Leadership

New Board Members Share Past Experiences and Future Goals

By Alison Webster, MBA, CPCS, CPMSM, CPHQ, FMSP; Kelli Botzer, CPCS, CPMSM; Monica Martin, MA, CPCS; Stephanie McCoy, CPCS, CPMSM

Alison Webster, MBA, CPCS, CPMSM, CPHQ, FMSP; Kelli Botzer, CPCS, CPMSM; Monica Martin, MA, CPCS; and Stephanie McCoy, CPCS, CPMSM, were elected as new NAMSS Board members for 2024.

During a recent panel at the NAMSS State Leadership Conference, they shared their past experiences and discussed fresh perspectives they’ve gained in their leadership roles. Get to know the new Board members below and hear about what they’re striving to accomplish during their tenure.

Tell us a bit about yourself and how you got started as an MSP.

Alison Webster (AW): Like many in our profession, I started out in secretarial/administrative roles. When working as an executive assistant to the chief nursing officer, I became aware of the medical services office down the hallway staffed by an MSP who had just achieved CPCS certification. The role intrigued me and before long, I was able to transition into my first MSP role. The new hospital was an hour-long commute away, but I knew the position was going to be a good career move.

I joined my state association and volunteered for my local chapter. I joined NAMSS and became inspired by all of the work being accomplished by NAMSS volunteer leaders. I read and re-read the NAMSS publication, Synergy, learning as much as I could about the MSP environment. I became CPCS certified as soon as I was eligible and went on to achieve CPMSM certification. For many years, I continued my college journey, eventually achieving an MBA, all while working full-time. Over the years, I held progressively responsible MSP roles, taking on my current role as director of CVO and medical staff affairs at the University of New Mexico Health in 2011. I have been in the role ever since.

Kelli Botzer (KB): I came to medical services rather late in my career path. After 15 years of working in physician offices and the surgical services department at a local hospital, I jumped to medical services as a credentialing specialist. Two years later, I took over the manager role at Culpeper Medical Center. I wish I had started this profession much earlier than I did, as I really enjoy the work that I do.

Monica Martin (MM):. Currently, I am the administrator for Central Nephrology Clinic in Jackson, Mississippi. I started my career as an MSP in 1997 when I applied for a meeting coordinator position with the medical services department at a large hospital in Houston. I would arrange catering and take minutes for the various committee and department meetings. I later added the hospital credentialing experience and subsequently have worked with both hospitals and CVOs. I currently work at a medical practice.

Stephanie McCoy (SM): Prior to landing in the credentialing field, I worked in human resources. Sixteen years ago, I made the decision to finish my degree while working part time for my first healthcare organization whose HR department was trying to figure out how we credential our neurologists and our technicians. I reached out to our clients in Georgia and met Karen Claxton, who mentored me and introduced me to GAMSS and NAMSS. That part-time job quickly turned into a full-time job and led me into a successful career.

What made you decide to pursue a Board position for 2024?

AW: I decided to pursue a Board position in 2024 after I was contacted by the Leadership Development group and was encouraged to run for the secretary/treasurer position. After giving this a lot of thought and talking with peers, I decided to try again.

KB: I was contacted by another NAMSS member and asked to think about pursuing a seat on the NAMSS Board as a DAL (director at large). After thinking about it and looking at what the positions entails, I decided to self-nominate for a DAL position.

MM: I was a state leader in Mississippi and was encouraged by a colleague to apply. Once I read the requirements and qualifications, I believed that I could be an effective Board member and leader. I completed the application process and submitted my name for consideration.

SM: To me, it is the concept of “pay it forward.” I’ve met so many amazing medical services professionals who have imparted their wisdom and encouragement throughout my career. I want to do the same for others, inspiring them and ensuring that NAMSS continues to grow as an organization.

What is one thing you’ve learned so far since becoming a NAMSS Board member?

AW: It’s been interesting to learn about and understand the NAMSS governance model. In looking at how NAMSS is run, it’s important to differentiate between governance and management. Very simply, the NAMSS Board is responsible for governance and the Smithbucklin professional staff are responsible for operational management. The Board, along with the executive director, is primarily accountable for setting high-level strategy.

The work then transitions to the professional staff as it becomes operational or “in the weeds.” As board members, we’ve been elected as experts in the field and as representatives of our peers. Our role is to be strategic. We sometimes have to be reminded to “stay out of the weeds,” which is often difficult as most people and especially MSPs are much more comfortable “in the weeds.” As a Board member, I’ve had to learn how to “stay out of the weeds.”

