East Texas ACHE Forums

Networking and Educational Event, Successfully Leading Change in Healthcare
2025-09-23 17:30 - 20:00 (America/Chicago) | The Grove Kitchen & Gardens, 3500 Old Jacksonville Highway, Tyler, TX, 75701
The educational portion of this event has been approved for 1.5 ACHE In Person Education Credits!
Please join the ACHE of East Texas chapter for the 4th annual networking event hosted by the University of Texas at Tyler Executive MBA Healthcare Management Program. This year, once again this event includes an ACHE approved 1.5 hour in-person educational event following the complimentary networking evening. The education panel topic is “Successfully Leading Change in Healthcare Organizations.” Both events require registration. Participants are welcome to attend one or both segments of the event. Please check in at the front table to receive your name badge for the networking hour and to ensure you receive appropriate credit for your attendance during the educational panel session.

The healthcare environment is constantly changing, and provider organizations must adapt in order to survive and thrive. Organizations are frequently asked to respond to legislative changes, market fluctuations, safety concerns, and patient or staff demands. The success of major change implementation hinges on how it communicated and how it impacts individuals and processes in the organization. Stakeholders frequently resist change for many reasons, including not having enough information, fear of how the change will affect them, comfort with the status quo, and not understanding the benefits of the change. For change to truly be effective, a leader must know how to effectively communicate the benefits, minimize the barriers, and describe the processes. Learn from your peers as they share approaches that were successful and those that impeded the change process.
5:30 pm (networking 4th annual event)
6:30pm-8:00pm (education panel)

Moderator:
Dawn Johnston, FACHE
Administrative Director of Nursing/Clinical Services
CHRISTUS Flight For Life
Panelists:
Paula E. Anthony, Ph.D., FACHE
Chief Strategy Officer
UT Health East Texas
Dr. Sue Cox
Dean
UT Tyler School of Medicine
Kristen Harris, JD
Chief Executive Officer
Family Circle of Care

A special thanks to the University of Texas at Tyler Executive MBA Healthcare Management Program for hosting this event for us again this year!
Register Here

Speakers Bios:

Paula E. Anthony, Ph.D., FACHE, serves as the Chief Strategy Officer for UT Health East Texas responsible for all strategic planning, growth, and development initiatives for a 9-hospital, 100-clinic academic healthcare system. With University leaders, she jointly plans and develops clinical services in support of the UT Health East Texas system and UT Tyler’s new School of Medicine. Paula also serves as President and CEO of Syndeti LLC delivering business advisory services to the healthcare strategy, business development, and information technology sectors.
Previously, Paula spent 23 years as the Vice President and Chief Information Officer for ETMC Regional Healthcare System, responsible for the planning, acquisition, operation, support and security of information systems and telecommunications services for all ETMC businesses and facilities. She was also the CEO of ETMC’s for-profit enterprises with services spanning a three-state region. Prior to joining ETMC, Paula spent 10 years with Ernst & Young responsible for the firm’s Southwest Health Care Information Technology practice.
Paula has a BA from Wesleyan University in Connecticut, an MBA from Case Western Reserve University in Ohio, and a Ph.D. in human resource development from the University of Texas at Tyler.
Paula is a Fellow with the American College of Healthcare Executives. In 2017, she was appointed to the Texas Health Services Authority Board of Directors by Governor Greg Abbott. She chairs the Board of Directors for the Health Foundation of East Texas and serves on the Board of Alzheimer’s Alliance of East Texas and the Tyler Economic Development Council.

Dr. Susan M. (Sue) Cox is the newly appointed Dean of the University of Texas at Tyler’s School of Medicine. Previously, she served as the associate dean for accreditation, strategy, and quality improvement and as the planning dean. Previously, she was the Executive Vice Dean for Academics, Dell Medical School at the University of Texas at Austin, and the Chair of Medical Education. Before becoming Executive Vice Dean, she was the Planning Dean of the Dell Medical School and helped lay the foundation for the incoming Inaugural Dean.
Dr. Cox was with UT Southwestern Medical School for 23 years where she served as the Associate Dean of Medical Education and the ACGME Designated Institutional Official. She was administratively responsible for the University’s Continuing Medical Education (CME) and Public Education programs, Course Director of UT Southwestern Academic Colleges, and oversight of the UT Southwestern/ Seton Austin Medical Education Programs. She was also the clerkship director and maternal fetal medicine fellowship director in the department of Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Dr. Cox is a nationally recognized leader in medical education and is the past chair for the USMLE Management Committee and is on the Council for the NBME. Dr. Cox was also the PI for the Kern National Network for Caring and Character in Medicine. She is also an LCME member. Cox is known for emphasizing leadership skills, collaboration, innovation, problem-solving and cross-disciplinary teamwork with a focus on value-based healthcare.
Her expanding interest in education has led to significant scholarly activities in pursuit of excellence in education. Notably, her involvement with the Association of Professors in Gynecology and Obstetrics (APGO) including receiving the APGO Lifetime Achievement Award; and her participation in its Undergraduate Medical Education Committee (UMEC, 2001-2006 and 2019 – 2022). She is a past President of APGO, a past member of the Council of Resident Education in Obstetrics and Gynecology, and Past President of the Alliance for Clinical Educators. In 2006, she was elected to the UT System Academy of Health Science Education (also past President of the Academy). She was a founding member of the UT Southwestern Academy of Teachers as well as the Dell Medical School Academy of Distinguished Educators. She received the UT System Board of Regents’ Outstanding Teaching Award and more recently the Alpha Omega Alpha Robert J. Glaser Distinguished Teacher Award from the AAMC.

Kristen Harris is the Chief Executive Officer of Tyler Family Circle of Care, a comprehensive health system serving communities in Tyler, Athens, and Jacksonville, Texas. Under her leadership, the organization delivers integrated, trauma-informed, and culturally competent care across a wide range of services, including pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology, internal medicine, family medicine, mental health, and dental care.
With over 27 years of experience as an attorney, Kristen brings a unique blend of legal, operational, quality, and compliance expertise to the healthcare sector. Her career spans executive roles in both nonprofit and federally qualified health centers (FQHCs), where she has overseen clinical and non-clinical operations, regulatory readiness, and integrated care initiatives.
Before joining Tyler Family Circle of Care in 2020, Kristen served as Chief Operating Officer and General Counsel at Clifford W. Beers Guidance Clinic in Connecticut, and as Chief of Compliance and Legal Affairs at Charter Oak Health Center. She also co-founded LTC Integrity LLC, providing quality and compliance consulting to skilled nursing facilities nationwide, and was a partner at Starble & Harris LLC, representing healthcare organizations in litigation and business matters.
Kristen holds a Juris Doctor from Southwestern Law School, where she received the Corpus Juris Secundum Award for Excellence in Torts, and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Florida State University. Her diverse background in law, business, teaching, and advertising informs her holistic approach to healthcare leadership, with a strong focus on serving underserved families and communities.

Dawn Johnston, MBA, MSN, CFRN, LP, is the Administrative Director of Nursing and Clinical Services, CHRISTUS Flight For Life, Northeast Texas.
Dawn Johnston has been in her Director role for CHRISTUS Flight For Life since October of 2018. With helicopter outposts at Mt. Pleasant, Wills Point, Palestine and Longview, Dawn provides clinical leadership for an amazing team of nurses and paramedics that provide critical care to the most seriously ill and injured patients in Northeast Texas while rapidly transporting them to definitive care. Dawn’s focus on organizational excellence enabled the well-respected agency to attain industry accreditation for the first time in 2021. Dawn served as Education Chair for the East Texas Chapter of ACHE in 2021 and became a Board member in 2022. She received her BSN from Western Michigan University and MSN in Nursing Leadership and Administration from Capella University. She also obtained her BA in Communications/Journalism from Truman State University, and MBA from California Coast University.
Previously, Dawn was Project Coordinator for Bronson Methodist Hospital in Kalamazoo, Michigan managing hospital-wide nursing communications, completing Magnet projects, and contributing to a number of Quality Improvement projects on multi-disciplinary teams. As a member of the Trauma Research Committee, Dawn also contributed to the requirements for meeting the hospital’s Level I Trauma designation. Dawn has a broad inpatient critical care background and was also a full-time flight nurse for West Michigan Air Care for over a decade. During this time, Dawn also became Air Care’s Marketing Coordinator, managing most aspects of the organization’s public relations in Southwest Michigan, in addition to providing education for the flight crew. She has been teaching since she became a nurse, first American Heart Association courses and then many critical care subjects. Dawn has provided public education through the media on community health initiatives and was instrumental in garnering support for the introduction of a legislative bill to curb dangerous methamphetamine labs in Michigan.
Dawn’s background includes firefighting, National Ski Patrol and community health education as a Crisis Pregnancy Coordinator for the Salvation Army. Serving as a “Big Sister” for many years, Dawn was also honored as Mentor of the Year for Big Brothers/Big Sisters in Battle Creek, Michigan in 2008. Dawn’s hobbies include writing and she has several publishing credits, including Critical Care Nursing Clinics of North America and the International Medical Corps Training Manual, a resource for war-torn areas of the world, in which she was the Associate Editor. In addition, she has written and edited the company newsletter almost everywhere she has worked.
Dawn has been married to her husband Neal for 29 years, and they have one adult son – Harrison. She and her husband are members of Marvin United Methodist Church. Dawn resides in the Tyler area and enjoys running, traveling, writing and spending time with family, friends and neighbors. She is involved in Tyler’s Sunrise Rotary Club and Women in Tyler, which hosts an annual luncheon honoring influential women from the Tyler area.

Financial Sustainability of Healthcare Organizations: A Plan of Action
2025-08-27 07:30 - 09:30 | CHRISTUS Good Shepherd, 621 N. 4th Street, Longview, TX, 75601
This panel has been approved for 1.50 ACHE In-Person Education Credits.

Issues surrounding financial sustainability for healthcare institutions are increasingly complex. In a time when the healthcare system has been challenged in many ways, it has become abundantly clear that having concrete strategies and a proactive financial sustainability plan in place is critical for hospitals and healthcare systems to stay afloat. Within the scope of priorities, this discussion will emphasize the necessity of understanding the key potential and existing operational and cost problem areas for healthcare system growth and sustainability as healthcare providers continue to face future operational, reimbursement, and environmental challenges. The primary goal of this discussion is to provide an overview of the models of current successes and solutions with a focus on a realistic plan of action.
Agenda:

7:30am- Registration, Breakfast, & Networking
7:50am- Welcome from ACHE
7:55am- Welcome from host
8:00am- Education Panel—Financial Sustainability of Healthcare Organizations_ A Plan of Action
9:30am-Closing Remarks from ACHE

Moderator: George Roberts, FACHE
Chief Executive Officer
Northeast Texas Public Health District
Panelists:
Roy Finch, FACHE
Vice President of Operations
CHRISTUS Good Shepherd Health System
Wes Knight
Chief Financial Officer
Longview Regional Medical Center
Vern Rennier
Chief Executive Officer
Oceans Healthcare- Longview

Register Here

Speakers’ Bios:

Currently serving as Vice President of Operations at CHRISTUS Good Shepherd Health System, Roy Finch oversees strategic initiatives that improve healthcare delivery, optimize financial performance, and strengthen community trust. As a results-driven healthcare executive with over a decade of leadership experience, Roy is committed to driving operational efficiency, enhancing patient outcomes, and fostering high-performing teams.
Throughout his career, Roy has led transformational improvements in hospital operations, patient experience, and financial growth. His leadership at Palestine Regional Medical Center and Northern Louisiana Medical Center resulted in significant operational enhancements, revenue growth, and improved patient satisfaction.
Roy is a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives (FACHE) and an Eagle Scout. He was born and raised in Tyler, TX, and then went on to get his undergraduate at Texas A&M University where he majored in Business Information and Operations Management. Roy worked 5 years as a software engineer before going back to get his Masters in Healthcare Administration at Trinity University. Roy is happily married to Audrey who is a nurse, and currently enrolled in NP postgraduate school. They have two sons Carter (8) and Ryan (7). He is actively involved in their extracurricular activities serving as a den leader, basketball and soccer coach.

As Chief Financial Officer at Longview Regional Medical Center, Wes Knight has over 17 years of experience driving operational efficiency and results leading to expanded patient care. He serves as Treasurer for one of Texas’ newest FQHCs and is passionate about leveraging strategies to enhance healthcare outcomes for all. Prior to his current role, he served as CFO for four facilities with UT Health East Texas, leading initial integration of three facilities following their acquisition from ETMC before transitioning to the Athens market which includes the system’s Radiation Oncology service line. While at UTHET, he played a part in the opening of the Family Medicine Residency program in Athens and is currently the champion for establishing a new Internal Medicine Residency for Longview Regional Medical Center that is slated to open July 2027. Wes is known for his collaborative leadership style and his commitment to fostering a culture of continuous improvement. Having spent his entire career between Community Health Systems and Ardent, he states he got to Texas as soon as he could after serving through cold winters in Pennsylvania and oppressive humidity in his native South Carolina. Outside of work you will find him spending time with family engaged in any number of activities and adventures, involved with his church, or in the car driving somewhere.

Vern Rennier is the Chief Executive Officer of Oceans Behavioral Hospital in Longview, Texas, where he leads both inpatient and outpatient behavioral health services with a focus on quality, access, innovation, and community impact.
A U.S. Army veteran and Purple Heart recipient, Vern’s commitment to healthcare was born from his own journey of recovery after being wounded in combat. This experience instilled in him a deep understanding of the patient journey and the critical importance of compassionate, patient-centered care.
In 2024, Vern was honored with the Early Careerist Award from the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE) of Louisiana, recognizing his outstanding leadership and meaningful contributions to the healthcare field. He currently serves on the ACHE of Louisiana Board of Directors, representing Region 4, where he works to shape the future of healthcare leadership across the state.
Prior to joining Oceans, Vern held key leadership roles at CHRISTUS Health, where he led initiatives in behavioral health transformation, telehealth expansion, and operational strategy. A graduate of the CHRISTUS Leadership and Ethics Academy, Vern is known for developing high-performing teams, producing measurable outcomes, and advancing long-term wellness initiatives.
Deeply committed to mental health advocacy, Vern uses his platform to drive systemic change, improve access for underserved populations, and lead mission-driven care with integrity and purpose.

George T. Roberts, Jr., has served as the Chief Executive Officer of the Northeast Texas Public Health District (NET Health) since November 2006. Services provided by NET Health include Community Outreach, Disease Surveillance, Environmental Health, Immunization, Tuberculosis Control, Public Health Emergency Preparedness, Regional Laboratory, Vital Statistics, and WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) Program. The Health District primarily serves Tyler and Smith County but also provides some services in 21 counties in East Texas. The WIC Program serves a 20 county area and Public Health Preparedness serves a 7 county region.
Mr. Roberts has over 40 years of health care experience, the majority of which was spent in hospital administration, having previously served at Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas, Mother Frances Hospital in Tyler, and Henderson Memorial Hospital in Henderson, Texas. He received his Bachelor of Business Administration from SMU inDallasand a Master’s Degree in Health Administration from Washington University School of Medicine inSt. Louis,Missouri. He is a Fellow in the American College of Health Care Executives (ACHE) and served as the East Texas ACHE Chapter President in 2023. He is a member of the Board of the American Board of Preventive Medicine, the Texas Health Institute, Carter BloodCare, the Piney Woods Regional Advisory Council, Mosaic Counseling and the Tyler Area Chamber of Commerce. He is Past President of the National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO) and the Texas Association of City and County Health Officials (TACCHO), and the Past Chairman of the Texas Health Institute. Mr. Roberts is active in a number of church, community, and statewide efforts. Mr. Roberts has been married to his wife Leslie for 37 years, and they have 2 children – Claire (32) and Travis (28).

Digital Health in the Healthcare Delivery System
2025-07-11 13:30 - 15:00 | Virtual
This panel has been approved for 1.50 ACHE Virtual Interactive Education Credits.

The pandemic has only accelerated what was already a fastmoving train toward more of healthcare becoming digital. Whether it is the increasing need for telehealth services, the rapidly growing field of artificial intelligence, or advances toward more personalized medicine, the intersection of healthcare and digital technology is here to stay. In addition, digital health has become a healthcare access imperative. Its innovative benefits are of vital interest amid the implementation of most healthcare regulations.

This program surveys some of the current uses and organizational deployment of digital health strategies. The discussion includes adoption and innovation across the clinical and patient perspectives. The technical, operational, regulatory, and financial/reimbursement aspects of the development of these programs will also be investigated. The expanding role that digital health holds in daily life and its direction into the future of the healthcare delivery system will be explored.

Moderator:
David Larsen, DO, MBA, FACHE
Family Physician/Institute Chair for Primary Care/Medical Director of Clinical Informatics
CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic
Panelists:
Kameron Edson
IT System Analyst
The Hospice of East Texas
Blake Hoegger, BSN, RN
Director of Virtual Care
Texas Oncology
Sean Smith
Vice President Virtual Health
Ardent Health
Register Here
Speakers Bios:
As a passionate learner, Kameron Edson received her bachelor’s degree at UT Tyler, majoring in education. She quickly realized her passion led her outside of a classroom and into healthcare. Kameron has been serving in the post-acute sector of healthcare for more than 17 years with an emphasis on IT networking, hardware, software, and project management. She has successfully led her organization’s IT department through several EHR implementations, revamping of network infrastructures, device management protocols, and end user education sessions. Kameron’s analytical mind continuously allows her to effectively navigate the changing landscape of healthcare technology.

