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DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260520T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260520T133000
DTSTAMP:20260603T184358
CREATED:20260408T153128Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260408T153836Z
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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:20260603T184358
CREATED:20260408T153318Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260428T181603Z
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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:20260603T184358
CREATED:20260408T153529Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260408T153529Z
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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:20260603T184358
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
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260611T173000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260611T200000
DTSTAMP:20260603T184358
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
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260619T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260619T130000
DTSTAMP:20260603T184358
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
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