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DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20240731T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20240731T130000
DTSTAMP:20260604T120635
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SUMMARY:Lunch & Learn: Reimagining the Patient Experience
DESCRIPTION:  \n\n\nA 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. \n\n\n  \n  \nRegister Here\n  \n  \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nKristi Stern\, MPH\, CPXP \nDirector of Patient Experience\, Ardent Health Services \nKristi 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. \nKristi 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. \nKristi 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.
URL:https://acheetx.org/event/lunch-learn-reimagining-the-patient-experience/
LOCATION:Virtual
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20240830T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20240830T133000
DTSTAMP:20260604T120635
CREATED:20240702T203459Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240823T130824Z
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SUMMARY:Strategic Marketing Winning the Battle for Markets and Share
DESCRIPTION:This event has been approved for 1.5 ACHE Virtual Interactive Education credits\nDate: Friday\, August 30\nTime: 12-1:30pm \n\n\nIn 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. \nPanelists: \nPatrick Crocker\, JD\, MBA\nAssociate Professor of Health Care Practice\nNeeley School of Business\, Texas Christian University \nLindsey Nace. MBA\nMarketing Program Director\nSouthwestern Health Resources \nJeff Stewart\, FACHE\nVice President Strategic Marketing\nCHRISTUS Health \nDarin Szilagyi\, FACHE\nSenior Vice President Marketing and Communications\nPlatinum Dermatology Partners \n\n\n  \nRegister Here\n  \n\n\nSpeakers Bios: \n\n\n  \nPatrick 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. \n  \n\n\nLindsey 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. \nLindsey 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. \nJeff 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. \nBefore 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. \nJeff 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. \nDarin 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. \nDarin 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. \nDarin 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. \nDarin 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. \nDarin and his wife Tracye make their home in Colleyville\, along with their two youngest children\, Audrey and Andrew. \n\n\n  \nRegister Here
URL:https://acheetx.org/event/strategic-marketing-winning-the-battle-for-markets-and-share/
LOCATION:TX
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20240917T173000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20240917T200000
DTSTAMP:20260604T120635
CREATED:20240813T180301Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240828T165654Z
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SUMMARY:Networking and Healthcare Well-Being Educational Event
DESCRIPTION:  \nThis educational portion of this event has been approved for 1.5 ACHE In Person Education Credits! \n  \nPlease 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. \n\n\nAt 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. \n  \n\n5:30 pm (networking 3rd annual event)\, 6:30pm-8:00pm (education panel) \n  \n\nModerator: Guy Cayo\, MHSA\, CLSSGB\, FACHE: UT Health—Pittsburg\, CEO \nPanelists: \nJulie Haygood\, MD: CHRISTUS Health\, Medical Director of Clinical Informatics\nBeth Maddox\, M.S.\, SPHR\, SHRM-SCP: Vice President\, Human Resources\, CHRISTUS Health Northeast Texas/North Louisiana\nBrenda McBride\, LCSW: UT Health East Texas\, Director of Trauma Support Services \nSpeakers’ Bios: \nGuy 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. \nGuy 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. \n  \nDr. 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. \nIn 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. \nDr. 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. \n\n\n  \nThis 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. \nIn 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. \nIn 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. \nBeth 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. \n  \n\n\nBrenda 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. \n\n\n  \nA 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. \n  \nRegister Here
URL:https://acheetx.org/event/networking-and-healthcare-well-being-educational-event/
LOCATION:The Grove Kitchen & Gardens\, 3500 Old Jacksonville Highway\, Tyler\, TX\, 75701
ORGANIZER;CN="ACHE of East Texas":MAILTO:info@acheetx.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20241004T113000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20241004T130000
DTSTAMP:20260604T120635
CREATED:20240908T151043Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240917T210436Z
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SUMMARY:Developing High Performing Teams
DESCRIPTION:This panel has been approved for 1.5 ACHE Virtual Interactive Credits. \n  \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nToday’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. \nModerator: \nJohn Phillips\, FACHE\nPresident\nMethodist Dallas Medical Center \nPanelists: \nScott Avery\nChief Operating Officer\nParis Regional Health \nShelly Birmingham\, MBA\, BSN\nChief Nurse Executive\nChristus Trinity Mother Frances \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nJoshua Johnson\, MBA\nFranchise Owner\nChick-fil-A Lindale/North Tyler \n  \nRegister Here\nSpeakers’ Bios: \nScott 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. \nAfter 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. \nHowever\, 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. \nScott’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. \nIn 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. \nScott’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. \nOutside 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. \nWith 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. \n  \nShelly 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. \nUnder 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. \nHer 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. \nHer 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. \n  \nJoshua 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. \nJoshua 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. \nJoshua’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. \nHe is married to his wife of 21 years Jill and has 4 sons: Shepard\, Fisher\, Kinsler\, and Merritt. \n  \nJohn Phillips\, FACHE\, serves as president of Methodist Dallas Medical Center. \nSince 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. \nPhillips 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. \nPrior 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. \nPhillips 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.
URL:https://acheetx.org/event/developing-high-performing-teams/
LOCATION:Virtual
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20241004T133000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20241004T150000
DTSTAMP:20260604T120635
CREATED:20240908T154026Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240916T133350Z
UID:16739-1728048600-1728054000@acheetx.org
SUMMARY:Developing Mentoring and Coaching Skills
DESCRIPTION:This panel has been approved for 1.5 ACHE Virtual Interactive Education credits. \n  \n\n\nData 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. \nModerator: \nVenita Basham\nRegional Director Talent Development and Culture\nCHRISTUS Health Northeast Texas \nPanelists: \nChris Karam\, FACHE\nSenior Vice President\nCHRISTUS Health\, LA & SETX Region \n\nKenny Lange\nCoach\nKenny Lange Coaching \nJared Shelton\, FACHE\nPresident\nTexas Health Harris Methodist Hospital HEB \n\n  \nRegister Here\n  \n  \n\n\nSpeakers’ Bios: \n\n\n  \nVenita 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. \n  \nVenita 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. \n  \n\n\nChristopher 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. \nChris 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. \nIn 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. \nChris 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. \nChris and his wife\, Michelle\, have three children\, Erica\, Mitchel and Amelie and six grandchildren\, Baron\, Evelyn\, Guy\, Louis\, Gordon\, and Hayes. \n\n  \nAfter 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. \nNow\, 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. \nHe is also the host of the top 10% globally ranked podcast\, “How Leaders Think with Kenny Lange.” \nHe and his wife\, Rebekah\, have fostered 18 kids and counting\, and adopted 2 in addition to their 3 biological children. \nThey 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. \n  \n\nJared Shelton\, FACHE\, serves as president of Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital HEB\, joining the leadership team there in July 2022. \nHe 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. \nShelton 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. \nHe 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. \nShelton 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. \nOutside of work\, Shelton and his wife\, Kathryn\, enjoy parenthood with their young children — daughters\, Mackenzie and Caroline\, and son\, Jack.
URL:https://acheetx.org/event/developing-mentoring-and-coaching-skills/
LOCATION:Virtual
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20241115T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20241115T200000
DTSTAMP:20260604T120635
CREATED:20240813T183807Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241015T220029Z
UID:16718-1731693600-1731700800@acheetx.org
SUMMARY:East Texas ACHE's Annual Chapter & Membership Event
DESCRIPTION:  \nPlease join us to celebrate\nEast Texas ACHE’s Annual Chapter & Membership Event \nFeaturing Dr. Peter Pisters\, President of UT MD Anderson Cancer Center\, \nand Chris McKee\, SVP of Strategy and Business Development\, \nalso of UT MD Anderson Cancer Center. \n~Enjoy dinner with us~\nFriday\, November 15th\, 2024\nSix o’clock in the evening at \nUT Health East Texas\nNorth Campus\nPresident’s Event Center – Building H\n11937 US Highway 271\nTyler\, TX 75708 \nR.S.V.P. by November 1st\, 2024 \nTables 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. \n\n  \nRegister Here\n 
URL:https://acheetx.org/event/east-texas-aches-annual-chapter-membership-event/
LOCATION:UT Health East Texas  North Campus\, President's Event Center - Building H\, 11937 US Highway 271\, Tyler\, TX\, 75708
ORGANIZER;CN="ACHE of East Texas":MAILTO:info@acheetx.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250306T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250306T133000
DTSTAMP:20260604T120635
CREATED:20250206T170359Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250206T170359Z
UID:16766-1741262400-1741267800@acheetx.org
SUMMARY:Strategically Mapping Your Early Career Development
DESCRIPTION:  \nIn 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. \nThis panel will focus on nuts-and-bolts career planning for early careerists in the healthcare sector. \nModerator: George T. Roberts\, Jr.\, FACHE\nChief Executive Officer\nNortheast Texas Public Health District(NET Health) \nPanelists: \nTara Gaugh\, CPRP\nExecutive Director of Clinical Affairs\nUT Tyler School of Medicine \nTerry Marrow\, Jr.\nHuman Resources (HR) Manager\nBethesda Health Clinic | Hangers of Hope \nJoshua Morgan\, MD\, MPHm\nChief Medical Officer\nFamily Circle of Care \n\n\n  \nRegister Here\n\n\nSpeakers’ Bios: \nTara 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. \n\n\n  \n  \n  \n\n\nTerry 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. \nTerry completed his studies in Aircraft Maintenance and Technical Management\, furthering his commitment to continuous professional development. \nSince 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. \nOutside 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. \n  \nJoshua 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. \nHe 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. \nHis passion is his work to ensure underserved populations have the health and opportunities to enjoy fulfilling lives. \n  \nGeorge 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. \nMr. 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). \n\n\n  \nRegister Here
URL:https://acheetx.org/event/strategically-mapping-your-early-career-development/
LOCATION:Virtual
ORGANIZER;CN="ACHE of East Texas":MAILTO:info@acheetx.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250508T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250509T113000
DTSTAMP:20260604T120635
CREATED:20250312T221602Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250506T000526Z
UID:16778-1746691200-1746790200@acheetx.org
SUMMARY:Multi-Chapter Healthcare Forum – Transforming Healthcare
DESCRIPTION: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. \n\n\n\nEarn up to 7.5 approved ACHE In Person Education Credits!\n  \n\nRegister Here\n\nAgenda \nMay 8th (Day 1) \n8-9am – Registration / Breakfast \n9-9:15am – Opening \n9:15-10:15am – Keynote Presentation\nEdward W. Marx\nChief Operating Officer\, Marx Advisory\nAuthor of healthcare bestsellers including Voices of Innovation and Healthcare Digital Transformation \n10:15-10:30am – Break \n10:30am-12pm – First Breakout Sessions \nPanel 1 Option: The Promise and Perils of Precision Medicine\nModerator: Ajith Pai\, PharmD\, FACHE\, President\, Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Southwest Fort Worth & Texas Health Hospital Clearfork \nPanelists:\n \nSteven Curley\, MD\, Medical Director\, Precision Oncology\nMark Kruzel\, MD\, Medical Director in Oncology\, Quest Advanced Diagnostics\nAlex Melton\, VP of Engineering\, Invene \nPanel 2 Option: Marketing and Money: Linking New Products\, Services and ROI\nModerator: Darin Szilagyi\, FACHE\, FHFMA\, Senior Vice President Marketing and Communications\, Platinum Dermatology Partners \nPanelists:\nSan Banerjee\, MBA\, Vice President Product Development- Health Services\, CVS Health\nLance Lunsford\, MBA\, FACHE\, Co-Founder/Senior Partner\, Groundswell Health\nJames Schleck\, Co-Founder\, Growth Verticals\, Founding Partner\, Tea Leaves Health \n12-1pm – Lunch \n1-2:30pm – Second Breakout Sessions \nPanel 1 Option: The State of Healthcare: Industry Leaders’ Perspectives\nModerator: Crystal Brown\, VP & COO\, Methodist Mansfield \nPanelists:\nAllan Akinradewo\, VP Talent Acquisition\, Methodist Health System\nFrances Dare\, Senior Director\, Provider Practice Lead\, Cognizant\nLance Lunsford\, MBA\, FACHE\, Co-Founder/Senior Partner\, Groundswell Health \nPanel 2 Option: Listening to Employers: How Health Systems Can Support Population Health Management\nModerator: David Friederichs\, Managing Director\, Innovacer \nPanelists:\nBrian Felty\, Chief Market Payor and Financial Officer\, Southwestern Health Resources\nShannon Huggins\, SVP\, Contract Strategy & Pop Health\, Methodist Health System\nBenjamin Hagan\, Assistant Vice President – Benefits\, AT&T Services\, Inc.\nWilliam Scott Hurst\, MBA\, FACHE\, President & CEO\, Patient Physician Network \n2:30-3pm – Break \n3-4:30pm – Third Breakout Sessions \nPanel 1 Option: Developing High Performing Teams\nModerator: Bert Witherspoon\, MS\, MBA\, LP\, FACHE\, Chief Operating Officer\, Texas Vision & Laser Center \nPanelists:\nPatrick Crocker\, Assistant General Counsel\, Texas Health Resources\nAudrianne Schneider\, FACHE\, Owner\, J29 Marketing Group\, LLC\nRebecca Tucker\, SVP\, Channel Integration\, Texas Health Resources \nPanel 2 Option: Financial Sustainability of Healthcare Organizations: A Plan of Action\nModerator: Kris Sanders\, FACHE\, Senior Vice President\, Northern Market Growth and Development\, Children’s Health Plano \nPanelists:\nSteve Love\, President & CEO\, Dallas Fort Worth Hospital Council\nTammy Walsh\, FHFMA\, CRCR\, CEO\, Paramount Healthcare Solutions\nSarah Hereford\, Director\, Forvis Mazars \nMay 9 (Day 2) \n7-8am – Breakfast \n8-9:30am – Fourth Breakout Sessions \nPanel 1 Option: The Globalization of Healthcare\nModerator: Richard Greenhill\, DHA\, FACHE\, Chief Transformation Officer\, Quality Insights \nPanelists:\nJoe Longo\, Senior Vice President/Chief Digital Information Officer\, Parkland Health\nNiyati Patel\, Program Manager Strategy & Business Development\, MD Anderson\nDavid Vequist\, PhD\, Director\, Center for Medical Tourism Research\, Incarnate Word University \nPanel 2 Option: Implementing Strategic Plans for Successful Operations\nModerator: Corey Wilson\, FACHE\, COO\, Texas Health Harris Methodist Fort Worth \nPanelists:\nFelixia Colon\, FACHE\, Senior Vice President\, SCP Health\nDr. David Gonzales\, Regional President of Hospital Medicine & Emergency Medicine Services\, Sound Physicians\nDon Taylor\, MHA\, Director\, Alliance for Physician Leadership and Director of Practice\, UTD \n9:30-10am – Break \n10-11:30am – Fifth Breakout Sessions \nPanel 1 Option: Leading Through Mergers and Acquisitions\nModerator: Aaron Bujnowski\, FACHE\, Managing Director\, Alvarez and Marsal \nPanelists:\nChris Core\, Chief Growth Officer\, US Radiology Specialists\nLee Mathew\, Administrator\, USPI\nTim Godfrey\, FACHE\, FACMPE\, Vice President of Physician Practice Operations\, CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic \nPanel 2 Option: Winning the Battle for Markets and Share\nModerator: Jeff Stewart\, FACHE\, Vice President Strategic Marketing\, CHRISTUS Health \nPanelists:\n \nStacy Covitz\, Chief Marketing & PR Officer\, Methodist Health\nFernand “Fern” Fernandez\, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer\, Children’s Health\nDaphne Tam\, MS\, Founder and Principal\, DT Communications \n  \nThanks to Texas Woman’s University-Dallas for hosting us on their beautiful campus! \n  \nClick Here to Reference Speakers’ Bios\n\n\n\n\n\nRegister Here
URL:https://acheetx.org/event/multi-chapter-healthcare-forum-transforming-healthcare/
LOCATION:Texas Woman’s University – Dallas\, 5500 Southwestern Medical Avenue\, Dallas\, TX\, 75235
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250605T173000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250605T200000
DTSTAMP:20260604T120635
CREATED:20250508T184934Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250515T183835Z
UID:16798-1749144600-1749153600@acheetx.org
SUMMARY:Networking & The State of Healthcare: Industry Leaders' Perspectives
DESCRIPTION:  \n\n\nPlease join us for this special combined Networking and Education Event in Texarkana. \nYou 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. \nAgenda: \n5:30pm-6:25pm: Registration and Networking \n6:25pm: Remarks from host\, CHRISTUS St. Michael \n6:30pm-8:00pm: The State of Healthcare: Industry Leaders’ Perspectives \nNumerous 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. \nModerator: Guy Cayo\, MHSA\, CLSSGB\, FACHE Chief Executive Officer UT Health Pittsburg & Quitman\nPanelist: Scott Avery Chief Operating Officer Paris Regional Health\nPanelist: Loren Robinson\, MD Chief Medical Officer CHRISTUS Health St. Michael\nPanelist: Rob Terry Jr.\, MSN\, RN\, CEN\, CFRN \nSpeakers’ Bios: \nScott Avery: From Military Service to Healthcare Executive Leadership \nScott 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. \nHis 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. \nIn 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. \nOutside 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. \nGuy 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. \nIn 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. \nGuy 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. \nBeyond 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. \nLoren 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. \n\n\n  \nRob 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. \nWith 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. \nOutside 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. \n  \nRegister Here\n 
URL:https://acheetx.org/event/networking-the-state-of-healthcare-industry-leaders-perspectives/
LOCATION:Northridge Country Club\, 120 Bill Rogers Drive\, Texarkana\, TX\, 75503
ORGANIZER;CN="ACHE of East Texas":MAILTO:info@acheetx.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250709T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250709T093000
DTSTAMP:20260604T120635
CREATED:20250618T193958Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250701T214601Z
UID:16814-1752048000-1752053400@acheetx.org
SUMMARY:The Role of Data and Advanced Analytics in Transforming Healthcare
DESCRIPTION:This panel has been approved for 1.50 ACHE Virtual Interactive Education Credits. \n  \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRoutine 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. \nModerator: \nNick Kagal\, FACHE\, FHIMSS\nHX Client Success Manager\nPress Ganey \nPanelists: \nColleen Cotton\nAVP\, Corporate Decision Support\nArdent Health Services \nDavid Gano\, MSOD\nExecutive Director of Performance Improvement\nCHRISTUS Trinity Clinic \nErnie Hackney\nAVP\, Financial Operations and Decision Support\nUT Health East Texas \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n  \nRegister Here\n  \nSpeakers’ Bios: \n  \nColleen 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. \n  \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDavid 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. \nFor 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. \nThe 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. \nDavid 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. \nIn his personal time\, David enjoys traveling with his family\, restoring and racing classic Volkswagen Beetles. \n  \nErnie 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. \n  \n  \nNick 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. \nNick 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.
