Meet the 2026-2027 NAPAHE Board Chair: Lynette Arner
Lynette M. Arner, Executive Administrative Assistant to the Office of the CEO, The James Cancer Hospital at The Ohio State University
When we are connected, we move with clarity.
When we are aligned, we build momentum.
Dear NAPAHE Members,
As I step into the role of Board Chair, I do so with deep gratitude and a genuine sense of responsibility. And if I’m being honest, it’s also a little surreal.
When I attended my first NAPAHE conference in 2013, I never imagined that one day I would have the privilege of serving in this role. Like many of you, I came to NAPAHE looking for connection — people who understood the work we do, the pace we keep, and the responsibility we carry supporting leadership every single day.
What I found was something even more meaningful: a community.
A community that shares knowledge.
A community that lifts one another up.
A community that reminds us that while we may not always be the ones at the microphone, we are often the ones helping move the mission forward behind the scenes.
A community that reminds us that while we may not always be the ones at the microphone, we are often the ones helping move the mission forward behind the scenes.
Over the past 30 years supporting in presidents, and senior leaders in higher education, I’ve learned something that continues to shape how I approach this work: the strongest organizations are built on relationships.
When people trust one another, things move faster.
When people communicate openly, decisions become clearer.
And when people are aligned around a shared purpose, real momentum happens.
When people communicate openly, decisions become clearer.
And when people are aligned around a shared purpose, real momentum happens.
That is why my theme for this year is connection.
Because connection strengthens this association.
Connection allows us to learn from one another.
And connection ensures that NAPAHE continues to grow and evolve for the next generation of administrative professionals.
Connection allows us to learn from one another.
And connection ensures that NAPAHE continues to grow and evolve for the next generation of administrative professionals.
Our board has the privilege and responsibility of helping lead this association forward, but the strength of NAPAHE has always come from its members. Each of you brings experience, perspective, and generosity that makes this organization extraordinary.
When we are connected, we move with clarity.
When we are aligned, we build momentum.
When we are aligned, we build momentum.
So in the year ahead, let’s continue to build connections — with one another, across our institutions, and across this association. Because when we stay connected, this association will continue to grow stronger, our members will continue to thrive, and together we will build the momentum that carries NAPAHE into the future.
Thank you for the work you do every day, and thank you for being part of NAPAHE.
Sincerely,
Lynette M. Arner
Chair, NAPAHE Board of Directors
Executive Administrative Assistant to the CEO
The Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute
The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center