2025 Workforce Summit Register Now

Summit Registration 

Staying Human in the Age of AI
Lisa X. Walden 
Author, Researcher, and co-founder of Good Company Consulting
 
An expert on workplace transformation, Walden specializes in helping organizations navigate the evolving workforce by fostering inclusive, people-first cultures. During this opening keynote, Lisa will explore strategies for maintaining human connection and leadership in an increasingly digital world. 

State of the Health Care Workforce: Data, Trends, and What Comes Next
Rob Shipp, Vice President, Workforce & Clinical Affairs
The Hospital & Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania
    
Gain a comprehensive view of Pennsylvania’s health care workforce in this data-rich session. HAP will share findings from its 2025 Workforce Survey, highlighting key trends in vacancies, turnover, and recruitment challenges across clinical and non-clinical roles. The session will also preview new research on physician and advanced practice provider supply, regional disparities, and future demand projections.

Whether you’re shaping policy, leading HR, or managing clinical teams, this session sets the stage for deeper conversations throughout the day.

Tackling Rural Workforce Gaps with Innovation and Purpose
Dr. Ben Fredrick, Director of the Global Health Center at Penn State College of Medicine 

Rural communities face some of the most persistent health care workforce challenges—provider shortages, limited training pipelines, and barriers to recruitment and retention. Dr. Ben Fredrick, Director of the Global Health Center at Penn State College of Medicine, will share a forward-looking perspective on strengthening the rural workforce through education, community partnerships, and creative care models. Attendees will hear about emerging solutions—from grow-your-own workforce programs to community-based training models—and leave with ideas for how to apply them in their own communities.

Networking Break

Ignite Talks: Training the Next Generation and Developing Career Pathways
Service Scholars Program: Accelerating Veterans into Nursing Careers 
Dean Marie Ann Marino, EdD, RN, FAAN, Thomas Jefferson University
Heather Major, Executive Director, Independence Blue Cross Foundation

Learn how a pioneering partnership is transforming military service into a pathway for nursing. We’ll showcase the Service Scholars Program—an innovative effort supporting veterans as they transition into nursing careers. This model combines enhanced educational benefits, financial support, and mentorship to remove barriers for veteran students while addressing Pennsylvania’s nursing workforce shortages. Hear how this unique public-private collaboration is improving lives, strengthening the health care pipeline, and offering a replicable solution for other communities.

Bolstering Nursing Workforce Pathways 
Amy H. Ricords, MEd, BSN, RN, NPD-BC, Director of Nursing Professional Advancement
PA Nursing Workforce Coalition

The PA-Nursing Workforce Coalition (PA-NWC) is the recognized workforce center for Pennsylvania. This organization envisions a healthy Pennsylvania through equitable, high-quality, and safe nursing. Learn about current programs and opportunities for your organization.

TEACHing the Future: Creating Career Pathways in Underserved Communities

Learn how Temple University Hospital, is investing in its future workforce. Through its TEACH internship program—developed in partnership with the local school district’s Career and Technical Education office—students from four high schools are gaining paid, hands-on experience in departments ranging from nursing to supply chain to the C-suite. This early exposure to health care careers is not only sparking interest in future education but also connecting graduates to entry-level jobs within the hospital network. This initiative is building a pipeline of local talent and creating a win-win for both the hospital and the community it serves.

Networking Lunch

Agility 101: Building the Foundations of a Flexible Workforce
Dr. Dani Bowie, DNP, RN, NE-BC 
Senior Vice President, Workforce AI, Qualivis / Aya Healthcare

Gain actionable insights on how to stop managing staffing symptoms and start addressing the root causes with modernized, flexible workforce solutions. Dr. Dani Bowie, an experienced health care leader, will offer practical guidance to overcoming staffing shortages through innovative, flexible workforce models. Get step-by-step with tips for building central staffing and scheduling offices, integrating float pools and policies, and using AI and workforce technology to streamline operations. Dr. Bowie will also provide actionable insights on proven methods that reduce reliance on external labor and stabilize staffing levels.

Ignite Talks: Strategies to Enable Better Care

Improving Nurse Satisfaction and Patient Outcomes through Digital Care Integration

Creating Safer Workplaces: Leadership Strategies for Violence Prevention in Health Care
      
Workplace violence is a growing challenge for health care organizations, threatening staff safety, well-being, and retention. In this candid panel, health care leaders will share how they are tackling violence prevention through policy, training, reporting, and collaboration. Attendees will gain insights into Implementing practical, system-wide approaches to reduce risks, prevent violent incidents, and support staff recovery and resilience.

Advancing Access: HAP Update on Workforce Policy and Priorities

As health care leaders navigate persistent workforce challenges, policy decisions at the state and federal levels continue to shape the environment for recruitment, retention, and care delivery. In this closing session, HAP leaders will provide an update on HAP’s Access Agenda and the critical intersection between workforce strategy and advocacy. Topics will include the latest on workforce development programs, Nurse Licensure Compact, scope of practice and academic program reforms, staffing mandates, workplace safety requirements, rural workforce policy, and other legislative and regulatory issues impacting hospitals and health systems.

Adjourn