Name and Job Title: Chad W. Husman, Lead Facilities Management Planner at Mercy Medical Center in Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Favorite class or moment in the EMHA program: So far, my favorite experience in the EMHA program has been the opportunity to collaborate with fellow students from a variety of healthcare backgrounds. The group projects and in-person sessions helped bring the curriculum to life.

Fun fact about yourself / Hobbies: I’m a proud Navy veteran who transitioned out of the Navy in August 2023, with 22 years of service: 11 years as an Aviation Electrician and 11 years as a Hospital Corpsman. Outside of work and school, I enjoy golfing, hiking, and cheering on the Hawkeyes. I also love traveling, and I’m planning a trip with my wife to Greece this summer for our 10th wedding anniversary!

What motivated you to pursue the EMHA program? After retiring from the Navy and transitioning into the civilian healthcare world, I wanted to broaden my leadership skills and deepen my understanding of healthcare operations. The EMHA program offered a great opportunity to do that while helping me build a strong professional network.

What accomplishments or milestones have you achieved in the EMHA program? I’m proud to be pursuing not only the EMHA but also a Master of Science in Business Analytics (MSBA) and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a Leadership Certificate at Iowa. I’ll graduate from the Iowa MBA program this May, which has been a significant milestone in my professional development. Balancing work, family, and multiple graduate programs has been challenging but incredibly rewarding.

How has the program impacted your career? The program has already expanded my perspective and helped me approach work challenges more strategically. It’s also provided valuable connections and mentorship opportunities that will benefit me for years.

What advice would you give to incoming students? Embrace working with your cohort, stay engaged, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. The more you put into the program, the more you’ll get out of it. It is a great chance to build lasting relationships and learn from others’ real-world experiences.

What are your future career goals? I’m looking to transition from facilities management into a more operations-focused leadership role within healthcare. My long-term goal is to help improve the delivery of care by streamlining processes and supporting the people who make it all happen.