Members Only | 06.10.26
Inspiring Leadership: Building the Future of NAMSS Together
By Alison Webster, MBA, CPCS, CPMSM, CPHQ, FMSP
As the 2026 NAMSS President and almost mid-way through the year, I find myself reflecting on the kind of leadership that leaves a lasting impact — not only on an organization, but on the people within it. Leadership is often measured by accomplishments, initiatives, or strategic plans. Perhaps the greatest legacy any leader can leave is inspiration: Helping others to believe in themselves, growing beyond what they thought possible, and helping shape a future greater than any one individual.
That reflection feels especially meaningful as we prepare to celebrate a remarkable milestone in 2026 at our 50th Annual Conference in New Orleans. Fifty years of medical services professionals (MSPs) quietly and consistently protecting patients, supporting practitioners, and strengthening healthcare organizations across the country. Much of what MSPs do happens behind the scenes, yet the impact of this profession touches every patient, every practitioner, and every healthcare organization we serve. As we honor our “golden legacy,” we also have a responsibility to build a “powerful future.”
For me, that future must be inclusive, welcoming, and intentionally focused on the next generation of MSPs.
One historical leader who has always inspired me is Eleanor Roosevelt. Despite facing tremendous adversity and personal challenges throughout her life, she became one of the most influential and courageous public servants of her time. Her words have stayed with me for many years: “You must do the thing you think you cannot do.” That simple statement carries extraordinary power. Growth rarely happens inside our comfort zones. Leadership often asks us to take risks, to speak up, to challenge old assumptions, and to embrace change even when it feels uncomfortable. I believe many MSPs can relate to that journey.
Our profession has evolved dramatically over the decades. Today’s MSPs are not only leaders in medical staff governance, credentialing, and provider enrollment, but we are strategic partners, regulatory experts, data stewards, and innovators helping healthcare organizations navigate increasingly complex environments. Many of us entered this profession without fully realizing where it could take us. Often, the opportunities that shape us most are the ones we initially doubt we are ready for.
As president, one of my hopes is to inspire members — especially those newer to the profession — to step into leadership opportunities they may not yet see themselves capable of pursuing. Whether that means volunteering for a committee, presenting at a conference, mentoring a colleague, leading a project, or simply finding the confidence to share their voice, our organization becomes stronger when more people feel they belong and have something valuable to contribute. The future of NAMSS depends not only on honoring experienced leaders but also on intentionally opening doors for emerging voices and perspectives.
Inspiration often comes from unexpected places and moments of reflection. Recently, I was also inspired while listening to King Charles III's address to Congress. As a dual U.S.-U.K. citizen, I found his message about partnership, shared values, and bringing people together especially meaningful. At a time when the world often feels divided, his remarks served as a reminder that leadership is not about creating barriers — it is about building bridges. It is about finding common purpose, respecting different perspectives, and recognizing that we are stronger when we work together. That philosophy resonates deeply with what I hope for NAMSS.
Our members come from different generations, backgrounds, healthcare settings, and experiences. Some have devoted decades to this profession, while others are just beginning their MSP journey. Each perspective matters, and each generation will bring its unique strengths. If we are intentional about listening to one another, mentoring one another, and learning from one another, we can position NAMSS for success not only for the next few years but for the next 50 years.
Legacy is not built by one president, one board, or one moment in time. It is built collectively, through leaders who inspire, mentors who encourage, and members who choose every day to invest in this profession and one another.
As we celebrate our golden legacy in 2026, my hope is that we also embrace a powerful future — one defined by courage, collaboration, innovation, inclusion, and inspiration. A future where every MSP, regardless of career stage, feels empowered to lead. And perhaps, most importantly, a future where we continue doing the things we once thought we could not do — together.