By Colleen Morley-Grabowski, DNP, RN, CCM, CMAC, CMCN, ACM-RN, FCM

As my two-year term as the President of the Case Management Society of America (CMSA) comes to a close, I'm filled with a profound sense of gratitude, accomplishment, and optimism for the future of our beloved organization. Looking back, it has been an extraordinary journey filled with growth, challenges, and, most importantly, community.

Achievements to Celebrate
Our accomplishments over the last 24 months speak to our organization's and its members' strength and resilience. We have successfully rolled out new and continued several educational programs aimed at all levels of expertise, from novice case managers entering the field to seasoned professionals seeking advanced knowledge. We've also initiated partnerships with various healthcare organizations, fostering a collaborative environment that elevates the practice of case management across the board.
One of the milestones I am most proud of is our enhanced member engagement. As case managers, we are ever flexible (have a plan A, plan B….plan Q in place). That flexibility has allowed us to stay connected even in the most challenging times, sharing best practices, offering moral support, and participating in virtual and in-person events that have enriched our professional lives. The examples of the Special Interest Groups (SIG) for International and Military case managers and starting a Rural SIG shortly and the regional coalitions have demonstrated that when you give case managers lemons, we make not lemonade but an incredible 9-tier, triple lemon cream dessert fit for royalty! 

The People Who Made It Possible
Of course, none of these achievements would have been possible without the incredible team of board members (LOVE YOU ALL), committee chairs (exceeded my wildest expectations across the board; you are THE BEST!!), and CMSA members (my extended family) who have consistently gone above and beyond their call of duty. The collaborative spirit that permeates CMSA has been nothing short of inspiring. The response to our general calls for committee service over the past two years (1st time ever) has been mind-blowing. I cannot even begin to communicate how exciting it is to see such engagement! To every one of you, thank you for your dedication, ingenuity, and tireless work. (There are just too many to name individually, so please know I couldn't have done this without you!)
And I would be remiss if I did not mention the fantastic team at PMG for their tireless efforts in moving CMSA forward.  Led by the incomparable Amy Black (Executive Director and Colleen-wrangler), this team puts its heart and soul into supporting CMSA to be the premier case management professional association.  Thank you to the team, especially Amy.  Colleen-wrangling is NOT a job for the faint of heart. 

A Personal Note of Thanks
On a personal note, serving as the President of CMSA has been one of the most fulfilling experiences of my professional life. The lessons I've learned, the friendships I've made, and the growth I've witnessed in myself and the organization are treasures I will always carry with me.  As I move into "past-president" status, please know I am dedicated to CMSA and our members. (Although I am pretty sure that my family and day job will be thrilled to get more attention…).  Many thanks to my fabulous family (especially Marty, who came into this in the middle and just rolled with it) and friends (again, I am blessed with too many to list) for their unwavering support and the team at UIH, especially Dr Shelly Major. I appreciate the consideration and flexibility.

The Road Ahead: A Fruitful Future
Preparing to pass the torch, I am optimistic about CMSA's future. Our strategic plan has laid a solid foundation for continued innovation, education, and collaboration. Janet and the 2024-25 BOD will undoubtedly bring fresh perspectives and ideas to propel us into the next chapter of excellence.  As the healthcare landscape evolves, so will CMSA, adapting and growing to meet new challenges and opportunities to provide the absolute best for our members and the wider case management community. We keep our finger on the pulse of healthcare, and I am excited to see what the future brings; this has been the ride of a lifetime!

In Conclusion
Let's take a moment to acknowledge the collective strength and passion that make CMSA a vibrant community. Here's to a future filled with even more milestones, even more significant achievements, and the continued flourishing of an organization that means so much to so many and so much to me.  Thank you to the Case Management Community for your support and the privilege of serving as your President.
On to the next exciting chapter in CMSA's illustrious journey. Janet, the gavel is yours!

Cheers!
Colleen

Bio: Dr. Colleen Morley-Grabowski, DNP, RN, CCM, CMAC, CMCN, ACM-RN, FCM is the Associate Chief Clinical Operations Officer, Care Continuum for University of Illinois Health System and the current President of the Case Management Society of America National Board of Directors. She has held positions in acute care as Director of Case Management at several acute care facilities and managed care entities in Illinois, overseeing Utilization Review, Case Management and Social Services for over 14 years; piloting quality improvement initiatives focused on readmission reduction, care coordination through better communication and population health management. Her current passion is in the area of improving health literacy. She is the recipient of the CMSA Foundation Practice Improvement Award (2020) and ANA Illinois Practice Improvement Award (2020) for her work in this area. Dr. Morley also received the AAMCN Managed Care Nurse Leader of the Year in 2010 and the CMSA Fellow of Case Management designation in 2022. Her 1st book, “A Practical Guide to Acute Care Case Management”, published by Blue Bayou Press was released in February, 2022. Dr. Morley has over 20 years of nursing experience. Her clinical specialties include Med/Surg, Oncology and Pediatric Nursing. She received her ADN at South Suburban College in South Holland, IL; BSN at Jacksonville University in Jacksonville, FL, MSN from Norwich University in Northfield, VT and her DNP at Chamberlain College of Nursing.