Navigating Key Legislative Issues Facing Healthcare Leaders
2024-07-08 16:30 - 18:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
Numerous public policy and legislative issues around healthcare delivery and public health affect healthcare organizations and demand the 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. Click Here to Purchase Your Ticket Agenda 4:30-5:30 – Speaker Introduction / Presentation 5:30-6:00 – Q&A ACHE Virtual Interactive Education Credits: 1.5 Earn ACHE Virtual Interactive Education credits through these innovative, interactive courses from your home or office. Virtual education is offered on a variety of timely healthcare leadership topics and consists of pre-course surveys and assessments, discussion board conversations and scheduled virtual live sessions. To receive full credit for the course, you are required to participate in all pre-scheduled virtual live sessions. Participants will have access to all course materials/recordings 180 days after the program concludes. David Mica (Moderator) David Mica, Jr., J.D., Executive Vice President, Public Affairs, Florida Hospital Association David Mica Jr. is the Executive Vice President of Public Affairs with the Florida Hospital Association. David oversees the association’s government relations, grassroots initiatives, and public affairs advocacy at the state and federal level. Previously, David was with the Florida Department of Children and Families, where he served as Chief of Staff overseeing the transformational work the agency had undertaken over 2018 – 2020. David led Volunteer Florida as CEO during Hurricane Michael recovery efforts. He also served as interim Secretary and Chief of Staff at the Florida Lottery when the agency achieved record sales and navigated complex litigation and legislative issues. David’s experience also includes Legislative Affairs Director for the Department of Business and Professional Regulation and significant roles within the Executive Office of the Governor during both the Charlie Crist and Rick Scott administrations. David received his undergraduate degree at the University of Florida and continued his academic studies at Florida State University College of Law; he is currently a member of the Florida Bar. Keri Eisenbeis Keri Eisenbeis is the Chief of Staff at BayCare Health System, a leading not-forprofit organization comprised of 16 hospitals and hundreds of other locations throughout Tampa Bay and central Florida regions. Eisenbeis leads government relations, community benefit, research, grants, and communications. Since joining BayCare in 2009, she has helped elevate BayCare’s role in the community through advocacy of important health policy priorities, as well as launching targeted community health improvement efforts. Prior to her current position, Eisenbeis was the director of government relations, ambulatory care and advocacy at St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital. In this position, she helped implement legislative agendas for the hospital and served as the primary advocate for children’s health care issues in Tallahassee and Washington, DC. Before joining BayCare, Eisenbeis served as the deputy director for Congresswoman Kathy Castor (D-FL) working on health policy, federal appropriations and grants. Eisenbeis has also worked as a senior adviser for the United States Agency for International Development, a special assistant for the Office of Management and Budget and a researcher for the Brookings Institution. She also served as a consultant for multiple international development projects. Eisenbeis completed a bachelor’s degree in international relations at Emory University and a master of law at Washington University in St. Louis, School of Law. She also completed a post-graduate international relations program at University of St. Andrews in Scotland, where she was a Robert T. Jones Scholar. She sits on several local boards, including Metropolitan Ministries, the Athena Society, and the Family Healthcare Foundation. Michael A. Nachef Michael joined Lee Health in July of 2016 and has been a member of the Southwest Florida community for more than two decades. Michael is most proud of being husband to Felicia and father to Chloe, Charlotte, Reagan, and Lincoln! Michael is the Vice President of Government Relations for Lee Health. He is a health system leader and experienced advocate who works closely with elected officials and their staff on the local, state, and federal levels of government. This work is focused on policy and funding issues that impact healthcare delivery and cost for Southwest Florida residents. Michael has over six years of experience working in Florida State government. As a Legislative Assistant with the Florida Senate, he helped to craft legislation and move it through the legislative process. Prior to his work in the Florida Senate, he worked with the office of the University President at Florida Gulf Coast University. Michael earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, cum laude, from Florida Gulf Coast University. Michael is Chair of the Big Brothers Big Sister of the Suncoast Corporate Board of Directors. He is the immediate past Chair of the Florida Gulf Coast University Alumni Board of Directors and served on the FGCU Foundation Board. He is a graduate of College Leadership Florida and an active member of the Leadership Florida organization. He was appointed by the Governor to serve on the Florida Greenways and Trails Council and served from 2019 to 2022. Michael also serves on the Sanibel Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors as Secretary and Treasurer. Michael was recognized as one of the News Service of Florida’s 40 Under 40 Rising Stars in the Sunshine State in 2024. He won the inaugural Naples and Lee Herald Young Professional of the Year Award in 2016 and was named as one of the 40 under 40 by the Naples Herald in 2017. Jonathan Chapman Jonathan Chapman currently serves as President and CEO of the Florida Association of Community Health Centers (FACHC). Having joined FACHC in late 2022, he leads a dynamic team as it supports Florida’s community health centers as they navigate the health care, political, and financial environments. Addressing primary care, dental, behavioral health, and numerous other medical and supporting services these centers serve over 1.8 patients through 800+ service locations across the state. Previously, Mr. Chapman was Chief Project Officer with Capital Link, a community health center training and technical assistance partner. There he led the organization’s project consultants in capital development and operational analyses with community health centers. He also has experience as the CEO of the Louisiana Primary Care Association, program manager in the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals (Medicaid), and pharmacy management in both retail and hospital settings. In addition to having earned both a bachelor’s degree in marketing and MBA from Southeastern Louisiana University, he has completed multiple health care executive programs and a certification in Predictive Analytics from UC-Irvine