URL:https://acheetx.org/event/the-role-of-data-and-advanced-analytics-in-transforming-healthcare/
LOCATION:Virtual
ORGANIZER;CN="ACHE of East Texas":MAILTO:info@acheetx.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250711T133000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250711T150000
DTSTAMP:20260604T120635
CREATED:20250617T172916Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250618T193514Z
UID:16806-1752240600-1752246000@acheetx.org
SUMMARY:Digital Health in the Healthcare Delivery System
DESCRIPTION:  \nThis panel has been approved for 1.50 ACHE Virtual Interactive Education Credits. \n  \n\n\nThe 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. \n  \nThis 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. \n  \nModerator: \nDavid Larsen\, DO\, MBA\, FACHE\nFamily Physician/Institute Chair for Primary Care/Medical Director of Clinical Informatics\nCHRISTUS Trinity Clinic \nPanelists: \nKameron Edson\nIT System Analyst\nThe Hospice of East Texas \nBlake Hoegger\, BSN\, RN\nDirector of Virtual Care\nTexas Oncology \nSean Smith\nVice President Virtual Health\nArdent Health \nRegister Here\nSpeakers Bios: \nAs 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. \n\n\n  \n  \n \n\n\nBlake 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. \nWith 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. \nBlake 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. \n  \nDr. 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. \n  \n  \nSean 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.
URL:https://acheetx.org/event/digital-health-in-the-healthcare-delivery-system/
LOCATION:Virtual
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250827T073000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250827T093000
DTSTAMP:20260604T120635
CREATED:20250805T211736Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250812T194052Z
UID:16891-1756279800-1756287000@acheetx.org
SUMMARY:Financial Sustainability of Healthcare Organizations: A Plan of Action
DESCRIPTION:This panel has been approved for 1.50 ACHE In-Person Education Credits.\n\n\nIssues 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. \nAgenda: \n\n7:30am- Registration\, Breakfast\, & Networking\n7:50am- Welcome from ACHE\n7:55am- Welcome from host\n8:00am- Education Panel—Financial Sustainability of Healthcare Organizations_ A Plan of Action\n9:30am-Closing Remarks from ACHE\n\n  \nModerator: George Roberts\, FACHE\nChief Executive Officer\nNortheast Texas Public Health District \nPanelists: \nRoy Finch\, FACHE\nVice President of Operations\nCHRISTUS Good Shepherd Health System \nWes Knight\nChief Financial Officer\nLongview Regional Medical Center \nVern Rennier\nChief Executive Officer\nOceans Healthcare- Longview \n\n\n  \nRegister Here\n\n\nSpeakers’ Bios: \n  \nCurrently 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. \nThroughout 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. \nRoy 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. \n  \nAs 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. \n  \nVern 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. \nA 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. \nIn 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. \nPrior 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. \nDeeply 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. \n  \nGeorge 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. \nMr. 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). \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n 
URL:https://acheetx.org/event/financial-sustainability-of-healthcare-organizations-a-plan-of-action/
LOCATION:CHRISTUS Good Shepherd\, 621 N. 4th Street\, Longview\, TX\, 75601
ORGANIZER;CN="ACHE of East Texas":MAILTO:info@acheetx.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250923T173000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250923T200000
DTSTAMP:20260604T120635
CREATED:20250825T193825Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250908T214229Z
UID:16904-1758648600-1758657600@acheetx.org
SUMMARY:Networking and Educational Event\, Successfully Leading Change in Healthcare
DESCRIPTION:The educational portion of this event has been approved for 1.5 ACHE In Person Education Credits! \nPlease 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. \n\n\nThe 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. \n5:30 pm (networking 4th annual event)\n6:30pm-8:00pm (education panel) \n  \nModerator: \nDawn Johnston\, FACHE\nAdministrative Director of Nursing/Clinical Services\nCHRISTUS Flight For Life \nPanelists: \nPaula E. Anthony\, Ph.D.\, FACHE\nChief Strategy Officer\nUT Health East Texas \nDr. Sue Cox\nDean\nUT Tyler School of Medicine \nKristen Harris\, JD\nChief Executive Officer\nFamily Circle of Care \n\n\n  \nA special thanks to the University of Texas at Tyler Executive MBA Healthcare Management Program for hosting this event for us again this year! \nRegister Here\n  \n  \n  \nSpeakers Bios: \n  \n  \n \nPaula 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. \nPreviously\, 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. \nPaula 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. \nPaula 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. \n  \nDr. 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. \nDr. 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. \nDr. 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. \nHer 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. \n  \nKristen 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. \nWith 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. \nBefore 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. \nKristen 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. \n  \nDawn Johnston\, MBA\, MSN\, CFRN\, LP\, is the Administrative Director of Nursing and Clinical Services\, CHRISTUS Flight For Life\, Northeast Texas. \nDawn 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. \nPreviously\, 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. \nDawn’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. \nDawn 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. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n 
URL:https://acheetx.org/event/networking-and-educational-event-successfully-leading-change-in-healthcare/
LOCATION:The Grove Kitchen & Gardens\, 3500 Old Jacksonville Highway\, Tyler\, TX\, 75701
ORGANIZER;CN="ACHE of East Texas":MAILTO:info@acheetx.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20251031T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251031T123000
DTSTAMP:20260604T120635
CREATED:20251008T203431Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251014T183935Z
UID:17007-1761908400-1761913800@acheetx.org
SUMMARY:The Promise and Perils of Precision Medicine
DESCRIPTION:This panel has been approved for 1.50 ACHE Virtual Interactive Education Credits \n  \n\n\nPrecision medicine holds great promise for improving the prevention\, diagnosis\, and treatment of many diseases. Advances in precision medicine have already led to powerful new discoveries and several new treatments that are tailored to specific characteristics\, such as a person’s genetic makeup\, or the genetic profile of an individual’s tumor. As the number of effective targeted therapies grows\, more patients are being assessed for genetic variations; indeed\, some experts believe that sequencing a patient’s genome will soon be standard procedure. But there are many challenges being faced including the enormous costs of treatment\, as well as regulatory\, infrastructure\, logistical\, and ethical issues. This panel will explore the promise and perils of precision medicine. \nModerator: \nJamie-Crystal L. Wylie\, FACHE\, RN\, CCRP\nRegional Research Director\nCHRISTUS Health \nPanelists: \nJeff Dunkel\nChief Executive Officer\nOptain \nGayle Patel\, MS\, CGC\nDirector\, Genetic Risk Evaluation & Testing Program\nTexas Oncology \n\n\n\n\nDonald Richards\, MD\nMedical Director\Regional Research Medical Director\nTexas Oncology \n\n\n  \nRegister Here\n  \n  \n\n\nSpeakers’ Bios: \nOriginally from Memphis\, Jeff Dunkel serves as the Global CEO of Optain Heath. Jeff’s experience spans from startup clinics to research institutions\, includes smaller device companies to Fortune 500 healthcare mainstays\, and has involved successful exit strategies of acquisitions and divestitures. His contracting strategies\, which included accountability for patient outcomes and cost guarantees\, have been recognized by Forbes magazine for leading the industry in risk share arrangements. Jeff led efforts to create new CMS technology categories and eight Section X ICD-10pcs codes for a previously unrecognized area of orthopaedic medical devices. He holds an advisory role with the US Department of Health and Human Services Center for Clinical Innovation\, sits on the Executive Committee for the Food and Drug Administration-sponsored Medical Device Epidemiology Network\, assisted in authoring the FDA’s PREPT task force report\, is a mentor for small businesses working with the National Institute of Health\, held two former population health advisory roles with the White House\, is a board member for the Center of Global Health Innovation’s Health Equity and Crisis Coordination division\, chairs Mindset Medicals Strategic Advisory Board\, and actively contributes to national legislation language with members of Congress and the Senate. Jeff has served previously as the CSO at Mindset Medical\, the EVP of Strategy at Titan Spine (exited to Medtronic)\, CEO of NuHope\, and the President’s Advisory Committee for Johnson and Johnson’s laboratory division. Jeff holds a Bachelor of Science from the School of Public Health at Indiana University\, where he spent three years in pre-med studies and two in business studies. \n  \n\nGayle Patel is a Certified Genetic Counselor who works at Texas Oncology as the Director of the Genetic Risk Evaluation and Testing or GREAT Program. Gayle received her master’s degree in Genetic Counseling at The University of North Carolina\, Greensboro. Prior to being part of the Texas Oncology Team\, Gayle was a genetic counselor in a general genetics clinic for the Seton Healthcare system in Austin\, Texas providing prenatal\, pediatric and adult genetic counseling for 6 years. \nAs the GREAT Program director Gayle provides educational and operational support to Texas Oncology providers who offer genetic evaluations in their clinics. Gayle and a team of 5 certified genetic counselors support over 140 providers across 210 Texas clinic locations to bring cancer genetic risk evaluations to more individuals in need. Since 2012\, Texas Oncology has provided genetic evaluations to over 70\,000 Texans! \n  \n\nDr. Donald Richards is a board-certified medical oncologist and hematologist with Texas Oncology\, where he practices in East Texas. He earned his Ph.D. in Cell Biology from Baylor College of Medicine\, followed by his M.D. from the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio. He completed his internal medicine training at Bexar County Teaching Hospital in San Antonio and later completed a hematology/oncology fellowship at UT Health San Antonio. \nIn his clinical and research roles\, Dr. Richards contributes broadly to cancer care and innovation. He serves as the Medical Director for Texas Oncology Tyler\, leading medical oversight and local medical strategy. He also holds the position of Regional Research Director for the Northeast Texas Region at Texas Oncology\, guiding clinical trials\, translational research\, and scientific collaboration across the region. \nWithin The US Oncology Network\, Dr. Richards is active on the GI Cancer Committee for the Sarah Cannon Research Institute. He is also involved with the precision medicine committee for Texas Oncology. Over his career\, he has published over 350 papers and abstracts in the area of oncology research. \n  \nJamie-Crystal L. Wylie\, FACHE\, RN\, CCRP is an accomplished healthcare leader and the Regional Research Director for CHRISTUS Health’s Northeast Texas ministries. With a strong background in clinical operations and healthcare administration\, she is passionate about bridging innovation\, research\, and patient care in rural health systems. \nShe holds a Master of Healthcare Administration and a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Science from Texas A&M \nUniversity\, as well as a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Texas at Arlington. Jamie-Crystal is a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives and a Certified Clinical Research Professional with over seven years of experience in clinical research leadership. \nDeeply committed to both her profession and her community\, she serves as a Legacy Board Member of the East Texas Chapter of ACHE\, is an active member of the Junior League of Tyler\, and teaches Sunday school at Flint Baptist Church. Outside of her professional roles\, Jamie-Crystal enjoys the outdoors\, traveling\, playing Mahjong with friends\, and spending time with her four children.
