The new year starts on June 1st, so over the next few weeks, we’ll be spotlighting each of the new Board Members. Get to know the people helping to guide us into the future! Welcome to the Board Mike Tracy.
- Tell us how you came to a career in healthcare and the path to your current position in your organization.
My path to healthcare has been rather direct. After receiving my undergraduate degree from Boston College, I proceeded straight into the Master of Health Administration program at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU). Through a referral via a professor, I was introduced to Craig Nesta, JD, MBA, MS, FHFMA (Board Member- HFMA MA & RI and Vice President at Emerson Health), who I then joined for a Summer Internship at Emerson. Upon graduating from VCU, I returned to Emerson for a yearlong Administrative Fellowship and have subsequently remained at Emerson in various roles, including Practice Manager, Senior Practice Manager, and now currently Administrative Director.
- What leadership skill has been most useful?
Relationship Building- multi-disciplinary fields such as healthcare require collaboration between individuals with diverse academic and experiential backgrounds. I recognize my education and experience are specific to that of an administrative professional. To be effective, I need to partner with clinicians and others in order to understand different perspectives, consider comprehensive solutions, and earn buy-in to influence and execute meaningful decisions. As such, fostering cooperative relationships with peers has been absolutely critical.
- What book are you currently reading, podcast are you listening to or a series you are binge watching?
I have been reading the Red Rising book series. While the series is science fiction, there are some valuable lessons about leadership learned through the successes and failures of its main character.
- How has your time as an HFMA member benefitted you?
HFMA has been instrumental to my professional growth via both networking and educational opportunities. As someone who has largely worked at one organization throughout my career, my professional network had been specific to Emerson. However, through serving as the Chair of the New to Healthcare Leadership Conference (N2HC) planning committee, I have made many fantastic connections with healthcare leaders throughout the Massachusetts and Rhode Island area. I am grateful to be welcomed into such a fantastic organization and am excited to contribute and give back, so that we can reach many other emerging leaders find a likeminded support system.
- What was your first HFMA event?
Winter Social at Trillium in Canton, MA back in 2021
- What was the most important take away/ most impressionable memory you have of your early days in HFMA?
How welcoming and genuine everyone has always been. Whether it was at my first HFMA Networking Event, joining the N2HC planning committee, or meeting folks at the Revenue Cycle Conference at Gillette, everyone has treated me like a lifelong colleague and friend.
- What do you like to do when you are not working?
I love spending time with friends and am an avid New England Patriots fan. I have high hopes for the future with Drake Maye and Mike Vrabel at the helm!
