Arlene Bush
Arlene Bush Biography
What value would you bring to the ongoing efforts of HSPA as the organization’s President?
One of the greatest values I would bring to the HSPA presidency is my diverse leadership background, knowledge base and experiences in Sterile Processing. Having come in on the ground floor at the beginning of my career, I have expanded my roles over the years to include educator, compliance expert, problem solver, manager, and skilled networker who is not afraid to get into the trenches to find the root of a problem—with the understanding that solutions often lie with the very people who are performing the work. I am one person, but I hear and listen to the voices of many.
How has your previous Board experience prepared you to serve as the organization’s President, and what sets you apart from other potential nominees?
It has been a privilege and honor to serve our membership as a Board member, committee chair, and subject matter expert. This has given me the opportunity to work with a broad range of individuals to solve unique and complex issues faced by our organization. Having an open mind on this journey has helped guide me into the person I am today. What sets me apart from other nominees is my ability to see everyone as ohana (family). Some have said I have a unique way of bringing people together. I personally enjoy meeting our first-time HSPA conference attendees each year, hearing where they are from, helping them navigate the conference and making sure they aren’t sitting alone at meals and gatherings. After all, our members are the organization’s greatest asset! What may also set me apart is my tenacity and fearlessness in defending and supporting Sterile Processing best practices.
How would you support the current mission of HSPA?
I would support HSPA’s current mission by fostering an environment where our membership and organization work together to further the importance of delivering sterile instruments to every patient, every time (and providing the education to back it up). I am currently (and will continue to be) a vocal advocate for the profession, providing opportunities to increase awareness of the issues surrounding Sterile Processing.
Describe any unique qualifications such as leadership, life, and business expertise that may set you apart from other candidates and position you as an effective President.
I have a yellow belt in Six Sigma Lean Thinking and continuously seek out educational opportunities to grow my knowledge base. In 2023, I received a Special Accommodation Award for HVAC Project, a Sunshine Award—and our facility received a Mission First Ron Hesch Award. These are highly respected awards in VHA Federal Service. I also have broad experience within HSPA, serving on the Board of Directors from 2021–2023, as chair of the Nominating Committee (2020), member of the HSPA F.I.R.E. Chapter Board of Directors, and member of the HSPA Conference Planning Committee. I have also served on subject matter expert groups from 2017–2021 and on AAMI WG 40 for Steam Sterilization Hospital Practices and AAMI WG 33 for Steam Sterilization Dental Practices.