URL:https://acheetx.org/event/the-promise-and-perils-of-precision-medicine/
LOCATION:Virtual
ORGANIZER;CN="ACHE of East Texas":MAILTO:info@acheetx.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20251112T173000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251112T200000
DTSTAMP:20260604T120635
CREATED:20250918T210756Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250918T210756Z
UID:16970-1762968600-1762977600@acheetx.org
SUMMARY:ACHE of East Texas's Annual Chapter & Membership Event
DESCRIPTION:  \n\n\nYou’re not going to want to miss this year’s annual ACHE of East Texas Chapter & Membership Event. Not only will this provide tremendous networking opportunities\, but this year\, we’re going to have a great panel of speakers focusing on the subject of\, Partnerships for Success: Public Health and Health System Collaboration. As an added bonus\, the educational portion of the event has been preapproved for 1.50 ACHE In-Person Education credits. \nDinner & Cocktails included. \nPartnerships for Success: Public Health and Health System Collaboration \nThe top three functions of public health are to assess and monitor populations\, form public policies to address problems and priorities\, and finally to make sure access to services is provided. Public health challenges that were once found only in certain countries are no longer limited to within those borders. Globalization has increased these challenges. Through globalization\, the public health arena has a significant impact on health administration challenges in the US and on the path that healthcare will take in the foreseeable future. \nModerator: George T. Roberts\, Jr.\, FACHE\nChief Executive Office\nNortheast Texas Public Health District(NET Health) \nPanelists: \nDonald Baker\nRegional President\nArdent Health’s – Texas Region (Lone Star) \nDr. John English\, MD\nChief Executive Officer\nBethesda Health Clinic \nChris Glenney\, FACHE\nSenior Vice President\, Group Operations\nNortheast Texas / Northern Louisiana\nCHRISTUS Health \nJulie V. Philley\, MD\nPresident\nThe University of Texas at Tyler \n\n\n  \n  \nRegister Here\n  \n  \n\n\nSpeakers’ Bios: \nDonald Baker serves as Regional President for Ardent Health’s Texas Region\, known as the Lone Star Region. In this role\, he oversees strategy development and operations for hospitals and health services in comprehensive delivery networks across Amarillo\, Harker Heights\, and East Texas\, driving strategic growth\, clinical excellence\, and community-focused care. \nPreviously\, Mr. Baker served as Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer for UT Health East Texas\, where he led a comprehensive network that included nine hospitals\, an academic medical center\, regional rehabilitation facilities\, freestanding emergency centers\, more than 90 physician clinics\, and a full continuum of outpatient and in-home healthcare services. Under his leadership\, the system operated the region’s only Level 1 trauma center and maintained a robust emergency transport network with over 65 ambulances and four helicopters\, serving a 40-county region with nearly 8\,000 employees. \nBefore joining UT Health East Texas in 2020\, Mr. Baker spent more than two decades with Hillcrest HealthCare System in Oklahoma\, including 10 years as Market CFO. There\, he supported seven hospitals\, over 95 clinic locations\, and 7\,000 employees. His expertise spans managed care contracting\, FP&A\, financial operations\, and executive leadership at large academic medical centers. \nMr. Baker currently serves on the Texas Hospital Association Board of Directors\, the HOSPAC Board\, and the Tyler Economic Development Council Board of Directors. He holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Langston University and is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). \nDr. John English\, M.D.\, is a respected primary care physician\, CEO\, philanthropist\, and dedicated family man who has been serving the Tyler\, Texas community for over 20 years. As the current CEO of Bethesda Health Clinic\, a nonprofit organization\, Dr. English leads efforts to provide vital medical\, dental\, and mental healthcare services to underserved families in East Texas. \nA native East Texan\, Dr. English grew up in Longview and earned a B.S. in Biology from Stephen F. Austin State University before graduating from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School. He completed his internship and residency in family medicine at John Peter Smith Hospital in Fort Worth. \nDr. English has been committed to community service and mission-driven healthcare since his medical school days. In 2004\, he became the CEO of Bethesda Health Clinic\, where he played a pivotal role in establishing and expanding the clinic as a community-supported healthcare resource for those in need in Tyler. \nWith a longstanding history of volunteerism\, Dr. English currently serves on the Board of Directors for the East Area Council Boy Scout Foundation. He is also a deacon and Sunday School teacher at Green Acres Baptist Church. \nDr. English has been recognized with numerous awards for his service to the community\, including the Leadership Tyler Distinguished Alumni Award\, the Texas College Legacy Award\, the Boy Scouts District Award of Merit\, and the Junior League of Tyler Outstanding Volunteer Award. In 2013\, he was honored as a Doctor Luke honoree by Bethesda Health Clinic. \nDr. English is married to Grace\, a fellow family medicine physician. Together\, they have three adult children: Sarah (27)\, Daniel (26)\, and Matthew (24). In his personal time\, Dr. English enjoys traveling\, camping\, playing sports\, and working in his yard. \nWith over 27 years of leadership in Texas healthcare\, Chris Glenney is a visionary executive dedicated to building high-performing\, mission-driven healthcare organizations. His extensive experience spans leading large\, complex integrated delivery systems\, community hospitals of varying sizes\, and a 500+ physician multidisciplinary clinic. Under his leadership\, Trinity Clinic earned the prestigious AMGA Acclaim Award in 2018. In 2024\, Chris was honored as Senior Leader of the Year by ACHE of North Texas. \nSince joining CHRISTUS Health in 1998\, Chris has held numerous leadership roles and currently oversees operations for Trinity Mother Frances Health System (Tyler)\, Mother Frances Hospital Sulphur Springs\, St. Michael Health System (Texarkana)\, Good Shepherd Health System (Longview)\, and CHRISTUS Shreveport-Bossier Health System (Louisiana). \nChris holds a bachelor’s degree from Texas A&M University and a master’s in healthcare administration from Trinity University. He is a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives (FACHE). \nA passionate advocate for community service\, Chris serves as an elder at Grace Community Church and has been a board member for Grace Community School in Tyler for over 14 years. He contributes to multiple boards\, including the Texas A&M University School of Public Health External Advisory Board\, the Texas Hospital Association’s Council on Policy Development\, the CHRISTUS Fund Board\, and the Northeast Texas System Board for CHRISTUS Health. His philanthropy supports organizations like the Miracle League of Tyler\, Encouragement FM\, East Texas Crisis Center\, Pine Cove Christian Youth Camps\, and Bethesda Health Clinic. As a proud Texas A&M alumnus\, Chris is an active member of the Association of Former Students and supports the Texas A&M Foundation and 12th Man Foundation. \nChris has been married to his wife\, Shannon\, for 28 years. They have three children – Caleb\, Josh\, and Kate\, all born in Tyler at Mother Frances Hospital – and a daughter-in-law\, Lauren\, married to Caleb and future daughter-in-law\, Olivia\, soon to be married to Josh. His passions include faith\, family\, friends\, and Texas A&M University \nDr. Julie Philley is the sixth president of The University of Texas at Tyler. She also serves as Board Chair of UT Health East Texas. \nA Professor of Medicine and board certified in internal\, pulmonary and critical care medicine\, Dr. Philley served as UT Tyler’s Executive Vice President for Health Affairs following the 2021 merger of UT Tyler and the UT Health Science Center at Tyler\, which created a single\, integrated university. \nA native of East Texas\, Dr. Philley was raised in Overton. She earned a bachelor’s degree from Texas Woman’s University and her MD at UT Health Houston’s McGovern Medical School\, completing an internal medicine residency program at Johns Hopkins University/Sinai Hospital and a fellowship at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center Dallas. \n  \nGeorge 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. \nMr. 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).
URL:https://acheetx.org/event/ache-of-east-texass-annual-chapter-membership-event/
LOCATION:CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Wisenbaker Conference Center\, 800 E Dawson Street\, Tyler\, TX\, 75701
ORGANIZER;CN="ACHE of East Texas":MAILTO:info@acheetx.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20251212T113000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251212T130000
DTSTAMP:20260604T120635
CREATED:20251119T221700Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251119T221700Z
UID:17017-1765539000-1765544400@acheetx.org
SUMMARY:Meeting the Needs of Today’s Healthcare Consumer
DESCRIPTION:  \n\nThis event has been approved for 1.50 ACHE Virtual Interactive Education Credits!\n\n\n\nConsumer-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. \nOrganizational 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 and healthcare disrupters like retail clinics. How can hospitals and health systems provide the same level of customer service to stay competitive? \nJoin us for this important conversation and hear from the following speakers. \nModerator: \nKenneth Wuerch\, FACHE\nDirector of Strategy and Business Development\nCHRISTUS Health \nPanelists: \nCraig E. Deao\, MHA\nManaging Director\nHuron \nBrian Murphy\, MS\nRegional Director of Patient & Family Engagement\nIndiana University Health \nSeth Turnoff\nCo-founder\, Managing Partner\nCustom Medical Marketing \n\n\n  \nRegister Here\n  \n\n\nSpeakers’ Bios: \nCraig Deao\, MHA\, is a Managing Director with Huron and a trusted advisor to healthcare boards and executive teams. For two decades\, he has worked with leaders to strengthen governance and improve oversight of quality\, safety\, and the patient experience. His expertise includes board education\, governance restructuring\, and the facilitation of strategy and leadership development initiatives. \nCraig is highly regarded for helping boards and senior leaders clarify their roles\, strengthen accountability\, and create high-performing governance systems that advance organizational performance and culture. He co-led Studer Group’s receipt of the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award and continues to support organizations in their pursuit of excellence. \nCraig is a frequent speaker at national and international healthcare leadership conferences\, including multiple events hosted by the American College of Healthcare Executives where he has served as faculty since 2011. He has delivered more than 400 presentations across the United States\, Canada\, and Australia\, consistently earning top ratings from participants. \nCraig has authored numerous publications\, including the book The E Factor: How Engaged Patients\, Clinicians\, Leaders\, and Employees Will Transform Healthcare\, which has over 20\,000 copies in circulation. His insights on governance and leadership have appeared in publications such as Health Executive\, Trustee Magazine\, and Healthcare Philanthropy. \nBefore joining Huron\, Craig held leadership roles at VHA (now Vizient)\, where he led large-scale educational initiatives for healthcare executives\, achieving significant improvements in organizational performance and satisfaction. His educational background includes a Master of Healthcare Administration from the University of Minnesota and dual undergraduate degrees from Louisiana State University. \n  \nBrian Murphy is a healthcare leader and engineer with over 15 years of experience driving operational excellence\, patient engagement\, and human-centered design. As Regional Director of Patient & Family Engagement at Indiana University Health\, he leads initiatives to enhance the care experience and strengthen collaboration between patients\, families\, and care teams. \nBefore joining IU Health\, Brian served as Chief Operating Officer of Carmel Christkindlmarkt\, Inc.\, and as a Partner at M2M Consulting\, LLC\, where he specialized in organizational improvement and systems design. Earlier in his career\, he worked as a System Design Engineer at Linel and held research and development roles at BioStorage Technologies and the Herman B Wells Center for Pediatric Research. \nBrian holds both a Master’s in Engineering Management and dual Bachelor’s degrees in Biomedical Engineering and Biology from the Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology. He brings a unique blend of technical insight\, leadership\, and empathy to advancing patient-centered healthcare systems. \n  \nSeth Turnoff is a healthcare marketing strategist specializing in marketing diagnostics\, strategy consulting\, and hypertargeted patient acquisition. He helps healthcare organizations translate consumer data into actionable strategies that improve performance and connect the right patients with the right care. Known for his expertise in physician branding and patient segmentation\, Seth brings a balance of analytical precision and creative energy to every engagement. \n  \n  \n  \nKenneth Wuerch\, FACHE\, is a seasoned healthcare executive with a strong track record of driving strategic growth and operational excellence across diverse healthcare settings. As Director of Strategy and Business Development at CHRISTUS Health\, Kenneth collaborates with regional leadership and corporate stakeholders to lead high-impact initiatives\, including new service line development and major capital investments. His leadership is instrumental in advancing key projects across Northeast Texas. \nPrior to his current role\, Kenneth served as Practice Director at Texas Oncology\, where he oversaw clinical operations and performance improvement initiatives. He also held various operational leadership over the past 15yrs in the East Texas area. \nKenneth holds a Master of Public Administration in Health Care Administration from the University of Texas at Tyler. He also earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Marketing and an Associate of Science in Business Administration from Nelson University. \nA Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives (FACHE) since 2020\, Kenneth is committed to advancing healthcare delivery through data-driven strategy\, collaborative leadership\, and a passion for community-focused care. \n\n\n  \nRegister Here
URL:https://acheetx.org/event/meeting-the-needs-of-todays-healthcare-consumer/
LOCATION:Virtual
ORGANIZER;CN="ACHE of East Texas":MAILTO:info@acheetx.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260227T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260227T130000
DTSTAMP:20260604T120635
CREATED:20260130T181101Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260130T181101Z
UID:17027-1772186400-1772197200@acheetx.org
SUMMARY:ETX ACHE Volunteers – East Texas Food Bank
DESCRIPTION:  \n\nPlease join ETX ACHE as we box food for families in need throughout our community.\n\n\n\nThe East Texas Food Bank relies on volunteers to help us fulfill our mission. \nOver 8\,000 volunteers donated more than 32\,000 hours to help us fight hunger by volunteering last year. \n**Dress code: close toe shoes\, casual and cool clothing ** \n**Lunch is on your own either before or after the event.** \n\n\n  \nRegister Here
URL:https://acheetx.org/event/etx-ache-volunteers-east-texas-food-bank/
LOCATION:East Texas Food Bank\, 3201 Robertson Road\, Tyler\, TX\, 75701
ORGANIZER;CN="ACHE of East Texas":MAILTO:info@acheetx.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260327T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260327T143000
DTSTAMP:20260604T120635
CREATED:20260202T185329Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260304T222841Z
UID:17034-1774616400-1774621800@acheetx.org
SUMMARY:The Future of Healthcare Financing
DESCRIPTION:  \n\nThis panel has been approved for 1.50 ACHE Virtual Interactive Education Credits!\n\n\n\nFinancing\, a driving force in the healthcare landscape\, continues to become more complex. With budgetary pressures on Medicare and Medicaid\, pay for performance\, and federal expectations for investment in technology without regard to costs\, executives must constantly monitor the financing landscape. Given these pressures\, many questions emerge. In a time when the healthcare system has been challenged in many ways\, it has become abundantly clear that having concrete strategies and a comprehensive financial plan in place is critical for hospitals and healthcare systems to stay afloat. Join this session with hospital leaders as they discuss how to move from the reactive but necessary stage of financial recovery and transition to long-term\, proactive financial health. \nModerator: Kevin Jablonski\, RN\, MSN\, FACHE\nChief Nursing Officer\nUT Health Athens \nPanelists: \n\nWes Knight\nChief Financial Officer\nLongview Regional Medical Center \n\nTom Simmons\, MBA\nAdministrative Healthcare Consultant\nCollom & Carney Clinic Association \nSharon Winn\, MBA\nRevenue Cycle Financial Analyst – Patient Financial Services\nTitus Regional \n\n\n  \nRegister Here\n  \nSpeakers Bios: \n  \nKevin Jablonski has 26 years of nursing leadership experience in many different healthcare settings and institutions including Long term care and several acute care hospitals (not for profit\, for profit\, critical access\, academic\, investor owned and publicly traded). In 2013\, Kevin joined the East Texas Medical Center system\, now UT Health East Texas as Chief Nursing Officer UT Health Athens. His responsibilities include the oversite of all hospital nursing departments\, therapy\, laboratory\, cardiopulmonary\, clinical education and wound care clinic. \nKevin is a member of the Henderson County Kiwanis club\, member and chairman of the Trinity Valley Community College Health Occupation Advisory Council\, a veteran of the United States Airforce and an active member of a local church. Kevin has a wife of thirty-six years\, five children and three grandchildren. Kevin enjoys traveling\, playing the banjo\, construction\, woodworking\, auto mechanics and other DIY projects. Kevin gives all praise for life and health to his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. \n  \nAs 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. \nAs 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. \n  \nRex Thomas Simmons is a seasoned healthcare executive with more than 37 years of leadership experience in hospital systems\, physician organizations\, and healthcare finance and operations. His career includes roles as Chief Executive Officer\, Chief Financial Officer\, Vice President of Operations\, and Hospital Administrator across acute care hospitals\, clinics\, and dialysis centers. \nMr. Simmons currently serves as an administrative healthcare consultant and provides leadership in the areas of legal matters and physician recruiting for Collom & Carney Clinic Association. From 1991 to 2019\, Mr. Simmons had served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Collom & Carney Clinic Association and Texarkana Regional Dialysis Centers\, leading a multi-specialty group practice of more than 115 providers across 13 locations where he was responsible for strategic planning\, organizational growth\, and day-to-day operations. \nPreviously\, he held senior leadership roles with Presbyterian Healthcare System and National Pathology Laboratories in Dallas and served as Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of East Texas Hospital Foundation\, overseeing financial operations for a complex multi-entity healthcare organization. Earlier in his career\, he served as CEO of Panola General Hospital and Columbus Community Hospital\, and as Assistant Administrator and Controller at Texarkana Community Hospital. \nMr. Simmons holds an MBA in Finance and a Bachelor’s degree in Finance and Accounting from the University of Arkansas. He is a Certified Medical Practice Executive (ACMPE) and a member of the Medical Group Management Association (MGMA). He has served extensively on healthcare and community boards throughout the Texarkana region. \nA lifelong resident of the area\, Mr. Simmons remains deeply committed to advancing healthcare in the Texarkana community. \n  \nSharon Winn\, MBA\, is a senior Healthcare CFO and CEO with more than 30 years of executive leadership experience across acute and rural hospitals\, ambulatory organizations\, and hospital service lines. Currently at Titus Regional Medical Center\, she provides financial analysis and enterprise analytics to support data-driven strategy and sustainable outpatient growth. She partners closely with CEOs\, COO’s\, and boards to monitor the healthcare environment\, shape enterprise financial strategy\, and align capital and operational performance with organizational vision. Sharon has led nationally ranked cardiovascular service lines\, Joint Commission–certified ambulatory surgery centers\, and complex healthcare organizations in highly competitive markets. She holds a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Healthcare Management and a Master’s degree in Finance and Accounting from American InterContinental University.
