Welcome to a new HFMA Chapter, Empire New York! Consisting of the previous Chapters: Central New York, Hudson Valley New York, Northeastern New York and Western New York.
President’s Welcome
Dear HFMA Empire NY Members,
It is with deep gratitude and excitement that I welcome you to the 2025–2026 chapter year as your President of the HFMA Empire New York Chapter. Serving such a dynamic and passionate group of professionals is both an honor and a responsibility I hold with great pride.
Throughout my journey in healthcare finance and operations, HFMA has remained a constant — a space to connect, grow, and lead. This year, our chapter builds on that legacy with a powerful theme:
“Unified in Purpose, Unstoppable as One.”
Empire NY was born from the unification of four historic chapters — Western New York, Central New York, Northeastern New York, and Hudson Valley. Each brought its own legacy of excellence, community, and leadership. Together, we’ve created something truly extraordinary — the largest chapter in our region, with over 40% membership growth in the past year alone and more than double the size we were at the time of consolidation.
Over the course of my career, I’ve been fortunate to be mentored by some of the most respected healthcare executives in our field — leaders who welcomed me into the community, challenged me to grow, and modeled what it means to lead with integrity, purpose, and service. Their guidance has shaped not only my professional journey but my personal commitment to pay it forward. As chapter president, I hope to follow in their footsteps — helping to open doors, elevate others, and create a welcoming, supportive community for all.
This year, our focus centers around three pillars: Engagement, Innovation, and Value.
Engagement
We are committed to creating more opportunities than ever before to connect, collaborate, and contribute. Expect expanded networking events and volunteer opportunities across the state, as well as co-promoted events with our neighboring HFMA Rochester Regional and Metro NY Chapters. Whether you’re in Buffalo, Albany, Westchester, or anywhere in between — there will be a place for you to engage and grow.
Innovation
We’ll be forging new partnerships and co-facilitating educational programming with other professional organizations — both locally and globally. These collaborations will allow us to broaden our perspectives, tackle complex challenges, and bring unique insights to our membership in ways that are fresh, relevant, and forward-looking.
Value
We will continue to deliver resources that matter — with an emphasis on career growth, education, and certifications that equip our members with the tools to succeed, lead, and make a lasting impact in their organizations and communities.
I want to take a moment to thank two exceptional leaders — Barbara Piascik and Sarah Brainard — for their commitment and vision in building the foundation we continue to grow from.
I’m also incredibly fortunate to be joined by a remarkable team of leaders this year:
- Sarah Beaman, President-Elect
- Colin Conklin, Vice President
- Celia Allen, Secretary
- Tim Hammond, Treasurer — and one of the original four legacy chapter President-Elects who helped bring the Empire Chapter consolidation to life
To our business partners and sponsors — thank you. Your ongoing support is essential to all that we accomplish.
To our members — thank you for showing up, stepping up, and staying involved. HFMA is more than a professional association — it’s a community, a platform, and a launching pad.
Unified in Purpose, Unstoppable as One. Let’s make 2025–2026 our most impactful year yet.
With appreciation,
Joe Favata
President, HFMA Empire NY Chapter 2025–2026