IAHSS appoints new executive director

September 3, 2014 [Glendale Heights, IL] - The International Association of Healthcare Security and Safety (IAHSS), the only organization solely dedicated to professionals involved in managing and directing security and safety programs in healthcare institutions, has announced the selection of Colleen Kucera as its new Executive Director. Kucera will lead the organization in its efforts to further excellence in healthcare security, safety and emergency management for its international membership.

The IAHSS Search Committee interviewed numerous candidates and Kucera’s unique qualities stood out during the process. “We were seeking someone who had excellent leadership attributes, extensive association experience, a proven track record of success running an organization, a strategic thinker, and a strong advocate for the healthcare security industry,” says IAHSS President and Search Committee Chair Marilyn Hollier of the University of Michigan Hospitals and Health Centers Security Services. Kucera brings a long history of association leadership focused on the executive search and IT industries.

Most recently, Kucera served as Executive Director & Corporate Secretary of the Board of Chicago-based Signium International, a network of independently owned executive search firms located across the globe. During her more than six years at Signium, she drove substantial membership initiatives, increased financial resources, planned and executed numerous successful global conferences, and represented the membership on issues affecting them regionally, nationally and internationally. Prior to Signium, Kucera spent four years as an Association Executive with SmithBucklin Corporation, an association management firm that provides full-service management and outsourcing services to 450+ trade associations, professional societies, government institutes/agencies and other non-profit organizations. 

Kucera spent her early career as a business consultant with Arthur Anderson and Huron Consulting. A native of Toledo, OH, Kucera currently resides in Arlington Heights, IL. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from the University of Dayton, Dayton, Ohio.

“I am extremely excited to join the Leadership Team at the IAHSS. Healthcare security is an important issue, especially with the recent increase in hospital violence. I look forward to working with IAHSS members – security, law enforcement and safety professionals – and their respective regional Chapters to support the many initiatives provided by IAHSS, including its educational programs, officer training, and networking opportunities,” adds Kucera.