I’m pleased to introduce myself as the new Information Technology Officer at the John A. Hartford Foundation.

Unlike many in both healthcare and IT, I entered both fields by chance. After graduating with a BA in Folklore from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, I quickly learned I was not skilled enough for many careers. I turned to an IT training course as a way to get out of the temping world. Happily, I found I both enjoyed and had an aptitude for the work, and I was lucky enough to be hired for the Information Services department at VillageCare, which specializes in geriatric and AIDS services. I remained there for 15 years, learning both IT and the health care business. Seeing firsthand the commitment of so many clinicians, as well as the hurdles to providing excellent, patient-centered care, made me appreciate how important the daily work is as well as strategically planning to find better solutions for care.

Looking for a change, I left New York City in January 2011 to work for a community foundation in Massachusetts, addressing their technology needs. When I decided to return home, I began my job search eager for a position in the non-profit world and back in the healthcare field. I found the listing for an Information Technology Officer at the Hartford Foundation and submitted my resume with my fingers crossed that I’d be called in to interview. Thankfully, I was.

Working in IT has its own rewards, but working to support the broader mission of an organization is what provides me job satisfaction. I’ve been fortunate enough to be able to do that throughout my career, and I am thrilled to now be able to support highly dedicated and capable people as they carry out the John A. Hartford Foundation mission of improving the quality of healthcare available to elderly Americans. It is easy to “curse the darkness” and see the problems of our healthcare system as insurmountable; being around people who are “lighting a candle” to dramatically improve one aspect of our system is inspiring. I am happy to be a part of the team!