Blake Hoegger is the Director of Virtual Care at Texas Oncology, where he leads transformative efforts to deliver exceptional patient support through innovative virtual care programs. He oversees a comprehensive portfolio that includes Telemedicine Support, Virtual Nurse Triage, Virtual Palliative Care, Virtual Patient Navigation, and Virtual Support Services—all designed to expand access to high-quality care and elevate the patient experience.
With over 15 years of experience in direct patient care and healthcare leadership—including nine years in outpatient community oncology—Blake brings deep clinical insight and strategic vision to his role. He is also deeply committed to cultivating a positive, efficient work environment for virtual care teams.
Blake earned his degree from Midwestern State University in 2010. Outside of work, he enjoys life on his family farm in Texas with his wife and four children.

Dr. David Larsen is the Chair of Primary Care for CHRISTUS Health’s largest region, where he oversees clinical operations, physician recruitment, and digital innovation strategy. A practicing family physician with an MBA in healthcare management and board certification in clinical informatics, Dr. Larsen has led system-wide initiatives to integrate AI-powered tools like ambient documentation and streamline EHR workflows. He brings a practical, clinician-centered perspective to digital transformation and is passionate about making technology work for both patients and providers.

Sean Smith has over 20 years in healthcare effectively integrating strategy, technology, and operations. He joins Ardent from Wellpath, where he served as SVP of Central Operations, operationalizing telehealth and virtual nursing across more than 150 locations focused on quality outcomes and workforce optimization. He has also held leadership roles at Care.ai and Community Health Systems. Sean earned his MBA from Lipscomb University and is a graduate of Texas A&M University.

The Role of Data and Advanced Analytics in Transforming Healthcare
2025-07-09 08:00 - 09:30 | Virtual
This panel has been approved for 1.50 ACHE Virtual Interactive Education Credits.

Routine doctor’s visits are beginning to be replaced by regularly monitoring one’s health status and remote consultations. The inpatient setting is being improved by more sophisticated quality metrics drawn from an ecosystem of interconnected digital health tools. The care patients receive can be decided in consultation with decision support software that is informed not only by expert judgments but also by algorithms that draw on information from patients around the world, some of whom will differ from the “typical” patient. However, recent developments in data analytics also suggest barriers to change that might be more substantial in the health care field than in other parts of the economy. Despite the immense promise of health analytics, the industry lags other major sectors in taking advantage of cutting-edge tools. Most health care organizations, for example, have yet to devise a clear approach for integrating data analytics into their regular operations. This program will focus on the role that data and advanced analytics play today and the potential role they will play in the future to impact operations, patient care, quality, safety, engagement & wellness, and healthcare costs. Attendees will learn the type of data and analytics that are in use today at health systems, lessons healthcare can learn from other industries, the challenges health systems face in integrating vast amounts of disparate data in real time and how to make the insights useful to the right people at the right time. The panel will also discuss how to optimize existing data and analytics initiatives at their organization.
Moderator:
Nick Kagal, FACHE, FHIMSS
HX Client Success Manager
Press Ganey
Panelists:
Colleen Cotton
AVP, Corporate Decision Support
Ardent Health Services
David Gano, MSOD
Executive Director of Performance Improvement
CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic
Ernie Hackney
AVP, Financial Operations and Decision Support
UT Health East Texas

Register Here

Speakers’ Bios:

Colleen Cotton has 10 years of healthcare experience ranging from Managed Care and Payor Analytics and hospital decision support. Colleen joined Ardent in April of 2023 as a Director of Decision Support, supporting the NJ, UTHET, and NM markets, and was promoted to AVP of Corporate Decision Support in January 2025. Previously, Colleen worked as a Financial Analyst, then Manager of Payor Analytics for Hospital Corporate of America (HCA) in Nashville, TN for 7.5 years. She graduated from Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green, KY with a Bachelors in Finance and International Business in 2012 and a Masters in Business Administration in 2014.

David Gano never thought healthcare was a destination where he would land, much less become passionate for. Over his nearly thirty-year professional career, he has served as the finance officer for a large non-profit organization, managed a venture capital start-up, had several consulting engagements, and for the past 14 years has been with CHRISTUS Health.
For the last nine years, David has led all access and analytics initiatives for now over 400 CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic locations as the Executive Director of Performance Improvement. This Clinic Performance Improvement Team of 31 FTEs is responsible for the build and management of over 1,700 clinician scheduling templates, the design, education, and distribution of all Ambulatory Operational Reporting used by CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic and all reporting designed and shared to Senior System Leaders.
The Clinic Performance Improvement Team is also charged with supporting the IS Teams in all Clinic acquisitions and Epic implementations in addition to identification and operationalization of revenue enhancement and cost saving initiatives for CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic.
David is Lean Six-Sigma certified through Purdue University, holds a Bachelor of Science in Agribusiness from Stephen F. Austin State University, a Master of Science from Murray State University in Organizational Development and has completed all coursework for his Ph.D. in Organizational Development and Change from the University of Texas at Tyler.
In his personal time, David enjoys traveling with his family, restoring and racing classic Volkswagen Beetles.

Ernie Hackney has 17 years of healthcare experience in the field of hospital decision support, financial reporting, and financial operations. Ernie joined UT Health East Texas in December of 2018 as Market Director of Financial Reporting, and in June of 2021 was named Market AVP of Financial Operations and Decision Support. Previously, Ernie worked for 5 years as a Division Financial Analyst with Community Health System in Franklin, TN and for 5 years with St. Thomas Health Midtown, an Ascension owned hospital in Nashville, TN. He graduated Belmont University in Nashville, TN with a Bachelor’s degree in accounting.

Nick Kagal has three decades of experience in the healthcare industry and has held leadership roles with several major DFW provider organizations including Parkland Health & Hospital System, HealthSouth & Medical Center of Plano. Nick is a Customer Success Executive at Press Ganey, and was previously the Vice President of Marketing, Business Development, and Customer Success at SpinSci Technologies, a leading patient engagement solutions provider. Prior to this Nick served as the Senior Director of Customer Success with Premier Inc for the Western United States.
Nick received his BA in Biology & Psychology from Austin College and an MBA from the Texas A&M University. He is a Fellow in the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE) and the Healthcare Information Management and Systems Society (HIMSS) and serves on the boards of both ACHE of North Texas and DFW HIMSS. Nick has also been a national reviewer, moderator, and presenter for the Annual HIMSS Conference & Exhibition, served on the HIMSS National Professional Development Committee, and currently serves on the Governance and Operations Chapter Task Force. Nick lives in McKinney, Texas, and is an avid sports fan, a weekend warrior athlete, a long-distance cyclist and plays guitar & bass in the local cover band Sonic Dissonance.

Networking & The State of Healthcare: Industry Leaders' Perspectives
2025-06-05 17:30 - 20:00 | Northridge Country Club, 120 Bill Rogers Drive, Texarkana, TX, 75503
Please join us for this special combined Networking and Education Event in Texarkana.
You may register for either the networking or educational segments separately, or hopefully you can join us for both. For those attending the educational panel in its entirety, you will receive 1.5 ACHE In Person Education credits.
Agenda:
5:30pm-6:25pm: Registration and Networking
6:25pm: Remarks from host, CHRISTUS St. Michael
6:30pm-8:00pm: The State of Healthcare: Industry Leaders’ Perspectives
Numerous public policy and legislative issues around healthcare delivery and public health affect healthcare organizations and demand involvement of their leaders to respond and make improvements. These issues often relate to improving population health, access and coverage through Medicaid and other programs, improving value, addressing consumer issues and workforce shortages, and more. Learning these issues and being involved in policy and organizational responses is important for healthcare leaders, regardless of how directly they may be involved.
Moderator: Guy Cayo, MHSA, CLSSGB, FACHE Chief Executive Officer UT Health Pittsburg & Quitman
Panelist: Scott Avery Chief Operating Officer Paris Regional Health
Panelist: Loren Robinson, MD Chief Medical Officer CHRISTUS Health St. Michael
Panelist: Rob Terry Jr., MSN, RN, CEN, CFRN
Speakers’ Bios:
Scott Avery: From Military Service to Healthcare Executive Leadership
Scott Avery’s journey from the U.S. Army to Chief Operating Officer of Paris Regional Health highlights his versatile leadership and commitment to service. Born in Seattle, Washington, Scott earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Washington before embarking on a nearly 30-year military career. As an Aeromedical Evacuation Pilot and later a UH-60 Blackhawk Test Pilot, he demonstrated precision, courage, and adaptability.
His leadership skills flourished during his 12 years in hospital administration within Army hospitals, where he took on increasingly challenging roles. Scott’s five deployments to Iraq underscored his resilience and dedication to serving others. As CEO of Martin Army Community Hospital, he led the delivery of healthcare to military personnel and their families.
In 2017, Scott transitioned to civilian healthcare, becoming COO at Paris Regional Health. His leadership brought innovation and a commitment to patient care, serving on various community boards and embodying the hospital’s mission. He also briefly served as Interim CEO of Willamette Valley Medical Center in Oregon, and served five months as the interim CEO of Paris Regional Health in Paris, Texas.
Outside of work, Scott enjoys golf, boating, fishing, and flying, and values time with his family. With two master’s degrees in military studies and strategic leadership, Scott’s journey reflects his dedication to service and excellence.
Guy B. Cayo brings over 17 years of dedicated healthcare experience to his community. His leadership has consistently driven improvements in health and quality of life, complemented by his commitment to volunteerism and philanthropy.
In March 2021, Guy took on the role of Chief Executive Officer at UT Health Pittsburg within the UT Health East Texas Health System. His responsibilities expanded in January 2025 to include UT Health Quitman, along with overseeing multiple clinics in the surrounding areas, including the Behavioral Health Center (outpatient) in downtown Pittsburg.
Guy is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., a proud veteran, and a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives. He currently serves as President of the ACHE East Texas Forum and has previously held the position of President at the Pittsburg Rotary Club. Additionally, he is a board member of Workforce Solutions East Texas.
Beyond his professional achievements, Guy treasures his role as a father to his son, whom he considers his most humbling gift and responsibility. His hobbies reflect his adventurous spirit and include scuba diving, archery, swimming, learning to DJ, and hiking. Guy’s faith is central to his life, and he attributes his success to God’s grace and favor.
Loren Robinson, MD, MSHP is the Chief Medical Officer and Vice President for Medical Affairs at CHRISTUS St. Michael Health System in Texarkana, Texas where she is responsible for the hospital’s quality and safety efforts, as well as physician recruitment. Dr. Robinson is passionate about health equity and strongly believes in a multidisciplinary approach to improving and promoting health equity. A proud HBCU alumna of Spelman College, Dr. Robinson currently serves on the Spelman College Board of Trustees and obtained her medical degree from Duke University. Dr. Robinson completed her residency in Internal Medicine and Pediatrics at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and completed her fellowship in health policy research at the University of Pennsylvania. She is married to her medical school sweetheart, Dr. Ermias Abebe, and is the proud mother of 3 boys.

Rob A. Terry Jr. a native to Northeast Texas developed an early interest in healthcare and the well-being of others, which led him to pursue a career in nursing. Rob earned both a Bachelor (BSN) and Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from the University of Texas at Tyler. While his formal training has been crucial, Rob also embraced ongoing learning to advance his clinical expertise and leadership in nursing.
With over 17 years of experience in healthcare, Rob has held numerous key positions throughout his career. He began his nursing career as an Emergency Nurse, providing direct care to critically ill and injured patients in fast-paced emergency room settings. His passion for emergency care and adrenaline led him to serve as an Air 1 Flight Nurse, and Trauma/Stroke Program Manager. Beyond his clinical work, Rob is deeply invested in the education and mentorship of new nurses. As a Nursing Instructor, he has guided countless students, helping them navigate the complexities of the nursing profession. Building on his diverse experience, Rob advanced into the role of Chief Nursing Officer (CNO), where he oversaw nursing operations and led efforts to improve patient care and staff performance. His ability to foster a collaborative and efficient team earned him the prestigious honor of being named Ardent’s Chief Nursing Officer of the Year. Rob is an active member in American Nurses Association, Emergency Nurses Association, and Texas Nurses Association.
Outside of the hospital, Rob enjoys big game hunting and adventures across the United States. He currently holds hunting licenses in four states and two countries. Despite his busy professional life, Rob cherishes time spent with his family, always prioritizing family activities.

Register Here

Multi-Chapter Healthcare Forum – Transforming Healthcare
2025-05-08 08:00 - 2025-05-09 11:30 | Texas Woman’s University – Dallas, 5500 Southwestern Medical Avenue, Dallas, TX, 75235
This two-day conference is being offered by ACHE of North Texas, ACHE of East Texas and Texas Midwest Healthcare Executives. The theme for this year’s event is: Transforming Healthcare: Strategies for Internal and External Excellence.

Earn up to 7.5 approved ACHE In Person Education Credits!

Register Here

Agenda
May 8th (Day 1)
8-9am – Registration / Breakfast
9-9:15am – Opening
9:15-10:15am – Keynote Presentation
Edward W. Marx
Chief Operating Officer, Marx Advisory
Author of healthcare bestsellers including Voices of Innovation and Healthcare Digital Transformation
10:15-10:30am – Break
10:30am-12pm – First Breakout Sessions
Panel 1 Option: The Promise and Perils of Precision Medicine
Moderator: Ajith Pai, PharmD, FACHE, President, Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Southwest Fort Worth & Texas Health Hospital Clearfork
Panelists:

Steven Curley, MD, Medical Director, Precision Oncology
Mark Kruzel, MD, Medical Director in Oncology, Quest Advanced Diagnostics
Alex Melton, VP of Engineering, Invene
Panel 2 Option: Marketing and Money: Linking New Products, Services and ROI
Moderator: Darin Szilagyi, FACHE, FHFMA, Senior Vice President Marketing and Communications, Platinum Dermatology Partners
Panelists:
San Banerjee, MBA, Vice President Product Development- Health Services, CVS Health
Lance Lunsford, MBA, FACHE, Co-Founder/Senior Partner, Groundswell Health
James Schleck, Co-Founder, Growth Verticals, Founding Partner, Tea Leaves Health
12-1pm – Lunch
1-2:30pm – Second Breakout Sessions
Panel 1 Option: The State of Healthcare: Industry Leaders’ Perspectives
Moderator: Crystal Brown, VP & COO, Methodist Mansfield
Panelists:
Allan Akinradewo, VP Talent Acquisition, Methodist Health System
Frances Dare, Senior Director, Provider Practice Lead, Cognizant
Lance Lunsford, MBA, FACHE, Co-Founder/Senior Partner, Groundswell Health
Panel 2 Option: Listening to Employers: How Health Systems Can Support Population Health Management
Moderator: David Friederichs, Managing Director, Innovacer
Panelists:
Brian Felty, Chief Market Payor and Financial Officer, Southwestern Health Resources
Shannon Huggins, SVP, Contract Strategy & Pop Health, Methodist Health System
Benjamin Hagan, Assistant Vice President – Benefits, AT&T Services, Inc.
William Scott Hurst, MBA, FACHE, President & CEO, Patient Physician Network
2:30-3pm – Break
3-4:30pm – Third Breakout Sessions
Panel 1 Option: Developing High Performing Teams
Moderator: Bert Witherspoon, MS, MBA, LP, FACHE, Chief Operating Officer, Texas Vision & Laser Center
Panelists:
Patrick Crocker, Assistant General Counsel, Texas Health Resources
Audrianne Schneider, FACHE, Owner, J29 Marketing Group, LLC
Rebecca Tucker, SVP, Channel Integration, Texas Health Resources
Panel 2 Option: Financial Sustainability of Healthcare Organizations: A Plan of Action
Moderator: Kris Sanders, FACHE, Senior Vice President, Northern Market Growth and Development, Children’s Health Plano
Panelists:
Steve Love, President & CEO, Dallas Fort Worth Hospital Council
Tammy Walsh, FHFMA, CRCR, CEO, Paramount Healthcare Solutions
Sarah Hereford, Director, Forvis Mazars
May 9 (Day 2)
7-8am – Breakfast
8-9:30am – Fourth Breakout Sessions
Panel 1 Option: The Globalization of Healthcare
Moderator: Richard Greenhill, DHA, FACHE, Chief Transformation Officer, Quality Insights
Panelists:
Joe Longo, Senior Vice President/Chief Digital Information Officer, Parkland Health
Niyati Patel, Program Manager Strategy & Business Development, MD Anderson
David Vequist, PhD, Director, Center for Medical Tourism Research, Incarnate Word University
Panel 2 Option: Implementing Strategic Plans for Successful Operations
Moderator: Corey Wilson, FACHE, COO, Texas Health Harris Methodist Fort Worth
Panelists:
Felixia Colon, FACHE, Senior Vice President, SCP Health
Dr. David Gonzales, Regional President of Hospital Medicine & Emergency Medicine Services, Sound Physicians
Don Taylor, MHA, Director, Alliance for Physician Leadership and Director of Practice, UTD
9:30-10am – Break
10-11:30am – Fifth Breakout Sessions
Panel 1 Option: Leading Through Mergers and Acquisitions
Moderator: Aaron Bujnowski, FACHE, Managing Director, Alvarez and Marsal
Panelists:
Chris Core, Chief Growth Officer, US Radiology Specialists
Lee Mathew, Administrator, USPI
Tim Godfrey, FACHE, FACMPE, Vice President of Physician Practice Operations, CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic
Panel 2 Option: Winning the Battle for Markets and Share
Moderator: Jeff Stewart, FACHE, Vice President Strategic Marketing, CHRISTUS Health
Panelists:

Stacy Covitz, Chief Marketing & PR Officer, Methodist Health
Fernand “Fern” Fernandez, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer, Children’s Health
Daphne Tam, MS, Founder and Principal, DT Communications

Thanks to Texas Woman’s University-Dallas for hosting us on their beautiful campus!