Leading a Culture of Safety: A Blueprint for Success
2024-08-22 17:00 - 18:30 (America/Los_Angeles)
To help healthcare leaders achieve total system safety across the continuum, ACHE, and the Institute for Healthcare Improvement/National Patient Safety Foundation Lucian Leape Institute developed a guide “Leading a Culture of Safety: A Blueprint for Success”. This Blueprint is designed to help leaders shape, create and sustain the type of organizational culture needed to ensure patient and workforce safety and inspire healthcare leaders on the journey to zero harm. This discussion will focus on the six critical domains to develop and sustain a culture of safety.
Agenda
5:00-6:00 – Speaker Introduction / Presentation
6:00 – 6:30 – Q&A
ACHE Virtual Interactive Education Credits: 1.5
Earn ACHE Virtual Interactive Education credits through these innovative, interactive courses from your home or office. Virtual education is offered on a variety of timely healthcare leadership topics and consists of pre-course surveys and assessments, discussion board conversations and scheduled virtual live sessions.
To receive full credit for the course, you are required to participate in all pre-scheduled virtual live sessions. Participants will have access to all course materials/recordings 180 days after the program concludes.
Diane Campbell, RN, MSN, CSSBB (Moderator)
Diane Campbell is an experienced health care leader. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and later achieved a Master of Science in Nursing with a minor in Business Administration. Her early nursing career was focused in medical surgical and oncology nursing where she advanced in leadership to an Associate Vice Present of Nursing. Ms. Campbell’s later career led her into Finance and Quality. She has dedicated the last decade of her career to Quality and Safety earning a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt from the American Society of Quality.
Ms. Campbell is currently employed at BayCare Health System as a Regional Quality Director where she is responsible for accreditation, patient safety, quality, and process improvement activities. The role aligns with her commitment for transparency, continuous learning, quality, and zero harm.
David Isaacks, FACHE
David Isaacks was appointed Executive Network Director of the VA Sunshine Healthcare Network (VISN 8) October 9th, 2022. He previously served as Executive Director at the North Florida / South Georgia Veterans Health System in Gainesville, Fl., Executive Director at the Kansas City VA Medical Center in Kansas City, Mo., and Executive Director for the Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans’ Hospital in Columbia, Mo., Mr. Isaacks joined the VA in 2006 and has served in several other leadership roles including deputy network director for both the VA Sunshine Healthcare Network in St. Petersburg, Fla., and the VA Heartland Network in Kansas City, Mo. He also served as director of the VA Central Plaines Consolidated Patient Account Center in Leavenworth, Kan.
Mr. Isaacks is a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives, VHA Certified Mentor, an Excellence in Government Senior Fellow, a graduate of the Walter and Leonore Annenberg Leadership Institute – Class of 2008, the 19th Annual Prince Williams Regional Chamber of Commerce Valor Award winner from 2005, a 2003 U.S. Marine Corps Institute Graduate, and a certified LEAN Black Belt. David is a nationally recognized expert on High Reliability and culture change. Most recently Mr. Isaacks was recognized in October 2022 with the Meritorious Presidential Rank Award, March 2021 with the ACHE VA Regents Senior Healthcare Award and also recognized in July 2021 with the Ninth Annual Secretary’s Diversity & Inclusion Excellence Award. Additionally, Isaacks is a proud veteran of the United States Marine Corps.
Gary Josephson, MD, MBA, CPE
Dr. Gary Josephson is a physician, researcher, educator, and author. He is a Pediatric otolaryngologist, experienced healthcare executive, and held academic rank of Professor at Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and the University of South Florida College of Medicine. He has published more than 60 peer reviewed publications in the medical literature, has edited a medical textbook titled Complications in pediatric otolaryngology, and has developed several instruments used in clinical practice today His recently released self-help book “Ordinary to Extraordinary: Seven Principles for Life Success” was a top 5 title sales by publication date as noted by Morgan James Publishing. Dr. Josephson has been named in “Jacksonville’s Best Surgeons in the City” and listed in “Castle Connelly” and “Best Doctors in America”. He was the medical correspondent for a local newspaper when he lived in Manhattan. His column included health and wellness tips and facts to improve well-being. Dr. Josephson currently works for Lee Health’s Golisano Children’s Hospital of South-West Florida.
On a personal note, Dr. Josephson enjoys nature, outdoor activities, and staying physically fit. His greatest passion is spending time with his wife Patricia, a pediatrician, and their two children, Samantha and Grayson.
Sanjiv Tewari, MD, FCCP
Dr. Sanj Tewari joined Blake Hospital as Chief Medical Officer on June 1, 2023.
Dr. Tewari is board certified in pulmonary disease, critical care medicine, neurocritical care, and sleep medicine, and he has master’s degree in law. He was the president of a large pulmonary and critical care group and a hospitalist group and joined Cleveland Clinic, where he served as chairman of medicine and as a medical director over the south region of Ohio in the respiratory institute. Most recently, Dr. Tewari was director of the intensive care unit and center director for medical specialties at another Cleveland clinic site in Florida. He has published many articles and book chapters and he is passionate about medical education. His skillsets include comprehensive medical knowledge, clinical efficiency and operations, quality improvement, compliance, programmatic development, and medical staff organization and relations.