URL:https://acheetx.org/event/the-future-of-healthcare-financing/
LOCATION:Virtual
ORGANIZER;CN="ACHE of East Texas":MAILTO:info@acheetx.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260422T163000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260422T190000
DTSTAMP:20260604T120635
CREATED:20260317T200612Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260318T205844Z
UID:17079-1776875400-1776884400@acheetx.org
SUMMARY:Palliative Care: Advancing Quality and Improving Costs
DESCRIPTION:  \n\n\nThis panel has been approved for 1.50 ACHE In-Person Education Credits. \n\n\n\n\nAs part of the continuum of care\, the palliative care model incorporates a multidisciplinary team approach that includes health professionals and family members to focus on the physical\, emotional\, and spiritual needs of patients. Palliative care encourages a radical shift from traditional delivery of prolonged\, unnecessary medical treatment to providing patients with care centered on quality of life. This program will address palliative care and its impact on the quality and cost issues central to healthcare reform. \nModerator: George Roberts Jr\, FACHE\nChief Executive Officer\nNortheast Texas Public Health District \nPanelists: \nTiffany Evans\nClinical Social Worker\nCHRISTUS Good Shepherd Medical Center \nLaura Ferguson\, MD\nMedical Director\nHospice of East Texas \nAndy Navarro\nVice President\, Mission Integration\nCHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances \nTickets include: Heavy Appetizers & Refreshments; parking free. \n\n\nRegister Here\n\n\nSpeakers’ Bios: \nTiffany Evans is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Advanced Certified Hospice and Palliative Social Worker with a BSW and MSW from Stephen F. Austin State University. After many years of building a career in hospice and palliative care\, Tiffany has recently stepped into a new role as the first LCSW at the new CHRISTUS Health Cancer Center in Longview\, TX. Outside of work\, Tiffany can usually be found with her family or on a pickleball court and is an active member of the Gladewater Parks and Recreation board\, the UT Tyler School of Social Work Advisory Committee\, the Secretary/Treasurer for the Gladewater Pickleball Association\, and a loyal attendee at a monthly book club. \n  \n  \n  \nDr. Laura Ferguson has been practicing in East Texas since 2008. She attended medical school at UT-Houston and trained in Internal Medicine and Hospice and Palliative Medicine at The University of Alabama in Birmingham. She serves as the medical director for The Hospice of East Texas and Texas Palliative Care\, and partners with The University of Texas – Tyler as the Program Director of the Hospice and Palliative Medicine fellowship. Dr. Ferguson is happily married and the mother of two boys. Her passion is advancing care for those with incurable conditions and her heart is most fulfilled when caring for her patients. \n  \n  \n\n\n  \nAndy Navarro and his wife\, Linda\, have lived in Tyler since 1987.  He and his wife are blessed with three extraordinary adult children\, one wonderful son-in-law and three precious grandchildren.  Andy earned his Associate of Arts degree from Tyler Junior College in 1982; Bachelor’s in Business degree from Centenary College in 1984; and Doctor of Jurisprudence from SMU School of Law in Dallas in 1987.  Andy also earned his Master’s in Health Care Mission from the Aquinas Institute of Theology in 2018.  From 1997 to 2013\, Andy served as Legal Counsel for Trinity Mother Frances Hospitals and Clinics.  From 2013 to 2016\, Andy served as Regional General Counsel for CHRISTUS Health.  Andy played an important role in bringing Trinity Mother Frances and CHRISTUS Health together in May of 2016.  Currently\, Andy serves as the Vice President of Mission Integration for CHRISTUS Northeast Texas and CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances. During the course of his professional career\, Andy has been actively involved in numerous community and professional organizations and has served as an Adjunct Professor of Health Law at the University of Texas at Tyler. \n  \nIn recognition of his service\, Andy received\, among others\, the Smith County Outstanding Young Lawyer Award; the Tyler Junior College Valuable Young Alumni Award; and the Tyler Chamber of Commerce’s prestigious W.C. Windsor Award.  Andy also received the Vatican’s Benemerenti Medal from then Pope John Paul II for his generous life-long service to the Catholic community.  Andy is passionate about loving and serving God by loving and serving others\, especially the poor and vulnerable. \n  \n\n\nGeorge 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. \nMr. 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). \n\n\n  \nRegister Here
URL:https://acheetx.org/event/palliative-care-advancing-quality-and-improving-costs/
LOCATION:Hospice of East Texas\, 4111 University Boulevard\, Tyler\, TX\, 75701
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260514T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260514T163000
DTSTAMP:20260604T120635
CREATED:20260408T144449Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260504T193618Z
UID:17094-1778745600-1778776200@acheetx.org
SUMMARY:2026 ACHE East-North-Midwest Texas Multi-Chapter Education Symposium
DESCRIPTION:Architecting the Future of Care: Strategy\, Leadership\, and System Redesign in a Technology-Driven World. \nHosted by the North\, East and Midwest Texas ACHE Chapters. \n  \nSymposium Dates: May 14 (in-person)\, 15\, 20 & 28 (virtual)\nMay 14 In-Person Times: 8am-4:30pm\nMay 14 In-Person Location:  Baylor Scott & White Heart Hospital-Plano\n1100 Allied Drive\nPlano\, TX 75093 \nThe ACHE East\, North\, and Midwest Texas Chapters are excited to present our 2026 Multi-Chapter Education Symposium; a dynamic event\, offering one\, two\, three or four-day options (depending upon your chosen sessions). This event has been designed for healthcare leaders\, innovators\, and emerging executives. Featuring a blend of in-person and virtual programming\, this year’s symposium explores the future of healthcare through leadership\, technology\, strategy\, and system transformation. \nYou can customize your experience by choosing from 15 different panel topics\, 7 of which will be offered in-Person and 8 will be offered Virtually. Because some of these panels will be offered concurrently\, if you attend the maximum number of 10 sessions (maximum of 4 in-person and 6 virtual)\, you will earn 15 CEUs (up to 6.0 hours of ACHE In-Person Education Credits and 9.0 hours of ACHE Virtual Interactive Education Credits). \nNote: Separate registrations are required for each virtual panel. With your registration for the in-person portion of the event\, you will receive a discount code for 25% off each virtual panel for which you choose to register. Pick the panels you want to attend. If you choose not to register for the in-person portion\, you may still register for any of the virtual panels at full price. \nJoin your peers from across the northern part of Texas and beyond\, to gain actionable insights\, expand your network\, and stay ahead in an evolving healthcare landscape. \nSummary of Symposium Offerings/Credits: \n15 Total Topics from which You can Choose: \n\n7 In-Person Education panels\, attend up to 4. After registering for this one-day in-person event\, you will receive in your Eventbrite promo code for 25% off each of the symposium’s virtual panels. (If you attend all four in-person segments\, you will earn 6.0 In-Person credits.)\n8 Virtual Interactive Education panels\, attend up to 6.(If you attend all six\, you will earn 9.0 Virtual credits.)\n\nMay 14 In-Person Itinerary/Topics \n8-8:45 am – Registration and Breakfast \n8:45-10:15 am – Panel Topic: Healthcare Leadership in the 4th Industrial Revolution\nModerator: Ken Hutchenrider – President\, Methodist Richardson\nPanelists:\nMary Wylie\, Vice President and Chief Operating Officer\, Baylor Scott & White Medical center – Plano\nJeff Stewart\, Vice President Strategic Marketing\, CHRISTUS Health\nClint Abernathy\, President\, Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Plano \nBreak – 10:15 am – 10:30 am \n10:30 am – 12 pm Sessions \nPanel Option 1: Quality Management Systems: Ensuring High Quality Care\nModerator: Bert Witherspoon\, Founder & Managing Partner\, Triaxiom Advisors\, LLC\nPanelists:\nDr. Amer Aldeen\, Chief Medical Officer\, US Acute Care Solutions\nJackie Lopez\, Vice President\, Ambulatory Quality and Safety\, CHRISTUS Health\nPatty Kallal\, Director Quality Outcomes THPG/Hospital\, Texas Health \nPanel Option 2: Inclusive Leadership in Healthcare\nModerator: Cassandra Self\, Professional Services and Finance Officer\, Texas Health Resources\nPanelists:\nHamid Sedique\, Executive Director-Northeast Texas\, Texas Oncology\nPam Bryant\, SVP & Supply Chain Officer\, Parkland\nShane Brumit\, VP of Business Development\, Aramark \n12-1pm – Lunch \n1 – 2:30 pm Sessions \nPanel Option 1: On the Executive Track: Leading People Who are More Experienced Than You\nModerator: Brandon Lewis\, President\, US Acute Care Solutions\nPanelists:\nCody Hunter\, President\, Methodist Hospital Celina\nPete Larose\, Associate Vice President of Healthcare Technology Management\, Texas Health Resources\nVern Rennier\, CEO\, Oceans Healthcare Longview \nPanel Option 2: Behavior Change and Patient Engagement: The Endgame for Gamification in Healthcare\nModerator: Nick Kagal\, Customer Success Executive\, Press Ganey\nPanelists:\nJunaid Kalia\, Founder & CEO\, SaveLife. AI\nBrandi Jaco\, Director Patient Experience\, CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic\nSusan Moats\, Regional Chief Nursing Officer/ Vice President of Patient Care Services\, Baylor Scott & White Medical Center Plano \n2:30-3 pm – Break \n3 – 4:30 pm Sessions \nPanel Option 1: Changing Business Strategies and Aligning Executive Compensation\nModerator: John Carter\, Brand Ambassador\, Pinnacle Healthcare Consulting\nPanelists:\nNelson Mann\, Senior Partner\, WittKieffer\nStacy Dorsey\, SVP & Chief Workforce Officer\, Parkland\nCory Edmondson\, President & CEO\, United Regional Health Care System \nPanel Option 2: The Role of Data and Advanced Analytics in Transforming Healthcare\nModerator: Nick Kagal\, Customer Success Executive\, Press Ganey\nPanelists:\nJames Griffin\, CEO\, Invene\nDavid Gano\, Executive Director\, Performance Improvement\, CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic\nLisa Kilgore\, Healthcare IT Executive\, Enterprise Technology Strategy & Clinical Systems Integration \nClick here to download the May 14 Speakers’ Bios. \n  \nRegister Here for May 14 In-Person Segment\n  \nThe above Ticket/registration is for the in-person May 14 day only. Once you have registered for the above event\, you will see in your Eventbrite confirmation containing your 25% off discount code for the virtual offerings tied to this symposium. Click the links below for each respective event title to learn more/register for one or more of these Virtual Panels: \nFriday\, May 15th – Virtual Panels (NOTE: Both of these time slots have two topics running concurrently. Choose one for each time.) \n8:00am-9:30 am Sessions\nPanel Option 1: Improving the Health Status of Your Community\n \nPanel Option 2: Developing an Environment of Civility and Respect In Healthcare Organizations: Resources to Empower Healthcare Leaders to Identify\, Intervene\, and Prevent Workplace Bullying\, Incivility and Disrespect \n10:00 am -11:30 am Sessions \nPanel Option 1: Designing a More Efficient and Higher Quality Patient-Centered Healthcare Delivery Facilities Model \nPanel Option 2: Management and Prevention of Hospital Acquired Infections\n \nWednesday\, May 20th – Virtual Panels \n12pm -1:30pm – Emergency Department Operational Standards in the 21st Century \n2:00pm -3:30 pm – Understanding Implicit Bias and Its Impact on Healthcare Leadership \nThursday\, May 28th – Virtual \n3:30pm-5:00pm – Strategies for Effective Crisis Leadership \n5:30pm- 7:00pm – Navigating Key Legislative Issues Facing Healthcare Leaders
URL:https://acheetx.org/event/2026-ache-east-north-midwest-texas-multi-chapter-education-symposium/
LOCATION:Baylor Scott & White Heart Hospital-Plano\, 1100 Allied Drive\, Plano\, TX\, 75093
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260515T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260515T093000
DTSTAMP:20260604T120635
CREATED:20260408T144732Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260408T144942Z
UID:17096-1778832000-1778837400@acheetx.org
SUMMARY:Improving the Health Status of Your Community
DESCRIPTION:This panel has been approved for 1.50 ACHE Virtual Interactive Education Credits. \n\n\n\n\nNote: If you are a registrant of the in-person (May 14) portion of the 2026 ACHE East-North-Midwest Texas Multi-Chapter Education Symposium\, you are eligible to purchase your ticket for the below referenced virtual panel at a 25% discount. The promo code for that discount is provided to you in your confirmation email from Eventbrite for the May 14 event. \nHealthcare organizations exist to serve the communities in which they reside. Though community health has always been a focus for these organizations\, new regulations require them to take an active role. The health of a community or geographic population has a critical impact on a healthcare organization’s planning\, operations\, financial sustainability\, outcomes and success. \nDue to the implementation of the key components of the healthcare reform by legislation\, it will be even more important that provider organizations are both aware of and responsive to the health status and disease states that are most prevalent in their communities. Not only is a population-based focus the right thing to do\, but it may prove to be the financially astute course of action. \nModerator: Lee Ann Benson\, Senior Vice President\, Maternal-Child Program Development for Children’s Health and UT Southwestern Joint Pediatric Enterprise\, Children’s Health \nPanelists:\nTeresa Wagner\, Associate Professor\, Department of Health Administration and Health Policy\, UNT Health of Fort Worth\nAshley Dias\, Health Practice Leader\, Principal\, Perkins Will\nDr. David Nelson\, Division Chief of Maternal Fetal Medicine\, U Southwestern \nSpeakers’ Bios: \nLee Ann Benson\, FACHE\, serves as the Senior Vice President\, Maternal-Child Program Development for Children’s Health and UT Southwestern Joint Pediatric Enterprise (JPE). In this role\, Lee Ann is responsible for leading strategic planning\, development and execution of the Maternal-Child Program including Obstetrics\, Maternal Fetal Medicine\, and Neonatology. \nPrior to joining Children’s Health in 2022\, Lee Ann served as the Vice President of the East Valley Market for Phoenix Children’s\, the leading pediatric health system in Arizona. In this role\, Lee Ann was responsible for providing strategic leadership for the full continuum of pediatric services in Phoenix Children’s East Valley Market. She led the development and implementation of the comprehensive strategic plan for the East Valley market focused on the continued growth and development of primary care\, specialty care\, ancillary services\, and hospital services. \nLee Ann graduated from Auburn University with a Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration. Lee Ann earned a Master of Science in Health Administration and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Lee Ann is a Fellow in the American College of Healthcare Executives. She serves as the Chair-Elect of the Advancement Committee for the American College of Healthcare Executives of North Texas and on the Board of Directors for the Women in Healthcare Leadership organization at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. \nOutside of work\, you can find Lee Ann and her husband Beau cheering on their 9-year old twins\, Lynlee and Reid\, at sporting events or just enjoying the great outdoors. \nHealthcare Practice Lead for the Houston Studio of Perkins&Will\, Ashley Dias is an architect\, planner\, designer\, and strategist. A thought leader on topics such as “Hospitals of Tomorrow”\, her experience includes many of the top academic medical centers in the U.S.