HFMA is pleased to bring you a recurring feature on the blog, the Board and Committee Member Spotlight. Below is an interview with one of our board members, Eric Schwartz, discussing his history and future with HFMA. Keep an eye out for more interviews coming regularly.
What was your first job and how did you end up with it?
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- [es] My first job was scooping ice cream and cleaning out soft-serve ice cream machines while in high school. I knew the job wasn’t for me when I kept breaking my customers’ ice cream cones and trying to convince them they really wanted their ice cream in a dish. Nevertheless, it was a short-lived first job! Today, I’m proud to be a Managing Director in PwC’s Health Industries Assurance practice in Boston working with so many great colleagues and clients. Hard to believe, but I’ve been with Coopers and Lybrand and now PwC for nearly 25 years. I graduated from Colby College in 1996, but at the time I only had one Introduction to Accounting course under my belt. As such, I also started an MBA and graduate accounting program at Boston University at the same time I joined the firm. Both programs were great experiences and I’ve been with PwC ever since.
What led you to become an HFMA Board Member?
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- [es] I joined the Accounting and Regulatory Technical Update Committee many years ago and eventually served a two-year rotation as Chair of that Committee in 2018-2019. After completing my rotation as Committee Chair, I was given the great opportunity to become a member of the MA-RI Chapter Board.
What are you most looking forward to in your role as HFMA Board Member?
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- [es] I recently joined the Board this year so I’m looking forward to getting to know my fellow Board members and other HFMA members better and helping to promote some great programming over the upcoming year. Hopefully, before too long, I look forward to attending additional chapter social events in person!
What is your favorite HFMA event to be involved with?
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- [es] Have to say the Accounting and Regulatory Technical Update Committee given my roots with the chapter!
What was the most important takeaway/most impressionable memory you have of your early days in HFMA?
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- [es] Take advantage of the networking opportunities. Whether it’s during a break or lunch at a conference or one of our social events throughout the year, take the opportunity to meet someone new. There are so many wonderful people with varying skillsets within our healthcare community so do your best to expand your network every chance you get.
What do you like to do when you are not working?
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- [es] When I’m not working, I enjoy spending time with my wife, Maureen, and our kids, Ryan (13) and Maya (7). Obviously, our activities are a little more limited right now with the pandemic, but some of our favorite activities are beach days in the summer, golfing with my son, ski trips around New England and hiking the White Mountains of New Hampshire.
Who do you admire the most?
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- [es] My mother is who I admire the most. She raised me largely as a single parent and worked hard to provide for me and ensure I had the skills I needed to succeed in school and then in my career.
