June 2, 2026
10:30 a.m. Preconference Registration
11:30 a.m. Preconference | HR 1: Leading Through Policy Disruption—Federal Change, Medicaid Impact, and Hospital Strategy
Welcome, Jolene Calla, Esq., Vice President, Finance and Legal Affairs, The Hospital and Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania
11:35 a.m. When One Bill Changes Everything: What Hospital Leaders Need to Know
Jolene Calla, Esq., Vice President, Finance and Legal Affairs, The Hospital and Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania
This session explores how major federal legislation can rapidly and profoundly reshape the healthcare landscape, requiring hospital leaders to respond with agility and strategic focus. Participants will examine how large policy packages embed health care provisions that simultaneously affect hospital finances, workforce planning, regulatory compliance, and long-term organizational strategy. The session will equip leaders with practical approaches to anticipating policy impacts, managing uncertainty, and building organizational readiness to navigate and succeed amid sweeping policy change.
12:15 p.m. Networking Lunch
1:00 p.m. Rural Health Transformation—Leading Sustainable Change
Lindsey Mauldin, Deputy Chief of Staff, Office of Governor Josh Shapiro
1:20 p.m. Reactor Panel: What It Means for Hospitals Now
Moderator:
Sheilah Borne, Vice President, Government Relations, Penn State Health, Associate Vice President of Government Health Relations, Penn State University
Panelists:
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- Patti Jackson-Gehris, President, UPMC North Central Pa, UPMC Williamsport
- Anita Colon, Vice President, Revenue Cycle Operations, Temple Health
After an overview of federal policy changes and a state update on RHTP funding, hospital leaders from diverse settings will offer candid reactions to what these developments mean for their organizations and communities. Panelists will discuss operational, financial, and strategic implications—and, where plans are taking shape, how they intend to deploy RHTP investments to strengthen access, stability, and care delivery.
2:00 p.m. Unlocking Sustainable Revenue Through Chronic Care and Preventive Service Optimization
Shane Grivich, Co-Founder and Chief Strategy Officer, ChartSpan
As hospitals navigate tightening margins and workforce strain, leaders are seeking practical strategies that strengthen financial performance without adding burden to clinical teams. In this session, Chronic Care Management (CCM) expert Shane Grivich will discuss why a CCM program is important, the benefits of a successful program for patient health outcomes, and the fiscal benefits that can be driven from a program.
2:35 p.m. Drug Assistance to Offset Medicaid/ACA Cuts & Rising Uninsured Patient Populations
Durga Zally, System Director of Infusions and Oncology, Geisinger Enterprise Pharmacy
Medicaid and ACA coverage reductions, along with a growing uninsured population, are increasing financial pressure on hospitals, particularly in high-cost infusion and oncology therapies. In this moderated discussion, revenue integrity and enterprise pharmacy leaders will explore how drug assistance can be used as strategic tools to preserve patient access while mitigating financial risk. Hospital leaders will gain insight into governance, compliance, and cross-functional alignment needed to scale these programs effectively and sustainably.
3:15 p.m. Navigating Medicaid Disruption in Pennsylvania
This session explores the ongoing disruption of Pennsylvania’s Medicaid program and its intersection with other safety net policies. Participants will examine key issues such as proposed or implemented work requirements, the relationship between Medicaid and SNAP, and changes to eligibility and redetermination processes. Through a policy and operational lens, the session will highlight how these shifts affect beneficiaries, state agencies, and health care providers, and will offer insights into navigating coverage disruptions while supporting access to care in a changing policy environment.
4:15 p.m. Opening Keynote: Leading with Vision: Driving Innovation and Impact in Health Care
Marcus Whitney, Founding Partner, Jumpstart Health Investors
Marcus Whitney challenges hospital association leaders to rethink leadership a pivotal moment in health care. Drawing on his experience as a health care investor and entrepreneur, he explores how bold leadership, inclusive innovation, and long-term vision can help hospitals navigate disruption while staying grounded in mission and community impact. This session offers fresh perspective on leading through change, aligning innovation with purpose, and strengthening hospitals’ roles as anchors of health and economic vitality.
