Connecticut Women's Forum

Connecticut Women in Healthcare Management, Inc. (CWHCM) started when several women hospital administrators met at the Woodbury, CT public library back in 1981. These women knew that by coming together to gain information and to discuss their varied issues and experiences, that they could assist one another in professional and personal advancement. They wanted to bring the value of mutual support and shared experiences to more women in the field.

Once limited to hospital administrators, CWHCM grew to enjoy a diverse membership base, reflecting many different types of healthcare entities and numerous functional roles within those organizations. CWHCM has constantly positioned itself to support members and to enhance its contributions to the field as we confront the health care system's latest challenges.

Since that evening so many years ago, CWHCM has reinvented itself many times. In 1991, its network was extended on a national basis by formalizing its affiliation as a recognized women's network of the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE). And in October 2010 has once again evolved and further strengthened the relationship by fully merging with the Connecticut Chapter of ACHE. We are delighted to continue to serve the membership of CWHCM through a Women’s Forum Council within the CT Chapter of ACHE.

The ACHE Women’s Forum Council will allow the spirit (and name!) of CWHCM to continue the original mission of our founding members and support the mission, vision and values of ACHE. Current committee members include Gale Lemieux, Denise Marchese, Debra Price, Kristine Samsel, Jennifer Sengsingkeo, and Betsey Shelley.  For more information on how to become involved, please contact co-chair Linda Milton at linda.milton@optum.com, or co-chair Susan Prior at sprior@vantagepointconsult.com