Members Only | 11.21.25
Empowering the Future: The Impact of the NAMSS Tomorrow’s Leaders Program
By Kirsten Shaffer, CAE
In a profession where leadership, collaboration, and innovation are essential, the NAMSS Tomorrow’s Leaders Program stands out as a transformative initiative designed to cultivate the next generation of medical service professionals (MSP) leaders. Recognizing the need to cultivate future leaders in this field, the NAMSS Tomorrow’s Leaders Program was launched in 2025 to provide emerging professionals with the tools, mentorship, and community they need to thrive. Congratulations to the first cohort for successfully completing the program in 2025!
- James Frieberg, MBA, CPMSM, CPCS
- Christina Haynes, CPMSM, BSBA, CPCS
- Bernadette Jones, CPCS, CPMSM
- Autumn Kunitz, CPMSM, CPCS
- Virginia McCall, CPCS
- April McKee, CPMSM, CPCS
- Mallorie Merboth, MHA, CPCS, CPMSM, CPHQ
- Elizabeth Peters, CPMSM, CPCS
- Barbara Prats, CPMSM, CPCS
- Julie Vandenburg, BS, CPCS
A Vision for Growth and Leadership
Held over six months, with one session per month, the program combined the Givray Leadership Framework© with top-of-mind challenges for MSPs and NAMSS leaders. The program aimed to help participants think differently about how they approach challenges and look inward to continually work toward earning the invitation to lead. The program sessions included:
- Session 1: NAMSS Overview and Governance Essentials
- Session 2: Who You Are
- Session 3: What You Do (and How You Do It)
- Session 4: What You Inspire
- Session 5: What You Enable
- Session 6: Program Wrap-Up and Capstone Projects (in person at the NAMSS Educational Conference & Exhibition in Portland, Oregon)
In addition to building relationships with fellow students and instructors, participants also earned 15+ CEs by participating in the online modules and live sessions.
"The Tomorrow’s Leaders Program has been one of the most rewarding chapters of my professional journey. It invited me to slow down, reflect on the kind of leader I want to be, and connect with others who are equally passionate about advancing our profession. Every conversation left me thinking differently about leadership, seeing it not as a position of authority but as a daily practice of service, compassion, and integrity. The program challenged me to think bigger about how we can elevate medical staff services as a field, to connect across silos, and to lead with both clarity and heart. It reignited my sense of purpose and reminded me why investing in ourselves and in others is essential to the future of healthcare. I am deeply grateful for the relationships, insight, and renewed perspective this experience has given me, and I am thankful to NAMSS for creating such a meaningful program that will continue to shape how I show up in my work and in my community." — Ginny McCall, CPCS, Director of Medical Staff Services, HCA Florida Lake City Hospital
"The NAMSS Tomorrow’s Leaders Program was truly transformational. It gave me the tools, confidence, and connections to elevate my leadership and inspire others in our profession. The mentorship, collaboration, and self-discovery throughout the program helped me grow not only as a leader but as a person. I left with a renewed sense of purpose to ‘pay it forward’ and continue building pathways for the next generation of MSPs." — Bernadette C. Jones, MHA, CPCS, CPMSM, Regional Director, MedStar Health North Region Medical Staff Operations
These testimonials underscore the program’s ability to foster not only professional development but also a sense of community and shared purpose among MSPs.
Building a Pipeline of Leaders Through Mentorship
But what truly sets the program apart is its mentorship component — pairing participants with seasoned MSP leaders who guide, challenge, and inspire them throughout the journey. Mentors included the Past President instructors, but each Tomorrow’s Leaders student was also paired with a Mentoring Committee member for further mentorship and guidance.
The program was developed and led by NAMSS Past Presidents, each of whom has previously participated in Henry Givray’s Leadership’s Calling program. The Tomorrow’s Leaders Program was modeled on the Givray Leadership Framework©.
NAMSS thanks these leaders for sharing their knowledge and guidance with the Tomorrow’s Leaders students.
- Roxanne Chamberlain, MBA, FACHE, FMSP, CPMSM, CPCS, CPHQ
- Susan Diaz, CPMSM, CPCS
- Susan DuBois, CPMSM, CPCS
- Lisa Goodwin, MBA, CPCS, CPMSM
- Bonnie Gutierrez, BHA, CPMSM, CPCS
- Chris Hinton, CPCS, CPMSM
- Diane Meldi, MBA, CPMSM, CPCS
- Michelle Stultz, RN, CPMSM, CPCS, FMSP
- Aimee Woolley-Randall, BA, CPCS, CPMSM, MHA, FMSP
"Teaching in the inaugural Tomorrow’s Leaders Program was an incredibly rewarding experience. Even in its first year, the program brought together a group of passionate, curious professionals who are eager to shape the future of our field. It’s inspiring to see how quickly they embraced the program, looked inward, and shared personal reflections on their leadership journey. This first cohort has set a powerful precedent for what’s possible." — Susan Diaz, CPCS, CPMSM, Consultant, Greeley, NAMSS President 2019
"Being part of the first Tomorrow’s Leaders cohort as an instructor was a powerful experience. The participants came in with enthusiasm and a genuine desire to grow — not just for themselves but for the future of the profession. It was exciting to help them connect leadership ideas to real-world challenges and watch them begin to see themselves as changemakers in their organizations and for NAMSS." — Aimee Woolley-Randall, BA, CPCS, CPMSM, MHA, FMSP, Regional Director | Medical Staff Services, Advent Health, NAMSS President 2021
Beyond individual growth, the program plays a strategic role in ensuring the sustainability of NAMSS leadership. Participants are expected to remain engaged post-program through volunteering, writing for Gateway, presenting webinars, or contributing to other NAMSS initiatives. This ongoing involvement strengthens the NAMSS’ governance and ensures a steady pipeline of informed, passionate leaders.
Looking Ahead
As NAMSS continues to invest in leadership development, the Tomorrow’s Leaders Program exemplifies how thoughtful, inclusive programming can elevate both individuals and the profession. By empowering MSPs with the skills, confidence, and connections they need to lead, NAMSS is shaping a future where medical services professionals are not just participants in healthcare transformation — they are driving it.
The NAMSS Tomorrow’s Leaders Program will open applications for the 2026 cohort in January. Eligibility requires active NAMSS membership, prior volunteer experience, and a demonstrated passion for advancing the profession. The program is offered at no cost to participants, with continuing education credits and conference support included. Stay tuned for more information and consider applying for this transformative program.