I like to think of the NAMSS governance model as a bicycle. The front wheel of the bike steers and decides the direction; this is the NAMSS Board. The back wheel of the bike connects to the chain and pedals and keeps the bike moving; this is the professional staff. In this governance model, the back wheel powers the ride, leaving the front wheel free to concentrate on leading the journey to success.

KB: With two whole months under my belt, I see how hard everyone works to provide value to the membership.

MM: I have learned that NAMSS is committed to strategic planning and ensuring that our profession is prepared for the future.

SM: I’ve learned to appreciate that each member of the Board brings unique perspective, strong work ethic, and a desire to improve the organization. I respect each of them and am honored to be a part of this team.

What is the most exciting aspect of your role as a Board member?

AW: The Board recently participated in strategic planning. Strategic planning is completed every three to four years. This drives high-level activities for the year, determines how we are using NAMSS resources, incorporates the Tomorrow’s MSP® campaign, and is at the forefront of budget planning each year.

It was exciting to participate and realize that we are creating a roadmap to lead NAMSS into the future and keep us on track. Strategic goals provide the Board with a clear direction to plan upcoming activities and create “a message in a bottle” for the NAMSS Board 10 years from now. NAMSS has an exciting future ahead, and I’m very optimistic about all that we plan to accomplish in 2024 and beyond.

KB: I’m excited to get to travel to the different states that I liaise with to represent NAMSS.

MM: I am most excited about interacting with fellow MSPs from around the country.

SM: I’m excited to have the opportunity to work closely with the New England states: Connecticut, New Hampshire, New York, Massachusetts, Maine, Rhode Island, and Vermont. All the state leaders have been very welcoming, and I look forward to supporting each of them.

What is one thing that has surprised you about serving on the Board?

AW: Although I’ve previously served on the NAMSS Board as a director at large, this time around it’s a little different as I’m now serving as an officer and part of the executive committee.

One thing I’ve learned as an executive officer is that for everything that appears on the Board agenda, thought and discussion has already gone into each item by the executive committee.

This pre-work anticipates any questions that may arise when an item is passed to the full Board. While discussion and questions are always encouraged, this allows a more streamlined approach to approving important action items. The executive committee is cognizant of the need for transparency and strives to maintain that transparency with the Board while effectively moving programs and projects forward.

KB: I can’t say that I am surprised about anything. By serving on a NAMSS committee, attending conferences, and taking part in educational opportunities, I can see the work that the Board does behind the scenes. I’m glad to further be a part of it.

MM: Board members are an open book and are willing to share their knowledge and provide support to anyone who needs it. We have many similarities, even though we are from different parts of the country and have varying degrees of leadership experience.

SM: It started out with a bang! We hit the ground running with several meetings: orientation, state leadership conference, strategic planning, and Board meetings, including one in-person meeting.

What are you most looking forward to as a Board member? What is one thing you’d like to accomplish during your time on the Board?

AW: As a lifelong learner, I’m most looking forward to additional learning that comes with being a NAMSS Board member. We continuously learn from all of the great work taking place on the committees and task forces that report up to the Board. In preparation for our strategic planning, the Board recently held a visioning session where we learned about significant industry disruptors which will likely have an impact on NAMSS in the near future. In my role as secretary/treasurer, I’m participating in a diverse cohort program entitled Leadership’s Calling.

I’m fully committed to the program and the concept that the most important lesson about leadership is both humbling and inspiring and that the journey to becoming a true leader never ends. I believe it will make me a better leader to serve NAMSS and its members. There are many things that I want to accomplish during my time on the Board. It’s difficult to name one thing. I know we have a lot of work to do. I would say I’m looking forward to building on the great work that has taken place at NAMSS for over four decades and then looking forward to providing MSPs with the tools they need to innovate and adapt to new responsibilities in the ever-changing healthcare environment.

KB: I’m excited to meet all kinds of NAMSS members and hear their stories. I would like to see NAMSS membership grow even more during my tenure.

MM: I look forward to broadening my knowledge of the different sectors of the medical services profession and strengthening my leadership skills. The one thing that I would like to accomplish is the development of more leaders so that they will be willing to serve on NAMSS committees and the Board.

SM: I’m honored to be part of the Board that will set the strategic plan for the next five years. The one thing I would like to accomplish during my time on the Board is to increase the next generation of interest and membership by engaging, mentoring, and supporting their career growth.

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