:00–8:00 PM at Reckless Shepherd Brewing Company in Columbia, Maryland, for an evening of networking, conversation, great food, and locally brewed craft beer. Whether you’re catching up with longtime colleagues or expanding your network with new connections across the healthcare and Health IT community, this is a great opportunity to come together in a relaxed setting.

Don’t miss out—register today and join us for a great evening!

Make an Impact. Get Involved. Volunteer!

Want to make meaningful connections, grow your leadership skills, and play a role in shaping the future of healthcare? HIMSS Maryland Chapter wants you! We’re looking for enthusiastic volunteers who are ready to share their ideas, talents, and expertise while connecting with healthcare and Health IT professionals across Maryland. Whether you’re an experienced leader, early in your career, a student, or an industry partner, there’s a place for you to get involved—from chapter events and educational programs to advocacy, member engagement, and committee initiatives. Your time and talents can make a difference. Join our community, expand your network, and help move our mission forward—volunteer today! Learn more about the HIMSS Maryland Chapter or complete the Volunteer Application.

HIMSS Virginia Annual Conference & Networking Golf Tournament 
October 5 - 7, 2026 in Williamsburg, VA

"Insights: Turning Innovation into Impact" Explore emerging technologies, hear from industry experts, discover innovative solutions, and connect with peers who are driving the future of healthcare through digital transformation.

Leare more: HIMSS Virginia Annual Conference and Golf Tournament

Maryland Rural Health Annual Conference & Mid-Atlantic Rural Health Transformation & Innovation Summit

October 19 - 20, 2026 Hilton Baltimore BWI Airport Hotel, Linthicum Heights, MD

"Rural Health Reimagined: Bridging Gaps, Leveraging Innovation, and Creating Lasting Impact"

Learn more: Maryland Rural Health Association

CPHIMS Certification Course - Virtual

November 3, 5, 10, 12 from 6:00 PM - 8:30 PM

Earn your CPHIMS (Certified Professional in Healthcare Information and Management Systems) certification this November! A series of virtual review courses led by CPHIMS-certified instructor William Hall, CISSP, CISM, CPHIMS, designed to help you confidently prepare for the exam. You'll review key content areas, learn proven test-taking strategies, and gain the knowledge and confidence to advance your career, validate your expertise, and demonstrate your commitment to professional growth.

Learn more: CPHIMS Certification Review Course

Informatics Day
November 13, 2026 in Richmond, VA

"Transforming Practice Through Partnership: The Nursing Voice In Informatics" an engaging Informatics Symposium showcasing diverse career paths, innovative roles, and the vital impact of nursing voices in healthcare technology and governance.

We invite clinicians and healthcare IT professionals to share real-world innovations, showcase diverse professional journeys at the intersection of healthcare and technology, and demonstrate how clinical perspectives shape shared governance and digital transformation.

Learn more: Transforming Practice Through Partnership “The Nursing Voice in Informatics” | HIMSS Virginia Chapter

Partner with HIMSS Maryland Chapter

Become a HIMSS Maryland Chapter Sponsor

Put your organization in front of nearly 2,000 healthcare and Health IT professionals by partnering with one of the nation’s largest and most active HIMSS chapters. HIMSS Maryland Chapter sponsorship is more than brand visibility—it’s an opportunity to build meaningful relationships, showcase your expertise, and connect with the healthcare leaders, technology professionals, and decision-makers shaping the future of health across Maryland and the surrounding region.

Our annual sponsorship program runs July 1 through June 30, providing year-round opportunities for visibility and engagement through networking events, educational programs, the HIMSS Maryland Chapter Annual Conference, and our annual golf tournament. Your support also helps the chapter continue delivering the education, collaboration, and professional connections that strengthen our healthcare community.

Sponsorship opportunities are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Don’t wait to secure your organization’s place—join us and be part of what’s next for healthcare in Maryland. Flexible payment plans are available.

Have questions, contact md.treasurer@himsschapter.org.