Dear Delaware Valley HIMSS Chapter Members,

I am honored and grateful for the opportunity to serve as President of the Delaware Valley HIMSS Chapter. As we begin a new chapter year, I want to thank our members, volunteers, sponsors, and board leaders for your continued commitment to our organization and the healthcare community we serve. When I think about what makes DVHIMSS special, it is not simply our programs, conferences, educational events, or networking opportunities. It is the people. Our chapter brings together professionals from across healthcare, technology, academia, and industry who share a common goal: improving healthcare through innovation, collaboration, and the thoughtful use of technology.

Front row, left to right: Patricia DeLisi, Joy locca, Nadine Opstbaum, Gayle Stidsen-Smith, Tam Nguyแป…n, Sherri Duarte, Frank Sites, Samir Mehta Back row, left to right: Cole Lyons, Scott Engelman, Matthew Guldin, Devin Elliot Not pictured: Gemma Lowery, Nakita Patel

My own experience with DVHIMSS reflects the power of this community. I first joined through a networking event, later presented at a local conference, and then volunteered to review abstracts for a future program. Each step opened the door to another opportunity and connected me with mentors, colleagues, and friends who have shaped my professional journey.

It also reinforced what I believe is central to our chapter’s success: DVHIMSS is volunteer-led. Our strength comes from people who generously share their time, expertise, and passion to advance our mission. Every educational program, networking event, mentorship opportunity, and community initiative is possible because volunteers choose to get involved. That spirit of service is part of what makes our chapter so special.

As we look ahead, healthcare continues to evolve at a remarkable pace. From artificial intelligence and digital transformation to cybersecurity, interoperability, and workforce development, the opportunities and challenges facing our industry have never been greater. Organizations like HIMSS play a critical role in bringing professionals together to share knowledge, learn from one another, and help shape the future of healthcare.

A recent example of this work is the launch of our new Ambassador program, which will help welcome new members, build connections across the chapter, and create more pathways for involvement. We also backed our commitment to education in a tangible way this past year by awarding a $5,000 educational scholarship for the 2025โ€“2026 academic year. When I think about our mission to support emerging health IT talent, this is what that commitment looks like in practice. And we are continuing that momentum with two scholarships planned for the 2026-2027 year.

I want to warmly welcome our newest Board member, Nikita Patel. We first met Nikita in Harrisburg, where DVHIMSS engaged with Senate and House Health Committee leaders on issues shaping the future of health IT, including value-based care, artificial intelligence, interoperability, and rural health transformation. We are grateful for the perspective, energy, and commitment she brings to our chapter. I also want to welcome back our Board members who have been re-elected for another term. Your continued leadership and service help sustain our chapterโ€™s momentum, and I am grateful for your ongoing commitment. With this dedicated group of leaders, I know we are going to have a great year.

If you have ever considered becoming more involved, I encourage you to take that first step. Attend an event, volunteer for a committee, mentor a colleague, submit a presentation, or share your expertise. You never know where that first “yes” may lead. I certainly didn’t.

I am excited for the year ahead and look forward to working alongside each of you as we continue to strengthen our chapter, support our members, and advance healthcare throughout the Delaware Valley.

Thank you for being part of DVHIMSS.

Warm regards,

Joy Iocca, DNP, RN, CEN, CPHIMS
President, Delaware Valley HIMSS Chapter