\, more than 10 pediatric health systems\, and more than 25 hospitals worldwide. Ashley is recognized for her ability to integrate strategic\, operational\, and facility perspectives into comprehensive health facility planning—transforming data and analytics into compelling scenarios that empower clients to make confident decisions. \n\n\n  \n  \n\n\nDavid B. Nelson\, MD\, FACOG\, (he/him) is an Associate Professor and Dedman Family Scholar in Clinical Care at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas. He currently holds the Gillette Professorship in Obstetrics & Gynecology and serves as the Division Chief of Maternal-Fetal Medicine at UT Southwestern and Parkland Health. He has published more than 100 peer-reviewed articles and received funding from the Patient Centered Outcomes Research Institute for an $18 million randomized trial. Dr. Nelson is an Associate Editor for the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology\, is the Senior Editor for the upcoming 27th edition of Williams Obstetrics\, and serves several functions for the American Board of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Dr. Nelson has a passion for advocacy and has twice provided invited testimony to the United States Congress on the topic of improving maternal heath through prevention and access to care. \n\n\n  \n  \n\n\nDr. Teresa Wagner graduated with a Doctorate in Public Health from the University of North Texas Health Science Center\, where she is an Associate Professor in the College of Public Health\, Department of Health Administration and Health Policy. She also serves as the Director of the UNTHSC Texas State Certified Community Health Worker Training Center. She’s cross-appointed in both the College of Nursing and the College of Health Professions. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Dietetics from Texas Christian University and Master’s Degree in Nutrition from Texas Woman’s University. Dr. Wagner is a registered and licensed dietitian with a doctorate in public health. She’s certified in Public Health\, Patient Safety\, Lifestyle Medicine\, Health Coaching\, and a certified Community Health Worker (CHW) Instructor. She has delivered multiple programs\, speaking engagements and trainings on health literacy issues. Currently\, she teaches Health Literacy & Communication in the College of Public Health and in the Personalized Health & Wellbeing Program. She teaches Patient Safety\, Health Coaching\, Nutrition and Health Literacy in the College of Nursing. Her research focuses on facilitating communication for both personal and organizational health literacy to improve health outcomes and population health. She’s a sought-after presenter and mentor who works to certify community health workers as conduits to health literacy. As a result of her work\, she has received multiple awards and accolades\, including the 2018 Texas Health Literacy Hero Award and the 2020 Distinguished Alumni Award from Texas Christian University. In 2023\, she received the UNTHSC School of Health Professions Faculty Achievement Award. In 2024\, she received the Texas Distinguished Dietitian Award\, the Outstanding Dietitian Award from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics\, and a Global Service Award from the International Health Literacy Association. \n\n\n\n\n\nRegister Here for this Virtual Panel
URL:https://acheetx.org/event/improving-the-health-status-of-your-community/
LOCATION:Virtual
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260515T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260515T093000
DTSTAMP:20260604T120635
CREATED:20260408T145123Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260408T145123Z
UID:17098-1778832000-1778837400@acheetx.org
SUMMARY:Developing an Environment of Civility and Respect
DESCRIPTION:  \nThis panel has been approved for 1.50 ACHE Virtual Interactive Education Credits. \n\n\n\n\nNote: If you are a registrant of the in-person (May 14) portion of the 2026 ACHE East-North-Midwest Texas Multi-Chapter Education Symposium\, you are eligible to purchase your ticket for the below referenced virtual panel at a 25% discount. The promo code for that discount is provided to you in your confirmation email from Eventbrite for the May 14 event. \nDeveloping an Environment of Civility and Respect In Healthcare Organizations Resources to Empower Healthcare Leaders to Identify\, Intervene\, and Prevent Workplace Bullying\, Incivility and Disrespect. \nThe organizational culture of a healthcare organization plays a critically important role in shaping the work environment for its employees. Organizations with environments of civility and respect recruit the best and brightest people\, exude high morale and high job satisfaction by their employees\, and demonstrate high performing teamwork. Unfortunately\, disrespect and incivility at work is rampant in many organizations\, and it’s on the rise. Uncivil behaviors are characteristically rude and discourteous\, displaying a lack of regard for others. There is an organizational price to be paid for uncivil encounters among coworkers. Employees that have experienced or witnessed incivility reduce their commitment to the organization and demonstrate a reduction in work effort. While individual factors may play a major role in contributing to incivility and disrespectful cultures\, the workplace environment is a powerful force that consciously or unconsciously enables acts of incivility\, disrespect and bullying. Emerging evidence and anecdotal reports suggest that the conscientiousness of healthcare leaders in implementing comprehensive\, cohesive\, and integrated bullying prevention and intervention programs in their organizations is critical to promote environments of respect and enhance the sustainability of cultures of civility. This panel discussion will focus on tools and methods to identify and address incivility\, bullying and disrespectful behavior in the workplace environment as well as methods to develop and support a culture of civility and respect in healthcare organizations. \nModerator: Aaron Bujnowski\, FACHE\, Managing Director & Transformative Strategies Lead\, Alvarez & Marsal Holdings \nPanelists: \nGraham Torres\, Vice President Operations\, Children’s Health\nBeth Guyton\, Principal\, The Momentum Leader\nCheryl Peterson\, Chief Nursing Officer\, Cook Children’s \nSpeakers’ Bios: \nAaron Bujnowski\, FACHE\, is a Managing Director with Alvarez & Marsal’s Healthcare Industry Group. With nearly two decades of dedicated experience in the healthcare industry\, he is known as a transformative healthcare strategist\, empowering health systems and their leaders to attain sustainable competitive advantage. \nMr. Bujnowski executes innovative approaches to enterprise strategy\, value-based care (VBC)\, service lines\, partnerships\, corporate development and M&A. \nPrior to joining A&M\, Mr. Bujnowski spent more than four years as a Director and Integrated Delivery Network (IDN) Lead at Chartis\, a U.S. healthcare consulting firm. He collaborated with integrated delivery networks to conceive and implement critical strategies and played a pivotal role in launching Chartis’ Private Equity (PE) practice\, which assists PE firms to make informed buy- or sell-side decisions and optimize value within their portfolio companies. \nPreviously\, Mr. Bujnowski served as the System Chief Strategy Officer of Texas Health Resources\, a ~$5 billion integrated health system in Dallas-Fort Worth\, developing and executing enterprise-wide strategies. His purview included acute\, post-acute\, ambulatory\, physician\, consumer and value-based approaches. Mr. Bujnowski began his career with the Boston Consulting Group (BCG)\, as a core member of its strategy and healthcare practices. He also played a pivotal role in founding BCG’s private equity practice. \nMr. Bujnowski earned a bachelor’s degree (honors) and a master’s degree in chemical engineering with a biomedical emphasis from Brigham Young University in Provo\, Utah. He earned an MBA (highest honors) from The University of Texas at Austin. Mr. Bujnowski is currently a candidate to receive a Doctor of Science in Healthcare Leadership from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. He is President of the North Texas Chapter of the American College of Healthcare Executives (FACHE) and was honored as Fellow. \nBeth Guyton is an accomplished healthcare leader and consultant with expertise in executive coaching\, change management\, performance management and patient experience. She is the principle of The Momentum Leader where she coaches leaders on reaching their maximum potential in order to thrive personally and professionally. \nPrior to her current role\, Beth served as the VP of Patient Experience for the Mercy Springfield Communities and before joining Mercy\, Beth led a healthcare consulting firm dedicated to helping hospital drive results through exceptional leadership\, culture\, and processes. \nBeth holds a Master’s in Industrial and Organizational Psychology from George Mason University and a BA in Advertising from the Manship School of Journalism at Louisiana State University. She is an ICF Associate Certified Coach (ACC)\, a Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ)\, Six Sigma Green Belt\, and has a Certification for Mediation and Negotiation from North Lake College in Irving Texas. \nCheryl Petersen\, MBA\, BSN\, RN\, NE-BC serves as the Chief Nursing Officer and Senior Vice President for Nursing/Patient Services at Cook Children’s Medical Center in Fort Worth & Prosper\, Texas. Her prior roles include Assistant Vice President of Nursing\, Nursing Director and Nurse Manager. \nDuring her tenure at Cook Children’s she has led the nursing team to a 4th Magnet designation in 2021 and celebrated achievements including NICU Level IV designation\, the hospital’s first Beacon Award\, CAMTS accreditation and the Emergency Department’s Lantern Award. She has contributed to the hospital’s expansion efforts in Fort Worth and Prosper. \nCheryl is a current member of AACN\, TONL\, AONL\, ANA and TNA. She serves as the President Elect of the TONL Executive Board and has served on the TONL Communication and Membership Committees. Additionally\, she is a current member of the Board of Directors for Community Healthcare of Texas and member of the DFW Hospital Council Foundation Board. \nShe received her Master’s in Business Administration from Benedictine University and Baccalaureate Degree in Nursing from the University of Iowa. She was honored as a DFW Great 100 Nurse in 2012. \nIn prior positions\, Cheryl was employed by North Carolina Children’s Hospital\, Chapel Hill\, Loyola University Medical Center\, and University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. \nCheryl lives in Fort Worth\, Texas\, with her husband\, Chris\, and their two sons. She enjoys gardening\, biking\, and spending time with her family. \n\n\n  \nRegister Here\n\n\n 
URL:https://acheetx.org/event/developing-an-environment-of-civility-and-respect/
LOCATION:Virtual
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260515T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260515T113000
DTSTAMP:20260604T120635
CREATED:20260408T145254Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260408T145254Z
UID:17100-1778839200-1778844600@acheetx.org
SUMMARY:Management and Prevention of Hospital Acquired Infections
DESCRIPTION:This panel has been approved for 1.50 ACHE Virtual Interactive Education Credits. \n\n\n\n\nNote: If you are a registrant of the in-person (May 14) portion of the 2026 ACHE East-North-Midwest Texas Multi-Chapter Education Symposium\, you are eligible to purchase your ticket for the below referenced virtual panel at a 25% discount. The promo code for that discount is provided to you in your confirmation email from Eventbrite for the May 14 event. \nHealthcare-associated infections (HAIs) are infections that patients acquire while receiving treatment for medical or surgical conditions. HAIs are associated with a variety of causes\, including but not limited to the use of medical devices to include catheters and ventilators\, complications following surgical procedures\, transmission between patients and healthcare workers\, or the result of antibiotic overuse. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) of HHS has shown that about 36% of these infections are preventable through the adherence to strict guidelines by healthcare workers when caring for patients. This discussion will seek to inform hospital leadership and administrators about the causes of hospital acquired infections and the impact leadership can have on the quality\, financial health and safety of their organizations. \nModerator: Jim Allard\, Chief Nursing Officer\, Advocate Christ Medical Center \nPanelists: \nRyan Blas\, National Director of Ops\, Sanderling Renal Services\nEric Gustaf\, Director of Quality Safety and Risk Management\, Texas Health Resources Azle\nAngela Gamber\, VP\, Clinical Operations\, Stormont Vail Health \nSpeakers’ Bios: \nDr Jim Allard\, DNP\, RN\, NEA‑BC\, FACHE\, serves as Chief Nursing Officer at Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn\, Illinois. He leads nursing services for a 788‑bed premier teaching institution—one of the Midwest’s major referral centers—with one of Illinois’ busiest Level I trauma centers. \nWith over three decades in healthcare\, Dr. Allard’s frontline experience spans pediatric critical care with a focus on congenital heart care. Since 2008\, he has held progressive executive roles\, including CNO at Medical City Arlington and CNO for Medical City Children’s Hospital & Medical City Women’s Hospital–Dallas\, as well as assistant and interim CNO positions within HCA Houston Healthcare. \nDr. Allard earned his Doctor of Nursing Practice from Texas Christian University and a Master of Science in Nursing Administration from The University of Texas at Arlington; he is board‑certified as a Nurse Executive Advanced (ANCC) and a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE). \n  \nRyan Blas\, RN\, BSN\, C-EMBA\, LSSGB\, is the national director of operations for Sanderling Renal Services\, where he oversees clinical and operational excellence in the renal dialysis field. With a background in nursing and executive leadership\, Ryan brings hands-on experience in infection prevention\, patient safety\, and quality improvement. He is passionate about advancing best practices that keep patients safe and drive better outcomes across healthcare settings. \n  \n  \n  \nAngela Gamber is the Vice President of Clinical Operations at Stormont Vail Health in Topeka\, Kansas\, where she provides executive leadership across complex clinical service lines with a focus on quality\, access\, operational excellence\, and system integration. In this role\, she partners closely with physician and administrative leaders to advance patient-centered care\, improve network integrity\, and drive sustainable performance across acute and ambulatory settings. \nWith a career rooted in frontline clinical operations\, Angie brings deep expertise in emergency\, trauma\, surgical\, and diagnostic services\, as well as enterprise-level service line strategy and performance management. She is known for her ability to align clinical outcomes\, workforce engagement\, and financial stewardship while navigating the evolving demands of healthcare delivery. \nAngie is an active leader within the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE) and currently serves as a Kansas Regent\, supporting the professional development of healthcare leaders across the state and advancing ACHE’s mission of excellence in healthcare management. In this capacity\, she contributes to education\, mentorship\, and leadership engagement at the state and regional level. \nA respected collaborator and thought partner\, Angela frequently participates in leadership forums\, panels\, and strategic discussions focused on healthcare operations\, access to care\, and rural and regional health delivery models. She is passionate about building strong leadership pipelines and designing systems of care that are resilient\, equitable\, and patient-focused. \nEric Gustaf MSN\, RN was born and raised in Texas. He was homeschooled from grade school through high school and went on to attend TCU on the Commanders Leadership Scholarship\, the first homeschooler to be awarded this scholarship. After graduation in December of 2009\, he served in the United States Air Force as a nurse for 4.5 years achieving the rank of Captain. After separation he worked in the Trama ICU at University Hospital in San Antonio for 2 years. He then returned to my hometown of Fort Worth and began working at Texas Health Azle. At Texas Health Azle over the past 10 years he has grown from Emergency Department Nurse to Chage nurse then House supervisor. Then he became the Med/Surg ICU manager while also obtaining his Master’s Degree in Nursing Administration in 2021 and has held the role of Director of quality Patient Safety and Risk for the past 3 years achieving 2 Clinical Excellence awards and a Leader of the Year award. Eric is married with 3 children ages ranging from 8 to 1 years old. \n\n\n  \n  \n  \nRegister Here\n 
