By Arlene Gustafson, RN-BSN, CCM
My first election to the CMSA Chicago Board took place in May 2017. I was excited not only about the opportunity to grow professionally, but also about becoming part of a close‑knit community committed to advancing our chapter’s mission. What followed a few months later—our annual board transition—proved to be one of the most important experiences of my leadership journey.
That transition occurred in August and consisted of a four‑hour, in‑person session held on a Saturday. Although I was already familiar with many of the board members through prior chapter involvement, the transition meeting provided something entirely different: a structured introduction to governance, expectations, and the responsibilities each individual brought to the table.
As a group, we began by introducing ourselves and discussing what it truly meant to serve on the board. We reviewed roles, responsibilities, and expectations, and completed all required documentation. Each board member received a clear job description, which established accountability and helped ensure alignment across the leadership team.
From there, the focus shifted to strategic planning for the upcoming year. We agreed upon the schedule for monthly board meetings and mapped out our educational programming. Our chapter hosted CEU dinner meetings from September through May, excluding January—reserved for our annual mini “Each One Teach One” conference—and March or April, when our larger annual conference took place. Planning required securing speakers, sponsors, and venues, all while coordinating logistics for both conferences simultaneously.
Membership engagement and growth were also central to our discussions. At the time, the chapter had already expanded to include both Chicago and Northwest Indiana. The board worked collaboratively to develop strategies for retention and engagement, reinforcing the understanding that a chapter cannot thrive without an active and invested membership base.
By the time my initial term concluded in the spring of 2024, the chapter had grown further to include St. Louis. This expansion followed a board vote and reflected a shared commitment to supporting a struggling chapter while strengthening the organization as a whole. In August 2025, I rejoined the board and am proud to see CMSA Chicago continuing to grow and evolve. Our upcoming April conference will include an exciting announcement that reflects this continued momentum.
Board transitions are not easy. They require time, preparation, and honest conversation. However, when expectations are clearly defined and a strong foundation is established, boards—and the chapters they serve—are positioned to succeed. Board service is not for everyone, and that is perfectly acceptable. There are numerous volunteer opportunities behind the scenes that allow members to contribute in meaningful ways while supporting the organization’s mission.
Effective board transitions do more than prepare leaders for their roles—they ensure continuity, stability, and long‑term success for the chapter.
Early Bird registration for the CMSA Annual Conference & Expo ends TOMORROW. Why join us in Las Vegas? The CMSA Conference offers the opportunity to gather as a professional community, share the latest in case management research, and sharpen our craft. Secure the best rate now and start counting down the days until we’re together!
https://cmsa.societyconference.com
Bio: Arlene Gustafson, RN-BSN, CCM is an RN by background with 39 years experience, with the last 27 years working in CM and UM. for the last 10 years I have been working in a management level position, I have also started up 3 health plans UM and CM departments. I am have been on CMSA Chicago's board of directors and executive board since 2017 as the membership Secretary