KATHY-POWELL FLORIP (Member)
Position: President Alliance Search Management, Inc., Fort Collins, CO
Education: BA, Political Science
Prior healthcare/non-healthcare experience: Direct patient care in a state run mental institution including passing medications. Was part of the group that built and piloted programs and established documentation to help pass the first JCAHO inspection.  Also worked in the staff development department providing supervisory training in everything from interpersonal communication and group dynamics to physical management.
Hometown (originally from): Lapeer, Michigan
Hobbies: Equestrian, downhill skier, scuba diver, runner
How does your position contribute to the healthcare field? The success of any organization is predicated on the skill and fit of the leader.  I assist organizations in defining the skills and characteristics that will most closely fit the current needs, then assure that the most qualified candidates can see how they can be successful in the role, and what it will do for their careers, simultaneously.  Assessing the fit of potential leaders to organizations is the biggest determinant of success, so my ability to highlight style and persona, to client and candidate, is essential.  Many of the leaders I’ve placed have literally saved hospitals and other health services for communities. 
If you could change one thing about healthcare what would it be?  I think the current movement towards consumer driven healthcare and greater physician/hospital alignment, supported by increased application of IT will allow market forces to correct some of the issues of which we are all very aware.  Aside from this, I leave the changes to the experts with whom I work, every day. 
Why did you get into the healthcare field?  Truthfully, I like many, was headed in another direction; I was planning to become a US Supreme Court justice so I could fix the world. I stumbled into healthcare while working my way through school, liked the people I was working with and just kept finding new clients and new candidates that kept life interesting.  Healthcare leaders have a mission to serve; that appealed to me on a personal level. 
What has been your most memorable experience working in healthcare?  After 20 years in healthcare, I’ve forgotten more than I can remember.  Early in my career, I went after an engagement for which I was not yet prepared; I was too young, didn’t have a full tool set to execute the project and hadn’t yet  had someone show me ‘the ropes.’  The executive to whom I presented watched, while I failed in my effort, but was extraordinarily gracious as he provided me the opportunity to see where I missed the mark.  He, in a matter of minutes, drew a template of the essence of leadership, an example of mentoring and a role model to be emulated for the rest of my career. 
Duties, responsibilities and accomplishments?  As an official pronouncement, I’d say, I provide organizations with the tools, processes and information they need to identify organizational needs, and then the leadership skill sets and styles that are most likely to facilitate achievement of those goals.  To bring clients the most talented leaders, I have to help candidates see how achieving my clients’ goals fits into their career path.  Over the years, I’ve facilitated the completion of hundreds of searches that meant career advancement for new leaders and provision of essential services for many communities.   In reality, I network with the entire healthcare community, have lots of lunch with great leaders, then simply match the leader with the problem; not a bad way to make a living, huh?

BILL RAMADEI (Student Member)
School/Program: University of Colorado at Denver/MBA in Health Administration.
Current Position/employer: Director of Business Development at Employee Based Systems, which is a privately held software development and consulting firm.  Provide software and services for HR, payroll, and time and attendance.  Currently on a path to make a career transition to health administration.
Prior healthcare/non-healthcare experience: Began career as a Medical Technologist at St. Paul Ramsey Hospital in St. Paul, MN.  Left there to begin a career in medical sales.  Have  over 15 years experience in sales and business development of complex solutions comprised of hardware, software, and professional services.   Spent two years operating his own management consulting firm with a focus on small businesses.
Hometown (originally from): New Haven, CT
Hobbies: Avid mountain biker since re-locating to Denver in 1993.  Spent two years singing for the Evergreen Chorale when he lived in Evergreen.  Played guitar and sing for his creative outlet these days.  Also become an avid Tango Dancer in the numerous venues in the Denver Boulder metropolitan area.  A movie freak, and enjoys all types of live music from classical to rock.
What are your plans after graduation?  Would like to become involved in business development for a hospital or large medical practice working on mergers, joint ventures, etc.  Keeping his options open and would be happy in hospital operations, practice management, or health care consulting. 
If you could change one thing about healthcare what would it be?  I would make excellent healthcare services accessible and affordable to all Americans.  I am disturbed at the number of Americans who have no health insurance, thus making access to health care difficult and unaffordable.  I certainly don’t have the full proof plan for this, but I think we are rapidly approaching the critical mass of political will necessary to bring these changes about.
Why are you getting into the healthcare management field?  I have decided that I want to spend the rest of my career contributing to the well being of others, making a tangible contribution to others.  The best way I can do this is to marry my considerable business experience and skills to the credential of the MBA in Health Administration, and work on the business side of health care.