Click Here to Reference Speakers’ Bios

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Strategically Mapping Your Early Career Development
2025-03-06 12:00 - 13:30 | Virtual
In today’s changing healthcare environment, early careerists need skills and strategies to position themselves for the future. You have the freedom to create the career paths that link your talents and interests with the right job. No job comes with a lifetime guarantee, and flexibility is important. To achieve upward mobility in your career, you must constantly reinvent your brand. Learn from your peers the necessary steps to take your career path to the next level.
This panel will focus on nuts-and-bolts career planning for early careerists in the healthcare sector.
Moderator: George T. Roberts, Jr., FACHE
Chief Executive Officer
Northeast Texas Public Health District(NET Health)
Panelists:
Tara Gaugh, CPRP
Executive Director of Clinical Affairs
UT Tyler School of Medicine
Terry Marrow, Jr.
Human Resources (HR) Manager
Bethesda Health Clinic | Hangers of Hope
Joshua Morgan, MD, MPHm
Chief Medical Officer
Family Circle of Care

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Speakers’ Bios:
Tara Gaugh obtained her Bachelor of Science, in Biomedical Science, from Maryville University. In 2016, she became a Fellow of Association of Staff Physician Recruiters, now CPRP of AAPPR. After years as a healthcare system physician recruiter, then physician recruitment manager, she has moved her focus to internal graduate medical education programs and medical students.

Terry Marrow Jr. is a dedicated professional with over 23 years of service in the United States Air Force, where he held a variety of roles that shaped his leadership and technical expertise. during his first 16 years Terry served as an Aircraft Electrician, responsible for maintaining and troubleshooting complex electrical systems on a range of aircraft. In the final 7 years of his military career, he advanced to the role of First Sergeant, where he provided essential leadership, guidance, and support to personnel across multiple units.
Terry completed his studies in Aircraft Maintenance and Technical Management, furthering his commitment to continuous professional development.
Since May 2023, Terry has been the HR Manager at Bethesda Health Clinic, where he applies his leadership skills to manage human resources functions, support staff development, and contribute to the organization’s overall success.
Outside of his professional life, Terry has been happily married for 29 years and is a blessed father to his 15-year-old daughter. His faith and family are a key source of strength and inspiration in both his personal and professional endeavors.

Joshua Morgan, MD, MPHm, has been a Family Medicine Physician at Family Circle of Care since July 2021. This year he has stepped into a new role as Chief Medical Officer at Family Circle of Care.
He received his MD and Master of Public Health from the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston and completed a Family Medicine Residency – Underserved Track at Conroe Medical Education Foundation. Josh is Board Certified by the American Board of Family Medicine and the American Board of Lifestyle Medicine.
His passion is his work to ensure underserved populations have the health and opportunities to enjoy fulfilling lives.

George T. Roberts, Jr., has served as the Chief Executive Officer of the Northeast Texas Public Health District (NET Health) since November 2006. Services provided by NET Health include Community Outreach, Disease Surveillance, Environmental Health, Immunization, Tuberculosis Control, Public Health Emergency Preparedness, Regional Laboratory, Vital Statistics, and WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) Program. The Health District primarily serves Tyler and Smith County but also provides some services in 21 counties in East Texas. The WIC Program serves a 20 county area and Public Health Preparedness serves a 7 county region.
Mr. Roberts has over 40 years of health care experience, the majority of which was spent in hospital administration, having previously served at Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas, Mother Frances Hospital in Tyler, and Henderson Memorial Hospital in Henderson, Texas. He received his Bachelor of Business Administration from SMU in Dallas and a Master’s Degree in Health Administration from Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, Missouri. He is a Fellow in the American College of Health Care Executives (ACHE), and he currently serves on the Board of the East Texas ACHE Chapter. He is a member of the Board of the American Board of Preventive Medicine, the Texas Health Institute, Carter BloodCare, Mosaic Counseling, the Piney Woods Regional Advisory Council, and the Tyler Area Chamber of Commerce. He is Past President of the National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO) and the Texas Association of City and County Health Officials (TACCHO), and the Past Chairman of the Texas Health Institute. Mr. Roberts is active in a number of church, community, and statewide efforts. Mr. Roberts has been married to his wife Leslie for 37 years, and they have 2 children – Claire (32) and Travis (27).

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East Texas ACHE's Annual Chapter & Membership Event
2024-11-15 18:00 - 20:00 | UT Health East Texas North Campus, President's Event Center - Building H, 11937 US Highway 271, Tyler, TX, 75708
Please join us to celebrate
East Texas ACHE’s Annual Chapter & Membership Event
Featuring Dr. Peter Pisters, President of UT MD Anderson Cancer Center,
and Chris McKee, SVP of Strategy and Business Development,
also of UT MD Anderson Cancer Center.
~Enjoy dinner with us~
Friday, November 15th, 2024
Six o’clock in the evening at
UT Health East Texas
North Campus
President’s Event Center – Building H
11937 US Highway 271
Tyler, TX 75708
R.S.V.P. by November 1st, 2024
Tables for eight may be purchased and we encourage members to bring their spouses to enjoy the evening. Dinner, hors d’oeuvres, and an on-site bar with two drink tickets per attendee will be provided. Please join us for a stimulating evening.

Register Here

Developing Mentoring and Coaching Skills
2024-10-04 13:30 - 15:00 | Virtual
This panel has been approved for 1.5 ACHE Virtual Interactive Education credits.

Data has shown that mentoring programs are an effective way to offer guidance and support for healthcare executives who are entering the field or who are seeking career advancement. A mentoring relationship provides a safe environment in which those with less experience may learn from experienced executives. This panel will present a framework for the development of a mentoring program. The program will begin with a brief presentation by the moderator, followed by remarks from each of the panelists.
Moderator:
Venita Basham
Regional Director Talent Development and Culture
CHRISTUS Health Northeast Texas
Panelists:
Chris Karam, FACHE
Senior Vice President
CHRISTUS Health, LA & SETX Region

Kenny Lange
Coach
Kenny Lange Coaching
Jared Shelton, FACHE
President
Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital HEB

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Speakers’ Bios:

Venita Basham is the Northeast Texas Regional Director of Talent Development and Culture for CHRISTUS Health. Venita has worked for this great organization for 33 years, spending the last 29 years in Human Resources, with the last 10 years centered on Training and Development. Prior to employment with CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances, Venita worked 12 years in Human Resources for an Oil and Gas company. Venita’s Human Resources journey includes benefits, recruitment, employee relations, as well as training and development of others. Venita has a Bachelor of Business Administration from Jarvis Christian College. As a member of the Association for Talent Development Venita is ATD Certified in Coaching, Consulting, and Creating Leadership Development Programs. In addition, she is a certified trainer and facilitator for DiSC Workplace and Work of Leaders, as well as Fierce Conversations. Honored and blessed to be a part of a remarkable talent team that has been awarded the Brandon Hall Group HCM Silver Award for Talent Management and Leadership Development and Bronze Awards for Excellence in Learning related to hybrid New Associate Orientation and Leader Foundation programs.

Venita values being a servant leader, and her mission in life is to be kind, helpful, and above all, humble, regardless of the situation. She appreciates the opportunities she has had to display these values during her Human Resources journey. Her pride and joy is her 3-year-old granddaughter, Ava; and she enjoys traveling and spending time admiring nature with her husband.

Christopher Karam (Chris) serves as Senior Vice President of Group Operations for CHRISTUS Health Louisiana and Southeast Texas. As Senior Vice President, Chris has oversight of all of the systems’ ministries in Louisiana and Southeast Texas, including CHRISTUS St. Frances Cabrini Health System, CHRISTUS Shreveport-Bossier Health System, CHRISTUS Ochsner Health Southwestern Louisiana and CHRISTUS Southeast Texas Health System.
Chris comes back to Louisiana after serving as President and CEO of CHRISTUS St. Michael Health System for the past 15 years. During his time with St. Michael, the hospital earned numerous accolades and awards, including U.S. News & World Report naming it “Best Hospital in Texas” in 2016 and 2017. It was also named one of the “Best Places to Work in Healthcare” by Modern Healthcare five times, one of the “100 Best Places to Work in Healthcare” by Becker’s Hospital Review and in the top 15 percent in the nation for outstanding patient experience in 2017 and 2018 by HealthGrades.
In total, Chris has over 30 years of leadership in Catholic Healthcare Ministry, having held a variety of clinical, operational and management positions in acute and rehabilitation hospitals across the country. In 2008, Chris was named one of the “24 Hospital Leaders to Know” by The Hospital Review and Beckers’ ASC Review, and in 2009 was named one of “58 Hospital and Health Industry Leaders” by Hospital Review Magazine. In 2011, he was honored to be one of 300 “Most Influential People in Healthcare” selected out of 400,000 nominees by Modern Healthcare.
Chris brings a unique background to his authentic leadership in community health and population health management with a master’s degree in Healthcare Administration from the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis, a master’s degree in Exercise Physiology from Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, VA, and a Degree in Theology from St. Gregory University, Shawnee, OK. His early commitment to health and well-being was shaped by his Bachelor’s degree in food and nutrition from Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, LA. Chris holds a Fellowship (FACHE) designation from the American College of Healthcare Executives.
Chris and his wife, Michelle, have three children, Erica, Mitchel and Amelie and six grandchildren, Baron, Evelyn, Guy, Louis, Gordon, and Hayes.

After selling his company that he started in his late 20s to another agency, Kenny Lange served as its second-in-command and helped grow their revenue by almost double in 2 years from high six-figures to low seven-figures.
Now, as a coach, he helps nonprofits and purpose-driven businesses scale by helping them focus the organization, foster high-performance teams, and create leaders worth following.
He is also the host of the top 10% globally ranked podcast, “How Leaders Think with Kenny Lange.”
He and his wife, Rebekah, have fostered 18 kids and counting, and adopted 2 in addition to their 3 biological children.
They are on a mission to positively impact 10,000 kids by December 31, 2033, because kids from hard places deserve to be seen, heard, and know someone is coming to help them.

Jared Shelton, FACHE, serves as president of Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital HEB, joining the leadership team there in July 2022.
He shares leadership responsibilities with Chief Quality and Medical Officer Scott David Lloyd, M.D., and Chief Nursing Officer Julie Balluck, M.S.N., R.N., NEA-BC.
Shelton previously served six years as president of Texas Health Allen, and before that a term as vice president of Professional & Support Services for Texas Health Dallas.
He completed his undergraduate studies at Wake Forest University with a Bachelor of Science degree in business and a minor in religion. He also earned a master’s degree in health care administration from Trinity University.
Shelton is a past president for the North Texas chapter of the American College of Healthcare Executives and has served two terms on the Texas Hospital Association’s “Council on Policy Development”. He is a graduate of the Leadership Allen Fairview Class XXVIII as well as Allen ISD Leadership Academy Class II, and is also a member of the vestry at the Church of the Incarnation in Dallas.
Outside of work, Shelton and his wife, Kathryn, enjoy parenthood with their young children — daughters, Mackenzie and Caroline, and son, Jack.

Developing High Performing Teams
2024-10-04 11:30 - 13:00 | Virtual
This panel has been approved for 1.5 ACHE Virtual Interactive Credits.

Today’s workplace calls for the development of high performing work teams to manage dynamic healthcare environments. While positive outcomes are the end goal, it’s impossible to get there without strong processes and collaborative relationships across and within teams. In this session, panelists will share information on the core components of high performing teams, and present strategies to design and implement collaborative work systems. The program will begin with a brief presentation by the moderator, followed by remarks from each of the panelists. The program will conclude with a 30-minute question-and-answer period.
Moderator:
John Phillips, FACHE
President
Methodist Dallas Medical Center
Panelists:
Scott Avery
Chief Operating Officer
Paris Regional Health
Shelly Birmingham, MBA, BSN
Chief Nurse Executive
Christus Trinity Mother Frances

Joshua Johnson, MBA
Franchise Owner
Chick-fil-A Lindale/North Tyler

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Speakers’ Bios:
Scott Avery’s journey from the United States Army to COO of Paris Regional Health is a testament to his versatile leadership and unwavering commitment to service. Born and raised in Seattle, Washington, Scott’s path was marked by dedication and a passion for both his country and community.
After completing his bachelor’s degree at the University of Washington, Scott embarked on a distinguished military career spanning nearly three decades. His early years in the Army saw him serve as an Aeromedical Evacuation Pilot, a role that demanded precision, courage, and a deep sense of responsibility for the lives in his care. Transitioning seamlessly into the role of UH-60 Blackhawk Test Pilot, Scott continued to excel, showcasing his adaptability and technical expertise.
However, it was his transition into hospital administration that truly showcased Scott’s leadership potential. Over the course of 12 years, he took on progressively challenging roles within Army hospitals and hospital systems, demonstrating his ability to lead in high-pressure environments. Scott’s deployments to Iraq, totaling four times which underscored his resilience and dedication to serving others in the face of adversity.
Scott’s leadership prowess was further honed during his tenure as the CEO of Martin Army Community Hospital at Fort Benning, Georgia. In this role, he oversaw the delivery of healthcare services to military personnel and their families, embodying the values of compassion and excellence.
In 2017, Scott made the transition to civilian healthcare, joining Paris Regional Health as the Chief Operating Officer. His arrival heralded a new era of leadership, marked by innovation, efficiency, and a steadfast commitment to patient care. Over the past seven years, Scott has dedicated himself wholeheartedly to serving the community by serving extensively on community boards, embodying the hospital’s mission of Making Communities Healthier.
Scott’s leadership extends beyond the confines of Paris Regional Health, as evidenced by his brief stint as the Interim CEO of Willamette Valley Medical Center in McMinnville, Oregon. His willingness to step into challenging roles underscores his dedication to advancing healthcare excellence wherever he goes.
Outside of his professional endeavors, Scott is a man of diverse interests and passions. Whether he’s teeing off on the golf course, navigating the waters on his boat, casting a line while fishing, or soaring through the skies, Scott finds joy in every moment. His love for the outdoors is matched only by his devotion to his family, whom he cherishes above all else.
With two master’s degrees in military studies and strategic leadership under his belt, Scott Avery embodies the intersection of military discipline, strategic thinking, and healthcare expertise. His journey from military service to healthcare leadership is a testament to his unwavering commitment to service, excellence, and making a difference in the lives of others.

Shelly Birmingham, MBA, BSN, RN, NEA-BC is the Chief Nursing Executive at Christus Trinity Mother Frances Health System in Tyler, Texas. With extensive experience in the healthcare industry, Shelly plays a pivotal role in overseeing nursing operations and ensuring the delivery of high-quality patient care.
Under her leadership, the nursing department has achieved numerous milestones, including the implementation of advanced patient care technologies and the development of comprehensive training programs for nursing staff. Shelly has been instrumental in improving patient outcomes and satisfaction, leading initiatives that have significantly reduced hospital readmission rates and enhanced overall patient safety.
Her dedication to excellence has earned her recognition within the healthcare community, including several awards for leadership and innovation in nursing. Shelly’s commitment to fostering a collaborative and supportive work environment has also contributed to high levels of staff retention and morale.
Her vision and strategic planning have positioned Christus Trinity Mother Frances Health System as a leader in healthcare, known for its exceptional nursing care and patient-centered approach.

Joshua Johnson grew up in Tyler, TX, graduated from Winona High School, and received a BS in Computer and Electrical Engineering from Baylor University and an MBA from the University of Texas at Tyler. He became a Chick-fil-A Franchise Owner at the age of 24, owned Chick-fil-A Broadway Square Mall for 14 years, currently owns and operates Chick-fil-A Lindale/North Tyler and works as a licensee consultant for the Tyler Junior College and University of Texas at Tyler Chick-fil-A locations.
Joshua has served as president of Discovery Science Place and Leadership Tyler, as vice president of Pinnacle at Oak Hills Property Association, as a director of East Texas Youth Orchestra, and as committee chair for Boy Scout Troop 370. He currently serves as a director of Discovery Science Place and Chick-fil-A Franchise Owner’s Captive Insurance Company, as chair elect of Lindale Area Chamber of Commerce, and as a member of the East Texas Coalition Council.
Joshua’s passion is to develop leaders who develop leaders. He loves to spend time investing in high school students – both in his own business and through Chick-fil-A Leader Academy in high schools such as Lindale, Winona, and Mineola. He also has a passion for local non-profits and loves to support organizations such as Bethesda Health Clinic, Smith County Junior Livestock Show, Promise Academy, Lindale ISD Foundation, Tyler ISD Foundation, and For the Silent.
He is married to his wife of 21 years Jill and has 4 sons: Shepard, Fisher, Kinsler, and Merritt.