ACHE-WFC New Member Seminar - September 9th, 2024
2024-09-09 17:00 - 18:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
Please join us for a New Member Seminar. We invite all new ACHE Western Florida Chapter members to attend this virtual seminar. Chapter experts will provide comprehensive information on all of the benefits of chapter membership. Discussions include use of chapter resources, connections with national ACHE, and many of the events and offerings of the Western Florida Chapter.
If you have any questions, you may contact Paul Wagner, Membership Chair at Paul-wagner@smh.com

ACHE-WFC New Member Seminar - September 10th, 2024
2024-09-10 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
Please join us for a New Member Seminar. We invite all new ACHE Western Florida Chapter members to attend this virtual seminar. Chapter experts will provide comprehensive information on all of the benefits of chapter membership. Discussions include use of chapter resources, connections with national ACHE, and many of the events and offerings of the Western Florida Chapter.
If you have any questions, you may contact Paul Wagner, Membership Chair at Paul-wagner@smh.com.

Finance in Healthcare Symposium
2024-09-26 07:30 - 18:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
IN-PERSON | The Grove, Lakewood Ranch | 7:30am-6:00pm | SEPTEMBER 26, 2024
Click Here to Purchase Your Ticket
This 10 hour, instructor led, symposium will provide expert insight regarding a range of topics on finance in healthcare. The panels will cover topics including financial sustainability, alternative care models, push from inpatient to ambulatory, and the future of healthcare financing. Attendees are welcome to ask questions and interact with panelists. Attendees will receive 6 hours in-person ACHE credit and will have 4 hours of time to network with other healthcare professionals.
Agenda
7:30-8:00 AM Check-in/Networking
8:00-8:30 AM Keynote Speaker
8:30-10:00 AM Financial Sustainability of Healthcare Organizations – A Plan of Action (1.5 In-person Education Credit)
10:00-10:30 AM Break/Networking
10:30-12:00 PM The Value of Developing and Implementing Alternative Care Models (1.5 In-Person Education Credit)
12:00 -1:00 PM Break/Lunch Provided
1:00-2:30 PM Financial Implications: The Push From Inpatient to Ambulatory Care (1.5 In-Person Education Credit)
2:30-3:00 PM Break/Networking
3:00-4:30 PM The Future of Healthcare Financing (1.5 In-Person Education Credit)
4:30-6:00 PM Reception/Networking (Optional) – Cash bar will be available
Speakers & Moderators
Keynote Speaker
Jared Capouya, MD, MS
Dr. Capouya received his medical education and residency training in pediatrics from the University of South Florida with further education in Healthcare Quality and Safety Management at Thomas Jefferson University, College of Population Health. He was the inaugural Medical Director of Quality at Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital in 2013, leading system level pediatric quality and safety efforts and subsequently led the quality and safety program as the Vice President of Quality and Safety, at Arkansas (AR) Children’s health system, from 2018 to 2022. Concurrent to this he was also the medical director for their statewide clinically integrated network, Arkansas Children’s Care Network, before transitioning to Nemours at the end of 2022. He also was a critical member of the Little Rock COVID-19 Mayors Task Force and co-led the AR state Maternal and Perinatal Outcomes Quality Review Committee for several years.
Additional current responsibilities include being the chair elect of the patient safety team at the Child Health Patient Safety Organization (Children’s Hospital Association), a clinical steering team member and co- lead of the innovation, technology, and research workgroup at Solutions for Patient Safety (SPS). Dr. Capouya has led several implementation efforts including population health indices, communication and optimal resolution program, harm reduction efforts across a health system, integrated behavioral health in early childhood, high reliability leadership methods and behaviors, as well as remaining active clinically.
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Program 1 – “Financial Sustainability of Healthcare Organizations” (1.5 In-Person Education Credit)
Jyric Sims, Ph.D, FACHE
Jyric Sims serves as the president of HCA Healthcare West Florida Division, where he oversees the operations of 15 hospitals, two behavioral health campuses, 30 emergency room locations, 30 urgent care sites, 14 ambulatory surgery centers, 84 physician practices and Division Office staff who support these care locations along Florida’s Gulf Coast.
Jyric brings more than two decades of healthcare experience to the role and formerly served as chief executive officer at HCA Healthcare’s Medical City Plano and Medical City Frisco in 2021. Together, both hospitals comprise over 700 acute care beds and 3,000 employees.
Sims previously served from 2017 to 2021 as CEO of HCA Healthcare’s Medical City Fort Worth, a 348-bed, acute care hospital. His leadership is credited with turnaround efforts that resulted in growth in services, recruitment of top talent and improvements in patient experience. He led more than $115 million in expansions, including the addition of a patient tower with a 30-bed ER, a neuroscience/spine center and the opening of Medical City ER White Settlement.
Sims joined Medical City Healthcare’s parent company, HCA Healthcare, in 2011, serving as vice president and Chief Operating Officer at Tulane Health System in New Orleans, Louisiana; chief operating officer of St. Lucie Medical Center in Port St. Lucie, Florida; and associate chief operating officer at Clear Lake Regional Medical Center in Webster, Texas. He started his career at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas, as an administrative fellow and director of domestic and international operations.
Dedicated to community service, Sims is active in Tampa Bay Thrives, Tampa Bay Partnership, Habitat for Humanity and Young President’s Organization (YPO) since relocating to Tampa. He currently serves on the American Hospital Association Regional Policy Board, the Louisiana State University Foundation Board as the chair of the finance committee, and formerly, the Plano Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. He is a member of Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity (Boule), Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., and many other organizations. He is also active with the National Association of Health Services Executives (NAHSE).
