ASHRM Member Spotlight
Celebrating the People Advancing Patient Safety Every Day
Our members are the heart of ASHRM - and the driving force behind safer, more resilient and accountable health care. In this ongoing spotlight series, we showcase the voices of ASHRM members from across the country, sharing their personal mottos, career journeys, and why being part of ASHRM matters to them.
Each story is a reminder that risk professionals play a vital role in shaping safer systems, supporting care teams, and improving outcomes for patients.
S. Linda Habibi, JD, MBA, CPHRM
Director, Patient Safety and Risk Management
Lahey Hospital & Medical Center
Personal Motto/Philosophy
"I have two! Listen carefully, act intentionally, lead with empathy—because safety starts with trust. Also, if you act in the best interest of the patient, you will never be wrong."
Matthew Hill, MJ, MBA, CPHRM
Risk Manager
Allina Health
Personal Motto/Philosophy
"A good risk manager knows how to help choose the best option out of 5 bad options"
Andrew Smokowicz, CPHRM
Manager, Risk Department
Penn Medicine/Lancaster General Health
Personal Motto/Philosophy
"Build relationships so that risk management is integrated into every department and every layer of your organization."
Joann Wortham-Moody, RN, DNP, JD, CPHRM
Executive Director, Risk, Compliance and Contracts
Huntington Health Cedars-Sinai Affiliate
Personal Motto/Philosophy
"As a nurse and health care risk manager, I believe that transparency builds trust, and trust is the foundation of safe, high-quality care. I am committed to fostering a just culture where individuals are encouraged to speak openly about errors and near misses without fear of blame, knowing that accountability and learning—not punishment—drive improvement. By promoting clear communication, mutual respect, and shared responsibility, I strive to transform risks into opportunities for safer systems and stronger teams."