About

Wes Harden, B.S., CRA, FAHRA

Director of Imaging Services, Lexington Medical Center

About Wes

Wesley began his imaging career in 1987, spending 27 years in progressive leadership roles at Florida Hospital (now AdventHealth) in Orlando. For the past eight years, he has been the director of imaging services at Lexington Medical Center. With a bachelor's degree in radiology science from Adventist University, Wes earned his Certified Radiology Administrator (CRA) certification in 2009 and has been an active AHRA member since 2004. He served on the AHRA Board of Directors from 2014 to 2020, including a stint as finance director. Wes was honored with the AHRA Fellow designation in 2017 and received the Jim Conway Gold Award in 2023.

He has presented on various topics for AHRA, including budgeting for business management and managerial communications. Outside of work, Wes enjoys spending time with his wife Tracy and their college-aged twins, Jared and Jamie. In his spare time, he cultivates pineapples and works on DIY projects, currently focusing on building a fence using the Japanese technique, Shou Sugi Ban.

Laurie Hitzel, M.S., R.T.(R)(M), CRA, FAHRA,

Assistant Vice President, Ancillary Services, AdventHealth Zephyrhills/AdventHealth Dade City

About Laurie

Laurie Hitzel currently serves as assistant vice president of Ancillary Clinical Services at AdventHealth Dade City and AdventHealth Zephyrhills in Florida. Since 1999, Laurie has advanced through roles at AdventHealth, demonstrating a collaborative leadership style. Starting as a staff technologist, she progressed to clinical educator and various leadership positions. Laurie excels in managing department finances, exceeding objectives, mentoring future leaders, and fostering compassionate care. With six years of service as a radiologic technologist in the U.S. Air Force, Laurie brings a wealth of experience. She holds a CRA certification, a bachelor's degree from the University of Central Florida, and a master's degree from Saint Joseph's College of Maine.

An AHRA member since 2007, Laurie has contributed extensively, including writing articles, presenting at meetings, and serving on the board. Her inclusive approach promotes diversity and belonging. Laurie, her husband John, and their daughter reside in Florida, where Laurie is active in the Dade City Rotary Club and YMCA board.