Sims has received numerous accolades, including:
• 2022 Becker’s Top 75 Black Healthcare Leaders to Know
• 2021 Dallas Business Journal 40 under 40
• 2018 “40 Under 40” by the Fort Worth Business Press
• 2017 National Association of Healthcare Executives Young Executive of the Year
• 2016 UAMS Alumnus of the Year
• 2015 Modern Healthcare Up and Comer Award
Sims received a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Public Policy from Southern University in Baton Rouge, a Master in Health Administration from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences and holds an undergraduate degree from Louisiana State University. He is also a fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives.
Dani Bowie, DNP, RN, NE-BC
Dr. Dani Bowie has over fifteen years of experience driving operational excellence in healthcare systems through innovative staffing and scheduling technology initiatives that increase nurse engagement and reduce labor costs. She has led andindependently consulted for several health systems to design and build centralized staffing and scheduling offices, while simultaneously deploying staffing and scheduling technology platforms. Dr. Bowie specializes in technology, project and people management; leveraging knowledge of the healthcare environment and bold leadership strategies/methods, to meet regulatory requirements and organizational goals, values, and deadlines. At Aya Healthcare, San Diego, CA, she leads strategic initiatives that drive workforce excellence leveraging innovative staffing and scheduling technology solutions.She is responsible for redesigning and integrating system policies, procedures, and workflows aimed and increasing clinician engagement and satisfaction while streamlining operational processes and reducing labor costs within healthcare systems.
Previously, she served as the Chief Nursing Officer and Vice President of Clinical Strategy & Transformation at Trusted Health in San Francisco, CA, from 2022 to 2024. In this role, she spearheaded transformative workforce strategies that addressed flexible staffing and scheduling, tackled burnout, and designed future recommendations through the adoption of technology. She also managed sales and consulting services, delivering a projected ROI of $20-50 million in savings.
From 2019 to 2022, she was the System Vice President of Nursing Workforce Development at Bon Secours Mercy Health in Cincinnati, OH. She developed and executed a strategic plan for a nursing workforce of 17,000 employees across over 40 hospitals and multiple ambulatory sites in seven states and Ireland. She implemented various workforce programs, including an internal agency, a market-based float pool program, an international nursing program, and a resource optimization center for staffing and scheduling.
Between 2012 and 2015, she worked at Legacy Health in Oregon and Washington as the System Director of Clinical Resource Management and Enterprise Staffing and Scheduling Technology Project Owner. She pioneered operational excellence for the central staffing office, enterprise-wide resource pool, and contract labor for eight hospitals. She led an enterprise staffing and scheduling technology project, converting 126 nursing units and 5000 end users to new technology supported through a central staffing and scheduling office.
Earlier in her career, from 2007 to 2015, she was at Providence Portland Medical Center in Portland, OR, where she served in various roles including Nurse Manager, Relief Hospital Supervisor Manager, Registered Nurse, and Charge Nurse. She administered a $14 million budget, managed 60 FTEs, and oversaw a 27-bed cardiopulmonary telemetry unit at a 450-bed Magnet Hospital. She provided operational support for emergent hospital events, ensured proper patient placement, and led bedboard meetings for inpatient nursing units and ancillary services.
Gary Whittington, CPA
Gary has 20 plus years of corporate accounting experience in various hospital and system settings with increasing levels of responsibility. I also have 10 years of public accounting experience working with clients in a wide range of industries. The final seven years had an emphasis in healthcare with a lot of reimbursement services. Gary is currently the System Chief Financial Officer for Manatee Health System in Bradenton, FL, financially responsible for all activities of the Manatee Health System, which includes two hospitals, three free-standing emergency departments, three outpatient imaging centers, four outpatient physical therapy clinics, and employed physician practices. The system also employs over 40 physicians, including a long-term PSA for a 12-physician cardiology practice, The Bradenton Cardiology Center (BCC).
Before his arrival, the larger of the two hospitals, Manatee Memorial, had missed its budget eight of the previous ten years and experienced an 18% reduction in operating income from 2018 to 2020. Through service line maximization and cost discipline, he was able to achieve budget in both 2021 and 2022 and increase earnings by 28% despite high inflation. Through the first five months of 2023, Manatee Memorial is over 25% ahead of budget. The system has several centralized support functions and departments, including Accounting, IT, Health Information Management, Materials Management, Patient Access/Scheduling, and Utilization Review, which report to the CFO.
Lori Shea, MBA, BSN, RNC-OB, FACHE
Lori Shea, MBA, BSN, RNC-OB, FACHE, has served as Associate Vice President of Women’s & Children’s for Lakeland Regional Health since April 2020. Prior to joining Lakeland Regional, Lori has served in several leadership positions within Medical Devices, Ambulatory Practices and the Acute Care Setting with specialization in Cardiothoracic Surgery, Women’s & Children’s Service Lines throughout Florida, Texas, California and Georgia. Lori is a Fellow of the American College of Health Care Executives and holds certifications in Inpatient Obstetrics and Obstetrics, Neonatal Quality and Safety. She earned her bachelor’s in Nursing from Capital University in Columbus, Ohio and her masters in Business and Healthcare from Northcentral University. Lori currently serves as a board member for two area service organizations in Lakeland Florida.
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Program 2 – “The Value of Developing and Implementing Alternative Care Models” (1.5 In-Person Education Credit)