URL:https://acheetx.org/event/management-and-prevention-of-hospital-acquired-infections/
LOCATION:Virtual
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260515T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260515T113000
DTSTAMP:20260604T120635
CREATED:20260408T145505Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260408T145505Z
UID:17103-1778839200-1778844600@acheetx.org
SUMMARY:Designing More Efficient-Higher Quality Healthcare Facilities Model
DESCRIPTION:This panel has been approved for 1.50 ACHE Virtual Interactive Education Credits. \n\n\n\n\n  \nNote: If you are a registrant of the in-person (May 14) portion of the 2026 ACHE East-North-Midwest Texas Multi-Chapter Education Symposium\, you are eligible to purchase your ticket for the below referenced virtual panel at a 25% discount. The promo code for that discount is provided to you in your confirmation email from Eventbrite for the May 14 event. \nEvidence-based design (EBD) incorporates the process of basing decisions about healthcare facility environments on creditable research to achieve the best possible outcomes for the patient. Historically\, many healthcare facilities have been designed primarily around the provider’s processes. However\, the facility design did not always produce efficient or effective workflow for the provider nor did the design incorporate the best interests of the patient. With the advancements in technology\, healthcare providers are finding out that there are proven\, efficient and effective strategies to achieve more desirable outcomes that are in the best interest of the patient. Implementing EBD principles can sometimes be a difficult decision for the provider with the concern that it may increase their costs. The key to overcoming this concern is to educate healthcare facility decisionmakers about the types of research that are available to quantify the long-term value of EBD. Since the practice of evidence-based medicine (EBM) requires conscientious and committed use of current best evidence in making decisions about the care of patients it is paramount there be an alignment between EBD and EBM to provide more efficient and high-quality healthcare delivery. \nModerator: Phil DeBruzzi\, Principal\, Forvis Mazars \nPanelists:\nNick Mengucci\, Executive Director\, IMH Healthcare\nGraham Torres\, Vice President Operations\, Children’s Health\nChris Grossnicklaus\, Health Sector Leader and Director of Healthcare Planning\, Corgan \nSpeakers’ Bios: \nPhil DeBruzzi\, FACHE\, is a Principal with the national healthcare consulting firm Forvis Mazars. Mr. DeBruzzi has 30 years of experience advising healthcare systems in areas related to clinical volume forecasting\, capacity optimization\, health facility network planning\, and capital investment analysis. Phil is board certified in healthcare management as a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives\, Board Member of the North Texas Chapter of ACHE\, holds an MBA in strategy\, and undergraduate degree in Engineering. \n  \n  \n  \nChris Grossnicklaus is Health Sector Leader and Director of Healthcare Planning for Corgan. He is responsible for establishing long-lasting relationships with clients and partners as well as leading Corgan’s health studios across the country. He has deep experience in all phases of project work\, from concept visioning and development through final construction documents on a wide range of project experience in the United States\, Canada\, and the Middle East. \nHis strengths as a strategist and relationship builder make him an invaluable leader of the Corgan’s Health Sector\, overseeing projects for UT Southwestern Medical Center\, Methodist Health System\, OSF Healthcare\, HCA Healthcare Behavioral Health Hospitals\, Saint Francis Health System\, Houston Methodist\, the Mayo Clinic\, and UCLA Health. \nChris earned a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Master of Architecture from Texas A&M University and is Certified Lean Six Sigma Green Belt. He served as chair of the communications committee for the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE) of North Texas from 2019 to 2020; he received the Texas Society of Architects Associate Award and the AIA Dallas Associate Award for his contributions as editor of AIA Dallas Columns magazine. \n  \nNick Mengucci\, MSN\, RN\, LSSGB is an Austin based Master’s-prepared Registered Nurse and Executive Director & Texas Market Leader at IMH Healthcare. He partners with health systems across the country\, from large academic medical centers to community-based providers\, to support healthcare strategy\, operational planning\, and facility transition and activation. \nNick specializes in readiness planning\, workflow optimization\, staff training\, technology integration\, and move activation\, helping organizations prepare new facilities\, teams\, and operations for opening day and beyond. With a foundation in patient care\, clinical operations\, and healthcare technology\, he brings a human-centered approach that blends clinical expertise with strategic leadership to improve efficiency\, performance\, and patient outcomes. \nNick is actively involved in the Nursing Institute for Healthcare Design (NIHD)\, the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE)\, and the Association for Medical Facility Professionals (AMFP). \n\n\n  \nRegister Here\n 
URL:https://acheetx.org/event/designing-more-efficient-higher-quality-healthcare-facilities-model/
LOCATION:Virtual
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260520T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260520T133000
DTSTAMP:20260604T120635
CREATED:20260408T153128Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260408T153836Z
UID:17105-1779278400-1779283800@acheetx.org
SUMMARY:Emergency Department Operational Standards in the 21st Century
DESCRIPTION:This panel has been approved for 1.50 ACHE Virtual Interactive Education Credits. \n\n\n\n\nNote: If you are a registrant of the in-person (May 14) portion of the 2026 ACHE East-North-Midwest Texas Multi-Chapter Education Symposium\, you are eligible to purchase your ticket for the below referenced virtual panel at a 25% discount. The promo code for that discount is provided to you in your confirmation email from Eventbrite for the May 14 event. \nThe Emergency Department is considered the “Front Door” to the hospital. Hospital executives recognize that in many cases most hospital admissions come in directly through the ED. Over the past several years\, there has been a significant push by hospitals across the country to promote emergency department service standards\, with the objective of attracting new patients\, retaining current patients\, and positioning the hospital in a favorable light to the community. Before a hospital embarks on an emergency department service standard it is imperative that they recognize the comprehensive house-wide approach that is required to provide\, sustain\, and reap the benefits. \nFocusing on a variety of emergency department types (suburban hospital ED; satellite ED and urban hospital ED) this presentation will address various approaches with respect to ED service standards. This presentation will address the operational requirements\, the impact on patient safety\, required resource allocation\, physical plant requirements and marketing requirements necessary for the successful implementation of emergency department service standards across a variety of hospitals\, in addition to addressing the commitment required by the C-suite and respective departments for long-term sustainability and success. \nModerator: Ken Hutchenrider\, Jr.\, FACHE – President\, Methodist Richardson \nPanelists:\nRyan Tamula\, Admin Director Emergency Services\, CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances\nJustin John\, Business Operations Manager\, Emergency Services\, JPS\nDr. Tony Briningstool\, CEO\, Emergency Medicine\, Sound Physicians \nSpeakers’ Bios: \nDr. Tony Briningstool leads Sound Physicians’ Emergency Medicine specialty. As an experienced physician executive\, Tony is deeply passionate about the impact we can make in the lives of our patients\, our physicians\, and the communities we serve. With a relentless pursuit of excellence and a strong Patient‑First culture\, he brings a nuanced understanding of the challenges facing healthcare today and values the dedication required to achieve clinical\, fiscal\, and operational success for our partnerships. \nBy intentionally empowering our physician leaders\, Tony is fostering high‑performing teams capable of elevating patient care processes while ensuring long‑term practice sustainability. Our investments in team wellness strengthen engagement and collaboration—foundations that enable our hospital partnerships to thrive and consistently deliver exceptional care to every patient. \nA board-certified emergency medicine physician\, Tony earned his Doctor of Medicine at Georgetown University School of Medicine and attended Michigan State University\, where he also played football. \n  \nKen Hutchenrider joined Methodist Richardson Medical Center as President in July\, 2010. \nHe 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. \nDuring 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. Additional accomplishments include the establishment of a new wound care center\, Level III Nursery\, development of the Da Vinci surgical program\, Level 3 Trauma Program\, Comprehensive Stroke program and the successful recruitment/employment of new medical staff members. Under his direction\, Methodist Richardson has received accreditations as a Chest Pain Center\, a Stroke Center\, and achieved nursing Magnet Designation. \nPrior 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 Shift Supervisor in Pasadena\, Texas. \nHe holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from Texas A&M University and a Masters of Healthcare Administration from the University of Houston\, Clear Lake. \nIn 2018\, Ken was proudly elected to serve on the Richardson City Council in Place 5. \nHe is actively involved in the community and has served as the Chairman of the Richardson Chamber of Commerce and President of the Plano Independent School District Foundation. Ken is an enthusiastic supporter of the PISD and RISD Health Sciences Academy. Currently\, Ken serves as the Regent for Northern Texas for the American College of Healthcare Executives \nKen has received many accolades\, including the Chamber’s Education Hero Award\, the American Heart Association SOAR Award\, the Community Health System Outstanding Achievement Award\, and Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives. \nOn 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. \n  \nJustin John serves as the Business Operations Manager for Emergency Services at JPS Health Network\, a Level 1 Trauma Center in Fort Worth\, Texas. Justin oversees cross-functional operational initiatives spanning finance\, supply chain\, IT\, facilities\, and construction. Prior to his current role\, Justin was an Administrative Fellow at JPS\, in which he helped lead major enterprise initiatives. Justin holds a Master of Health Administration from Saint Louis University. Justin actively contributes to the healthcare leadership community through his involvement with ACHE of North Texas. \n  \n  \n  \nRyan Tamula began his career in emergency medicine at just 19 years old as an EKG technician\, launching what would become a lifelong commitment to frontline patient care. Before entering nursing\, he represented the Philippine National Water Polo Team\, an experience that shaped his approach to teamwork\, composure under pressure\, and disciplined execution. \nAfter earning his nursing credentials\, Ryan joined Los Angeles General Hospital (formerly LAC+USC Medical Center)\, one of the busiest emergency departments on the West Coast. He served as Charge Nurse there for five years\, leading high-acuity teams in a large safety-net hospital environment and mentoring nurses through complex clinical\, operational\, and throughput challenges. \nHe later practiced at Kaiser Permanente Santa Clara Medical Center\, gaining experience in an integrated delivery model before joining CHRISTUS Health in 2019. \nAt CHRISTUS\, Ryan was part of the leadership team that opened the Bradley Thompson Tower at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Today\, his scope as Administrative Director of Emergency Care Centers includes oversight of six emergency departments in and around the Tyler and East Texas\, including the 56-bed Level II Trauma Center at CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Hospital – Tyler. Ryan’s leadership philosophy centers on remaining grounded in his nursing foundation\, focusing on strengthening frontline teams\, advancing emergency care delivery\, and supporting high-reliability operations. \n\n\n  \nRegister Here\n 
URL:https://acheetx.org/event/emergency-department-operational-standards-in-the-21st-century/
LOCATION:Virtual
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260520T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260520T153000
DTSTAMP:20260604T120635
CREATED:20260408T153318Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260428T181603Z
UID:17107-1779285600-1779291000@acheetx.org
SUMMARY:Understanding Implicit Bias and Its Impact on Healthcare Leadership
