Wednesday, November 4, 3:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

As artificial intelligence rapidly reshapes healthcare, leaders face a new set of strategic, ethical, and operational challenges. This panel explores how healthcare executives can responsibly integrate AI into their organizations and make sound financial and clinical support decisions in an AI-enabled environment.  Panelists will also share tips for continuous learning and upskilling to stay informed, while balancing the multitude of demands facing today's leaders. Attendees will gain practical insights into leading teams, managing risk, and driving value in a landscape where technology and human judgment must work hand in hand.

Program Moderator: Christy Lemak, Ph.D.
Executive Vice President for Research and Learning
Scottsdale Institute

Presenter/Panelist: Aaron Bujnowski
Managing Director
Alvarez & Marsal Healthcare Industry Group

Presenter/Panelist: Kierstin Kennedy, MD, MSHA
Chief Medical and Quality Officer
UAB Medicine

Presenter/Panelist: Caroline Russell, FACHE
Chair, Business Development
Mayo Clinic

Presenter/Panelist: Jeffrey Sturman
Managing Partner, Information Technology and Digital Leadership Practice
WittKieffer

Thursday, November 5, 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

Rural healthcare is at a critical moment, shaped by shifting policy, emerging technologies, and the need for stronger cross-sector collaboration. This panel brings together diverse perspectives to explore how leaders can drive meaningful change through strategic partnerships, navigate the evolving policy landscape, and leverage innovation to improve access and outcomes. Panelists will share insights on initiatives such as rural health transformation programs, technology-enabled solutions, and sustainable models of care—offering practical strategies for advancing health equity and long-term impact in rural communities.

Program Moderator: Vivian Lee, MD, PhD
Health Care Tech Executive and Author

Presenter/Panelist: Anthony Brocato
CEO
Southeast Colorado Hospital District

Presenter/Panelist: Garrett Jackson
CFO
Intuitive Health

Presenter/Panelist: Stephanie Martin
Advisory Health Director
PWC

Presenter/Panelist: Mike Waldrum, MD, MSc, MBA
CEO
ECU Health

Thursday, November 5, 1:45 p.m. - 3:15 p.m.

Based on the #1 Amazon bestseller. Four generations in the workforce can lead to lots of benefits-- and conflict. This myth-busting session explores what science does and does not say about how to harness the power of a multigenerational workforce, and what leaders can do about it. We will go beyond tired generational stereotypes and draw on over 60 years of research to discover how to actually fix the friction.

Program Moderator: Katherine Meese, PhD
CEO
HuMargin Group

Presenter/Panelist: Nia Close, MSHA
Manager
Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic

Presenter/Panelist: Jordan DeMoss, MSHA
Executive Vice President
UAB Medicine

Presenter/Panelist: Deborah Grimes, RN, JD, MSHQS
Senior Vice President, Chief Health Outcomes and Inclusion Officer
Ochsner Health System

Presenter/Panelist: Tom Ozburn, DSc
President and CEO
TriStar Centennial Medical Center, HCA

Thursday, November 5, 3:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Healthcare organizations are moving quickly to adopt AI technologies—but governance, policy, and oversight frameworks are struggling to keep pace. In this panel discussion, senior leaders from across the healthcare industry will share how their organizations are building practical governance models to support innovation while managing risk. Topics will include establishing AI policies and standards, defining organizational accountability, integrating legal and compliance considerations, and aligning leadership across clinical, operational, security, and technology teams. The discussion will also address the growing importance of data governance, cybersecurity, and responsible use frameworks as AI capabilities continue to evolve. Tailored for healthcare executives, this session emphasizes organizational leadership and decision-making rather than technical implementation.

Program Moderator: Ryan Allen, DSc
Associate Vice President & Chief Security Information Officer
UAB Health System

Presenter/Panelist: Beth Keyser
President
Commercial West Region, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield

Presenter/Panelist: Eric Wallace, MD
Chief Medical Information and Digital Health Officer
UAB Health System

Presenter/Panelist: TBD
TBD
TBD

Friday, November 6, 8:00 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.

This panel explores the dynamic and evolving path toward high reliability in healthcare. Recognizing that no two organizations—and no two journeys—are exactly the same, the discussion brings together leaders from four organizations at different stages of transformation. Panelists will share real-world insights into what high reliability looks like in action, highlighting the strategies, challenges, and cultural shifts required to consistently deliver safe, high-quality, and compassionate care for all. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of how diverse approaches can drive meaningful progress, regardless of where an organization is on its journey.

Program Moderator: Charles Hagood, DSc
Managing Partner
Press Ganey

Presenter/Panelist: John Kueven, FACHE, MBA, MSHA, RN
Chief Operating Officer
Northeast Georgia Health System

Presenter/Panelist: TBD
TBD
TBD

Presenter/Panelist: TBD
TBD
TBD

Friday, November 6, 9:45 a.m. - 11:15 p.m.

Healthcare is entering a pivotal era marked by rapid innovation, evolving expectations, and new opportunities to improve care and organizational performance. This panel brings together respected healthcare leaders from across the nation to discuss how their organizations are embracing change while remaining grounded in excellence, collaboration, and purpose. The conversation will explore strategic leadership priorities including innovation, workforce engagement, financial sustainability, care transformation, and organizational resilience. Attendees will leave with practical insights into how healthcare executives are navigating complexity while helping shape a stronger future for healthcare.

Program Moderator: Perry Ann Reed, DSc
CEO
Quinn Reed Associates

Presenter/Panelist: Kemberly Blackledge, DSc, FACHE
Chief Financial Officer
Nashville General Hospital

Presenter/Panelist: Ken D. Haynes, MBA, MSHA, FACHE
Executive Vice President & Chief Enterprise Services Officer
Advocate Health

Presenter/Panelist: Janet Hadar, MSN, MBA, FACHE
COO
UAB Health System