John Phillips, FACHE, serves as president of Methodist Dallas Medical Center.
Since stepping into the role in 2018, Phillips has guided the hospital through accomplishments including recruitment of additional medical staff members to meet the growing needs of the hospitals service area, further development of the Da Vinci minimally invasive surgical program, established the MHS Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) Program and numerous hospital expansion and renovation projects providing the hospital’s patients access to high-quality healthcare services. Under his direction, Methodist Dallas has received accreditations as an American Nurses Credentialing Center Magnet Facility, Level I Trauma re-designation and Level III maternal and neonatal intensive care designation.
Phillips has been a member of the Methodist Health System family since 2011. Philips served seven years as president of Methodist Mansfield Medical Center, a 254-bed non-profit acute care hospital. Under his leadership in Mansfield, the hospital achieved Magnet designation for excellence in nursing and opened the $118-million Amon G. Carter Foundation Heart and Vascular Center as well as a new patient tower and $11.8-million professional office building.
Prior to joining Methodist, Phillips served as Chief Operating Officer at CHRISTUS St. Michael Health System in Texarkana and Chief Operating Officer at Davis Regional Medical Center in North Carolina.
Phillips earned a Bachelors in Physical Therapy from UT Southwestern, an MBA from Hardin-Simmons University and a Master of Health Care Administration from Trinity University. Outside of his role at Methodist Dallas, Phillips, his wife and two children enjoy family vacations, hiking and traveling.

Networking and Healthcare Well-Being Educational Event
2024-09-17 17:30 - 20:00 | The Grove Kitchen & Gardens, 3500 Old Jacksonville Highway, Tyler, TX, 75701
This educational portion of this event has been approved for 1.5 ACHE In Person Education Credits!

Please join the East Texas ACHE chapter for the 3rd annual networking event hosted by the University of Texas at Tyler Executive MBA Healthcare Management Program. This year includes an ACHE approved 1.5 hour in-person educational event following the complimentary networking evening, “Sustainable Strategies to Support Well-being for Healthcare Professionals.” Both events require registration. Participants are welcome to attend one or both segments of the event. Please check in at the front table to receive your name badge for the networking hour and to ensure you receive appropriate credit for your attendance during the educational panel session.

At some point every healthcare leader will encounter the importance of addressing well-being struggles personally and with the staff they lead. Healthcare professional burnout has accelerated in recent years following the pandemic and leaders must implement long-term strategies for sustainability. This panel will focus on how prioritizing well-being carries over into areas such as reducing stress and anxiety, enhancing patient care, workforce retention, and promoting diversity and inclusion in the workforce. In summary, investing in the well-being of health care professionals’ benefits both the workforce and the patients they serve.

5:30 pm (networking 3rd annual event), 6:30pm-8:00pm (education panel)

Moderator: Guy Cayo, MHSA, CLSSGB, FACHE: UT Health—Pittsburg, CEO
Panelists:
Julie Haygood, MD: CHRISTUS Health, Medical Director of Clinical Informatics
Beth Maddox, M.S., SPHR, SHRM-SCP: Vice President, Human Resources, CHRISTUS Health Northeast Texas/North Louisiana
Brenda McBride, LCSW: UT Health East Texas, Director of Trauma Support Services
Speakers’ Bios:
Guy B. Cayo has 17+ years of healthcare experience. He has served his community by leading improvement in health, quality of life, and through volunteerism and philanthropy. In 2021, Guy joined the UT Health East Texas Health System as Chief Executive Officer of UT Health Pittsburg. He is also responsible for multiple clinics in the area including the Behavioral Health Center (outpatient) in downtown Pittsburg.
Guy is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc.. He is a veteran, a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives, Past President and member of Pittsburg Rotary Club, and Workforce Solutions East Texas Board Member. Guy has one son: his most humbling gift and responsibility. He has several hobbies including scuba diving, archery, swimming, learning to DJ, and hiking. In addition, Guy believes he is nothing without God’s grace and favor on his life.

Dr. Julie Haygood currently serves as Medical Director of Clinical Informatics at CHRISTUS Health, a large integrated health system with more than 60 hospitals and long-term care facilities in 4 US States and 3 Latin American countries.
In her role, she leverages her vast clinical experience along with her informatics expertise to create solutions to provide exceptional quality, high value, safe, and efficient patient care. Dr. Haygood has played a key role in the systemwide implementation of Epic as part of the One CHRISTUS journey, aimed at standardization and implementation of best practices across the enterprise.
Dr. Haygood is a graduate of SMU and of the UT San Antonio Medical School. She has lived in Tyler, Texas since 2003. She is married to an engineer and a proud mother of two college students- an Aggie and a Baylor Bear. Her hobbies include painting, cooking, and running.

This year, Beth Maddox, will celebrate 20 years with CHRISTUS Health. She began her tenure with CHRISTUS Health in October 2004 at CHRISTUS Schumpert in Shreveport, Louisiana. Beth spent the first 15 years of her career in the CHRISTUS Louisiana ministry, serving in both HR and Leadership Development roles.
In 2016, Beth was promoted to Director, HR Strategy for the CHRISTUS Shreveport-Bossier Health System where she served for three years before moving into the Director, HR Strategy role for the CHRISTUS Good Shepherd Health System. During Beth’s time in Shreveport, CHRISTUS Shreveport-Bossier Health System was named one of Modern Healthcare’s Best Places to Work in Healthcare in 2017 and 2018.
In 2020, Beth was promoted to Vice President, Human Resources Strategy for CHRISTUS Northeast Texas and in October 2023 her scope expanded to also include CHRISTUS Shreveport-Bossier. In this role, Beth provides leadership oversight to the HR Strategy team ensuring effective and efficient collaboration with Talent Acquisition, Talent Development & Culture and HR Shared Services as well as partnering with Executive Leadership to enhance key business objectives through HR Strategy initiatives. A key initiative under her NETX tenure was the launch of the CHRISTUS Executive Minority Fellowship Program.
Beth received her Bachelor of Science in Human Ecology from the University of Tennessee and her Master of Science in Counseling from Louisiana State University. She received her Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) certification in 2009 and has a continued passion for growth and development throughout her CHRISTUS career. Beth graduated from the CHRISTUS Leadership and Ethics Academy in August 2022, and has served as a mentor in the CHRISTUS Mentorship Program for over 10 years.

Brenda McBride serves as the Director of Trauma Support Services at UT Health East Texas. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 25 years of experience in mental health with clinical expertise in the treatment of trauma. The East Texas community voted her as the Best in Town winner for mental health and as a volunteer in 2022 and 2023 and she is a finalist for the 2024 Best in Town for counseling and volunteer services. During the pandemic, Brenda created a wellness room at UT Health Tyler designed to increase resilience and mitigate burnout amongst healthcare workers. She cofounded a Critical Incident Stress Management and peer support team for UT Health and facilitates several trauma support groups every week at no cost to the East Texas community. Brenda is passionate about implementing real-life and science-supported initiatives and practices that promote resilience, wellness, safety, and compassion in healthcare.

A special thanks to the University of Texas at Tyler Executive MBA Healthcare Management Program for hosting this event. Free drinks and hors d’oeuvres will be available during the networking portion of the evening.

Register Here

Strategic Marketing Winning the Battle for Markets and Share
2024-08-30 12:00 - 13:30 | TX
This event has been approved for 1.5 ACHE Virtual Interactive Education credits
Date: Friday, August 30
Time: 12-1:30pm

In today’s competitive healthcare marketplace, a strategy for offering your products and services in a way that will outdistance your competitors, and emerging disruptors, is critical. However, in concert with defining the marketing strategy you must also have a well-defined methodology for implementation that contains a relevant and consistent message. Further, it is of little value to have a strategy and a message without the resources or the expertise to implement them. A well-conceived marketing plan that is in concert with your strategic plan and the time and resources to put it in motion are the necessary elements to increase market share and support financial success. Of those many factors, some are more important than others. Because each strategy must address some unique considerations, it is not reasonable to identify ‘every’ important factor at a generic level. However, many are common to all marketing strategies. Join this session to learn more about the role of strategic marketing in winning the battle for markets and share.
Panelists:
Patrick Crocker, JD, MBA
Associate Professor of Health Care Practice
Neeley School of Business, Texas Christian University
Lindsey Nace. MBA
Marketing Program Director
Southwestern Health Resources
Jeff Stewart, FACHE
Vice President Strategic Marketing
CHRISTUS Health
Darin Szilagyi, FACHE
Senior Vice President Marketing and Communications
Platinum Dermatology Partners

Register Here

Speakers Bios:

Patrick Crocker is an Associate Professor of Health Care Practice at TCU’s Neeley School of Business and an Associate Professor of Medical Education at TCU’s Burnett School of Medicine, where he focuses on the intersection of policy, strategy, and leadership in health care. Prior to TCU, Patrick was a Senior Director and Senior Corporate Counsel at U.S. Anesthesia Partners (USAP), a healthcare strategy consultant for PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), and spent over 10 years as an active duty Judge Advocate in the U.S. Army. Additionally, he is the founder and principal for Crocker Solutions, LLC, which provides strategy consulting and legal services to early stage companies and entrepreneurs in DFW and throughout the United States. Patrick holds a BS from Texas Christian University, an MBA from the University of California, Berkeley, and a JD from the University of Richmond School of Law.

Lindsey Nace is a Marketing Program Director at Southwestern Health Resources, a patient-centered, clinically integrated network serving north Texas whose PCPs and specialists are joined by the medical leaders of Texas Health Resources and UT Southwestern Medical Center. She has over 12 years of experience working in healthcare marketing and communications including roles at The Parkland Center for Clinical Innovation, Vizient and Symplr (previously known as MD Buyline). Her experience includes rebranding, communicating with and recruiting providers, brokers, patients, and employers, and developing overall marketing strategies and plans to support company goals.
Lindsey earned her Bachelor of Science in Marketing from Hofstra University and holds an MBA and a Master’s in Healthcare Leadership and Management from the University of Texas at Dallas.
Jeff Stewart is a strategic marketing executive with progressive leadership roles in health care. As Vice President of Strategic Marketing at CHRISTUS Health, Jeff spearheads comprehensive brand and marketing strategies for the system, driving significant improvements in marketing efficiency, ROI and digital consumer experiences.
Before CHRISTUS Health, Jeff served as AVP of Digital Communications at VITAS Healthcare, where he led transformative internal and external digital marketing initiatives for the nation’s leading provider of hospice care. His career also includes roles at TriHealth and the Coalition for a Drug-Free Greater Cincinnati.
Jeff is a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives (FACHE), holds an MBA from Xavier University and master’s in information systems from the University of Cincinnati. He is also an adjunct professor for Informatics and Technology in Healthcare at the Good Samaritan College of Nursing.
Darin Szilagyi is an accomplished marketing executive with over twenty years of experience leading growth, marketing, strategy, and communications at integrated healthcare organizations, including Memorial Hermann, the Methodist Health System of Dallas, and Southwestern Health Resources, the clinically integrated network that comprises Texas Health Resources and The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. Before joining the healthcare sector, Darin held several product and marketing roles at AT&T and Halliburton.
Darin is a recognized industry expert in healthcare SAS-based customer relationship management (CRM), physician relationship management (PRM), and business intelligence (BI) platforms. Darin was the original development partner for TeaLeaves Health, now marketed as Virgin Pulse/Welltok, and Trilliant Health. He also incubated the Market Advantage platform, then partnered with the Advisory Board Company to commercial Crimson Market Advantage, now an Optum product.
Darin is active in the healthcare community, serving as adjunct faculty and board chair of graduate healthcare education at The M.J. Neeley School of Business at Texas Christian University. He is a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives, a Fellow of the Healthcare Financial Management Association, a Leadership Fellow of the Texas Hospital Association, and a member of the American Marketing Association’s Council of Healthcare Chief Marketing Officers. In addition, he is Accredited in Public Relations by the Public Relations Society of America.
Darin holds a bachelor’s degree in Economics and Government from The University of Texas at Austin, and he earned his Master’s of Business Administration at Texas Christian University.
Darin and his wife Tracye make their home in Colleyville, along with their two youngest children, Audrey and Andrew.

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Lunch & Learn: Reimagining the Patient Experience
2024-07-31 12:00 - 13:00 | Virtual
A review of the Patient Experience Environment and the connective tissue that creates exceptional patient experience. A deep dive into how this integrated healing ecosystem provides the opportunity for all us to view the whole system as the human experience. We are humans caring for humans and it is our interconnectedness and compassion that play a vital role in creating exemplary experience of care throughout the entire care continuum.

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Kristi Stern, MPH, CPXP
Director of Patient Experience, Ardent Health Services
Kristi is an experienced healthcare leader passionate about patient, family, and community-centered care and engagement. She has led and implemented market-wide performance strategies, creating a service excellence and accountability culture across large medical groups and rural community hospitals. She has over 25 years of experience leading and optimizing Medical Group operations, utilizing data analytics, EMR optimization, and patient-centered medical home best practices to improve Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (CAHPS) & Health Outcome Scores (HOS), surveys, and quality care.
Kristi has been in East Texas for seven years, having the privilege for working at Christus Health and UT Health Physicians Group before transitioning to her corporate role with Ardent Health Services.
Kristi holds a BA in Health and Human Services, a Master’s Degree in Public Health and is a Certified Patient Experience Professional (CPXP). Her expertise extends to Lean Six Sigma, where she is a Master Black Belt. She is pursuing her doctoral degree in Public Health and serves as the Board of Directors Chair for the State of Texas MGMA.

Healthcare Executive Leadership Networking Event - Texarkana
2024-06-05 17:30 - 19:30 | Northridge Country Club, 120 Bill Rogers Drive, Texarkana, TX, 75503
This is a complimentary event. Space is limited so tickets are available on a first-come/first-served basis.

The East Texas ACHE Forum invites you to join fellow healthcare colleagues and making new acquaintances from throughout the East Texas area. Members and prospective members alike are welcome to register.
Hors d’oeuvres and two drinks will be complimentary.
Note: We will be meeting in the Northridge Country Club’s Formal Dining room.
Schedule of evening:
• Mix & Mingle: 5:30pm-6:30
• Brief Remarks: 6:30-7:00pm
A special thanks to CHRISTUS St. Michael Health System for hosting this event!

Register Here

ACHE Multi-Chapter Healthcare Forum: Celebrating Excellence, Inspiring Innovation
2024-05-09 08:00 - 2024-05-10 14:00 | Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Fort Worth, 1301 Pennsylvania Avenue, Fort Worth, TX, 76104
This event has been approved for up to 7.5 ACHE In Person Education Credits and 2.0 ACHE Qualified Credits.
Please join us for this first-ever two-day multi-chapter education conference being hosted by the ACHE of North Texas, East Texas ACHE Forum and Texas Midwest Healthcare Executives. During this event you will be able to earn up to 7.5 ACHE In Person Education Credits and 2.0 self-reported ACHE Qualified Credits. This will include five 1.5 hour breakout session panels (with 10 panel topics to choose from) – and two keynote presentations.
On Thursday evening, May 9, there will be an offsite After Hours Multi-Chapter Networking Reception. Your conference registration fee will include your access to this reception.
You’re not going to want to miss all this great education and these networking opportunities! Space is limited so be sure to register early – we fully expect this to become waitlisted very quickly.
We would like to thank our special hosts for this event: Texas Health Harris Methodist Fort Worth for hosting us on their campus; Compass One Healthcare for providing the breakfasts and lunches for us; Aramark for hosting the Thursday night reception; and Texas Health Clearfork for providing the venue for the reception.