Julia Beresford
Julia is currently the Director of BayCare Physician Partners Population Health Operations, where she oversees a diverse range of population health and value-based initiatives. Prior to her role in population health, Julia served as the Director of the International Program for Johns Hopkins Medicine International, where she expanded market reach and brand presence across 15 international countries in Latin America and the Caribbean. Additionally, she established new relationships with Middle Eastern Embassies, further strengthening the organization’s global presence.
With over two decades of industry experience, Julia has played a pivotal role in driving value-based care, leading practice transformations, and optimizing population health strategies. Her expertise extends to medical staff relations, clinician management, and practice management, where she consistently enhances operational efficiency and fosters collaborative environments.
Beyond her leadership responsibilities, Julia is deeply committed to education and mentorship. As a part-time professor and doctoral mentor at Capella University’s School of Business and Technology, she actively contributes to shaping the next generation of healthcare leaders.
Edward Yoon, MD, MBA
Dr. Edward Yoon is the Chief Medical Officer for Optum’s Solution Design team. He serves as a strategic thought leader and partner across Optum and Health Care Delivery systems. He graduated from Northeastern Ohio School of Medicine and finished residencies in both OB/GYN and Family Medicine. He later received his MBA from Umass Amherst. His clinical background includes serving as Physician Lead, Medical Director, and Chief of Staff. Dr. Yoon also brings health plan administrative leadership and operatinal experience. He has inspired innovation and transformational work in Health Plans serving as Medical Director, VP of Clinical Integration, and Chief Medical Officer for Regional and National Health Plans. Most recently he served as the UnitedHealthcare Market Medicare Chief Medical Officer for New England.
Carl Schuessler, Jr., DHP, DIA, GBDS
Carl Schuessler, Jr. leads Mitigate Partners, a consortium of 22+ employee benefit consulting & brokerage firms. His passion for fixing the problem of runaway health-care costs in this country and his desire to treat the employer’s money as his own led him through years of research culminating in the development of his proprietary FairCo$t Health Plan. This innovative plan design seamlessly integrates 20+ cost containment solutions with a high-performance health-care solutions platform. The 2022 Executive Leader Healthcare Leader of the Year, Carl & Mitigate Partners have been nationally recognized for their work in creating localized, employer-built, health-care plans in Forbes, Entrepreneur, Innovation & Tech Today, Physician Outlook Magazine, Free Market Medical Association, and Bold TV. By removing misaligned incentives, directing care based on quality and cost, &, ultimately, helping courageous employers fix their plans, employers are saving 15-to-30 percent in their healthcare spend. An accomplished speaker, Carl often rallies audiences with stories of how Mitigate Partners are challenging Wall Street (insurer-built) health plans by creating Main Street (employer-built) health plans and bending the healthcare cost curve.
Ann Richardson, MBA
Ann is a visionary healthcare administration Strategic Partner and Health Care Operations Transformation Consultant with extensive hospital system and multispecialty medical group operational and financial leadership experience. An innovative, creative thinker who leverages a consultative approach drawing on 25+ years of healthcare administration experience and a passion for leading multidisciplinary teams to assess and strategize processes for access to safe, timely, and high-quality care.
She has a successful track record leading large hospital-based departments in academic medical centers and community hospital systems – Anesthesiology, OB Gyn, Primary Care, Breast Center – Radiology & Breast Health, Surgery – General, Trauma & ACS, Vascular, Transplant, Endocrine, Surgical Oncology, and directing multispecialty group practices. She has a strong interest and ability to assess and evaluate technology along with key stakeholders to enhance and support clinical and administrative performance. She is a builder and promoter of clinical programs, creating infrastructure, defining roles, and recruiting top-performing teams that uphold high integrity and patient advocacy standards.
A compassionate advocate, change management facilitator, trainer, mentor, and coach, she is a clinically savvy, trusted partner committed to exceeding expectations, keeping physicians, providers, care teams, and patients’ interests at the center of decision-making, and focusing on enhanced value. She is able to respectfully challenge authority to protect patients and care teams. She believes in physician and care team advocacy to successfully implement patient-centric advocacy models of care. She uses a ‘big eyes and big ears’ approach to uncover countless opportunities for improvement and engagement through a bottoms-up systems-based approach with the voice of the frontline workers directing and implementing the necessary changes utilizing select Lean methodologies.
A collaborative relationship-builder and decisive partner, she gives voice to difficult ideas, finds consensus, and brings stakeholders together to deliver value to patients and the care team with the utmost integrity and commitment to service. Often referred to as the “Doctor Whisperer,” she demonstrates the enhanced value of change to physicians and care teams by fact-finding, listening, and gaining trust and respect.
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Program 3 – “Financial Implications: The Push From Inpatient to Ambulatory Care” (1.5 In-Person Education Credit)
Xavier Sevilla, MD, MBA
Dr. Xavier Sevilla served on the National Advisory Council of AHRQ and as National VP of Clinical Quality for Catholic Health Initiatives in Denver. He was appointed to the NCQA advisory panel on Patient Centered Medical Home, and other clinical programs. Has led initiatives in performance improvement and delivery system transformation in ACOs, major health plans, large medical groups, and integrated hospital systems. Dr. Sevilla continues to practice part time in BayCare Medical Group.
David Cato, PT, MBA