5:30 p.m. Awards Celebration and Sponsor Exhibits; Entertainment: The Uptown Band
8:00 p.m. Mix and Mingle
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June 3, 2026
7:30 a.m. Continental Breakfast and Sponsor Exhibits
8:30 a.m. President’s Remarks
Nicole Stallings, President and Chief Executive Officer, The Hospital and Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania
8:35 a.m. 2026 Electoral Analysis and Prognostication
Nathan Gonzales, Editor and Publisher, Inside Elections LLC
Learn about how the 2026 elections are shaping what's happening in Washington, D.C. right now. Attendees will get a nonpartisan, data-driven look at the most important races, dynamics and key issues that will decide whether Republicans can hold their House and Senate majorities in the midterm elections.
9:25 a.m. AI Leadership Roundtable: What’s Working and What’s Not Working (Yet)
Moderator:
Jason Mitchell, MD, Chief Medical Officer, Geisinger, Member, Board of Directors, The Hospital and Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania
Panelists:
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- Kaitlyn Torrence, Senior Director, Innovation Portfolios, WellSpan Health
- Cara Martino, DNP, RN, SVP, Clinical Improvement & Transformation, Jefferson Health
- Mark Sendak, Population Health and Data Science Lead, Duke Institute for Health Innovation, Co-Founder, Health AI Partnership
It’s on the mind of every hospital CEO, CFO and COO: artificial intelligence (AI). This accelerating technology holds the promise of breaking down financial, operational and logistical barriers to quality care. What’s more, it could be a driver of innovation and growth. This session’s panel of AI leaders will examine the opportunities of AI while considering AI’s current shortcomings around managing the complexities of data-driven care. Panelists will offer a realistic view on how to approach what could be a defining part of health care’s future.
10:30 a.m. Securing the Future of Pennsylvania’s Hospitals: Financial Realities and Community Impact
Igor Belokrinitsky, Oliver Wyman
Ran Strul, Oliver Wyman
As Pennsylvania hospitals face unprecedented financial pressures, understanding the forces shaping their future has never been more critical. This session explores the current financial landscape, including reimbursement trends, regulatory challenges, and liability considerations. Participants will examine the potential effects of ongoing financial strain on hospital services, community access, and workforce stability, and analyze real-world strategies and policy approaches for sustaining operations and preserving high-quality care. Through discussion with health care leaders, attendees will gain practical insights and actionable solutions to support the long-term viability and impact of hospitals across the state.
11:00 a.m. Securing the Future of Pennsylvania’s Hospitals: Financial Realities and Community Impact
Panelists:
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- Valerie Arkoosh, MD, MPH, Secretary, Department of Human Services, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
- Luke Berstein, President and Chief Executive Officer, The Pennsylvania Chamber of Commerce
- Keith Kasper, MBA, Executive Vice President, Chief Administrative Officer, University of Pennsylvania Health System
- Kyle Kopko, Executive Director, County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania
- Nicole Stallings, President and Chief Executive Officer, The Hospital and Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania
Across Pennsylvania, hospitals are navigating uncertain times while working to ensure they meet the needs of patients and communities. During this session, A panel of health care leaders, policy experts, community partners, and administration officials will discuss the implications for hospitals, communities, and patient access, sharing insights on strategies and policy solutions to ensure the long-term stability of care in the commonwealth.
11:45 a.m. Effective Communication to Prevent and Respond to Workplace Violence in Hospitals
Bradley Akubuiro, Partner, Bully Pulpit International
David Gibbons, Senior Vice President, UPMC Health Services Division, Regional President, UPMC
Elizabeth Ritter, President, UPMC Harrisburg, UPMC Community Osteopathic and UPMC West Shore
In today’s complex health care landscape, hospital leaders and frontline teams must be prepared to communicate clearly, decisively, and compassionately—especially during moments of crisis. This session equips participants with proven crisis communication strategies designed to maintain clear internal communication channels, protect staff well-being, and ensure continuity of patient care during and after a violent incident. In addition, it addresses the critical role of external and public-facing communication, including how to deliver timely, transparent updates to patients, families, media, and community stakeholders while safeguarding privacy, maintaining trust, and protecting the organization’s reputation.
12:25 p.m. Networking Lunch and Adjournment
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