Register Here

Conference Agenda
Thursday, May 9
8-9am: Check-In & Breakfast
9-10am: Opening Keynote Presentation: Code Blue: Recognizing & Responding to Medical Identify Theft
Presented by: Kelle Slaughter; Senior Investigator; Federal Trade Commission (FTC),Southwest Region
10-10:30am: Break
10:30am-12pm: First Breakout Sessions
Option 1: Population Health Management: Access, Outcomes and Financial Implications
Moderator: Herron Mitchell, FACHE; Chief Operations Officer; Foremost Family Health Centers
Panelists:
Stephanie Copeland, MD, MBA, CPHQ, FAAP, CPXP; Regional Medical Director for Quality and Risk Adjustment; OptumCare North/West Texas Region, WellMed/USMD; National Medical Director – Quality Performance Management/Optum Clinical performance
Brian D. Jones, MD, MBA, CPE, FAAFP; Chief Medical Officer, Methodist Patient Centered ACO; VP of Value Based Care, Methodist Health System
Option 2: Navigating Supply Chain Challenges in the Current Healthcare Environment
Moderator: Benson P. Chacko, FACHE; President; Methodist Southlake Medical Center
Panelists:
John Kott, FACHE, CMRP; Cook Children’s Health Care System
Cheryl Petersen, MBA, BSN, RN, NE-BC; Senior Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer; Cook Children’s Medical Center, Fort Worth & Prosper
Cassandra Self, MSHA, FACHE, CMM; Program Director of Clinical Supply Services;Texas Health Resources
12-1pm: Lunch
1-2:30pm: Second Breakout Sessions
Option 1: The Role of Data and Advanced Analytics in Transforming Healthcare
Moderator: Nick Kagal, FACHE; Client Success; SpinSci Technologies
Panelists:
Dr. Mehmet Ayvaci; Associate Professor of Information Systems; University of Texas Dallas
Brian Kenjarski, MD, MBA, FACEP; SVP, Chief Medical Informatics Officer; Methodist Health System
Nitin Kunte; Senior Director; NTT
Option 2: Inclusive Leadership in Healthcare
Moderator: Michael Belkin, FACHE; Divisional Vice President; Merritt Hawkins
Panelists:
Danielle Jenkins; CEO and Founder; NursingInstyle Consulting, PLLC
Nadine Nadal-Monforte, MPH, CPH; Director of Community Health Development; CHRISTUS Health
Ajith Pai, PharmD, FACHE; President; Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Southwest Fort Worth
2:30-3pm: Break
3-4:30pm: Third Breakout Sessions
Option 1: Behavioral Healthcare: Approaches to Increase Value for the Organization and Meet Community Needs
Moderator: Walter L. Taylor, PhD, FACHE; Chief Strategy Officer; North Texas Behavioral Health Authority
Panelists:
Teneisha Kennard; Executive Director of Behavioral Health – Ambulatory Services; JPS Health Network
Sejal S. Mehta, MD MBA; President; Psychiatric Medical Associates in Plano
Matt Roberts; Chief Operations Officer; North Texas Behavioral Health Authority (NTBHA)
Option 2: Managing for Morale—Effective Management Techniques to Retain Your Staff
Moderator: Pamela Stoyanoff, MBA, CPA, FACHE; President & Chief Operating Officer; Methodist Health System
Panelists:
Kristen Dunlap; Corporate Human Resources Director; Methodist Health System
Kevin Johnson; Founder; Express Pros Training
Ed Marx; Author, “Voices of Innovation” & “Healthcare Digital Transformation;” Podcaster, “DGTL Voices;” Blogger, “CEO Unplugged”
5-7pm: After Hours Multi-Chapter Networking Reception (at Texas Health Clearfork)

Friday, May 10
7-8am: Breakfast
8-9:30am: Fourth Breakout Sessions
Option 1: Care for the Uninsured and Underinsured
Moderator: Richard G. Greenhill, DHA FACHE; Program Director, Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Management Program; Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center
Panelists:
Michael Malaise, DSc; Senior Vice President of Communications & External Relations; Parkland Health
Teneisha Kennard; Executive Director of Behavioral Health – Ambulatory Services; JPS Health Network
Joel Hunt; Acclaim Multispecialty Group
Option 2: Quality Management Systems: Ensuring High Quality Care
Moderator: Denise B. Elliott, FACHE, CLSSMBB; Quality Management Officer; VA Heart of Texas Healthcare Network
Panelists:
Mark S. Schnitzer, MD, FACHE, CEC; Surgeon, Educator, Physician Advisor, Chief Medical Officer, Consultant, & Board Certified Executive Coach
Dr. Shernette R. Kydd, PE, PhD, MBA, CLSSMBB, CSSBB, CPHQ, LBC; Assistant Vice President of System Effectiveness; Cook Children’s Healthcare System
9:30-10am: Break
10-11:30am: Fifth Breakout Sessions
Option 1: Integrating the Principles of Patient-Centered Care
Moderator: Brett Lee, FACHE; President; Texas Health Frisco Hospital
Panelists:
Mass Cham, FACHE; Director of Lab & Pathology Operations; Methodist Mansfield Medical Center
Sophia McRae, CPXP; Vice President of Standardization, Innovation & Experience; Compass One Healthcare
Stephanie Wells; Director of Patient Experience; Methodist Health System
Option 2: The Value of Developing and Implementing Alternative Care Models
Moderator: John Carter, FACHE; Brand Ambassador; Pinnacle Healthcare Consulting
Panelists:
Melissa Campenni; Senior Vice President of Strategic Partnerships; The Oncology Institute of Hope and Innovation
Day-Vene Gilliam, FACHE; Staff Vice President of National Network Business Development; Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
Belinda Tommey, BSN; Executive Director; Dallas Nephrology Associates
11:30am-12:30pm: Lunch
12:30-2pm: Closing Keynote Presentation: Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, Office of Investigations Overview and Highlights
Presented by: Jason Meadows; Special Agent in Charge, Dallas Region; HHS/Office of Inspector General

Access Speakers Bios Here
Register Here

After Hours Multi-Chapter Networking Reception
2024-04-09 17:00 - 19:00 | Texas Health Clearfork, 5400 Clearfork Main Street, Fort Worth, TX, 76109
Please join us for this special networking reception. If you are registered for the two-day ACHE Multi-Chapter Healthcare Forum, you do not need to register separtaely for this reception. If you would like to attend this reception only, please register here.
If you would like to learn more about or register for the ACHE Multi-Chapter Healthcare Forum, May 9 & 10, please click the respective link further below.
Space is limited, so be sure to register as soon as possible to reserve your spot. Remember, if you are registering for the two-day conference, you do not need to register here/separately for this receiption.
A special thanks to Texas Health Clearfork and Aramark for hosting this reception!

Register Here for Reception Only

Learn More – Register for the Two Day ACHE Multi-Chapter Healthcare Forum, May 9 & 10

East Texas ACHE Forum In Person Education Panels
2024-04-05 10:30 - 15:00 | CHRISTUS Orthopedics & Sports Medicine Institute, 8591 South Broadway Avenue, Tyler, TX, 75703
These panels have been approved for 1.5 ACHE In Person Education Credits each (3.0 if you attend both).

A special thanks to CHRISTUS Health for hosting this event for us!
10:30 – 11am – Check-In & Networking
11am – 12:30pm – Panel #1: Navigating Key Legislative Issues Facing Healthcare Leaders
Numerous public policy and legislative issues around healthcare delivery and public health affect healthcare organizations and demand involvement of their leaders to respond and adjust organizational policies and procedures. These issues often relate to improving population health, access and coverage through Medicaid and other programs, improving value, addressing consumer issues and workforce shortages, and more. Learning these issues and being involved in policy and organizational responses is important for healthcare leaders, regardless of how directly they may be involved.
Moderator: Vicki Briggs, L-FACHE; Chief Executive Officer; Bioceptive
Panelists:
John Hawkins; President & Chief Executive Officer; Texas Hospital Association
Cruz Perez, Legislative Assistant for Congressman Moran
Dr. Rick Snyder II; President; Texas Medical Association
12:30-1:30pm – Lunch (hosted by CHRISTUS Health)
1:30-3pm – Panel #2: Innovation and the Changing the Face of Healthcare Delivery
Given the extensive changes in healthcare delivery and the technological landscape overall, there is a necessity to take stock of where the healthcare community stands on change and innovation, specifically regarding the use of technology. The demand for higher quality healthcare at a lower cost creates an imminent need for change and innovation in healthcare delivery. Healthcare has already seen innovations in the tools used to deliver care, including pharmacy products, medical devices, information technology, and biotechnology products. This innovation has changed and continues to change the way healthcare is delivered. This panel will discuss how health systems are using innovation in technology to improve the value of the healthcare they deliver. Examples may include using technology to improve connectivity, patient flow, provider efficiency, and/or quality measurement.
Moderator: Mark S. Leitner, FACHE; Chief Executive Officer; Henderson Memorial Hospital and UT Health Carthage
Panelists:
Andrea Cooley, DO, FACOS; Assistant Professor of Medical Education, Director of Clinical Clerkships, and Medical Director of Simulation; The University of Texas Tyler School of Medicine
David Larsen; Director of Physician Practice Operations; Asst Institute Chair for Primary Care, CHRISTUS Health
Susan McBride; Associate Dean of Research; The University of Texas at Tyler

Register Here
Speakers’ Bios:

Vicki Briggs, MBA, and Lifetime Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives is an experienced healthcare executive with over 35 years of C-Suite experience in hospital and healthcare system administration in the not-for-profit and for-profit healthcare sectors. She retired as CEO of UT Health Tyler in October 2022 after joining UTHET in March 2018 when the joint venture was formed by UT and Ardent Health Services to acquire the ETMC Regional Health System.

Currently, Ms. Briggs is the CEO of Bioceptive, a medical device company focused on women’s health innovation. Additionally, she serves as an advisor for several healthcare companies and serves on the Board of Hospice of East Texas and the Southwest Region of the American Heart Association.

Throughout her career, Ms. Briggs has had responsibility for 25 hospitals ranging from small rural, critical access, community, and specialty to large tertiary with teaching programs. She has held the positions of Division CEO, Market CEO, System COO, Hospital CEO, and Hospital CFO. She has worked with national healthcare systems including HCA, Ascension Health, and Ardent Health Services.

Her commitment to recognizing the importance of supporting employees at the bedside was acknowledged in 2022 and 2021 when she was recognized as Best Boss by the Tyler Telegraph Best in Town program.

Briggs earned her B.S. in Accounting from Nicholls State University, Thibodaux, Louisiana, where she was recognized as a top 50 graduate during the 50th anniversary celebration. She completed her MBA at Samford University, Birmingham, Alabama. She was named the Brock School of Business alumni of the year in 2013.

Ms. Briggs’ experience in East Texas includes serving as CEO of Longview Regional Medical Center from 1998 to 2005 in addition to being CEO of UT Health Tyler. She has served on the Board and Executive Committee of the Texas Hospital Association and received the American Hospital Association Most Valuable Political Action Player Award.

Andrea Cooley, DO, FACOS is a cardiothoracic surgeon, Assistant Professor of Medical Education, Director of Clinical Clerkships, and Medical Director of Simulation at The University of Texas Tyler School of Medicine. Dr. Cooley was in practice at UT Health for 7 years before transitioning full time into academics this past year. She is passionate about integrating medical education, healthcare system collaboration, and innovative technology to operationalize change from the individual to the system level. She firmly believes emerging technology, including artificial intelligence, can be leveraged to improve access to excellent quality healthcare in underserved regions, reduce burnout in healthcare workers, and provide customized precision education to maximize the potential of each learner.

John M. Hawkins took the helm as president and chief executive officer of the Texas Hospital Association on Jan. 1, 2022. He is the organization’s sixth CEO since its inception in 1930. A longtime advocacy veteran, Hawkins has more than 35 years of experience in legislative, leadership and policy circles and has deep knowledge of health care and hospital funding issues. As CEO, he represents the Texas hospital industry locally and nationally and helps ensure hospitals have the resources they need to deliver the highest quality health care to all Texans.
Over the years, Hawkins has fostered critical relationships among business, consumer and medical communities and continues to position THA as a thought leader and single, powerful voice for Texas hospitals.
Prior to being named CEO, Hawkins served as THA’s senior vice president of advocacy and public policy since 2004. With a long tenure at the association, his team consistently secured important resources for Texas health care, including hospital Medicaid rates, funding for trauma and behavioral health services, funding for workforce training and protections for the state’s critical safety net Medicaid supplemental payment programs. Hawkins’ team also was an integral force during the COVID-19 pandemic, helping to secure staffing, supplies, vaccines and flexibilities for hospitals to keep patients safe.
Before to joining THA, Hawkins had a key role in streamlining state agencies at the Texas Sunset Advisory Commission, where he managed teams of analysts and testified on issues for the commission. He also gained early experience as a legislative staffer in the Texas House of Representatives and as a legislative liaison at the Texas Department of Information Resources.
In 2020, Hawkins completed a six-month immersive hospital residency program at Baylor Scott & White Hillcrest, where he gained hands-on hospital operations experience, shadowing leadership, interacting with staff and participating in governing board activities.
Hawkins graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a bachelor’s degree in government. He is married to Cami Hawkins, CEO of Marathon Kids, and they have two children, Madi and Jack.

Dr. David Larsen serves as the Director of Physician Practice Operations for CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic as well as the Assistant Institute Chair of Primary Care and Medical Director of Clinical Informatics. He started with CHRISTUS in 2019 as a family medicine physician and over the past 5 years he has served in roles such as Medical Director of Clinical Informatics, Lead Physician at Herrington-Ornelas Health Park, and Medical Director of Bluebonnet Point Wellness. He has received various recognitions including CHRISTUS Health Patient’s Choice Award and CHRISTUS Health Rising Star Award in 2021.

He earned a Bachelor of Arts from Brigham Young University and went on to complete his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree at Midwestern University. He also holds an Executive MBA in Healthcare Management from UT Tyler and a Master of Science in Biomedical Informatics from UT Houston.

Mark S. Leitner, FACHE: Over 30 years of senior-level experience in hospitals ranging from smaller regional to larger tertiary facilities, in both not-for-profit and for-profit settings.
In 2005, assumed the Chief Executive Officer position for Henderson Memorial Hospital, Henderson, Texas, a rural, 96-bed, 501(c)3, independent hospital. In 2018, joined the UT Health East Texas system of hospitals as UT Health Henderson and assumed additional responsibility serving as Chief Executive Officer for UT Health Carthage.
Earned a BSBA (’84) from the University of Arizona and a MHA (’86) from Washington University School of Medicine’s Health Administration Program in St. Louis. Completed a post-graduate residency at Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas, Texas. A Fellow in the American College of Healthcare Executives.
Married Margaret in 1988. Two adult daughters, Sarah and Hannah.
Born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona.

Susan McBride, Ph.D., RN, NI-BC, CPHIMS, FAAN is a nursing informaticist with over 25 years of experience in clinical informatics whose research focus is on methods development for implementing, evaluating, and utilizing health information technology and data to improve patient safety, quality, and population health. Dr. McBride is a Professor and the Associate Dean of Research for the School of Nursing at the University of Texas at Tyler. She sits on multiple technical advisory committees at state and national levels as well as consults on various aspects of health information technology, and use of data for healthcare improvement. Dr. McBride is a Fellow and the past Chair of the American Academy of Nursing Informatics and Technology Expert Panel. She is the principal investigator for the 2015 and 2020 Texas Statewide EHR Satisfaction Study and the National League of Nursing funded research (2021-2023) for the study entitled “Competency Assessment in Simulation of Electronic Health Records (CASE) Tool: A Validated Tool to Evaluate EHR Competency in Simulation.

Cruz Perez joined Congressman Moran’s staff in January of 2023 and serves as his Legislative Assistant. Cruz covers policy areas related to health, education, the workforce, and financial services. Born and raised in Tyler, Texas, Cruz is a proud graduate of Tyler Junior College and Baylor University.

Richard W. “Rick” Snyder II, MD, president, Texas Medical Association Rick Snyder, MD, became the Texas Medical Association’s 158th president on May 20, 2023. The Dallas cardiologist has been involved in TMA throughout his 30-year career, having chaired its Board of Trustees and participated in TMA’s House of Delegates, Council on Legislation, and TEXPAC – TMA’s political action committee. He also was president of the Dallas County Medical Society, in 2012, when he led the physician community’s response to the West Nile virus outbreak. Dr. Snyder has practiced nearly 30 years at Medical City Dallas, where he has chaired the Department of Medicine and served as medical staff president and board trustee. He is president of the HeartPlace cardiovascular group, and he chairs the board of directors of ASPEN Physician Network. He also is a member of the Advisory Council of the All-Payer Claims Database. He previously served on the board of directors of the Southwestern Medical Foundation, as well as the board of governors of the American College of Cardiology, for whom he was president of its Texas Chapter. Dr. Snyder is board certified in cardiovascular disease, interventional cardiology, advanced heart failure care, and transplant cardiology. He graduated from UT Southwestern Medical School and completed his internal medicine and cardiology fellowship at Parkland Memorial Hospital in Dallas. He received his undergraduate degree from the University of Notre Dame and Université Catholique de l’Ouest in France. Dr. Snyder is married to Shelley Hall, MD, a prominent leader in cardiac care herself, and the couple has five children.

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Lunch & Learn: Lean Six Sigma for Healthcare - Part 2
2024-03-19 12:00 - 13:00 | Virtual
All are encouraged to register, regardless of whether you attended the August 2023 Part 1 of this presentation. There will be a quick recap at the beginning so our presenter can dive even deeper during this follow-up event.
Lean Six Sigma (LSS) is a combination of Lean and Six Sigma that has been alive and active in Healthcare for nearly 25 years. Six Sigma reduces variation and Lean removes waste. Both provide process improvement affecting patients and achieves business process improvements. When combining these two practices, a powerful Continuous Improvement methodology delivers great results.
Key take aways:

Obtain basic knowledge of the LSS tools and methods (DMAIC)
See examples of LSS in Healthcare
Learn how LSS can impact overall business performance
Receive useful tools to apply and see results now

Register Here

Ric Van Der Linden is the Principal Consultant for ProgressivEdge (www.ProgressivEdge.com), a consulting business based East Texas area focused on the applications of Continuous Improvement techniques to any business type but with a heavy focus on Healthcare. For the past 18 years has had a full-time dedication to Continuous Improvement through the application of Lean Six Sigma and other improvement approaches He has a BS in Manufacturing Engineering, a Masters in Organizational Management, is a certified Master Black Belt in Lean Six Sigma. He has held board positions with the American Society for Quality, Institute of Industrial Engineers and other non-profit organizations. He has spent many years running programs at Universities to bring Lean Six Sigma to 1000’s of working professionals.

