08/17/2026
President's Message from Alece Hon
Dear Fellow HFMA Members,
As I step into this role for the second time, I find myself reflecting on one simple question: What makes this chapter worth showing up for?
The answer, every time, is you.
The first time I served in this role, I was an early careerist — eager, curious, and still finding my footing as a leader. It was my HFMA colleagues and mentors who helped shape me, sharing their wisdom generously and modeling what professional excellence truly looks like. I learned from them not just the technical fundamentals of healthcare finance, but how to lead with purpose, how to show up for a community, and how to invest in others the way they had invested in me.
I carried those skills with me throughout my career journey, and I truly believe that the opportunities I have been given — ones I could not have imagined for myself at the start — came directly from my involvement in this organization. Along the way, I also gained something I did not expect: lifelong friends. People who have cheered me on, challenged me, and walked alongside me through every chapter of this career.
Today, I return as a seasoned leader — one who finds deep joy in mentorship and in championing the value of HFMA to the next generation of healthcare finance professionals. And so I step into this role again not with the uncertainty of a newcomer, but with the clarity of someone who has seen firsthand what this chapter can do for a career, and for a life.
This year, our chapter is rallying around a theme that I believe speaks to the very heart of who we are and what we do: Fundamentals Forward — and we’re building it on a foundation that spells out exactly how we’ll get there.
We BUILD.
B — Belonging.
Every one of you has a seat at this table. Whether you’re brand new to healthcare finance or a seasoned veteran, this chapter is your professional home. You belong here — and we are better because you are here.
U — Unity.
We may come from different organizations, different roles, and different backgrounds — but we share a common purpose. When we move together, we move further. This year, let’s show up for each other.
I — Integrity.
It is the non-negotiable foundation of everything we do — in our work, in our organizations, and in this community. The fundamentals we return to are only as strong as the values we carry with them.
L — Leadership.
Leadership isn’t a title. It’s a choice you make every day — to mentor, to volunteer, to raise your hand, to speak up. This chapter has always been led by people who chose to lead. I’m asking you to make that choice this year.
D — Development.
Growth doesn’t stop. Whether you’re pursuing your CRCR, stepping into a committee role, or simply committing to show up and learn — every step forward counts. This chapter exists to help you become the professional you are meant to be.
Fundamentals Forward isn’t just a theme — it’s a challenge. A challenge to go back to what matters, to invest in this community, and to carry each other forward.
I am honored to serve this chapter — again — and I am deeply grateful for every one of you who makes it worth leading.
With gratitude and excitement,
Let’s BUILD something great together.
Alece Hon Alece Hon, MBA, FHFMA, CRCR
President, HFMA San Diego/Imperial County
Shannon Vanderbilt Sylvia Varela Thompson Jacqueline Williams Fahd Benjalil Kellie Hooper Lisa Risser
