2025 Workforce Summit

Summit Registration
 

Staying Human in the Age of AI
Lisa 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
Robert Shipp III, PhD, BSN, RN, NEA-BC, Vice President, Workforce and Clinical Affairs, The Hospital and Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania
Sarah Lawver, Senior Director, State Legislative Advocacy, The Hospital and Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania

Gain a comprehensive look at the state of Pennsylvania’s health care workforce—and where we’re headed. We’ll unpack key findings from HAP’s 2025 Workforce Survey, including trends in vacancies, turnover, and hiring challenges across clinical and non-clinical roles. In addition, we’ll explore how state and federal policy is shaping workforce realities on the ground. From the licensure compacts and scope of practice reforms to staffing mandates, workplace safety, and rural workforce programs, learn how HAP’s Access Agenda is advancing solutions to support efforts across Pennsylvania.
 

Tackling Rural Workforce Gaps with Innovation and Purpose
N. Benjamin Fredrick, MD, Director, Global Health Center, Director, 3PA Area Health Education Center (PA AHEC), Doctors Kienle Chair for Humane Medicine, Professor, Family and Community Medicine, and Public Health Sciences and Humanities, Penn State Hershey Medical Center, Pennsylvania State University 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.
 

Achieving ANCC Pathway to Excellence Designation in a Rural Setting
Cheryl Krieg, MSN, RNC-OB, Maternal Clinical Nurse Educator, Penn Highlands DuBois

This session explores the hospital’s grassroots journey—driven “by the nurses, for the nurses”—to improve nurse satisfaction, retention, and professional engagement through shared governance, leadership accessibility, and creative staff education. Learn how this team leveraged limited resources, empowered frontline nurses, and fostered a culture of excellence that resulted in a 96% leadership accessibility score and a successful ANCC survey. Attendees will gain insights into practical strategies, innovative staff engagement, and sustainable approaches to professional recognition, particularly in resource-constrained, rural environments.
 

Networking Lunch
 

Practical Steps to Building an AI-Driven Open Shift Management Program Abstract
Dani Bowie, DNP, RN, NE-BC, Senior Vice President, Workforce AI, Qualivis/Aya Healthcare

Explore how healthcare organizations can improve workforce management through open shift optimization and dynamic incentive strategies. While focusing on AI-driven solutions, this session will also highlight actionable lessons and best practices that attendees can implement to improve efficiency and boost employee satisfaction, even without advanced AI technology.
 

Ignite Talks: Strategies to Enable Better Care

Solving for Imaging Staff Shortages 
Andrea Reger, Manager, Career Navigation, St. Luke’s University Health Network

Don’t miss this practical session on how St. Luke’s University Health Network tackled a critical shortage of imaging professionals by launching a paid internship program for associate degree students. Designed to build early loyalty and strengthen care delivery, this innovative model has quickly grown. Leaders from SLUHN will share how they built the program, key lessons learned, and how the model can be adapted to meet other hard-to-fill roles.
 

Improving Nurse Satisfaction and Patient Outcomes through Digital Care Integration 
Alicia LaPalombara, MSHCPM, Director, Digital Health Solutions, Allegheny Health Network, Forbes Hospital
Lynn Kosar, DNP, RN, NEA-BC, Chief Nursing Officer, Allegheny Health Network, Forbes Hospital
Sara Angelilli DNP, MS, RN, CNOR, NPD-BC, NE-BC, Director, Clinical Nursing Operations, Allegheny Health Network, Forbes Hospital

Allegheny Health Network is redefining how care teams deliver and coordinate care through the integration of digital nurses and a next-generation virtual care platform. Learn how digital nurses are freeing up bedside staff to focus more fully on direct care—and how a broader smart hospital room initiative, leveraging virtual technology to improve workflow, reduce burnout, and enhance patient experience. 
 

Networking Break
 

Creating Safer Workplaces: Leadership Strategies for Violence Prevention in Health Care
Moderator: Chris Chamberlain, MS, RN, CHEP, Vice President, Emergency Management, The Hospital and Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania
Panelists:
Paula Agosto, RN, MHA, Senior Vice President and System Chief Nursing Officer, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Member, Board of Directors, The Hospital and Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania
Casey McDermitt, Senior Direct Employee Health & Safety, WellSpan Health
Stephen Mould, Workplace Violence Prevention Coordinator, Department of Public Safety, Lehigh Valley Health Network 
Erin Marinchak, Senior Director Nursing Services, Reading Hospital, Tower Health

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.
 

Peer Exchange—Real-time Solutions from the Field

Move, share, and build insight as you rotate through short conversations with your colleagues. With each new encounter, bring a key insight you just learned—and walk away with practical ideas to take home.
 

Adjourn