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February Networking Event
2024-02-20 18:00 - 20:00 | The Potpourri House, 3320 Troup Highway, Ste. 300, Tyler, TX, 75701
Come out and join us for this special social gathering. We will have a few remarks from Bethesda Health Clinic leadership with the rest of the time being earmarked to meet and our reconnect with our fellow East Texas ACHE Forum colleagues.
A special thanks to Bethesda Health Clinic for hosting us for this event!

Register Here

Virtual Lunch and Learn on Physician Engagement
2024-01-31 12:00 - 13:00 | Virtual
Join us for our East Texas ACHE Forum virtual Lunch & Learn with Stephen Rydzak, MD, FACP, CWSP; Medical Director; UT Health East Texas!

As an experienced physician leader, Dr. Stephen Rydzak brings a unique perspective on a multitude of relevant issues impacting today’s healthcare climate. One of the critical pressures facing healthcare organizations is maintaining physician engagement, especially through seasons of change. This subject becomes even more evident when transitioning to a Value-Based Healthcare model. There are several fundamental strategies that can help develop physician engagement as well as improve administrative relationships with physicians. This session will highlight several strategies to accomplish those goals, as well as the pitfalls that can occur along the way.

Dr. Rydzak grew up in East Texas and is enthusiastic about returning to his roots to serve this community. He is board-certified in both internal and hyperbaric medicine and is the medical director of the UT Health East Texas Physicians Group.

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Disruptive Innovation in Healthcare Delivery
2023-11-30 12:30 - 14:00 | Virtual
Another joint great event offered by the East, North and Midwest Texas ACHE chapters. . . .the last of four panels offered this November.
This panel has been approved for 1.5 ACHE Virtual Face-to-Face credits.

Disruptive innovation, a term coined by Harvard professor Clayton M. Christensen, is a transformative business model that leverages technology to help focus on making products and services more accessible and affordable. In healthcare delivery, disruptive innovations have the potential to decrease costs while improving both the quality and accessibility of care. Disruptive innovations enable new applications and changes in behaviors. The current thinking with many innovators is a belief that a host of disruptive innovations would have wide implications for payers by shifting payment models to reward precision diagnostic tests and abilities of providers. Several current disruptive innovations like retail clinics, telemedicine, medical tourism, and point-of-care medical payments are making a major difference in how health care is delivered. This panel will focus on the role of innovation in the medical marketplace and examples of disruptive innovations that will change lives in healthcare.

Moderator: Aaron Bujnowski, FACHE
Director and Integrated Delivery Network Segment Lead
Alvarez & Marsal
Panelists:
Brad Prugh
Chief Executive Officer
Care Continuity
Dr. Leslie Wainwright
Chief Funding and Innovation Officer
Parkland Center for Clinical Innovation
Dr. Stormee Williams
Vice President & Chief Health Equity Officer
Children’s Health System

Speakers’ Bios:

Aaron Bujnowski just recently joined Alvarez & Marsal to be their Director and Integrated Delivery Network Segment Lead. Prior to that, he was a Director with The Chartis Group and leader of the Integrated Delivery Network (IDN) practice area. Mr. Bujnowski’s healthcare career spans over 14 years. He focuses on developing innovative enterprise strategies that enable integrated delivery networks and their leaders to create lasting competitive advantage.

Prior to joining The Chartis Group, Mr. Bujnowski was the system Chief Strategy Officer at Texas Health Resources, where he spent nearly nine years. He was responsible for developing and implementing strategies across the entire enterprise, including acute, post-acute, ambulatory, physician, consumer, and value-based approaches. His experience also includes more than four years with the Boston Consulting Group (BCG), where he served as a core member of BCG’s strategy and health care practices. Mr. Bujnowski previously held various leadership positions in new venture development and innovation at The Dow Chemical Company for more than nine years.
Fluent in Spanish, Mr. Bujnowski is co-inventor of six U.S. patents, certified as a Six Sigma Black Belt and has volunteered his services through many national organizations. To name a few, he was a Red Cross volunteer for Katrina Relief in New Orleans, a full-time missionary and humanitarian volunteer in Chile, South America, and served as an executive board member for the Boy Scouts of America. He was featured in the award-winning book, Intangibles: The Unexpected Traits of High-Performing Healthcare Leaders by Amer Kaissi, PhD.
Mr. Bujnowski holds a master’s degree in business administration from The University of Texas at Austin, where he graduated with the highest honors. He also holds a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in chemical engineering with a biomedical emphasis from Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah, where he graduated with honors. In 2015, Mr. Bujnowski became a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives (FACHE).

Brad Prugh joined Care Continuity in 2020 with over two decades of experience in healthcare technology, operations, and business development. Prior to assuming the CEO role, Brad served as the President and Chief Operating Officer of the company. Before joining Care Continuity, Brad held senior leadership positions at Conifer Health Solutions, MedeAnalytics Inc, and Perot Systems.

Brad is an accomplished leader who is passionate about using technology to help healthcare organizations improve the lives of patients. He is a strong advocate for innovation and collaboration, and he is committed to building a culture of excellence at Care Continuity. He has a proven track record of driving revenue growth, optimizing operations, and delivering results for healthcare clients.

Prior to his career in healthcare technology, Brad served as an officer in the United States Army for 5+ years, where he honed his leadership and teamwork skills. Brad is a graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point and holds a Master of Health Administration from Ohio University.

Dr. Leslie Wainwright joined the Parkland Center for Clinical Innovation [PCCI], as their Chief Funding and Innovation Officer in March 2019. Prior to this role, she oversaw RTI International’s Innovation Advisors health practice where she worked with health systems and technology developers to guide the development and adoption of impactful healthcare innovations. She has also served in executive roles at Sg2, AVIA and Business Models Inc., a Dutch-based innovation consultancy.
She is passionate about entrepreneurship and innovation, and has experience that spans academic research, pharma/biotechnology and healthcare delivery. Leslie has worked with executive teams from multi-national organizations and startups alike to design growth strategies, create alternative business models and evaluate emerging clinical and care delivery technologies. Additionally, she has spent several years addressing innovation and how healthcare organizations build their own sustainable innovation competencies. Leslie is a frequent speaker and facilitator on the future of healthcare, enabling technologies, disruptive innovation and emerging business models, both domestically and abroad.
Leslie received her PhD in microbiology at Northwestern University, completed postdoctoral research training at the University of Maryland’s Center for Vaccine Development and received a B.A. in Biology from DePauw University. She serves as a clinical advisor on the Board of Start-up tech companies and has served as faculty teaching strategy and innovation at Lake Forest Graduate School of Management. Additionally, Leslie is passionate about STEM education and is in the Women’s Board of the Field Museum in Chicago, working with the museum to expand opportunities for girls in science.

Dr. Stormee Williams is the Vice President and Chief Health Equity Officer at Children’s Health System in Dallas, Texas. She is a board-certified pediatrician who began her career in federally qualified health centers and community health clinics having a strong desire to work with underserved populations. Over the last decade, she worked to transform the way children receive medical care through innovation and telemedicine. She helped develop the fastest-growing school-based telemedicine program and continues to work with national organizations to improve telemedicine access and quality. Dr. Williams’ work promotes health equity and strives to diminish the many disparities evident within health care. She is responsible for providing the organizational strategy around health equity, including identifying social determinants of health and creating pathways to improve health outcomes for marginalized groups. Dr. Williams enjoys serving the community and hopes to continue her work to expand quality healthcare access to those who need it most.

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Reinventing Customer Service in Healthcare: Lessons Learned from the Best
2023-11-30 10:30 - 12:00 | Virtual
Another joint great event offered by the East, North and Midwest Texas ACHE chapters. . . .the third of four panels offered this November.

This panel has been approved for 1.5 ACHE Virtual Face-to-Face credits.

Consumer-driven services in business and the need for efficiency are accelerating changes in the way organizations operate and compete. Many consumers today are taking greater control of their purchasing power and healthcare decisions and are demanding excellence in service. The challenge is how to give them the best service in a meaningful and economic way.
Organizational survival relies on healthcare leaders with the vision, determination and courage to test various methods of enhancing the patient experience. Patient expectations are being set by other industries; for example, the airline industry, in which Southwest Airlines is the only airline that has turned in profitable years for 33 consecutive years, consistently achieved the best on-time performance, received the fewest customer complaints and fewest mishandled bags, is consistently cited for the best customer service, the smartest management and as the most fun place to work. Can the principles from a culture like Southwest Airlines help healthcare win the hearts and minds of their employees?

Moderator: Paula Turicchi, FACHE
Chief Strategy Officer
Parkland Community Health Plan
Panelists:
Monica Anderson, MS, CPXP
Valued Base Consultant, Customer Experience Leader
Baylor Scott and White Health Texas -East Region
Aaron Davis, MSHA, FACHE, CPXP
Vice President & Chief Experience Officer
UMC Health System
Brandi Jaco
Director of Patient Experience
CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic

Speakers’ Bios:

Monica Anderson, MS, CPXP is currently a Valued Base Consultant, Customer Experience Leader for Baylor Scott and White Health Texas -East Region. She is an experienced, passionate and outcome -oriented healthcare leader that leverages foundation is Psychology, Valued Based Consulting, and Executive Transformational Healthcare Leadership.
Monica Anderson has been a champion for cultivating and maintaining high performing teams by developing relationships of trust and respect, as well as building unity amongst peers, team members and organization leaders to effectively align with and support key hospital initiatives. She is qualified in both outpatient and inpatient customer experience operations, with a proven track record of HCAHPS performance improvement. She focuses on transforming teams through awareness and engagement in action plans using Relationship Center Communication and celebrating success.
Her clinical psychology background and experiences have assisted in her ability to lead and build effective teams, create framework for growth, engage team members to achieve results and adapt to the ever-changing healthcare environment to meet patient and business needs. Monica has been instrumental in forming and coaching staff on vision, strategy, and tactical plans for successful execution of system-wide result improvements.

Aaron Davis, MSHA, FACHE, CPXP has been with UMC Health System for 16 years.
Beginning as a Patient Service Assistant, Aaron progressed throughout the Health System, first as a Health Unit Coordinator, second a Staff Supervisor, third a Department Director, and now currently serves as the systems first Vice President & Chief Experience Officer.
Aaron currently oversees Patient Experience, Corporate Marketing, Sponsorships, Regional Outreach, Employee Wellness & Resilience, Pastoral Care, and Volunteers & Guest Services.
Aaron holds a bachelor’s in business administration from Texas Tech University, a Master of Science in Healthcare Administration from Texas Tech Health Science Center and received his Green Belt in Lean/Six Sigma from Villanova University. Aaron is also a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives.
Over the past six years, Aaron has organized efforts to maintain high patient experience results – achieving national rankings/awards, from four separate comparison database organizations. Furthermore, he has led efforts to strengthen partnerships with UMC’s surrounding regional hospitals, visiting all 50 referring facilities annually, ultimately leading to increased referrals and market share.
Aaron is actively involved in the community; he serves as a Board Member for Community Health Center of Lubbock and The Salvation Army. He is an active member of the Lubbock ISD Partners in Education Committee and has served for several years on the Program Review Board for the Lubbock United Way. Lastly, but most importantly, Aaron is passionate about his faith, family, and serving others.
Brandi Jaco is a Director of Patient Experience with almost 20 years of working to help and heal the vulnerable while listening to their voices to improve processes. Brandi currently specializes in Patient Experience and leads a successful team with CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic, that has seen marked improvement in patient loyalty, and has led the industry by implementing a strong large-scaled service recovery program. Developing authentic relationships is the foundation of what she does both professionally and personally. Brandi spends all of her free time attending practices, games and school events with her 3 sons and husband and serving how she can in the Children’s ministry of her church.

Paula Turicchi, FACHE, is Chief Strategy Officer, at Parkland Community Health Plan in Dallas, Texas. The health plan serves more than 185,000 members in Medicaid’s STAR, CHIP, and CHIP Perinatal programs through a network of more than 6,000 providers and 40 facilities located in 7 counties in the Dallas service delivery area.

Previously, Paula served as the Vice President of Hospital Operations and Administrator of Women and Infant’s Specialty Health (WISH) at Parkland Health & Hospital System. She was instrumental in the design and construction of the New Parkland Hospital facility and the Moody Center for Breast Health. Paula played a key role in completing the System Improvement Agreement (SIA) and Corporate Integrity Agreement (CIA) from 2013 to 2018. In addition, she chaired the Women’s Health Advisory Committee of Texas which was created by Texas’ 84th Legislature to advise the Health & Human Services Commission on consolidation of women’s health programs.

Paula was a 2018 Texas Hospital Association Leadership Fellow. She is board certified in Healthcare Administration and holds a Master’s degree in Healthcare Administration from Trinity University and Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville.

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Crisis Management: Strategies to Effectively Manage a Healthcare Organization
2023-11-16 12:30 - 14:00 | Virtual
Another joint great event offered by the East, North and Midwest Texas ACHE chapters. . . .the second of four panels offered this November.

This panel has been approved for 1.5 ACHE Virtual Face-to-Face credits.

Preparing for an unplanned or unexpected event, such as a natural disaster, pandemic, civil disturbances, medical error or labor disputes (e.g., union labor) causes physical, psychological and emotional stresses that can overwhelm employees, medical staff, patients and communities. In the event of a crisis, the quality and efficiency of care delivery may be challenged and typically takes a toll on every part of the organization. Lack of the unknown or uncertainty is also a challenge that healthcare leaders face in the time of crisis. Healthcare leaders need to understand ways to prepare their organization for unforeseen circumstances, which includes developing a communication plan, managing organizational resources, such as medical supplies, levels of patient care and leveraging local and state resources and funding.

Moderator: Jonathan Sell
Founder and CEO
Innovative Solutions Management
Panelists:
Serena Bumpus DNP, RN, NEA-BC
Chief Executive Officer
Texas Nurses Association
Dr. William Hooks, MD, MBA
Chief of Anesthesiology/Medical Director, Perioperative & Procedural Services
Titus Regional Medical Center
Kenneth Hutchenrider, Jr., FACHE
President
Methodist Richardson Medical Center

Speakers’ Bios:

Dr. Serena Bumpus currently serves as the Chief Executive Officer of the Texas Nurses Association where she is responsible for providing oversight of related entities and programs including the Texas Nurses Foundation and the Texas Peer Assistance Program for Nurses and other programs as identified. She is responsible for executing the ongoing vision for the association as it relates to the changing healthcare landscape and the nursing profession. As the CEO of the largest professional nursing organization in Texas, Serena has the unique opportunity to build strategic relationships with constituent and partner organizations to elevate and advocate for nursing governance and practice based on evolving issues affecting nursing practice and policy in Texas and nationally. She is well positioned to influence and lead meaningful change for the profession of nursing and healthcare.
Dr. Bumpus’s nursing career spans over 21 years where she has held various positions from staff nurse to Nurse Executive. She has demonstrated a strong career trajectory with involvement in leadership, governance, and advancing the nursing profession. She has made significant strides in improving outcomes and advancing nursing practice throughout her career.
Serena received her Doctor of Nursing Practice in 2019 from Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center in Lubbock. She is also an active and engaged member of numerous professional nursing organizations. It was her involvement in these professional organizations early on in her career that triggered a passion for health policy impacting both patients and nurses. She firmly believes empowered nurses can drive meaningful change at the local, state, and national level when they use their collective voices together.

A native of Mt. Pleasant, Dr. William Hooks is the Chief of Anesthesiology and the Medical Director for Perioperative & Procedural Services at Titus Regional Medical Center. Additionally, he performs minor pain management procedures such as epidural steroid injections, trigger point injections and joint injections. Dr. Hooks joined the medical staff of TRMC in 2016 after serving for 13 years in the United States Navy where he completed residency and served as an Anesthesiologist and Flight Surgeon.

Ken Hutchenrider joined Methodist Richardson Medical Center as President in July, 2010.
He has more than 30 years of executive experience with a result oriented record of substantially increasing financial stability and strengthening team management to build a tradition of providing the best care possible to the communities served.

During his tenure, Ken administered the assimilation of the hospital into the Methodist Health System, as well as the development of a $120M replacement hospital and its subsequent and ongoing expansions. Under his direction, Methodist Richardson has received accreditations as a Chest Pain Center, a Comprehensive Stroke Center, and Level 3 Trauma Certification and Nursing Magnet Certification.

Prior to July 2010, Ken served as the Chief Executive Officer of Galesburg Cottage Hospital, in Galesburg, Illinois. Previously in his career, Ken served in executive roles including Chief Executive Officer of the Terre Haute Regional Hospital in Terre Haute, Indiana and Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Wesley Medical Center in Wichita, Kansas. Ken started his career in a clinical position as a Paramedic and Supervisor in Pasadena, Texas.

He holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from Texas A&M University and a Masters of Healthcare Administration from the University of Houston, Clear Lake.

