Iowa Student Association of Healthcare Leaders
The Iowa Student Association of Healthcare Leaders (ISAHL) is a student-driven organization associated with the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE) Higher Education Network and with the Iowa Association of Healthcare Leaders (IAHL), the local chapter of ACHE.
ISAHL aims to provide a supportive community that equips early careerists with the skills, knowledge, and connections necessary to thrive in healthcare. Through ISAHL’s three pillars of membership (professional development, civic responsibility, and member engagement), students gain practical skills by engaging with local healthcare leaders, participate in professional development events, give back to their communities, and create meaningful connections with each other.
For more information or to connect with a member of the Executive Board, please contact ISAHL at studorg-isahl@uiowa.edu or via the ‘Comments’ box below.
Mission Statement
Create a student-driven environment to develop and empower future leaders in the health administration profession through education, service, and connection.
Membership
This organization is open to all University of Iowa graduate students within the Department of Health Management Policy. Other interested individuals may be considered on an ad hoc basis. Members pay annual dues. For a complete list of membership requirements, please review the full ISAHL Constitution/Bylaws, linked below.
2024-25 Executive Board
Kaitlyn Fuerst (she/her)
President
Kaitlyn Fuerst is a second-year MHA student at the University of Iowa, as she also is an undergraduate alumnus of the College of Public Health with a degree in Public Health in 2023. Kaitlyn is looking forward to creating a collaborative and engaged team to help with the fundraising efforts to send our MHA students to ACHE Congress in Houston, Texas in 2025. She believes that the main factor of a successful team is transparent communication and effective teamwork, which she is hoping to see with the executive team and for all members.
Emily Jensen (she/her)
Vice President of Professional Development
Emily Jensen is a second-year MHA student who graduated with a bachelor’s degree in public health from the University of Iowa in 2023. As the vice president of professional development, Emily looks forward to finding new ways to engage both cohorts in professional development events and creating more enriching experiences for students to build their professional skill sets. She hopes to increase the number of career preparation workshops and opportunities that will help set our students up for success outside of the classroom.
Varun Korutla (he/him)
Vice President of Finance
Varun Korutla is a dual-degree MHA/MBA student at the University of Iowa. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Biology with Technology and minor in Chemistry from Temple University in 2021. Varun is dedicated to devising strategies that allocate our funds to offer ISAHL members distinctive opportunities, fostering their professional growth, personal growth, and skillset enhancement.
Kassie Owens (she/they)
Vice President of Civic Responsibility
***no biography provided**
Haley Sharp (she/her)
Vice President of Member Engagement
Haley Sharp is a second year MHA student who graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology and Health with an emphasis on community and public health from Iowa State University in 2023. Haley will be serving as the vice president of member engagement, and she is looking forward to creating many opportunities for both first- and second-year members to connect with one another through exciting and engaging activities throughout the year.
Kiersten Bahr (she/her)
Fundraising Co-Chair
Kiersten Bahr is a second year, Master of Health Administration Student. She graduated from Creighton University with a Bachelor of Science in health administration as well as a minor in public health in the spring of 2023. Kiersten also serves as the Vice President for marketing and communications on the Student Leadership Committee. Kiersten is looking forward to enhancing the brand and awareness of ISAHL through fundraising and merchandise sales as well as other ACHE opportunities.
Claire Wierschke (she/her)
Fundraising Co-Chair
Claire Wierschke is a second-year MHA student who graduated with a Bachelor of Science in health promotion and equity and a Bachelor of Arts in political science from the University of Wisconsin – Madison. Claire is excited to collaborate with businesses and organizations in the Iowa City area as well as fellow students to raise funds to cover this years trip to Houston for ACHE Congress.
First Year MHA Representatives: More information coming soon.
EMHA Representative: More information coming soon.
Faculty Advisor: Elizabeth Jaggers, MBA, CPA