David is the Vice President of Operations for the Cleveland Clinic Florida Market. As the Vice President of Operations of Cleveland Clinic Florida Health System he is responsible for leading the planning, direction, and ensuring the smooth and efficient operations of Cleveland Clinic Florida. Provides leadership to ensure the attainment of strategic objectives and the delivery of quality and economical sound health care services are provided. Leads related initiatives including quality, innovation, teamwork, and service. Ensures new programs are developed and implemented in accordance with strategic planning. David works collaboratively with the health system team to achieve financial, operational, quality and safety, and strategic goals.
Prior to joining Cleveland Clinic Florida, David spent fifteen years at Lee Health based in Fort Myers, FL and was most recently their Chief Officer Outpatient and Hospital Operations & PostAcute Care, and prior to Lee Health spent more than eight years in the Shands health care system at the University of Florida. David has served in many executive, administrative and clinical roles throughout his career. David has facilitated teams to establish new sites of care across the continuum of healthcare to enhance access to quality care to the communities served. He has led improvements in patient care, access, flow, and coordination of care resulting in additional capacity, more efficient intake processes, decreased length of stay and lowering the overall cost of care.
David is a native Floridian and has a degree in physical therapy and a master’s degree in Business Administration both from the University of Florida.
Outside of his work, David’s passion for community service has led him to volunteer as a youth football, basketball and baseball coach for the past 25 years. David serves on the state of Florida Special Olympics Board of Directors, and he also enjoys being the Clinical Director for the Special Olympics overseeing “Fun Fitness” providing physical therapy screenings for the participating athletes at local, regional, and state Special Olympics events. David has volunteered for many other local organizations in the communities that he has worked and lived in.
Dana McQuaide Begley, MHA, FACHE
Dana joined Lee Health in October 2022. In her current position, she is responsible for the operations, development, quality, and growth for the post-acute continuum to include, home health, skilled nursing and long-term care, rehabilitation, and wellness services across Lee Health’s five hospital system. Dana is also responsible for the development of partnerships with community agencies and post-acute providers to expand the continuum and coordinate care for all patients.
Prior to her current position, Dana served as Vice President of Service Operations and Development for Lifepoint Health (TN), Vice President of Medical Management/Post Acute Services at the Conemaugh Health System (PA), Vice President of Marketing and Business Development at Select Specialty Hospital Division and The Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation of Select Medical Corporation (PA), Chief Executive Officer of Select Specialty Hospital of Johnstown (PA) and as Director of Outpatient Services at HEALTHSOUTH Rehabilitation Hospital of Altoona (PA). After graduating from Dickinson College with a degree in economics and policy management, Dana went on to earn her masters of health care administration degree from the University of Pittsburgh, Graduate School of Public Health. She is a fellow and certified healthcare executive in the American College of Healthcare Executives (FACHE) and a LEAN 6Sigma Green Belt
Eli Freilich, MD, CHCQM-PHYADV, CCDS, CCDS-O, CRCR
Dr. Freilich is board-certified in Internal Medicine and Pulmonary Disease. His clinical practice experience and work as a Physician Advisor both in the inpatient and ambulatory settings, complement Enjoin’s prestigious and nationally recognized physician team. In addition to his Clinical Documentation Improvement expertise, Dr. Freilich was the Chief Medical Officer at BayCare Physician Partners where he was instrumental in helping to establish the ambulatory CDI program. Currently, Dr. Freilich serves as Enjoin’s Denial Physician Lead providing clinical guidance and support related to appeals.
For over 25 years, Dr. Freilich has traveled the path of documentation integrity from his earliest work as a physician reviewer with Florida Medical Quality Assurance Inc. Prior to completion of his medical school program at the University of South Florida College of Medicine, Dr. Freilich earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Miami. Subsequent to his Internal Medicine Residency and Pulmonary Fellowship, he completed a master’s degree in Medical Management from the Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine. His work experience before joining the BayCare Health System included serving as the Medical Director of Respiratory Therapy and President of the Medical Staff at Morton Plant Hospital. Other leadership roles he has served in include Chairman of the Medical Executive Committee, Chairman of the Research Council, and work with the Quality and Safety and Utilization Review Committees.
Previously, Dr. Freilich served as the Director, Chief Medical Officer for BayCare Physician Partners. His many accomplishments include the development of an ambulatory CDI program for the system, achieving savings each year of the existence of the clinically integrated network as well as improvement in HCC scores and savings of over $32 million dollars in first 3 years MSSP ACO.
He has served as a faculty member at the University of South Florida College of Medicine for over ten years instructing residents in documentation and coding. Dr. Freilich’s work with documentation improvement efforts includes educating physicians and assisting coders to generate queries with clinical significance.
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Program 4 – “The Future of Healthcare Financing” (1.5 In-Person Education Credit)
Jeff Limbocker, MBA
Jeff Limbocker was appointed Chief Financial Officer for Sarasota Memorial in October, 2022. Sarasota Memorial is a $1.8 billion revenue public hospital system in Sarasota County, FL, with a large 901-bed tertiary academic trauma center, a 200-bed hospital in Venice, FL, a 500-provider multi-specialty medical group, and multiple sites of ambulatory care. He is responsible for the overall financial oversight of the organization including Treasury, Supply Chain, Revenue Cycle, Business Analytics, etc.