Ken has received many accolades, including the American Heart Association SOAR Award, the Community Health System Outstanding Achievement Award, and Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives. He is actively involved in the community and is past Chairman of the Richardson Chamber of Commerce. Ken is past Regent, Texas Northern for the American College of Healthcare Executives. Finally, Ken is the current Richardson City Councilperson for Place 5.

On a personal note, Ken and his wife Melinda have two teenage daughters. When he’s not spending time with his family, you are most likely to find Ken on the golf course. He is also a private pilot.

Jonathan Sell is the Founder and CEO of Innovative Solutions Management, a staffing and consulting firm, and the Executive Director of Booker EMS. He is a recent graduate of Yale University School of Medicine’s Online Physician Assistant Program (MMSc) and has agreed to begin working with a focus on rural Emergency Medicine at Ochiltree General Hospital in Perryton Texas once he obtains his Texas License.
Additionally, Jonathan also holds his Master’s degree in Healthcare Administration from TTUHSC and multiple undergraduate degrees. Sell has two decades of experience in Emergency and Disaster Medicine and has been deployed as a Task Force Leader by the Texas Emergency Medical Task Force (EMTF) to disasters including hurricanes, wildfires, tornados, mass casualty events, and more. Sell has a passion for both direct patient care, as well as for creating sustainable healthcare systems to serve as the framework for individual patient care. His focus continually is on compassionate individual care, clinical excellence, and system efficiency. This has carried over to his various deployments where the normal “systems” are overwhelmed or out of service.
Outside of work, Jonathan is married to his wife Caitlin and the father of two boys. Together they raise a variety of animals on their family farm, and enjoy sports, games, and time with extended family. In the rare moments that Jonathan finds silence, you would likely find him reading a good book, likely about history.

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Ensuring Your Community’s Emergency Preparedness
2023-11-16 10:30 - 12:00 | Virtual
Another joint great event offered by the East, North and Midwest Texas ACHE chapters. . . .the first of four panels offered this November.
This panel has been approved for 1.5 ACHE Virtual Face-to-Face credits.

In the best of circumstances, healthcare organizations operate in a complex environment. This can be exacerbated when a community faces a local or national emergency, either natural, human-caused, or technological, that thrusts the healthcare system to the forefront of response and makes it the focus of recovery efforts. It is critical that the local healthcare community be actively engaged in the development of comprehensive emergency preparedness plans, training, and exercises to ensure that local organizations communicate and coordinate their mutual support in service to the community.

Moderator: Matt Richardson, FACHE, DrPH, MPH
Director of Public Health
Denton County
Panelists:
David Abernathy
Mayor
City of Pittsburg, Texas
Walter Cassity
Senior Vice President of Real Estate, Public Safety, Environment of Care & Emergency Management
Baylor Scott & White Health
Dr. Rohith Saravanan
CEO
Curbside Consult, LLC

Speakers’ Bios:

Mr. David Abernathy is a fifth-generation resident of Pittsburg, is the son of the late D. H. Abernathy, who was mayor of Pittsburg for 52 years. He has a son, David H. E Abernathy.
He has served the citizens of Pittsburg and Camp County for most of his life. David has been a volunteer firefighter for over 47 years and was co-founder and 13-year president of Camp County Emergency Medical Service (EMS). He developed the first city/county emergency management plan and served as emergency management coordinator and as county fire marshal for over 30 years, without pay, and is a reserve deputy sheriff. David initiated our citizen emergency alerting system. He and his father built eight fire trucks for the city and county, donating their labor, and he has helped design four others.
David is a trustee for the First United Methodist Church and for the Northeast Texas Rural Heritage Museum. He retired as an Assistant Chief with the Texas Forest Service, where he helped manage major disasters and events throughout the nation, including two Super Bowls, and provided training and assistance to a multitude of agencies including the Secret Service, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Texas Department of Public Safety. He was appointed by two Texas governors to the Texas Commission on Fire Protection. David is the owner of Abernathy Training and Consulting and sits on state and national public safety committees.

Walter Cassity is senior vice president of real estate, public safety, environment of care and emergency management at Baylor Scott & White Health, the largest not-for-profit health system in Texas. The system’s integrated delivery network includes Baylor Scott & White Health Plan, Baylor Scott & White Research Institute, Baylor Scott & White Quality Alliance and its leading digital health platform, MyBSWHealth. Through 51 hospitals and more than 1,100 access points, including flagship academic medical centers in Dallas, Fort Worth and Temple, the system offers the full continuum of care, from primary to award-winning specialty care, as well as an array of virtual and in-home services. In his role, Cassity implements the System’s real estate strategy and oversees programs that mitigate, prepare and respond to workplace hazards and emergencies in accordance with federal, state and local standards. He previously served as vice president of environment of care & emergency management, police, public safety and security. Earlier in his career, he was corporate director of environmental safety & emergency management at Baylor Health Care System and safety manager and safety technician at Baylor University Medical Center. Cassity holds a master’s degree in public administration— executive health care administration and a bachelor’s degree in industrial safety from the University of Texas at Tyler. He previously earned an associate degree in environmental health & safety from Texas State Technical College.

Dr. Matt Richardson was appointed as the Director of Public Health for Denton County in the summer of 2014. Dr. Richardson previously served as Director with the City of Amarillo and Potter/Randall Counties for 9 years. Dr. Richardson has authored peer-reviewed publications, testified to the Texas Legislature regarding public health issues and continues to advocate for public health practice and resources for Denton County and the state of Texas. He has a bachelor’s degree in Biology from Abilene Christian University and both Master’s and Doctoral degrees in Public Health from the University of North Texas. He is currently board certified and Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives. Dr. Richardson also serves as an accreditation site reviewer for public health programs in universities across the US. Matt lives in Argyle with his wife of 24 years and their two daughters.

Dr. Rohith Saravanan is a physician executive with over 15 years of broad experience across the healthcare industry, including clinical care, quality, regulatory compliance, business development, operations, community partnerships, and strategic growth. He started his career in clinical medicine as a family physician providing care for the underserved population, and quickly grew into leadership roles in operations and strategy, in progressively larger settings. He has led physician groups, urgent care & occupational medicine networks, ACOs, and acute care hospitals.

Dr. Saravanan is a dynamic physician executive adept at assessing needs, developing solutions, and implementing positive changes to achieve sustainability and growth in challenging market conditions. He is exceptional at building teams and strengthening strategic business relationships. He has a history of streamlining clinical operations, increasing revenue, and reducing costs to maximize value. People describe him as an inspirational leader with a humanitarian spirit. With his proven track record of success, his broad educational background and his diverse management and clinical experience, he is the type of a well-rounded healthcare leader that boards, investors, and other executives can depend on.

As a business leader he has the knowledge, creativity and imagination that allows him to be innovative, and his endurance and hard work help him see projects through. He is confident and enthusiastic, yet self-aware; fair and patient, yet decisive; and he operates with the utmost integrity and possesses steadfast virtue. His unique style combines inspirational leadership with humility, a commanding presence, and a calming demeanor. He cares deeply about people, develops leaders in all those he touches and has a strong heart for community service.

Dr. Saravanan’s passion in life is to a make positive impact in the communities he serves on a progressively larger scale. Having previously held multiple executive positions within the healthcare corporate setting, he has deep industry experience in direct care delivery, outpatient/inpatient operations, strategic planning & business development in the for-profit and non-profit sectors. He has recently embarked on an entrepreneurial journey to acquire and operate his own medical practice group.

He is also the Co-Owner and Executive Chairman of ameriCARE Texas, a non-medical personal care franchise currently based in the DFW area. Additionally, he has invested in and serves as a medical advisor to mobriseHealth, an AI powered digital health startup in the remote patient monitoring and chronic care management space.

Fun fact: Dr. Saravanan grew up in 5 different countries throughout his life and can speak 5 languages. He loves to travel, cook, and spend time with his wife (also a physician) and 2 kids.

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East Texas ACHE Forum Annual Meeting
2023-11-14 18:00 - 20:00 | CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Wisenbaker Conference Center, 800 E Dawson Street, Tyler, TX, 75701
Join us for this special annual event with our guest speaker, James Springfield, President, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas.

James Springfield is the 14th president of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas (BCBSTX), the state’s oldest and largest health insurer.
James provides accountability and strategic leadership for the teams managing sales and marketing, network development, health care delivery, health care management, government and public relations and market strategy. In a company which processes over $38 billion in claims with a network of nearly 130,000 physicians and 547 hospitals serving over 6.7 million members, he is responsible for the affordability of care in all market segments, including group, government and retail/family product portfolio in all 254 Texas counties.
James has garnered a depth of senior leadership experience from a variety of prominent health care organizations. This includes 13 years at Memorial Hermann Healthcare System in Houston where he served as CEO of Hermann Children’s Hospital and COO of Hermann. He also led Valley Baptist Health System in south Texas as president and CEO, founded three successful health care startup companies, and has served as an advisory to private equity and venture funds. James also served as the senior vice president of provider market growth and business development at Optum, a division of United Health.
Prior to joining BCBSTX as president in 2021, James served as National Chief Operating Officer for Cancer Treatment Centers of America.
In addition to his corporate accomplishments, James is passionate about service. He has held positions on numerous community and professional boards and committees, including the American Hospital Association, Texas Hospital Association, Houston SEARCH for Homeless, Greater Harlingen Area Chamber of Commerce, Rio Grande Valley Partnership, and Baylor University. James has also served on the board of the Touchdown Club of Houston and as a committee member with the Houston Rodeo Livestock Show and Rodeo. He is currently chairman of the Caring Foundation of Texas and member of the Dallas Regional Chamber’s board of directors.
James is a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives and earned a bachelor’s degree from Baylor University as well as a master’s degree in public health from University of Houston – Clear Lake. James and his wife Teri currently reside in McKinney and are proud parents to their four children Jordan, Tanner, Cydney, and Ashley as well as two granddaughters Dorothy and Lucy.

We would like to thank CHRISTUS Health for hosting this event!

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Healthcare Executive Leadership Networking Event
2023-09-26 18:00 - 20:00 | The Grove Kitchen & Gardens, 3500 Old Jacksonville Highway, Tyler, TX, 75701
The East Texas ACHE Forum invites you to join fellow healthcare colleagues and making new acquaintances from throughout the East Texas area. Please feel free to bring a guest.
Hors d’oeuvres and two drinks will be complimentary.
Note: The event will be held in “The Greenhouse” building
Schedule of evening:
• Mix & Mingle: 6-7pm
• Brief Remarks: 7-7:30pm

Light Appetizers/light Hors d’Oeuvres and 2 complementary drink tickets provided to guests

A huge thanks to the Executive MBA Healthcare Management Program, Health-Related Business Programs – Soules College of Business at The University of Texas at Tyler for hosting this event!

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Multi-Chapter Education Event
2023-09-22 08:00 - 16:00 | Methodist Dallas Medical Center Hitt Auditorium, 221 W Colorado Blvd, Dallas, TX, 75203
Approved for up to 6.0 ACHE Face-to-Face Credits

Once again the East Texas ACHE Forum, ACHE of North Texas and the Texas Midwest Healthcare Executives are joining forces to offer our members great educational content and a tremendous cross-chapter networking opportunity.
Each panel has been approved for 1.5 ACHE Face-to-Face Credits (6.0 credits if you attend all four).

Special thanks to Methodist Dallas Medical Center for hosting their venue and Aramark for hosting the food & beverages for this event!
8-8:30am: Registration & Networking
8:30-10am: Panel 1: The Promise and Perils of Precision Medicine
Panelists:
Mark Kruzel, MD, MBA, Associate Medical Director in Oncology, Quest Advanced Diagnostics
Susan McClure, Chief Executive Officer, Genome Creative
Dr. Mark Schnitzer (Moderator), Surgeon, Educator, Physician Advisor, Medical Director, Consultant, and Executive Coach
David Winter, President & Chairman of the Board, HealthTexas Provider Network
10-10:15am: Break
10:15am-11:45pm: Panel 2: Utilization of PA/NP Workforce in the Current Healthcare Environment
Panelists:
Steven Hunter, DMSc, MBA, PA-C, Director of Advanced Practice Professionals (APPs), Baylor Scott & White The Heart Hospitals
J. Clayton Lawrence, (Moderator), Regional President, Sound Physicians
Christopher McLarty, DNP, Associate Vice President & Chief Nursing Officer, Ambulatory Services
Amy Quinn DNP, APRN, FNP-C, Advanced Practice Clinician/CTC APC Leader, Beaumont Adult Medicine , Christus Trinity Clinic
11:45-12:45pm: Lunch
12:45-2:15pm: Panel 3: Legalized Possession and Use of Cannabis: A Legal and Ethical Dilemma for Healthcare Organizations
Panelists:
Richard Cheng, Healthcare & Cannabis Regulatory Transactional Attorney, Weaver Johnson & Nelson, PLLC
Dr. Darina A. Douchi, CEO & Founder, Curativo Enterprises, LLC
Eric S. Gaines (Moderator), North Texas Regional Director of Outpatient & Retail Pharmacy, Baylor Scott & White Health Enterprise, Inc.
Robert Head, Co-Founder, Hemp for Victory
W. Stephen Love, President & Chief Executive Officer, Dallas-Fort Worth Hospital Council
2:15-2:30pm: Break
2:30-4pm: Panel 4: Human Trafficking and the Impact on Healthcare
Panelists:
Sheyla Camacho, Public Health Educator, Victim Intervention Program (VIP)/Rape Crisis Center, Parkland Health
Kiara Rodriguez, Outreach Specialist, Unbound Now
Carrie Shiratom RN,MSN,FNP-C,ACNP-C, Co-Founder, Reclaim611
Andrew Smith, FACHE, (Moderator) Strategy Leader for the Scheduling Customer Journey, Baylor Scott & White Health

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Speakers Bios:

Sheyla Camacho has an extensive background working and volunteering within the domestic violence field since 2009. She is a Public Health Educator for the Victim Intervention Program/ Rape Crisis Center at Parkland Health since 2020. She is dedicated and passionate about bringing the hard conversation of domestic abuse and other topics to various groups and agencies throughout our community, in both English and Spanish. Her bright personality and extensive knowledge allow Sheyla to connect with students, partners, families, and survivors alike. Sheyla received her bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Sociology from the University of the Incarnate Word in San Antonio. She is also Mental Health First Aid USA and Youth Mental Health First Aid USA certified and recently received her CHW experience license. She is excited to continue raising awareness about trauma informed care, various traumas, its widespread impact, and accessibility to resources to all members of our community.

Richard Cheng focuses on corporate transactions and advises clients on regulatory matters in the healthcare and cannabis industries. Richard represents a variety of cannabis-related clients and was an equity partner and chair of the hemp/hemp cannabinoid products practice at a global AmLaw100 law firm. Richard has been named a Top 200 Cannabis Lawyer by Cannabis Law Journal and has been named a Top 250 Cannabis Legal Expert by Databird Research Journal. Lastly, Richard teaches cannabis law as an adjunct faculty at UNT Dallas College of Law.

Dr. Darina A. Douchi, is a retired Major from U.S. Army and a Nebraska licensed pharmacist with over 2 decades with wide varieties of expertise in the field of Pharmacy and Healthcare policies. She is a wealth of knowledge in the field of Clinical Pharmacy – Pain and Psychiatric medicine focusing on the Army Worrier Transition Unit (WTU) Soldiers and alternative medicine.
Since retiring from the US Army, Dr. Douchi has dedicated her focus on Federal Defense Contracting and Health IT; lobbying and working closely with industry disruptors to place the best and latest emerging Health Care Technologies in the hands of patients.

Eric S. Gaines, PharmD, MSc, FACHE is a proven pharmacy leader who specializes in operational efficiency and cost-effective health resources utilization. He currently serves as the North Texas Region Director of Outpatient and Retail Pharmacy for Baylor Scott & White Health Enterprise, Inc. He is responsible for multi-site operations, maintaining financial efficiency in drug delivery, and improving patient satisfaction through innovative medication delivery services.
Prior to his current role, Eric has served as Director of Pharmacy Services for Baylor Medical Medical Center at Garland and has worked in various roles throughout his career including, pharmacy manager, clinical pharmacist, and area supervisor for a national drug chain. He has also served as chairperson and adjunct faculty for the ASHP accredited Pharmacy Technology program at Richland College.
Dr. Gaines, a Tallahassee, Florida native, earned a masters in Pharmacoeconomics from The University of Florida as well as completed his Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences at Florida A&M University. He is an active member of the Professional Society for Health Economics and Outcomes Research.
Outside of work, he enjoys traveling with his wife, Nakia, and two children Gavin, and Gabrielle.

Robert Head is a distinguished US Army veteran who served in Iraq from 2002 to 2007. A Texas A&M University graduate, he ventured into the cannabis industry in 2015, managing a successful farm in Maine before focusing on activism. Recognized as a top activist by Texas Norml, Robert co-founded “Hemp for Victory” during the pandemic—a 501C3 organization dedicated to raising awareness and engaging with VA, military, and healthcare leaders. Today, he spearheads discussions on cannabis and its impact on the veteran population, leaving an indelible mark on both industries.

