HOSA STATE OFFICER
Initial States: The six charter states were Alabama, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oklahoma, and Texas.
Organization: The Constitutional Convention was held in Arlington, Texas, in November 1976, marking the official formation.
Here’s a set of organized, condensed notes covering the key timeline and facts from your detailed text about HOSA’s (Health Occupations Students of America’s) history and development. These notes are structured by period and theme for clarity.
Early History (1950s–1971)
1957: U.S. Office of Education appointed first Health Occupations Program Specialist, Helen K. Powers, due to growing health occupations programs.
1960s: Student interest met through Future Nurses Clubs and VICA (Vocational Industrial Clubs of America).
Health Careers Clubs developed in states such as TX, NJ, NC, AL, NY, and NM for health career–oriented high school students.
As health programs grew, educators saw a need for a national student organization specifically for health occupations.
1971: At the first meeting of the HOE (Health Occupations Education) Division of AVA (American Vocational Association), the idea of creating a leadership organization for health occupations students emerged.
Formation Begins (1972–1975)
1972:
State associations formed: Texas (TAHAS) in April, New Jersey (Health Careers Clubs) in October.
National policy reports supported forming new vocational organizations.
1973: North Carolina association formed; AVA endorsed creating a leadership organization for health occupations students.
1974: Vice President Wilma Gillespie presented “A Statement of Need”; the Core Planning Group met in July in Indiana to plan the organization.
1975: Meeting in Cherry Hill, NJ with 18 representatives from six states—Alabama, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oklahoma, and Texas—led to founding the American Health Occupations Education Student Organization (AHOESO), later renamed HOSA.
HOSA Is Born (1976–1978)
1976 Constitutional Convention:
Held at the Inn of the Six Flags, Arlington, TX (Nov 10–13).
Attended by 384 people from 6 charter states.
Officially named Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA).
Colors: Maroon, medical white, navy blue.
First national president: Lynne McGee, North Carolina.
Selected Oklahoma as site for first National HOSA Conference (Spring 1978).
1977:
First HOSA Newsletter published (June).
Recognized by U.S. Office of Education as official national vocational student organization (Sept).
1978:
First National Leadership Conference: Oklahoma City (Apr 27–30).
First competitive events: Informative & Extemporaneous Speaking, Job Interview, Medical Terminology, Poster, Emblem, Motto.
New state charters: FL, IL, IN, KY, MD, TN, MN, OR.
Growth and Incorporation (1979–1980)
1979:
Second National Conference: Cherry Hill, NJ (Jun–Jul).
New states: DE, PA, SC, WI, NY.
HOSA contracted KENORA Enterprises to manage operations (based in Wilmington, DE).
1980:
Third National Conference: Asheville, NC.
Incorporated as HOSA, Inc., officially recognized as legal entity.
Tax-exempt status obtained; logo registered with U.S. Copyright Office.
Adopted HOSA Creed (submitted by SC HOSA).
1980s: Expansion and National Recognition
1981:
Received 501(c)(3) status.
National Charity Project: American Diabetes Association.
New state charters: MI, CO, ME, KS.
Formal recognition by U.S. Department of Education under Secretary Terrell H. Bell.
1982:
VP George Bush met with National HOSA officers; awarded Honorary Life Membership.
HOSA testified before Congress supporting vocational education funding.
Expanded postsecondary membership and revised uniform policy.
1983:
New management: Leadership Development Institute, Inc. (LDI) under Dr. Jim Koeninger & Karen Elias.
Headquarters established in Oklahoma City, later moved to Texas (Fort Worth → Irving → Flower Mound).
HOSA Motto, Emblem, Creed, and Uniform
Original Motto (1978): “The Hands of Youth Mold the Health of Tomorrow.”
Revised Motto (1979): “The Hands of HOSA Mold the Health of Tomorrow.”
Emblem (1978):
Circle = continuity of care
Triangle = social, physical, mental well-being
Hands = caring of HOSA members
Colors: maroon, medical white, navy blue
Uniform Policy: Navy slacks/skirt, vest, and jacket; white shirt/blouse; maroon scarf/tie.
Creed: Adopted in 1980, submitted by South Carolina HOSA.
Competitive Events Development
1978: Leadership events only; first official competitive events added.
1979–1983: Added skill and health-related competitions; created Competitive Events Handbook (1983).
Categories grew to six:
Health Science
Health Professions
Emergency Preparedness
Leadership
Teamwork
Recognition
Modern Era and Name Change (2004)
2004: Delegates at National Leadership Conference voted to:
Broaden scope to include all students interested in health professions.
Replace “Health Occupations Education” with “Health Science.”
Replace “Vocational Education” with “Career and Technical Education.”
Change official name to HOSA–Future Health Professionals.
Mission and Purpose of HOSA
Mission: The mission of HOSA is to empower HOSA-Future Health Professionals to become leaders in the global community through education, collaboration, and experience.
Purpose: HOSA-Future Health Professionals aims to develop leadership and technical HOSA skill competencies through a program of motivation, awareness, and recognition, which is integral to the Health Science Education instructional program.
Vital Goals for Members:
Promote physical, mental, and social well-being.
Develop effective leadership qualities and skills.
Develop the ability to communicate effectively with people.
Develop character traits.
Foster responsible citizenship.
Understand the importance of self-pleasure and service to others.
Build self-confidence and pride in one's work.
Make realistic career choices and seek successful employment in healthcare.
Understand the importance of collaboration with peers and organizations.
Encourage individual and group achievement.
Gain insights into current health care issues and environmental concerns.
