by Katherine Du Fresne, RN, MSN, CPHRM, FASHRM
Dear ASHRM Membership,
We are only a few weeks into 2026 but I find myself already feeling excitement for what lies ahead serving as the ASHRM 2026 President. I am very much looking forward to the learning, the professional camaraderie, and the hard work that is sure to come along with that excitement!
I would like to recognize that coming into this role I have been supported and mentored by so many past and current ASHRM leaders. Not the least of whom is Chris Allman. Chris set the stage as an energetic, thoughtful, and dedicated ASHRM President in 2025. I am honored to count Chris as not only a mentor, but also a friend. Thank you for your work and commitment to ASHRM Chris, and please know that in 2026 I will continue to value your thoughtful input.
I would also like to express my gratitude to several departing board members. First, Tatum O’Sullivan, our 2025 Past President, has served ASHRM in too many ways to count. She, along with Jose Guzman, Carolyn Bailey, and Karen Markwith have worked tirelessly the last three years, sharing their knowledge and experience to advance ASHRM and the strategic plan. Thank you for your service and you certainly deserve some rest and relaxation in 2026! I am delighted to welcome back Karen Markwith as the 2026 President Elect, alongside Sarah Bush, Jerri Kirkland, and Julie Schneider as new Advisory Board members!
I have been privileged to meet many of you over the years, and I hope to meet many more of you this year! But for those of you who don’t know me, I’d love to share a little bit about myself. I became a registered nurse in 1996 when I graduated from Ferris State University in Big Rapids Michigan. I have spent my entire career, both as a nurse, and as a Risk Professional in Indiana. I became a Risk Professional in 2003, rather by accident! However, I quickly found that I loved the challenge, the relationships, and the fast pace of hospital risk management and have embraced the profession ever since. I currently serve as the Executive Director of Clinical Risk Management at Indiana University Health. In this role I am honored to lead the most amazing team of professionals that I have ever known. I am truly privileged to work alongside them.
There is much to look forward to within ASHRM in 2026! From new publications, webinars, and podcasts to the redesign of the HRM Certificate course! The ASHRM staff and ASHRM volunteers never stop working to ensure that ASHRM delivers high quality, relevant education and resources to members! There will be both on-demand as well as live virtual offerings this year and the much loved pre-conference sessions will again be offered in 2026!
Speaking of the annual conference, the Annual Conference Committee is already hard at work ensuring that the 2026 ASHRM Annual Conference in Phoenix this October will again be top notch!
In the meantime, don’t forget to register for the live HRM Essentials course, in Dallas from May 12-14. This program aims to give risk professionals foundational knowledge and practical skills necessary to support a successful health care risk management program.
As January unfolds, it can be easy to fall into winter doldrums. Whether you are experiencing the cold crisp days of the Midwest (like I am), the soft shades of winter gray of the Pacific Northwest, the snow covered streets of the Northeast, or maybe just the slightly cooler sunshine of the South and Southwest, I hope that you can look forward to all the opportunities that 2026 will bring! Let’s all support each other in making 2026 a year of growth and wellbeing for each and every Risk Management Professional!
Sincerely,
Katie Du Fresne, RN, MSN, CPHRM, FASHRM
2026 ASHRM President