Dr. Steven Hunter is the Director of Advanced Practice Professionals (APPs) for Baylor Scott & White The Heart Hospitals. In his role, he provides regional oversight of APPs in various cardiovascular surgical specialties and service lines inclusive of ambulatory, inpatient, and intraoperative functions. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated dedication to the field to develop and promote APPs with system-wide service line strategic planning, change management, budgeting, program accreditation, and operational achievements.
Steven has achieved multiple academic milestones. He earned his Bachelor of Health Science (BHS) in 2010, minoring in Biology, and fulfilled the requirements for Master of Physician Assistant Science (MPAS) in 2011, at Gannon University. Additionally, he holds a Master of Public Administration (MPA), Master of Business Administration (MBA), and Doctor of Medical Science (DMSc) degrees, with Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Certification in Healthcare.
Steven enjoys being active outside his role involving the profession, and volunteering within the community. Being an avid member for other PA organizations, he currently serves on the Program Advisory Committee for a local PA Program and assists on the House of Delegates B-05 taskforce for core PA leadership skills and competency development with the American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA). Furthermore, he was recently elected Director-at-Large for the Texas Academy of Physician Assistants Board of Directors and serves as a member of the Board of Directors for the Living for Zachary non-profit organization in north Texas.
Steven also continues to maintain numerous professional memberships and affiliations among many organizations, in addition to AAPA, including the Texas Academy of Physician Assistants (TAPA), Advanced Practice Provider Executives (APPex), American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE), and the Healthcare Financial Management Association (HFMA).

Mark Kruzel, MD, MBA; serves as Associate Medical Director in Oncology at Quest Advanced Diagnostics. Dr. Kruzel’s role bridges the gap from assay development, validation to clinical utility and he provides guidance on the appropriate utilization of testing. Recently, Dr. Kruzel has developed clinical care pathways for oncology focusing on providing access to testing in an efficacious and guideline driven manner.

Dr. Kruzel has extensive research and industry experience ranging from managing an FDA trial site to commercializing a pharmaceutical compound for a start-up company. He has published numerous peer reviewed journal articles as well as presented abstracts at both local and national conferences. Through his role at Quest, Dr. Kruzel has developed key opinion leader strategies which help Quest advance in the field of precision medicine.

Dr. Kruzel received his medical degree from The University of Texas at Houston – McGovern School of Medicine; he received his Master of Business Administration from Cox Business School at Southern Methodist University. He is an active member of American Society of Clinical Oncology, Association for Molecular Pathology and American College of Healthcare Executives

J. Clayton Lawrence currently serves as Sound Physicians’ Region President of Operations. In this role, Clayton is responsible for leading a team of clinical and business professionals serving a territory spanning 11 states and nearly 100 hospital partnerships. Clayton aligns with hospital stakeholders and other partners to drive critical strategic and operational effectiveness. Along with ensuring highly reliable hospital medicine and emergency medicine programs, under his leadership, Clayton’s teams produce unmatched performance and outcomes while providing a measurable ROI for hospital partners. Clayton has been a key operations executive with Sound Physicians for over 8 years.

Clayton brings over 22 years of both hospital management and physician practice leadership experience. Clayton has served various operational roles including hospital operations and physician practice operations. Prior to joining Sound Physicians in January 2015, Clayton served as Regional Vice President of Operations for Vein Clinics of America, where he was accountable for expanding the organization’s footprint in Atlanta, DFW and Houston. In addition, Clayton has served in various administrative roles for several hospitals including both CEO and COO roles. Clayton began his healthcare career as a paramedic, where he received valuable exposure to the care-delivery side of healthcare.

A graduate of Tulane University, Clayton earned his Masters of Healthcare Administration, and received his undergraduate degree from Arkansas State University. He is an active member of ACHE North Texas Chapter and has achieved FACHE designation.

Stephen Love is currently President and Chief Executive Officer of the Dallas-Fort Worth Hospital Council which promotes collaboration, cooperation, and advocacy on behalf of its 90 member hospitals. The Hospital Council also has approximately 100 Associate Members (business and industry), including prominent accounting, legal and consulting firms. The primary mission is to drive evidence-based improvement in patient care and health equity in North Texas. He was the United Nations Association Award Winner in 2018 for Global Goals. He served as 2015 Chair for the Conference of Metropolitan and Regional Hospitals Association in the United States. He received the 2020 D CEO’s Lifetime Achievement Award. He also received the Dallas Medical Society’s Millard J. and Robert L. Health Award for a non-physician providing outstanding leadership to the community. He also previously served on the Children at Risk Board for North Texas and Mothers Against Drunk Driving Dallas. He serves on the Southwest Region Board for the American Heart Association; Southwest Transplant Alliance; Cure Glaucoma Foundation Advisory Board; North Texas Eye Research Institute; the Metropolitan YMCA Board of Directors; the Board of Directors of Prism Health North Texas and the Greater Irving-Las Colinas Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. Mr. Love has worked in healthcare management for over 45 years. He has demonstrated leadership in tax exempt, investor-owned, specialty and private hospitals in operations, finance, and corporate governance. Prior to joining the Dallas-Fort Worth Hospital Council, Mr. Love was Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of a Fortune 500 healthcare company that owned over 50 hospitals and managed approximately 200 facilities in the United States.

Susan McClure is on a mission to help people understand how their lives are changing thanks to our increased understanding of our own DNA. Her life’s work is centered around helping people make informed decisions about their health by improving their health literacy.
Susan is the founder and CEO of Genome Creative — a media consulting company committed to that mission. She was also the founder and publisher of Genome magazine (published from 2014-2018) — a first-in-class consumer magazine covering all aspects of the movement toward precision medicine and the genomic revolution making it possible.
Prior to its launch, she spent 10 years as the publisher of CURE — a magazine for cancer patients, survivors, and caregivers. During her tenure at CURE, she served as vice president of patient engagement for McKesson Specialty Health. Under Susan’s direction, she and her team were honored for outstanding journalism by many professional media organizations, including Folio, the American Society of Magazine Editors, the American Cancer Society, Magazine Publishers of America, and Media Industry News.
In 2016, Susan was honored by Folio as one of the “Top Women in Media” and was invited by the Personalized Medicine Coalition to its board of directors — the first journalist to receive such an honor. She also serves as a founding board member of FT3 (From Testing to Targeted Treatments) — a global, open, and collaborative multi-stakeholder program intended to build synergies and accelerate pragmatic efforts to make personalized medicine an accessible reality for all patients who could benefit from it. She co-leads the program’s education and awareness working group.
Dr. Christopher McLarty serves as Associate Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer for Ambulatory Services. He is also responsible for leading the Office of Advanced Practice Providers, representing nearly 900 Physician Assistants and Advanced Practice Registered Nurses across the Health System. Dr. McLarty completed undergraduate studies at the City Colleges of Chicago before completing a master’s degree in nursing with concentration as an Acute Care and Emergency Nurse Practitioner at Loyola University Chicago. He later earned the Doctor of Nursing Practice degree from Arizona State University. During his career, Dr. McLarty has taken on roles in emergency services, multi-site clinical operations, and academic health system leadership. He is an active member of several professional organizations, and currently serves as a Board Member for Texas Nurse Practitioners (TNP).

Amy Quinn, DNP, APRN, FNP-C
With over 15 years in nursing, I began my journey as a critical care nurse with the pursuit to lead the way to improve patient outcomes, and healthcare delivery, and develop my skills in nursing leadership. My passion for primary and preventive healthcare led me to advance my education and become a family nurse practitioner. I have been practicing in internal medicine for the past 10 years and now serve as the advanced practice clinician leader for CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic (CTC) and chair of the CTC advanced practice clinician’s council. I am also a member of the CTC credentialing and quality committee. As the dynamics of healthcare continue to evolve, I am passionate about the advocacy and utilization of advanced practice providers to meet the demands of patient needs and access.

Kiara Rodriguez is a Fort Worth native with over 4 years of experience working with survivors with trauma. She has focused on the issue of human trafficking since graduating with her bachelor’s degree in 2015. Kiara is excited to be a part of Unbound Now’s team as their outreach specialist raising awareness for human trafficking in her own community.

Carrie Schirato lives in Plano, Texas. She is a wife, a mother of five, and a nurse practitioner. She received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Baylor University and her Masters and Post-masters certificate from the University of Texas at Arlington. She has worked in the Emergency Department since 2005 and has spent the last decade working in a level 1 trauma center in Dallas Texas.
In 2017, she co-founded an anti-human trafficking non-profit organization called Reclaim611, with two of her long-time friends and colleagues. As medical professionals they are passionate about helping their own profession learn how to recognize, respond, report and reclaim the lives of victims of human trafficking. They understand the utmost importance of a multidisciplinary community approach and are dedicated to providing streamline responses to these very complex and traumatized victims, as they deserve the best care possible! Reclaim611 unites and equips front-line providers to step into the fight to end human trafficking!

Dr. Mark Schnitzer is an experienced Surgeon, Educator, Physician Advisor, Medical Director,
Consultant, and Executive Coach. An interest in processes and mathematics led him to pursue an unlikely course of pre-medical study: electrical engineering. It was during his Ph.D. studies that he applied to medical school and completed his MSEE and MD concurrently. He completed his clinical training in neurological surgery and a fellowship in neurosciences critical care at The Johns Hopkins Hospital. His final year at Johns Hopkins was in the role of Assistant Chief of Service.
After fifteen years in solo, private neurosurgical practice and medical staff governance roles, he was recruited to Hawaii as the sole, full-time neurosurgeon for Kaiser Permanente with the mandate to set the groundwork for a completely internalized program. That experience led to his invitation to serve as the inaugural medical director of neurosciences and an ambitious project to unify the neurosciences programs across the government hospitals in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. Once this unification was well underway, the program was handed off to the Cleveland Clinic. Subsequently, he served as the inaugural CMO for a start-up telemedicine company in Dubai and as an adjunct associate professor in a graduate program for healthcare administration.
He returned to the USA after four years in the Middle East and took on the role of physician advisor for SSM Health. Initially accountable for one hospital, he was elevated to a regional, multi-hospital role where he was accountable for insurance denial management including education of clinicians in evidence-based medicine and responsible stewardship as well as holding numerous roles in quality improvement projects. Subsequently, he took on the role of medical director for a large accountable care organization based in Dallas, TX for 3 years before embarking as an executive coach as a means to help other healthcare leaders as they pursue their journey.
Dr. Schnitzer is a Fellow of the American Board of Quality Assurance and Utilization Review Physicians and is board certified in healthcare quality and management with added qualification as a Physician Advisor. He is a certified professional in healthcare quality by the National Association for Healthcare Quality and is certified by the American Society for Quality as a Six Sigma Black Belt. Additionally, he is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives.
Dr. Schnitzer has provided a number of invited publications and presentations in the areas of healthcare informatics, patient safety, and responsible stewardship and he serves as a senior examiner for the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award.
Dr. Schnitzer considers himself an interface professional, like most clinicians who have transitioned into healthcare leadership roles. He maintains a state of constant inquiry and curiosity with the ever-present thought, “There is something I do not know, the knowing of which could change everything.”

Andrew Smith, FACHE, currently serves as the strategy leader for the scheduling customer journey at Baylor Scott & White Health; however, he starts a new position with Sutter Health in California next week as system Vice President for Patient Access. Andrew has held various roles at Baylor Scott & White over the past 12 years, ranging from clinic operations to enterprise strategy development. Andrew is a Fellow of ACHE and attended Saint Louis University for both his undergraduate and graduate degrees.

David Winter serves HealthTexas Provider Network, a 1000 + physician organization in partnership with Baylor Scott & White Health, as President and Chairman of the Board. He also is in the private practice of internal medicine at the Tom Landry Center on the campus of Baylor University Medical Center.

He received his medical degree from the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, completed an internship and residency at Baylor University Medical Center, and has been awarded a Masters of Science in Medical Management from the University of Texas at Dallas. He has been honored with a Mastership in the American College of Physicians and has served that organization as Governor of the Northern District of Texas and Board member of the national PAC. He has been recognized with the Significant Sig Award of Sigma Chi fraternity and is listed in The Most Powerful Dallas 500 Business Leaders by D CEO Magazine in 2016-2019.

Dr. Winter enjoys teaching as an attending physician in the Internal Medicine Department at Baylor University Medical Center, is on the Clinical Faculty of Southwestern Medical School at the University of Texas Health Science Center and is an Adjunct Professor in the School of Management at the University of Texas at Dallas.

He serves on the Board of the Baylor Scott & White Health Care System, the Board of the Heart Hospital at Baylor Plano, the Board of the Heart Hospital at Baylor Denton, the Board of Managers of BSWH Quality Alliance, a Member of the BSWH Clinical Leadership Council, a Member of the System Professional Oversight Committee of BSWH, Member of the BSWH System Corporate Compliance Committee, Co-Chair of the BSWH Clinical Strategic Advisory Council, and Past Co-Chair and Member of the Board of Governors of the Baylor Scott & White Medical Group.

He is the President of the Discovery Foundation, a health care philanthropy organization. Dr. Winter is also founder of Baylor Scott & White’s concierge medicine program. He is the founder and past President of MedProvider and a founding member of HealthTexas Provider Network, a division of BSWH. In addition, he was the originator of MedBuilding, a health care real estate investment trust.

As a medical writer he has published a book, numerous scientific articles and papers and serves on the Editorial Staff of the Baylor University Medical Center Proceedings.

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Lunch & Learn: The Current Barriers Preventing Providers from Focusing on Self-Care for Themselves
2023-09-13 12:00 - 13:00 | Virtual
The concept of work-life balance has been around since the late 1800’s when manufacturing laws were passed to restrict how long women and children could work. Over the years, the laws continued to change to limit the hours employees could work during the day and week, but the number of hours a provider is expected to work hasn’t changed due to being “on call” or available after hours. Even with all the innovations in technology, the lines have become more blurred than ever trying to balance work and personal life when someone can be available 24/7 via text, phone, and email. The concept of work-life balance is even more challenging for providers due to the demands placed on them and the barriers created by organizational, social, and personal roles.
This presentation will provide the audience with current barriers preventing providers from focusing on themselves and the three pillars of how to promote provider self-care. The audience will walk away with a greater understanding and appreciation of what challenges providers are facing and practical tools that can be implemented into any organization to promote provider self-care.

Presenter:
Teri Chilcoat MS, PHR, SHRM-CP is the founder of Lean In Life Coaching and is a recognized expert on redefining work-life balance.
Prior to starting her own coaching business, Teri spent over fifteen years in human resources with an emphasis on employee relations. Teri spent six years of her career in the health care sector providing valuable insight and coaching to managers, executives, and physician leadership.
In her last role with Texas Oncology, Teri was responsible for the human resources functions for over fifteen hundred employees and four hundred providers while managing three HR Business Partners.
Teri holds a Master of Science in Strategic Human Resources from the University of Denver and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of La Verne. Teri has been a member of the Dallas HR professional association since 2015 and has been certified with Human Resource Certification Institution since 2013 and a certification with Society of Human Resource Professional since 2015. Teri also volunteers her time with Dallas HR and the non-profit, Catchafire.

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Lunch & Learn: Lean Six Sigma for Healthcare
2023-08-23 12:00 - 13:00 | Virtual
Another great East Texas ACHE Forum Lunch & Learn!
Lean Six Sigma (LSS) is a combination of Lean and Six Sigma that has been alive and active in Healthcare for nearly 25 years. Six Sigma reduces variation and Lean removes waste. Both provide process improvement affecting patients and achieves business process improvements. When combining these two practices, a powerful Continuous Improvement methodology delivers great results.
Key take aways:

Obtain basic knowledge of the LSS tools and methods (DMAIC)
See examples of LSS in Healthcare
Learn how LSS can impact overall business performance
Receive useful tools to apply and see results now

Ric Van Der Linden is the Principal Consultant for ProgressivEdge (www.ProgressivEdge.com), a consulting business based East Texas area focused on the applications of Continuous Improvement techniques to any business type but with a heavy focus on Healthcare. For the past 18 years has had a full-time dedication to Continuous Improvement through the application of Lean Six Sigma and other improvement approaches He has a BS in Manufacturing Engineering, a Masters in Organizational Management, is a certified Master Black Belt in Lean Six Sigma. He has held board positions with the American Society for Quality, Institute of Industrial Engineers and other non-profit organizations. He has spent many years running programs at Universities to bring Lean Six Sigma to 1000’s of working professionals.

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Lunch & Learn: High-Yield Conversations
2023-06-28 12:00 - 13:00 | Virtual
In our leadership roles, our words matter. How do we lead conversations that yield great results? We’ll look at coaching, managing meetings, and strategic discussions that will produce great value for our departments, clinics and systems.

Brian Brandt is President of Core Insights, a Tyler-based company providing training and facilitation for hundreds of businesses and non-profits throughout the country. With three decades of leadership experience, he has devoted his life to developing stronger organizations and leaders. He frequently speaks at conferences on human resources issues, leadership, change management, board development and engagement, and strategic planning. He recently co-authored a book entitled, The Ambassador’s Journey: A parable about nonprofit board leadership. They have previously published Blind Spots: What you don’t know CAN hurt you. Brian holds a Master’s Degree in Global Leadership as well as a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting.

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