Spotlight on Sara Hayden Parris: New President of the Iowa Healthcare Leaders Association Board

Sara Hayden Parris, MHA, has taken the helm as the new president of the Iowa Healthcare Leaders Association (IHLA) board. Parris, who serves as the Associate Director of Administrative Services at Iowa State University's Thielen Student Health Center, brings a wealth of experience and a strong commitment to enhancing healthcare services in Iowa.

Parris’s career began in hospice care, but her passion for ambulatory care soon led her to her current role, where she has been making significant contributions since 2015. "I have guided clinics through major transitions such as EHR conversions, a revenue cycle overhaul, and many other efficiency-gaining initiatives," Parris shared.

Joining the IHLA board was a natural step for Parris, who values the organization's mission to improve healthcare quality. "IHLA has been invaluable to me as I have grown as a healthcare leader, and I am proud to carry out our mission to enhance the quality of health care services within Iowa," she said.

In addition to her presidency, Parris is actively involved in the Professional Development and Finance Committees. Her leadership is expected to drive IHLA's initiatives forward, focusing on both professional growth for healthcare leaders and the financial health of the organization.

Outside her professional life, Parris is equally dedicated to community service. She runs Annie’s Foundation, a non-profit that promotes access to diverse literature. Her commitment to advocacy has been recognized with several awards, including being named one of the Des Moines Register’s People to Watch in 2024 and receiving the Progressive Advocate of the Year award from Progress Iowa.

As the IHLA board embarks on new challenges and opportunities under her leadership, Parris’s vision and dedication promise a bright future for the organization and the healthcare community in Iowa.