John Yanoschak, NJSHP Immediate Past President
As John Yanoschak leaves his one year post as NJSHP President, he shares his perspectives on a year that’s been dynamic, challenging and quick to pass.

To start with, John and his board of committed officers began the first steps to lay the foundation for a strategic plan. This strategic plan is highly member driven and will serve as bridge of continuity as the board changes with new officers. ASHP and a facilitator helped the Society with its new charge to define objectives and move forward with the process. As the plan continues to evolve, some areas have resonated loud and clear with the membership that include: 1) additional opportunities for professional development and continuing education credits, 2) more effective communication between the Board and members, 3) more motivational information about Board officer roles, and 4) additional networking and information exchange opportunities. Although John won’t be at the helm, he asks that members respond to future information from NJSHP that will solicit input about this very important initiative.

John cites his presidency as a great learning experience that included his greater involvement with ASHP. He assures that the importance and value of NJSHP is clearly heard and understood at a national level. John stresses the importance of committee board and officer level involvement.

At NJSHP, John sees many things growing and developing positively. He is pleased with the many enhancements and growth of the Annual Meeting. He mentions the great venue in New Brunswick, increasing member participation, quality programming, and additional CE opportunities. Also, John has received much positive feedback about the NJSHP website that continues to evolve.

The active and growing student chapter deserves many accolades and according to John “student involvement really solidifies the future.” He cites the student success at the Clinical Skills Competition in Las Vegas and its remarkable placement in the Top 10. He proudly admits that the student chapter was definitely a bright shining light.

John is also happy to have been a part of a year which saw current and former NJSHP board members nominated for both ASHP’s Board of Directors and the Council for Legal and Public Affairs.

Challenges came John’s way too. He still sees meeting the needs of the membership as an ongoing challenge especially in the arena of providing additional funding for professional development opportunities. Restrictive sponsorship funding and pharmaceutical industry guidelines have seriously limited corporate sponsor funding. Thus, securing effective business partnerships and sponsors is becoming more difficult because of these restrictions. Effective relationships with these business partners is essential to secure grants and additional funding that will help members meet their needs.

During the year a career change came John’s way. After 18 years at the Virtua Health System, John joined the Saint Barnabas Health System at Community Medical Center. John remarks that he’s privileged to work in his new place of employment, and is happy to have continued professional relationships with many past officers and board members who also work for the Saint Barnabas Health Care System. Talk about easy networking!


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