DESCRIPTION:This panel has been approved for 1.50 ACHE Virtual Interactive Education Credits. \n\n\n\nNote: If you are a registrant of the in-person (May 14) portion of the 2026 ACHE East-North-Midwest Texas Multi-Chapter Education Symposium\, you are eligible to purchase your ticket for the below referenced virtual panel at a 25% discount. The promo code for that discount is provided to you in your confirmation email from Eventbrite for the May 14 event. \nThe communities for which healthcare organizations operate are rapidly diversifying. Not only do they provide care for a diverse community of patients and families\, but their workforce is also growing more diverse. It is incumbent on healthcare organizations and their leaders to both understand and embrace the needs of diverse populations. Their ability to respond to the needs and preferences of a broader customer base will be critical to their financial and operational survival\, but they first must understand what their implicit biases are to do that. The goal of the session is for leaders to understand and recognize internal biases both conscious and unconscious. This program will focus on the healthcare leader’s personal recognition of internal bias and its impact on decisions in the organization. The impact of the healthcare leaders’ ability to recognize biases in areas such as employment and policy decision making will lead to increased diversity in individuals holding leadership positions and will help us better serve our patients and communities. \nModerator: Beth Guyton\, Principal\, The Momentum Leader \nPanelists:\nLucky Denenga\, CEO\, ClearSky Rehabilitation Hospital at Mansfield\nChristina Fleeman\, Nurse Manager -ED and Ambulance Services\, Amarillo VAHCS\nDr. Keisha Downes\, Vice President\, Middle Revenue Cycle\, Beth Israel Lahey Health System \nSpeakers’ Bios: \nLucky Denenga Fischer\, PT\, DPT\, MBA is a healthcare executive and service line leader with extensive experience across acute care\, rehabilitation\, and ambulatory settings. A physical therapist by training\, she has served the DFW healthcare community for over 12 years and is recognized for leading operational and culture transformation\, building inclusive high‑performance teams\, and advancing equitable\, high‑quality patient care.\n \n  \n  \n  \nKeisha Downes\, DMSc\, MBA\, BSN\, RN\, CCDS\, CCS\, is a healthcare executive with over 20 years of nursing experience and more than a decade in revenue cycle leadership. She serves as Vice President of Mid-Revenue Cycle at Beth Israel Lahey Health\, where she oversees CDI\, coding\, HIM\, and utilization management across 14 hospitals and leads a workforce of more than 500. A recognized thought leader and national speaker on healthcare leadership\, AI governance\, and revenue cycle innovation\, Keisha sits on her health system’s Responsible AI Use Committee and the ACDIS Advisory Board. She earned her Doctorate of Medical Science in Healthcare Leadership with a concentration in Artificial Intelligence from Northeastern University. With roots in neurosurgical ICU and trauma nursing\, Keisha brings a bedside-to-boardroom perspective to leadership\, grounding her work in the realities of patient care and the importance of building inclusive teams that reflect the diverse communities healthcare systems serve. \n  \nChristina Fleeman\, MBA\, MSN\, RN\, is a compassionate nurse leader with more than a decade of experience spanning emergency and disaster management\, ambulance services\, trauma systems\, inpatient and ambulatory operations\, and integrated care coordination in High Reliability Organization environments. She currently serves as Emergency Department and Ambulance Services Nurse Manager at the Thomas E. Creek VA Medical Center in Amarillo\, Texas\, where she leads operational and clinical teams to deliver safe\, efficient\, highquality emergency care for Veterans across the medical center. Christina is also pursuing her Doctor of Nursing Practice in Leadership at Arkansas State University\, building on dual master’s degrees in nursing and healthcare & business administration from Liberty University.​ Across her VA leadership roles—including Acting Chief of Inpatient Nursing Services and VACC/IVC Nurse Manager—she has driven measurable improvements in access\, quality\, and safety through systems redesign and process improvement. Her earlier career includes service as Trauma Services Coordinator and Emergency Management lead for a statedesignated trauma center\, and as a Clinical Manager/Flight Nurse providing rotorwing critical care in rural and disaster settings. Christina’s leadership portfolio includes transformational leadership\, team building\, shared governance\, performance improvement\, emergency management\, and regulatory readiness\, and she is actively engaged in professional organizations including the American College of Healthcare Executives and multiple national nursing and trauma societies.​ Outside of work\, Christina is “Nonnie” to six grandchildren with two more on the way\, and the proud mother of four adult children whose careers span military service\, cardiovascular health advocacy\, professional sports\, and social media influence. She and her husband also own and operate a BBQ restaurant and music venue\, where they bring people together around good food\, live music\, and community—values that mirror her passion for building resilient\, peoplecentered healthcare teams. \nBeth Guyton is an accomplished healthcare leader and consultant with expertise in executive coaching\, change management\, performance management and patient experience. She is the principle of The Momentum Leader where she coaches leaders on reaching their maximum potential in order to thrive personally and professionally. \nPrior to her current role\, Beth served as the VP of Patient Experience for the Mercy Springfield Communities and before joining Mercy\, Beth led a healthcare consulting firm dedicated to helping hospital drive results through exceptional leadership\, culture\, and processes. \nBeth holds a Master’s in Industrial and Organizational Psychology from George Mason University and a BA in Advertising from the Manship School of Journalism at Louisiana State University. She is an ICF Associate Certified Coach (ACC)\, a Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ)\, Six Sigma Green Belt\, and has a Certification for Mediation and Negotiation from North Lake College in Irving Texas. \n\n  \nRegister Here\n  \n 
URL:https://acheetx.org/event/understanding-implicit-bias-and-its-impact-on-healthcare-leadership/
LOCATION:Virtual
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260528T153000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260528T170000
DTSTAMP:20260604T120635
CREATED:20260408T153529Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260408T153529Z
UID:17109-1779982200-1779987600@acheetx.org
SUMMARY:Strategies for Effective Crisis Leadership
DESCRIPTION:This panel has been approved for 1.50 ACHE Virtual Interactive Education Credits. \n\n\n\n\nNote: If you are a registrant of the in-person (May 14) portion of the 2026 ACHE East-North-Midwest Texas Multi-Chapter Education Symposium\, you are eligible to purchase your ticket for the below referenced virtual panel at a 25% discount. The promo code for that discount is provided to you in your confirmation email from Eventbrite for the May 14 event. \nPreparing 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 stress 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. \nThis panel discussion will provide insight and perspectives on ways to manage an unforeseen crisis within the healthcare organization and its community. It will include how healthcare leaders can better prepare and respond to a community or healthcare crisis\, health surge event\, or unanticipated response. \nModerator: Jared Shelton\, President\, Texas Health Fort Worth \nPanelists:\nJon Darnell\, Executive Director\, System Imaging\, Baptist MD Anderson Cancer Center\nWarren Robicheaux\, President & CEO\, Matagorda Regional Medical Center\nRobin Moreno\, Compliance and Privacy Officer\, Texas health Resources \nSpeakers’ Bios: \nJon Darnell is an Executive Director of Imaging Services for Baptist Health\, a multi-hospital healthcare system in Jacksonville\, FL\, where he provides strategic and operational leadership across hospital and outpatient imaging operations. He oversees high-acuity\, high-volume services that are central to clinical decision-making and enterprise patient flow\, with a focus on operational excellence\, workforce engagement\, and access to care. \nJon’s leadership experience includes managing system-wide responses to operational disruptions such as technology downtime\, capacity constraints\, workforce challenges\, and rapid volume surges. He is committed to building resilient organizations through structured crisis preparedness\, transparent communication\, and frontline support. To strengthen emergency response capabilities\, he has completed FEMA’s Incident Command System (ICS) 100\, 200\, and 700 training. \nA recognized leader in imaging strategy and innovation\, Jon also works at the enterprise level to advance technology adoption\, data-driven performance management\, and system integration initiatives that improve patient care and operational stability. \n  \nRobin Moreno\, EdD\, MHA\, FACHE is a seasoned healthcare executive\, educator\, and thought leader with extensive experience in advancing compliance\, privacy\, ethics\, and risk management across complex healthcare systems. She currently serves as Director of Compliance & Privacy at Texas Health Resources where she partners with boards and senior leadership to align compliance strategy with enterprise risk\, operational excellence\, and cultural transformation. \nA Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives (FACHE)\, Robin brings a unique foundation—rising from frontline patient care and oncology research to leadership roles in finance\, compliance\, and privacy. She is a published author\, a frequent speaker at national risk conferences\, and an editorial contributor to several professional peer-reviewed publications. \nRobin also serves as an adjunct professor\, mentoring future healthcare leaders and bridging academic theory with real-world application. Her leadership philosophy—The Department of Know\, not the Department of No—reflects her commitment to building trust\, promoting accountability\, and fostering ethical innovation. \nRecognized for her collaborative style and strategic insight\, Robin translates complex regulations into actionable solutions and facilitates high-impact conversations among executives navigating governance\, risk\, and organizational change. \nOutside of work\, Robin is an avid reader who loves traveling and spending time with family and friends. She is a proud parent of three adult children; a role she embraces with joy and gratitude. \n  \nJ. Warren Robicheaux\, FACHE serves as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for the Matagorda County Hospital District and provides executive leadership for all district asset initiatives. \nBefore joining the district in 2018\, Warren served in senior administration and CEO roles at several facilities in the East Texas Medical Center Regional Healthcare System (ETMC). His list of accomplishments ranges from building replacement hospitals and establishing new service lines to leading award-winning quality programs. \nWarren has over twenty years of experience in healthcare and is board certified in healthcare management (FACHE). He earned a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Science and a Master of Healthcare Administration from Texas A&M University in College Station\, Texas. \n  \nJared Shelton\, FACHE\, serves as president of Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Fort Worth\, assuming the role in September 2024 after a two-year stint as president at Texas Health HEB. \nShelton’s previous roles included six years as president of Texas Health Allen\, and a term as vice president of Professional & Support Services for Texas Health Dallas. \nHe 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 of Science in health care administration from Trinity University. Shelton was named the 2024 Trinity University Health Care Administration Alumni Association “Momentum Award” winner\, which recognizes early careerists age 40 and under for outstanding achievements in the field of health care management. \nShelton currently serves as a trustee on the Board of Directors for the Dallas-Fort Worth Hospital Council. He is also serving a three-year term as Regent for the American College of Healthcare Executives in District 4\, Texas-Northern. He is a past president for the North Texas chapter of ACHE. He has served two terms on the Texas Hospital Association’s “Council on Policy Development” and is also a member of the Wake Forest Athletic Advisory Council. \nOutside of work\, Shelton and his wife\, Kathryn\, enjoy parenthood with their young children — daughters\, Mackenzie and Caroline\, and son\, Jack. \n\n\n  \nRegister Here\n 
URL:https://acheetx.org/event/strategies-for-effective-crisis-leadership/
LOCATION:Virtual
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260528T173000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260528T190000
DTSTAMP:20260604T120635
CREATED:20260408T153723Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260408T153723Z
UID:17111-1779989400-1779994800@acheetx.org
SUMMARY:Navigating Key Legislative Issues Facing Healthcare Leaders
DESCRIPTION:  \n\n\nThis panel has been approved for 1.50 ACHE Virtual Interactive Education Credits. \n\n\n\n\nNote: If you are a registrant of the in-person (May 14) portion of the 2026 ACHE East-North-Midwest Texas Multi-Chapter Education Symposium\, you are eligible to purchase your ticket for the below referenced virtual panel at a 25% discount. The promo code for that discount is provided to you in your confirmation email from Eventbrite for the May 14 event. \nNumerous 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. \nModerator: Lance Lunsford\, Senior Partner & Co-Founder\, Groundswell Health \nPanelists:\nSteve Love\, President and CEO Dallas-Fort Worth Hospital Council\nJorge Leal\, President & CEO\, Laredo Medical Center\nMichaela Bennett\, VP Government Relations\, Children’s Health \nSpeakers’ Bios: \nMichaela Bennett serves as Vice President of Government Relations at Children’s Health. In this role\, she is responsible for developing and leading the implementation of public policy engagement with elected officials and policy makers to further the Children’s Health mission to make life better for children. Before joining Children’s Health in 2013\, Michaela worked in the Texas Senate\, Houston City Hall\, and for multiple political campaigns. Michaela holds a Bachelor of Arts in Art History from Boston University. \n  \n  \nSince taking the helm as Chief Executive Officer of Laredo Medical Center in 2020\, Jorge Leal\, FACHE\, has been a driving force behind the hospital’s transformation and growth. He joined the hospital in 2014 as the Assistant Chief Executive Officer before being appointed as the Chief Operating Officer. His leadership has guided the expansion of key service lines and clinical programs\, strengthened hospital operations\, and significantly enhanced patient care across Laredo\, Webb County and the surrounding South Texas region. \nLeal has led major developments including the opening of a brand new Women’s Imaging Center to increase access to lifesaving screenings and essential women’s health services. He also oversaw the expansion of post-acute care with the opening of the Inpatient Rehabilitation Center\, adding eight skilled nursing beds and 16 inpatient rehabilitation beds\, and championed the reopening of the Open Heart program\, where close to 500 open heart procedures have been performed\, and nearly 2000 patients have been positively impacted through its cardiac rehab services since 2022. A key achievement under his tenure was a $6.9 million renovation of the cardiac catheterization lab\, which now offers advanced interventional cardiology in two suites and capabilities for electrophysiology services—bringing first-of-its-kind heart rhythm care to the community. \nIn 2021\, LMC entered a new era in surgical care with the introduction of robotic-assisted surgery\, providing surgeons with greater precision and patients with faster recovery times. A second system was added in 2023\, and in 2025\, the hospital celebrated over 2\,500 robotic-assisted procedures across specialties including general surgery\, urology\, gynecology\, bariatrics and orthopedics. Additionally\, the hospital recently embarked in a joint venture with Gastroenterology Consultants of Laredo where over 3\,000 advanced gastrointestinal procedures have been performed since January 2025. \nAdditionally\, Leal has expanded the hospital’s infusion center\, providing enhanced cancer and infusion therapy services. He has also been instrumental in increasing access to primary and specialty care\, growing the hospital’s provider network from one primary care physician in 2020 to ten\, along with the addition of 16 specialists. He launched primary care residency programs in family medicine and internal medicine\, ensuring a pipeline of future healthcare providers for the Laredo-Webb County area. Since 2025\, 79 resident physicians across five graduate medical education classes have graduated and the programs’ eighth cohort of 16 residents were welcomed with 47 residents currently enrolled. A total of 24 graduates from Laredo’s only GME program have made Laredo their home as physicians that work in various capacities throughout Laredo’s healthcare system. \nLooking ahead\, Laredo Medical Center will expand emergency care access to south Laredo’s growing population with the $22 million Buena Vista ER. A ground breaking was held on June 12\, 2025\, and the grand opening is set for summer 2026. \nBeyond hospital leadership\, Jorge is a dedicated civic and industry leader. He has served on the boards of numerous community organizations including the Laredo Daybreak Rotary\, Laredo Boys and Girls Club\, Mercy Ministries of Laredo (Past Chair)\, United Way of Laredo (2022–2023 President)\, the Laredo Chamber of Commerce (Chairman-elect 2027)\, and others. He currently serves on the United Day School Board and\, most recently\, has been appointed to the City of Laredo Economic Development Advisory Committee. At the state level\, he was elected in 2024 to the Texas Hospital Association’s Board of Trustees and has served on the Council on Policy Development and HOSPAC. He currently serves as Chairman of the Texas Hospital Association’s HOSPAC. Nationally\, he represents Texas as an At-Large Delegate to the American Hospital Association’s Regional Policy Board 7. \nA Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives\, Jorge earned board recertification in 2026 and was part of the inaugural class of the Texas Hospital Association Leadership Fellows Program. He is a 2018 recipient of the Texas A&M 12 Under 12 Young Alumni Spotlight\, which honors recent graduates for achievements in business\, service and leadership. In 2024\, he was honored with the inaugural Outstanding Alumni Award from the Texas A&M Master of Health Administration Alumni Association. In 2025\, the Laredo Chamber of Commerce recognized Jorge as a Business Icon Award honoree\, upon his recognition as the Chamber’s first-ever recipient of the Professional Excellence Award for his commitment to healthcare excellence and community leadership. \nUnder Jorge’s leadership\, Laredo Medical Center has earned national accolades\, including recognition by Becker’s Healthcare Review as one of the “150 Top Places to Work in Healthcare” and as one of “100 Hospitals and Health Systems with Great Oncology Programs.” Laredo Medical Center has also been recognized corporate wide for top employee and physician engagement which has lead to back to back awards for our hospital. His visionary leadership has not only improved clinical outcomes and operational performance but also fostered a culture of pride\, empowerment\, and excellence. Jorge Leal is a transformative leader—one whose impact continues to shape a stronger hospital and a healthier Laredo. \nMr. W. 