Reset, Refocus, Reimagine: MLA Board Sets Strategic Priorities at 2026 Retreat
Submitted by: Heather Holmes
In March, the MLA Board of Directors met together for an in-person retreat for the first time since before the pandemic. It was an opportunity for the directors to come together with MLA staff to discuss the future of MLA and work on strategies to ensure our longevity as an association. It was also a time for the directors to meet our new Executive Director, Katrina Holland.
During the day-and-a-half retreat, the board pinpointed three main strategic priorities:
- Advocacy for the profession and health information professionals within healthcare,
- Forming partnerships, and
- Transforming the AI workforce.
The retreat focused on translating these priorities into measurable key performance indicators (KPIs) for 2026–2027 with aspirational goals for 2028, emphasizing alignment with resources and operational realities.
Key outcomes include establishing MLA as a leading voice in member engagement, expanding partnerships, enhancing AI readiness among members, and modernizing operations. Feedback highlighted the need for clarity in roles, communication, and metrics, alongside strengthening trust and collaboration. Concerns about technological limitations were balanced by opportunities for unified frameworks and system modernization. The Board and staff committed to embedding these priorities into operations with a focus on feasibility, data collection, and KPI monitoring.
MLA leadership remains committed to driving these priorities forward and guiding the association towards a secure and sustainable future.