Before moving to Sarasota, Limbocker was a finance executive for the Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System (FMOLHS) for 28 years, completing his tenure there as CFO for the Health System. FMOLHS is a $3.2 billion revenue Catholic healthcare organization operating eight hospitals in Louisiana and Mississippi, and a 1,000 provider employed practice. His experience includes joint venture development, physician practice management, large technology implementations, insurance partnerships, hospital acquisitions, as well as serving in various capacities for FMOLHS subsidiaries and boards.
Tommy Inzia
Tommy Inzina led one of nation’s top large health care systems before retiring at the end of 2022. As President and CEO of BayCare Health System for six years, Inzina led the not-for-profit provider to repeated recognition as among the top 20 percent of all large health care systems for clinical outcomes, patient experience, operational efficiency, financial health and contributions to the community, by Fortune/Merative™, even as BayCare continued to grow to build a 16th hospital and greatly expand its commitment to ambulatory and behavioral health services. In 2022, BayCare’s total revenue was $5.1 billion and returned $492 million in community benefit and had more than 29,400 team members.
As a leader, Inzina also worked to realize BayCare’s mission to improve the community’s health outside its walls. He worked to convene leaders, including competitors, to help drive community conversations around health needs, particularly behavioral health, leading to the establishment of the public-private collaborative, Tampa Bay Thrives. That same public sense of duty proved pivotal in the early days of COVID-19, when Inzina helped forge collaboration across health care sectors to support West Central Florida’s response.
Inzina was a 10-year-veteran of Ernst & Young when he first joined St. Joseph’s Hospital’s financial team. Soon after, he helped forge the agreement among a small group of not-for-profit hospital systems to establish BayCare in 1997 to ensure not-for-profit health care remained strong for Tampa Bay. Over three decades, Inzina would serve in several leadership roles including chief financial officer, chief administrative officer and chief operating officer. He is a graduate of Auburn University (Bachelor of Science in Accounting) and the University of Tampa (Master of Business Administration). Inzina’s other leadership roles have included industry and community organizations, such as the Tampa Bay Partnership, the Florida Hospital Association, the Heart Ball Cabinet for the American Heart Association and the American Cancer Society’s CEO Against Cancer.
Joanna Weiss, CPA
Joanna Weiss is the Senior Vice President of Finance at the Moffitt Cancer Center and oversees all facets of the financial operations. In this role, she is responsible for more than 700 team members in eight functional areas, accounting, payroll/tax, research finance, financial analysis and forecasting, capital and debt, supply chain and Revenue cycle. Joanna joined Moffitt in 2006 as Director, Internal Audit, developing the department while managing and coordinating Moffitt’s financial statement audit. She was promoted to the VP, Revenue Cycle management in 2014 and the VP, Finance in 2018 and SVP, Finance in 2022. Joanna holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Auburn University and a master’s degree in Healthcare Administration from Florida Atlantic University. She is a certified public accountant licensed in Florida and Georgia.
John Couris
John D. Couris is the President and CEO of the Florida Health Sciences Center (FHSC), which comprises an array of organizations, including Tampa General Hospital, one of the nation’s leading not-for-profit academic health systems, in partnership with the University of South Florida. Today, Tampa General’s footprint includes six hospitals and more than 150 care locations across Florida and employs nearly 14,000 team members and physicians.
Couris is recognized as a national expert in health care as well as organizational leadership, workplace culture transformation and management, having successfully built companies nationwide by driving innovation, operational excellence, team member and stakeholder engagement and strategic collaboration.
Couris often speaks and presents at conferences across the country and internationally on topics relating to leadership, organizational transformation and growth, regulatory impact, consumerism, innovation and design, and empowering and leading high-performing teams across both the health care space and a wide variety of sectors. Couris collaborates closely with and provides counsel to elected officials at all levels to help address issues impacting the health care industry in Tampa Bay, Florida and on a national scale.
Couris serves as an expert source and contributor to multiple national publications, offering insights on topics ranging from his visionary approach to care coordination, to the importance of partnerships to advance innovation, to the principles of authentic leadership. His peer-reviewed case study, “Tampa General Hospital: Harnessing Authentic Leadership to Transform an Academic Health System,” is forthcoming in the journal Management in Healthcare (Spring 2024).
Serving his community and industry as a leader and advocate, Couris is a member of several boards and has earned appointments to state and national councils. Couris holds a doctorate in business administration, management sciences from the University of South Florida Muma College of Business, where he is a Research Fellow. His dissertation examined the impact of the practice of authentic leadership on teams and organizations
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** ACHE In Person Hours: The American College of Healthcare Executives has awarded 1.5 ACHE In Person Education Credits for each of the following programs (6.0 hrs. total) Must be present to complete survey/obtain In Person hours.* Program #1: Financial Sustainability of Healthcare Organizations – A Plan of Action; #2: The Value of Developing and Implementing Alternative Care Models; #3: Financial Implications: The Push From Inpatient to Ambulatory Care; #4: The Future of Healthcare Financing **
Please contact Lana Palmquist, Lana.Palmquist@baycare.org with any questions, or request for special accommodation at least 5 days prior to the program.