Promote involvement in healthcare and education projects at local, state, and national levels.
Support Health Science Education instructional objectives.
Promote career opportunities in healthcare.
Organizational Structure of Wisconsin HOSA
Wisconsin HOSA Executive Council & Delegate Assembly
Executive Council (EC): Represents the State Delegate Assembly when not in session.
Delegate Assembly: Comprises member delegates from chartered chapters in good standing across the state; meets annually to elect the Executive Council and conduct state business.
EC Meeting Frequency: Monthly meetings held for organizational decision making.
Wisconsin HOSA Board of Directors (BOD)
BOD Role: Ensures the state association is well-organized and responsive to workforce needs of the health community.
Meeting Frequency: BOD meets three times a year; the Executive Committee is available for decision-making between meetings.
Wisconsin HOSA State Association
Type: Unincorporated, non-profit Career and Technical Education Student Organization (CTSO) separate from the state education agency.
Leadership: Led by the Board of Directors, Executive Council, and the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction per state bylaws.
Membership: Includes local chapters with members affiliated with both the state and international organization HOSA-Future Health Professionals.
Operational Oversight: Provided by the State Advisor (WI DPI) and State Director (WI HOSA), acting as liaisons for academic, business, and community partnerships.
Wisconsin Health Science Education
Framework: Operates under the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction, aligning with Health Science and Career and Technical Education content areas.
Consultant Role: The Health Science Education Consultant/State Advisor offers oversight and leadership support for health science and HOSA.
Wisconsin HOSA Partnership Council (WHPC) & Alumni
Membership: Composed of partners from the health community who support the recruitment of future health professionals and fund development for HOSA.
Role: An advisory group that meets twice a year.
Wisconsin HOSA Contracted State Leadership Team
Members and Roles:
Noah Mutter-Schulz, State Director
Andrea Buss, Development Coordinator
Jenny Doran, Assistant Development Coordinator
Lena Joch, Director of Competitive Events
Audrey McCrimmon, Multimedia Specialist
Tristen Rothrum, State Officer Coach
Competitive Events in Wisconsin HOSA
Management and Leadership: Governed by the Competitive Events Team, which includes a Director and various coordinators for testing, event personnel, and offsite coordination.
Lieutenant Chairs for Events:
Health Science Events: Ruth Buchner
Health Profession Events: Fran Grant & Aleid van der Zel
Emergency Preparedness Events: Choi Maner
Recognition Events: Mary Kokan
Leadership Events: Maguita Stroud
Teamwork Events: Judy Weiss
Tabulations Team: Specialized officials handling tabulation processes during events.
Wisconsin HOSA Executive Council
Current Members:
Natallia Kumar, President
Claire Li, Vice President
Rida Sudheer, Secretary
Francine Bour, VP of Public Relations
Soha Gandhi, VP of Membership
Lily Rushman, VP of Service Projects
Angela Zheng, VP of Post-Secondary
Janaki Sreeju, Middle School Liaison (ex-officio)
Legislation and Growth of Wisconsin HOSA
Founding Year: Wisconsin HOSA was founded in 1978.
Current Membership: Over 7,000 members from 200+ chapters in good standing.
Historical Note: Wisconsin HOSA has maintained a Gold level Standards of Excellence.
State Priorities:
Membership Growth: Targeting growth across all divisions - middle school, high school, post-secondary, alumni, and professionals.
Membership Development: Strengthening leadership and technical skills through various opportunities.
Membership Engagement: Enhancing connection between state and local members.
HOSA Bylaws Overview
Article I: Name
The name of the organization is HOSA.
Article II: Purpose
HOSA's primary purpose is to serve the needs of its members and strengthen the HSE-HOSA partnership by fostering programs that develop health and character.
Article III: Membership
Composition:
International organization for students interested in health science careers.
Divisions: Secondary, Postsecondary, Middle School, Alumni, and Professional; defined eligibility criteria for each.
Article IV: Organization
Structure centered on local chapters adhering to established bylaws and state association governance.
Article V: Board of Directors
Comprised of designated members overseeing various organizational activities and fiscal responsibilities.
Article VI: Executive Council and Delegate Assembly
Roles of the Executive Council in planning events and representing members and chapters.
Article VII: Parliamentary Authority
Meetings governed by Robert’s Rules of Order as applicable to HOSA's structure.
Article VIII: Supervision
Responsibilities of appointed advisors for the growth and organization of HOSA’s functions.
Article IX: Brand and Colors
The emblem and colors defined; navy blue, maroon, and white.
Article X: Amendments
Bylaws subject to amendment by a two-thirds vote at the annual conference.
Article XI: Dissolution
Remaining funds upon dissolution directed to a qualified tax-exempt organization.
Article XII: Code of Conduct
Clear expectations for member behavior during events and conferences.
State and National Programs and Resources
National Organization Structure: National HOSA, Inc. is an incorporated non-profit entity supporting student organization activities.
Professional Activities: Includes scholarships, leadership opportunities, and internships.
Services to Members: HOSA publications and materials regularly updated and designed to meet the needs of members.
Crisis Management and Safety Policies
Crisis Team: Responding to emergencies at conferences.
Non-Discrimination and Reasonable Accommodations Policies: Commitment to inclusivity.
Financial Structure and Budgeting
Income Sources: Derived from membership fees and event registration fees.
Expenses: Incurred for services, materials, and event costs, requiring approvals per fiscal responsibility standards.
Organization of Competitive Events
Event Management: Specific policies and guidelines established by the Wisconsin HOSA Competitive Events Handbooks regulating participation and event execution.