Leadership

Reflections From My Half-Decade With NAMSS DEI

By James Frieberg, MBA, CPCS, CPMSM

When NAMSS formed its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Task Force in the wake of the 2020 Black Lives Matter movement, I did not hesitate to get involved. That moment prompted me to reflect on my own privilege as a white, gay, cisgendered, male, and recognize the opportunity for NAMSS — like many other organizations — to examine how we could address inequities and systemic barriers in our profession.

What began as a call to action became both a personal and professional journey. Over the past four and a half years, I have watched our group grow from a passionate task force into a formal NAMSS committee with influence across the organization. As my final term as DEI Committee Chair draws to a close, I am reflecting on our progress, our challenges, and the future we are building — one where medical services and provider enrollment professionals feel a genuine sense of belonging in NAMSS.

Beginnings — Listening First

I joined not with all the answers, but with a commitment to listen and contribute. This was unfamiliar territory for NAMSS — there was no roadmap, but there was energy, honesty, and commitment.

Under the leadership of then-Chair Pearl Williams, we asked tough questions: Who are we serving? Who isn’t at the table? What does true inclusion look like for our profession? We engaged in candid dialogue, identified gaps, and explored actionable steps. Our goal was to make equity and belonging a core piece of NAMSS’s identity — not an afterthought.

Stepping Into Leadership

When Pearl stepped down after my second year, I was honored and humbled to become chair. My focus was to build upon her foundation and legacy with a greater/stronger structure, visibility, and impact.

We strengthened communication with NAMSS leadership and the Board of Directors, brought forward researched recommendations, and pursued tangible changes — updating language in guiding principles, advocating for diverse speaker panels, and identifying membership outreach gaps.

I also aimed toward making a concerted effort to create psychological safety within our group, empowering members to speak candidly, challenge ideas, and offer solutions. I quickly learned that culture shifts are slow, but momentum was growing.

From Task Force to Committee

A defining moment came in December 2024, when the NAMSS Board approved our transition to a standing committee. This was more than a structural change — it was the signaling of a long-term commitment to embedding equity and inclusion into NAMSS’s core.

With this shift, our committee gained ex officio representation on key committees — education, conference, membership, and mentorship — ensuring DEI principles influence content, engagement, and leadership development across the organization. It was the result of years of consistent, value-driven work and proof that NAMSS was ready to lead and demonstrate its commitment to the cause.

Final Reflections

My journey — from member to chair, from task force to committee — has reinforced that meaningful change is rarely swift, but always possible when fueled by community and purpose. This work has challenged me, made me a better listener and collaborator, and strengthened my leadership skillset overall.

I am deeply grateful for the support from NAMSS staff — Heather, Katie, Kirsten, Amaya, Shannon, Allison, Caitlin, ShaLisa, and many others — whose dedication has been not only instrumental, but essential to our progress.

As we look ahead, my hope is that every medical services and provider enrollment professional can find their place within NAMSS, feel a genuine sense of belonging, and carry forward our work for the generations of leaders yet to come.

James Frieberg, MBA, CPCS, CPMSM

James has been involved in medical staff services since 2007, starting his journey at the University of New Mexico’s Office of Clinical Affairs. After earning his MBA, he spent seven years at the University of California, San Francisco, as the director for credentialing and privileging, where he successfully doubled his team's size. He is now the network director for medical staff services with the city and county of San Francisco’s Department of Public Health

James is increasingly optimistic about the future of medical staff services, inspired by the growing integration of artificial intelligence and the increasing diversity in the field. He has served in numerous national volunteer roles with NAMSS and is currently in his final year as Chair of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee. With a deep passion for developing efficient best practices, mentoring, and enhancing staff engagement, James continues to uphold organizational compliance and foster a bright future for the San Francisco Department of Public Health.