A Leader’s Focus Q&A WITH HBMA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR ANDRE WILLIAMS When Andre Williams joined HBMA as its new executive director in March, he arrived with more than 20 years of experience in association leadership, healthcare administration, billing management, consulting, and accounting. Williams joined with a mission to help HBMA grow and flourish in the long term. We sat down with Williams to discuss his background and learn more about his vision for HBMA. Here is what he had to say. You have quite an impressive background in healthcare and association leadership – can you expand a little on your background, especially as it relates to HBMA? Williams: I started my career in the health insurance field. While there, I saw firsthand how policies and procedures that affect the billing process can be disruptive to providers. For example, during the early years of the HMO, the lack of follow-up by providers on rejected claims created a great deal of wealth for the insurance industry. This gave birth to revenue cycle management companies and the need for a professional trade organization to provide education and advocacy for these professionals. I appreciate the value professional trade associations play in professional development and networking for its members. I have also worked as a practice administrator and at one point had a small billing and collections company in northern Virginia. Additionally, I am a past president of the Washington, DC, chapter of the Medical Group Management Association. What is some advice you have learned from mentors? Have you learned any leadership lessons? Williams: I grew up on a farm in Virginia, and we trained racehorses. My father always had a saying – “You should never be a show horse that no one could ride.” He told the story of a farmer who had a beautiful show horse that no one could ride, so the farmer got tired of taking care of this unproductive, beautiful animal. The farmer could not continue to care for this horse without the horse providing something in return, so the farmer had to put him down. Kind of a sad story when you think about it, but the moral of the story is you should 6 HBMA BILLING • JULY.AUGUST.2014 HBMA NEWS work in a cooperative fashion and provide value. What led you to a career in healthcare association management? Williams: Actually, it was a midlife crisis! I had my own small billing and healthcare consulting business for a number of years and had worked in healthcare for over 20 years. I like the idea of helping to advance a professional healthcare or trade association with improvements for the US healthcare system. I realize the important role these organizations and their members play in shaping the medical delivery and financial stability of US healthcare. What are your main goals or hopes for HBMA in 2014? Williams: Membership growth is going to be one of the number one areas. Before you can do that, you must define the vision and mission statement of HBMA for the future. What are you most looking forward to in your work with HBMA? Williams: I look forward to meeting the members, getting to know them, and looking at the new member categories and how we can grow the organization. I look forward to implementing the strategic plan and working on the strategic priorities for the association. Your background includes work with other associations, including the Association of Black Cardiologists and the American College of Cardiology. What is unique about HBMA? What stands out to you? Williams: The passion of its members. This is a very attentive group, and they have to be because they deal with really fine details that can make the difference between denials and approvals for claims. I think they are passionate about the organization and enjoy the opportunity to network with other members. Is there anything else you think HBMA members should know? Williams: I just want everyone to know that they should feel free to reach out to me anytime with questions, comments, or concerns. You can email me at anwilliams@hbma.org or call 202-367-1233. Also, I encourage members to stop by and visit HBMA headquarters when they are in the DC area. ■ By Emily Schmitt, Billing Assistant Editor
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