Dear HIMSS Virginia Chapter Members,

It is my honor to begin serving as your President for the 2025–2026 term. Building on a strong foundation of excellence and volunteer dedication, I step into this role with energy, humility, and an unwavering commitment to our shared mission: to connect, educate, and empower healthcare information and technology professionals across the Commonwealth.

Over the past year, our chapter has continued to grow in strength and impact. We surpassed 2,400 members, hosted a cybersecurity learning event, and held our fifth annual Data & Analytics Symposium in Staunton—featuring peer-reviewed presentations from industry leaders and students. We also elected a strong and diverse Board of Directors representing health systems, payer organizations, technology vendors, and service partners, with a blend of long-serving leaders and fresh voices new to our community. Most notably, we were recognized by HIMSS as a Gold Chapter—a national distinction that reflects excellence in member engagement, educational programming, and volunteer leadership. These accomplishments speak to the passion, commitment, and collaborative spirit that define our chapter and its impact on healthcare across Virginia.

Looking ahead, our 2025–2026 priorities include:

• Strengthening member value through dynamic education, purposeful networking, and engagement opportunities—starting with our upcoming Fall Conference, “Better Tech for Better Care,” on September 29–30 in Williamsburg.
• Advancing thought leadership via active Special Interest Groups and Committees, including Artificial Intelligence, Privacy & Security, Digital Consumer Experience, and Data & Analytics, as well as Advocacy, Communications, Membership, and Sponsorship. These groups create meaningful opportunities for peer collaboration, specialized programming, and professional growth across the Commonwealth.
• Reexamining how our Board works together, ensuring mission-aligned governance, clarity of roles, and shared accountability as we build our annual work plan.

I invite you to join us in bringing this vision to life. Attend our events, join a SIG or committee, volunteer your time, or simply share your ideas—we want to hear from you.

Together, we are a vibrant and inclusive community committed to transforming health through technology. I look forward to what we will accomplish together.

Warmly,
Leigh Williams
President, HIMSS Virginia Chapter 2025–2026
Proud Board Member Since 2016