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Preconference Registration 
 

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
 

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.
 

Networking Lunch
 

Rural Health Transformation—Leading Sustainable Change
 

Reactor Panel: From Policy to Practice: Leading Through Rapid Health Care Change

• Rural hospitals face mounting challenges including financial strain, staffing shortages, and ongoing health disparities.
• Innovative care models, technology, and partnerships can improve access, quality, and long-term sustainability.
• Hospital leaders can apply practical strategies to drive change while preserving trust and mission in rural communities.
   

Networking Break
 

Drug Assistance & Free Drugs to Offset Medicaid/ACA Cuts & Rising Uninsured Patient Populations

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 and free-drug programs 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.
 

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.
 

Networking Break
 

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.
 

Awards Celebration and Sponsor Exhibits
Entertainment: The Uptown Band
 

Mix and Mingle
 

Continental Breakfast and Sponsor Exhibits
 

President’s Remarks
Nicole Stallings, President and Chief Executive Officer, The Hospital and Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania
 

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.
 

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:

• Patricia Henwood, MD, FACEP, Chief Clinical Officer, Executive Vice President, Jefferson Health

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.
 

Networking Break
 

Securing the Future of Pennsylvania’s Hospitals: Financial Realities and Community Impact

Panelists:

• Valerie Arkoosh, MD, MPH, Secretary, Department of Human Services, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
• Roxanna Gapstur, PhD, RN, President and Chief Executive Officer, WellSpan Health; Chair, Board of Directors, The Hospital and Healthsystem 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.
 

Effective Communication to Prevent and Respond to Workplace Violence in Hospitals

• The importance of building reputational equity well in advance of any crisis or challenging situation.
• A mindset centered on being reasonable and responsible, recognizing that organizations are not expected to be perfect, but to respond with integrity and clarity.
• How to create an actionable crisis/change communication plan, including identifying key messages, determining who needs to be informed, and preparing effective spokespeople.
• Communicating efficiently and effectively with media, staff, residents, families, and the public.
   

Networking Lunch