Welcome to the Western Florida Chapter of ACHE
The Western Florida Chapter of the American College of Healthcare Executives is the local chapter of a national organization of professional healthcare executives that represents a wide range of healthcare professionals, executives, consultants, and the faculty and students of health administration programs.
Events
We invite you to attend one of our programs, webinars, educational or networking events throughout the year. Check this website often for a list of events.
Become a member today!
Enjoy the endless benefits of being a member of ACHE today!
Message from the President
Lana L. Palmquist, MS Ed., RN, BSN, CPHQ, FACHE
On behalf of the Board of Directors, welcome to the ACHE Western Florida Chapter.
It is my honor and privilege to serve as the ACHE WFC President. First, thank you to our Immediate Past President, Victor D. Weeden, for two years of dedicated service to our chapter and for leading us to accomplish several stellar achievements.
For example, ACHE WFC expanded access and engagement. Our chapter growth during 2025 was extraordinary; we reached a new milestone of 1,155 members. There were 10 networking and volunteering events in 2025. In person programs were expanded to all regions of the chapter including Tampa, Lakewood Ranch, and Ft. Myers. The chapter also had a 36% increase in virtual education attendance. The number of sponsoring organizations doubled, and donations increased by 300%. Congratulations to our chapter Program, Membership, and Sponsorship Committees on these tremendous accomplishments.
ACHE is the premier professional organization for healthcare executives and managers. Our chapter’s mission is to meet the professional, educational, and leadership needs of our Western Florida region members. Our large region includes seventeen counties. We strive to be the preeminent professional society that promotes member career growth and competency attainment.
We are committed to providing superb career development opportunities for our diverse membership of healthcare professionals. Our membership community includes students, early careerists, senior executives, healthcare managers, administrators, clinicians, and non-clinicians. Our diversity is a source of strength and inspiration that fosters innovation and creativity. The chapter offers development opportunities for every stage of a career journey, including student mentoring, early careerist networking, senior executive forums, and educational programming. We also provide mentoring and educational support for members interested in pursuing an ACHE Fellow certification.
As an ACHE member for over 6 years and a recently new Fellow, I am proud to be associated with such a distinguished group of healthcare professionals. I strongly encourage you to participate in ACHE WFC activities; your engagement is invaluable and will drive our future success.
Sincerely,
Lana L. Palmquist, MS Ed., RN, BSN, CPHQ, FACHE
ACHE Western Florida Chapter President
Join Us!
Member Spotlight
Joseph Pereira
Incoming ACHE Western Florida Chapter Programs Intern
Joseph Pereira is a Master of Health Administration student at the University of South Florida, where he also earned his Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences with a concentration in Health Administration and minor in Children’s Behavioral Healthcare. He has experience in healthcare operations and patient services through his roles as front desk representative and administrative assistant for the Scotch Institute of Ear, Nose, and Throat.
Previously, Joseph completed an administrative internship at HCA Florida Trinity Hospital, where he collaborated with leadership across multiple departments, contributed to strategic initiatives, and supported compliance efforts.
In addition to his professional experience, Joseph is actively involved in leadership and service, serving as Secretary of the Healthcare Management Student Association and previously holding leadership roles in USF Rotaract, a partner club of Rotary International. He is actively involved in the American College of Healthcare Executives and is passionate about cultivating organizational excellence and sustainable community impact.
Diamond Sponsors
