Georgia HFMA Student Leadership council chair shares her HFMA journey

When it comes to HFMA membership, the opportunities for networking and earning certifications appeal to both those new to the field of healthcare finance and seasoned professionals. One of the former, Sharea M. Finn, CRCR, shared with hfm details about her journey as a student member.

Finn is the chair of the Georgia Student Corner | HFMA and payment variance analyst in the revenue cycle department at Marietta, Georgia-based Wellstar Health System.

She is studying for her dual MBA/MHA program at Georgia State University.

What was your experience as a student member of HFMA?

Finn: I joined HFMA as a student member in 2022 while pursuing my undergraduate degree in business management at Albany State University. My motivation was twofold: I wanted to deepen my understanding of healthcare revenue cycle while building professional connections. I was already working full time in revenue cycle operations, and I saw HFMA as the ideal organization to bridge my academic learning with practical experience.

The benefits were immediate — I regularly tuned into webinars, explored articles on reimbursement and analytics and began working toward certification. These resources strengthened my knowledge and supported both my coursework and job performance.

HFMA has empowered me to lead and grow within the industry.

What responsibilities do you have in your role within HFMA’s Georgia Chapter?

Finn: As chair of the Georgia HFMA Student Leadership committee, I lead efforts to connect students from universities to the broader HFMA network. My role involves building inclusive pathways for student engagement by overseeing outreach initiatives, developing relevant programming and more

I also promote scholarship opportunities and serve as a mentor, helping students explore careers in healthcare finance. My focus is on ensuring that students from all backgrounds feel welcomed and empowered to participate in HFMA.

What would you say to other students about joining HFMA and possibly taking a leadership role in the organization?

Finn: I strongly encourage any student interested in healthcare management, finance or operations to join HFMA — especially through a local chapter like Georgia HFMA, which is deeply invested in developing the next generation of healthcare leaders. Beyond the exceptional networking opportunities, HFMA offers meaningful connections with professionals who are eager to mentor and support students.

One of the most impactful experiences for me was participating in HFMA’s national Art of Mentoring pilot program. Though new at the time, it provided invaluable one-on-one guidance from a seasoned professional who helped shape both my academic and career path. As someone working full-time while earning my degree, HFMA became a crucial space for leadership growth and real-world application.