A Message from Your Regent –Winter 2026

Message from your ACHE Regent
Winter 2026

Dear ACHE of MA Members,

The 2026 Congress on Healthcare Leadership just wrapped up in Houston, Texas, and the theme, “Purpose in Motion” could not have been more fitting to challenge our mindsets as healthcare leaders in our current times. Between the dynamic keynote addresses, educational sessions, and networking with various individuals of the 6500+ attendees, I find myself renewed and inspired to face the obstacles ahead this year.

As Regent (Interim) for Massachusetts, I had the honor of sitting on stage for ACHE’s 92nd Convocation on Sunday, March 1 to celebrate the 601 individuals that achieved board certification in healthcare management and became Fellows of ACHE (FACHE). Massachusetts had 10 members that advanced to Fellow this year and we were able to honor Sean Hannigan, FACHE, and Jonathan Moss, FACHE, at the event. A huge shout out to the following ACHE of MA members for achieving this milestone in 2025!

  • Steven Baroletti, PharmD, FACHE
  • Angela Bovill, FACHE
  • Lindsay Gainer, RN, FACHE
  • James Goss, DHA, FACHE
  • Isabelle Guembou, FACHE
  • Sean Hannigan, FACHE
  • Jason Jennings, FACHE
  • Jonathan Moss, FACHE
  • Jason Robinson, FACHE
  • Julie Tauer, FACHE

(L To R: Jim Zheng FACHE—District 1 Regent-at-Large, Sean Hannigan, FACHE, Jonathan Moss, FACHE, and Jeff Blackwell, FACHE—Regent (Interim) for Massachusetts)

I encourage all ACHE of MA members considering Fellow advancement to make this a reality in 2026! To help illustrate how it’s achievable, I’m dedicating this newsletter as a quick guide to highlight the process and offering some “tips” to make the process easier. It’s as easy as A-B-C!

For full details, check out this link.

A: To start, you need:

  1. To be an ACHE member for one year.
  2. A master’s or other post-baccalaureate degree.
  3. To hold an executive-level healthcare management position and have five years of healthcare management experience.
    1. Tip: Don’t worry, ACHE offers an online grid that better defines this category and you’ll find many positions in our industry meet this criteria.

B: Once you meet the above, start the application process:

  1. Submit two references.
    • One must be a structured interview with a current Fellow.
      1. Tip: reach out to me—happy to serve as this interview for you.
  1. Earn 36 Continuing Education Credits before applying:
    • Submit an online application form and a $250 non-refundable fee.

C: Take and Pass the Board of Governors Exam:

  • ACHE and ACHE of MA offer different pathways to prepare you for the exam including review courses and study materials.
    • Tip: Visit Prepare for My Exam.
      • Pro-tip: you can take the Virtual Board of Governors Exam Review Course and earn 14 Virtual Interactive credits. Earn credits while preparing for the exam!
    • Exam Fee Waiver.
      • Tip: Members who submit a Fellow application between March 1 and June 30 are eligible to receive a one-time waiver of the Board of Governors Exam Fee ($225 value) pending approval of the application.

I challenge you all to put your “purpose in motion” this year and maximize all that ACHE offers to help you grow your career and advance healthcare leadership excellence. I hope to see many of you on stage at the 93rd Convocation in Nashville to celebrate your advancement to FACHE!

Best,
Jeff

Jeffrey M. Blackwell, FACHE
Regent (Interim) for Massachusetts
jeffrey.blackwell@umassmemorial.org