Sara Sternberger

President Elect

BSBA, ’84

Why did you want to join the HMIAO board?

I felt that the HMIAO Board needed more representation across the graduating classes, since we have alumni from early careerists to retirees. As the former chair of the HMI Advisory Board, I wanted to continue to contribute and assist the alumni organization in its successful integration into the College of Health Sciences (CHS).

What do you hope the HMIAO board accomplishes over the next few years?

Over the years, the HMIAO has been assigned many activities that used to be handled by department staff (communications, development, Fall Institute) and now with more resources through the CHS, I believe that we have the opportunity to be focusing more on things that alumni value: strategic communication, alumni and student engagement, and supporting the College’s advancement goals.

Dave Gardener II

Director

Dave is a committed professional from the Southside of Chicago, dedicated to advancing health equity and justice for underserved communities. He began his journey at the University of Missouri, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Health Science with an emphasis in Leadership & Policy in 2021. During his senior year, Dave interned at the Missouri Orthopedic Institute, contributing to various process improvement initiatives that showcased his dedication to enhancing healthcare systems.

Driven by a thirst for knowledge and a passion for transformative change, Dave continued his academic journey at the University of Missouri, obtaining dual Master’s degrees in Healthcare Administration (MHA) and Business Administration (MBA) in 2023, complemented by a certificate in Health Ethics. Throughout his graduate studies, he served as a Graduate Teaching Assistant, sharing his expertise in a capstone-level course within the College of Health Sciences. He furthered his practical learning by interning directly under the Director of Belonging & Community Impact at MU Health Care between his first and second years of graduate school.

Having completed his Administrative Fellowship at Children’s Mercy Kansas City, Dave now serves as the Community Outreach Program Manager. In this role, he utilizes his skills in leadership, communication, community engagement, strategic planning, and project management. Dave immerses himself in the dynamic intersection of healthcare and community, working to address critical issues and positively impact the lives of individuals and families.

Dave’s professional journey is guided by a fervent commitment to improving health equity. He firmly believes in working towards health justice for underserved communities, with diversity, equity, and inclusion consistently at the forefront of his initiatives.

Why did you want to join the HMIAO board?

I wanted to join the HMIAO board because of my deep connection and commitment to the University of Missouri, where I earned three degrees. During my MHA program, I had the privilege of serving as the President of the Health Management and Informatics Graduate Student Association. This role allowed me to represent my peers and contribute to the betterment of the program, an experience I found incredibly rewarding.

The opportunity to serve on the alumni board will allow me to continue my efforts at a higher level. With the program’s new home in the College of Health Sciences, I feel an even stronger connection and a desire to add value for the students who follow in my footsteps. I am eager to bring a diverse background and different perspectives to the table, helping to shape the future of the program and support the university community.

What do you hope the HMIAO board accomplishes over the next few years?

Over the next few years, I hope the HMIAO board strengthens the reputation of the MHA program, making it a top destination for prospective students. One of my key goals is to diversify the incoming cohorts by being intentional in our recruitment efforts. Additionally, aiming to increase alumni engagement across different generations, creating more mentoring opportunities and enhancing outreach initiatives. Strengthening these connections will not only benefit current students but also foster a robust network of alumni who can support and learn from each other.

David Meyerhoff

Director

Originally from St. Louis, I attended Mizzou for undergraduate, during which I obtainedbachelor’s degrees in Biological Sciences and Political Science. During my time in the MHA program at Mizzou, I completed two internships: one within the strategic planning team with the San Francisco VA Health Care System and a more operationally-focused role with the Department of Surgery at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. Upon graduation, I accepted a role with Saint Luke’s Health System based in Kansas City, where I am an Operations Project Consultant within our Office of Transformation. In this role, I’m responsible for creating and leading multidisciplinary teams across our health system to translate abstract strategic initiatives into everyday business operations and patient care. Most importantly, I’m confronted with a new, high-impact challenge to solve every day, something I believe to be an incredible opportunity for a young careerist.

Why did you want to join the HMIAO board?

I have a demonstrated passion for improvement initiatives, particularly in this context as they apply to meaningfully connecting Mizzou MHA students with engaged alumni. I seek out solution making and implementation rather than issue spotting and standard routines, and I was seeking a forum to execute on observations I made early in my career that I believe could contribute to current students’ preparations for their careers in graduate school. Finally, because of the alumni who played a role in my own ability to discern the beginning of my career while in graduate school, I wanted to earn a position from which I could do the same for the current candidates. I believe HMIAO provided the forum for me to execute on all the above goals.

What do you hope the HMIAO board accomplishes over the next few years?

My main goal is I hope to contribute toward the HMIAO Board’s ability to leave the Mizzou MHA program in an even better position two years from now than it is when my term begins. I hope to be able to confidently answer yes to questions like “Is the HMIAO Board a catalyst for students’ careers?” and “Does the HMIAO Board contribute to ensuring the best and brightest Mizzou undergraduates stay home to pursue MHAs?”.

Ron Present

Director

I have been in HC for over 35 years as an owner/operator, operational leadership positions and strategy advisor through board membership on various healthcare companies. I am currently a partner with Armanino, a top 20 accounting and consulting firm, and help lead Armanino’s National Healthcare Industry practice. I am always looking for ways to implement innovative solutions accompanied by AI, machine learning and other forward-thinking supports.

Most recently I helped develop a new healthcare tech company designed to reduce hospital readmissions and transition patients from acute settings to post-acute settings more efficiently and effectively. I also developed a start-up company called Care Assist providing unbundled home care services to seniors living in NORCs.

I am a licensed and certified nursing home and assisted living administrator, a contributor to multiple thought leadership outlets and a frequent speaker for healthcare groups and associations.

Why did you want to join the HMIAO board?

The relationships and degrees I received from Mizzou have been the foundation for my career over several years. I feel obligated and honored to serve as a board member to help grow future leaders and ensure they are prepared for the industry. If I can have any influence or support, I am all in.

What do you hope the HMIAO board accomplishes in the next few years?

I would hope to see the following:

• An energized board that has strong members that are engaged to develop and implement strategy
• A foundation for long-term success
• Coordination of fundraising efforts to make us more competitive including funds to create student scholarships
• Much greater social presence
• Award-winning program(s)