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 previously served on the Children at Risk Board for North Texas\, Southwest Region Board for the American Heart Association\, and the Chair for the March of Dimes Walk for Babies Campaign\, Mothers Against Drunk Driving Dallas\, and Cure Glaucoma Foundation Advisory Board. He serves on the Southwest Transplant Alliance for organ transplants; North Texas Eye Research Institute; the Metropolitan YMCA Board of Directors and received the 2024 Theodore P. Beasley Distinguished Leadership Award in 2024; the Board of Directors of Prism Health North Texas and the Greater Irving-Las Colinas Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. He was the Chair for the Irving-Las Colinas Chamber for 2024-2025. Mr. Love has worked in healthcare management for over 50 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. \nLance Lunsford serves as senior partner at Groundswell Health\, a company he co-founded in Austin\, Texas\, focusing on strategic communication and marketing programs for health care organizations. He is a fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives and serves on the board of the Central Texas chapter. Previously\, he served as SVP of marketing and communications for the Texas Hospital Association\, overseeing all strategic messaging related to legislative and regulatory affairs\, including issues relating to health care delivery and finance. \nPrior to joining THA\, Lunsford worked as director of marketing for UMC Health System\, a 400-bed hospital located in Lubbock\, Texas\, where he built patient volume strategies for a variety of service lines. \nLunsford started his career in journalism as a reporter before becoming city editor of a major West Texas daily newspaper at 24. Lunsford was the first to produce and implement digital content features at multiple newspapers between 2003 and 2007. In June 2024\, Texas Tech University Press will release his new book Inside the Well: The Midland\, Texas Rescue of Baby Jessica McClure. The book chronicles the international media spotlight in the West Texas oil town and the tragedies that followed. The book brings to life the aftermath rescuers faced as they navigated movie deals\, international media\, and scrutiny to become one of first high-profile cases of PTSD among first responders. \n\n\n  \nRegister Here\n 
URL:https://acheetx.org/event/navigating-key-legislative-issues-facing-healthcare-leaders/
LOCATION:Virtual
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260611T173000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260611T200000
DTSTAMP:20260604T120635
CREATED:20260429T191125Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260429T194836Z
UID:17116-1781199000-1781208000@acheetx.org
SUMMARY:Networking & Successfully Leading Change in Healthcare Organizations
DESCRIPTION:This educational panel has been approved for 1.50 ACHE In-Person Education Credits.\n\n\n\n\nPlease join us for this special combined Networking and Education Event in Texarkana. \nYou may register for either the networking or educational segments separately\, or hopefully you can join us for both. \nA special thanks to CHRISTUS St Michael Hospital for hosting this event! \nAgenda:\n5:30pm-6:30pm: Check-In and Networking\n6:30pm-8:00pm: Education Panel: Successfully Leading Change in Healthcare Organizations \nThe 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. \nModerator: Ryan Moon\, FACHE\nChief Operating Officer\nCHRISTUS St Michael Hospital \nPanelists: \nJason Adams\nChief Executive Officer\nCHRISTUS St Michael Hospital \nRoger Hall\nChief Executive Officer\nCollom & Carney Clinic Association \nGreg Richter\, MD\nBoard Chair\nCollom & Carney Clinic Association \n\n\n  \nRegister Here\n  \nSpeakers’ Bios: \n  \nJason Adams joined the CHRISTUS St. Michael family as President of the health care ministry on February 15\, 2021. \n  \nA native of Arkansas and a University of Georgia Alumni\, Jason has more than 27 years of healthcare experience\, including a wealth of senior leadership experience in operations\, strategic planning\, financial accountability\, and overall business development in healthcare and complex multi-hospital systems. \n  \nAs President\, Jason is responsible for ensuring CHRISTUS St. Michael remains positioned to meet and exceed the health care needs of our community. This includes fulfilling the mission through growth initiatives\, quality\, Associate engagement\, patient satisfaction\, operational efficiency and financial strength. \n  \nJason’s 27 years of experience include roles such as Assistant Administrator\, Chief Operating Officer\, in for-profit and not-for-profit health systems. His ties to CHRISTUS Health began with his role as Chief Operating Officer for CHRISTUS St. Vincent Health System in 2013. In his various roles\, Jason led comprehensive turnaround plans that resulted in financial strength and improvement in Associate and patient satisfaction\, quality scores and operational efficiency. \n  \nHe and his wife\, Jennnifer\, have 3 children\, Jackson\, Ansley and Alex \n  \nRoger Hall is the Chief Executive Officer of Collom & Carney Clinic Association\, where he has been a leadership fixture since 1996 transitioning from COO to CEO in 2019. Roger’s executive journey is rooted in a deep mastery of healthcare finance; prior to his nearly 30-year tenure at the Clinic\, he served as a Chief Financial Officer and Director of Reimbursement for various hospital systems. \n  \nRoger is a recognized expert in advanced value-based care models\, including Medicare Advantage\, Medicare Shared Savings\, and Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs). His diverse operational background also extends to Home Health\, Hospice\, and specialized care management programs such as Transitional Care Management (TCM) and Chronic Care Management (CCM). Board Certified through the MGMA and a former fellowship with HFMA\, Roger currently serves on the Boards of Directors for Lifenet and Stratum Med\, and the Agilon Health Network Advisory Board. \n  \nRyan Moon\, FACHE\, is an accomplished healthcare leader with over 18 years of senior operational experience. As a former Chief Operating Officer for multiple Universal Health Services (UHS) facilities—including hospitals in Las Vegas\, NV and California—Ryan has a proven track record of optimizing hospital efficiencies while maintaining top-tier patient care. \n  \nThroughout his career\, Ryan has specialized in bridging the gap between clinical excellence and operational success. His notable achievements include reducing lab & imaging turnaround times\, increasing surgical on-time starts\, optimizing OR utilization\, and successfully launching a new 130-bed acute care hospital. A Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives\, Ryan is dedicated to inspiring high-performing teams to surpass goals in quality\, productivity\, and patient satisfaction. \n  \nDr. Greg Richter\, MD\, is a board-certified family medicine physician and distinguished healthcare leader with over 30 years of clinical experience. A 1986 graduate of Texas A&M University\, he earned his medical degree from the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio in 1991. After completing his residency at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences—where he served as Chief Resident in 1994—Dr. Richter practiced at Texas Medical Surgical Clinic in Dallas for 4 years before joining Collom & Carney Clinic in 1999. Throughout his tenure\, he has held significant leadership positions\, including serving multiple terms as Board President and his current role as Medical Director. Dr. Richter possesses extensive experience in advanced value-based care models\, having previously served as the Agilon Medical Director from the program’s inception at the clinic through June 2025. Board-certified since 1994\, he continues to combine deep clinical expertise with a steadfast commitment to organizational excellence and the delivery of high-quality\, patient-centered care. \n  \n  \n 
URL:https://acheetx.org/event/networking-successfully-leading-change-in-healthcare-organizations/
LOCATION:The Primary Commons\, 417 East New Boston Road\, Nash\, TX\, 75569
ORGANIZER;CN="ACHE of East Texas":MAILTO:info@acheetx.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260619T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260619T130000
DTSTAMP:20260604T120635
CREATED:20260302T203029Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260302T203029Z
UID:17072-1781870400-1781874000@acheetx.org
SUMMARY:Medicaid Provider Taxes and the OBBB: Implications for Hospitals and Physician Practices
DESCRIPTION:  \nThis event has been approved for 1.0 ACHE Qualifying (self-reported) Education Credits. \nMedicaid provider taxes have long served as a foundational state financing mechanism used to support Medicaid payment levels and leverage federal matching funds. These taxes are state-designed and may apply to different provider classes\, including hospitals\, nursing facilities\, managed care organizations\, and in some states\, physician services or specialty physician groups. Recent provisions within the One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) propose new restrictions and phased limitations on provider taxes\, signaling a major shift in how states may fund their Medicaid programs. \nThis session will explain how provider taxes function\, why policymakers view certain financing arrangements as controversial\, and how proposed OBBB changes could affect hospital reimbursement\, supplemental and directed payment programs\, and state budget flexibility. Particular attention will be given to the potential indirect effects on physicians and physician groups\, even in states where they do not directly pay provider taxes\, such as pressure on Medicaid fee schedules and hospital-supported clinical services. Participants will gain practical guidance for assessing organizational exposure\, engaging in state-level discussions\, and planning for evolving Medicaid financing models. \n\n  \nRegister Here\n  \n\nPresenter: Dr. Cristian H Lieneck\nSchool Director-Assoc Professor at School of Health Administration\, College of Health Professions\nTexas State University \nDr. Cristian H. Lieneck is the Director of the School of Health Administration at Texas State University\, where he has spent over 15 years preparing future healthcare leaders. \nHis career began as an emergency medical technician and as a U.S. Army Medical Service Corps officer\, where he earned multiple recognitions for his leadership related to medical evacuation missions and follow-on senior-executive military health service operations\, including being awarded the Meritorious Service Medal (MSM) upon completion of his active duty military service. He has over a decade follow-on experience leading medical group practices/outpatient service organizations across Texas\, specializing in financial management and health service marketing initiatives. His prior experience includes leadership positions at Austin Radiological Association (ARA)\, the Texas Medicaid Community Assistance Support Program\, and serving as the practice administrator of a physiatry/pain management medical group consisting of an outpatient surgery suite in Austin and multiple clinics across Central Texas. \nToday\, Dr. Lieneck is well known for strengthening the professional development of healthcare leaders nationwide. He is a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE)\, the Academy for Healthcare Management (AHM)\, the Health Information Management Systems Society (HIMSS) and the Medical Group Management Association(MGMA)\, and actively mentors early-\, mid-\, and senior-level healthcare administrators across all sectors of the industry. He was previously elected and served as an ACHE Regent for Central and South Texas (District 4)\,where he supported executives through education\, networking\, and leadership programming. He continues to teach financial management\, information technology/management\, and the general business domain modules for the ACHE Board of Governors FACHE exam review course\, assisting hundreds of healthcare leaders with their professional development goals and is a very active ACHE CHOICE program faculty member – speaking and conducting educational workshops to hospitals and healthcare systems regularly. Simultaneously serving as Texas MGMA’s Forum Representative\, he builds connections across practice management leaders and contributes to advancing the profession of medical group practice management\, assisting outpatient administration leaders with the skills needed to succeed through lectures and conference presentations. \nDr. Lieneck continues to research and publish on healthcare finance\, practice management\, and value-based leadership while serving on local\, state\, and national committees. His recently published textbook\,” Healthcare Financial Accounting: A Guide for Leaders” in 2022 has been adopted by multiple graduate and undergraduate programs in higher education and is even offered as a primary textbook with his new online course (“CODE BLUE on your Balance Sheet: A Healthcare Financial Accounting Refresher”) for non-student healthcare leaders seeking additional learning support though the Texas State University Continuing Education program. His work reflects a commitment to both academic excellence and applied leadership development\, ensuring healthcare executives are prepared to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing industry. \nKnown for incorporating his bluegrass mandolin playing in his teaching sessions\, he also enjoys spending time with his family and traveling. \nResearch Interests: \nHealthcare value (directed towards finance and marketing perspectives)\, practice administration (ambulatory care)\, and healthcare administration andragogy. \n\n  \nRegister Here
URL:https://acheetx.org/event/medicaid-provider-taxes-and-the-obbb-implications-for-hospitals-and-physician-practices/
LOCATION:Virtual
ORGANIZER;CN="ACHE of East Texas":MAILTO:info@acheetx.org
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR