Message from the NCMGMA Past President Matt Johnson

Dear Members,

Serving as the NCMGMA President this past year has been a great privilege. Without question, the highest reward has been developing new relationships with so many talented leaders and strengthening relationships with old friends. An organization is only as good as its members, and NCMGMA truly stands out with so many giving individuals that are always generous with their time and knowledge.

It isn’t easy to pull together volunteers to sit on committees, be engaged, and share their talents. We are fortunate to have so many willing to serve as chapter officers, committee chairs and members, and board of director officers. It is a time commitment that can pull you from regular day-to-day responsibilities, and your sacrifice to serve is extraordinary. Thank you for your servant leadership and for being an example for us all.

For those yet to serve on a committee or as a chapter officer, I encourage you to do so. Your ideas will be welcomed, and you will be supported regardless of your experience. This is a wonderful way to learn and give back. Please consider this as you progress as an NCMGMA member.

2022 was filled with accomplishments; too many to name them all. Let me highlight a few of them that stand out.

We had an incredibly successful Spring Conference at the Wilmington Convention Center. As meeting in person returned and gained momentum, we had a strong turnout for the event. Our affiliate members and Alliance sponsors showed up in full force, allowing us to host a fantastic experience for participants. Beyond the talented slate of speakers, the networking and roundtable activities provided many excellent exchanges. The conference closed with solid representation from our Advocacy Committee and our friends from the NC Medical Society.

A first for our organization took place later in the Spring when we held our first-ever Master Class in Winston-Salem. Sandra Jarrett and the Education Committee went to great lengths to put together an incredible two-day event featuring renowned speaker Mary Kelly, who knocked everyone’s socks off. This event was so successful that we decided to do it again in 2023. Registration is open so don’t wait long to enroll, as this event will sell out fast!

The final big event of the year was our Fall Conference, held in Cherokee, NC. The newly renovated convention center at Harrah’s Casino made for the perfect venue to meet. Todd Pittman and the Conference Committee once again outdid themselves with the slate of speakers and activities at this conference. The vendor hall was packed, and lots of fun was had by all. The work for the 2023 conferences started almost immediately after the Fall Conference, so stay tuned for more.

In a time when we have seen the competition for employees at its most significant in recent history, we have leaned on each other for ideas for attracting and retaining talent. The listserv has been an incredible resource for us. Additionally, there may not be a more critical time than now to have an up-to-date Salary Survey as we evaluate our current payroll. We are fortunate to have this tool, as many states do not. Participation is crucial for it to continue and to remain relevant. Thank you to Frank Chitty and that Committee for putting this together, and thank you to all who have supplied data.

I thought I could be brief with this update, but there were just too many accomplishments that needed acknowledging, and I’m sure I’m leaving some out.

Another one that stands out for me was watching the growth of our Student Outreach Committee. John Clement and Lee Katherine Ayerhart led this committee to see a greater increase in student participants than we have had in years! We have also seen a resurgence of the Wilmington Chapter, which is very exciting. I can’t wait to see what’s next for our organization.

None of these achievements would be possible without the sage leadership of our Executive Director, Melissa Klingberg. She is a tireless worker and the glue that keeps us all together. Serving beside her was an honor and privilege.

I’ve had the luxury of seeing some previews of things ahead for 2023. With NCMGMA’s 2022-23 president, you can count on a fantastic year with Chad Ghorley at the helm. Please support him, as so many of you have helped me, as we continue to be the “leaders for tomorrow’s healthcare.”

Respectfully Submitted,

Matt Johnson, MA, MBA
NCMGMA Immediate Past President

Annual Conference Returns NCMGMA to In-person Meeting with Continuing Education, Awards, and Service Project

It was a long time in the making but the North Carolina Medical Group Management Association (NCMGMA) finally came back together, in-person, last week at the Marriott Myrtle Beach Resort & Spa at Grande Dunes for their 2021 Annual Conference (May 19-21). Members, sponsors, exhibitors and speakers were brought together for three-days of continuing education, networking and the showcasing of some of healthcare’s best products and services in the exhibit hall. This year’s featured speakers included Monica Wofford of Contagious Companies, motivational speaker and author Paul Long, Steve Parker of Curi, Jason Deshayes of Cook Wealth Management, and Sharon Jones, Ph.D., of thedot. Consulting.

Exhibitor/Sponsor Welcome Video

As a fun way to kick off this year’s event, some of our 2021 Alliance sponsors/Annual Conference exhibitors put together a short welcome video for our attendees. They let their personalities shine through and the video was a hit with conference goers. Click on the image below to view the Annual Conference welcome video.

2021 Award Winners

At the networking reception on Thursday evening, NCMGMA welcomed the sunshine out on the Marriott’s Courtyard and recognized healthcare leadership excellence with their 2021 Annual Awards. Congratulations to this year’s award winners:

Administrator of the Year Award
Michael Icenhour, CMPE
Mid Atlantic Emergency Med Associates, PLLC
The Administrator of the Year award, sponsored by Curi – a Medical Mutual Company, honors a medical practice administrator who has demonstrated exceptional leadership and management proficiency, and who has helped enhance the effectiveness of health care delivery in North Carolina. The Administrator of the Year Award also provides the recipient with a stipend for continuing education at a state or national Medical Group Management Association (MGMA) meeting or professional development through ACMPE.

(L-R): Administrator of the Year Michael Icenhour and Steve Parker of Curi – A Medical Mutual Company.

President’s Award
Frank Chitty, CMPE
Coastal Physicians Alliance
The President’s Award is given to a member of NCMGMA for outstanding service and contribution to the association, its members and medical practice management.

(L-R): President’s Award winner Frank Chitty and Steve Parker of Curi – A Medical Mutual Company.

Kim Harrah Becker Volunteer Award
Melissa White
Newton Family Physicians, P.A.
The Kim Harrah Becker Volunteer Award highlights the true meaning of volunteerism for NCMGMA and we are proud to present it to Melissa, a member whose continuous service and commitment to our organization truly embodies the spirit of this award.

(L-R): NCMGMA President Amanda McKinney and Kim Harrah Becker Volunteer Award winner Melissa White.

NourishNC Service Project

At the close of educational sessions on Thursday, May 20th, NCMGMA teamed up with NourishNC to make snack packs for children in need in North Carolina’s New Hanover County. NourishNC is a 5019 (c) 3 nonprofit whose mission is to provide healthy food to hungry children, empowering them to succeed in the classroom and in their community. In the end, attendees, exhibitors, sponsors, and NCMGMA staff made over 200 snack packs for NourishNC. Thank you to everyone who participated in this essential service project!

Upcoming Events

Our next in-person event is our 2021 Advocacy Days, scheduled for June 15-16 in Raleigh, NC. Registration is open and more details can be found here.

Watch your email for registration coming soon for our Fall Conference, scheduled for October 6-8 at the Renaissance Hotel in Asheville.

Event Photos