Advancement to Fellow Webinar
2024-10-15 12:00 - 13:00, 2024-10-15 17:00 - 18:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
Join current fellows as they go over the process of becoming a fellow, the value fellowship has brought to their careers, and go over tips and tricks about the Board of Governors Examination.
Register Now to receive the Video Conference Information!

Digital Health in the Healthcare Delivery System
2024-10-25 12:00 - 13:30 (America/Los_Angeles)
WFC ACHE – Digital Health in the Healthcare Delivery System

Date and time

Friday, October 25 · 12 – 1:30pm EDT

Location

Online

Refund Policy

Refunds up to 7 days before event
Eventbrite’s fee is nonrefundable.

About this event

Event lasts 1 hour 30 minutes

The pandemic has only accelerated what was already a fastmoving train toward more of healthcare becoming digital. Whether it is the increasing need for telehealth services, the rapidly growing field of artificial intelligence, or advances toward more personalized medicine, the intersection of healthcare and digital technology is here to stay. In addition, digital health has become a healthcare access imperative. Its innovative benefits are of vital interest amid the implementation of most healthcare regulations. This program surveys some of the current uses and organizational deployment of digital health strategies. The discussion includes adoption and innovation across the clinical and patient perspectives. The technical, operational, regulatory, and financial/reimbursement aspects of the development of these programs will also be investigated. The expanding role that digital health holds in daily life and its direction into the future of the healthcare delivery system will be explored.
Agenda
12:00-1:00 – Speaker Introduction / Presentation
1:00 – 1:30 – Q&A
ACHE Virtual Interactive Education Credits: 1.5
Earn ACHE Virtual Interactive Education credits through these innovative, interactive courses from your home or office. Virtual education is offered on a variety of timely healthcare leadership topics and consists of pre-course surveys and assessments, discussion board conversations and scheduled virtual live sessions.
To receive full credit for the course, you are required to participate in all pre-scheduled virtual live sessions. Participants will have access to all course materials/recordings 180 days after the program concludes.
Richard Thomas, PhD (Moderator)
Richard K. Thomas, Ph.D., is an adjunct faculty member in the Department of Preventive Medicine at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center. He has over 50 years’ experience in health services research, planning and evaluation. He was trained as a medical sociologist and has been instrumental in the development of the field of health demography. He serves as a consultant to hospitals, clinics, health plans and other healthcare organizations, providing consultation related to market research, business development, strategic planning, and project evaluation. He has developed a variety of methodologies for application to health-related problems and pioneered the development of predictive modeling in healthcare. His current emphasis is on the emerging field of population health and initiatives aimed at community health improvement. Dr. Thomas has authored more than 20 books on health/healthcare and demography and numerous articles for professional journals, newsletters and magazines. He holds a bachelor’s degree (economics, Rhodes College), two master’s degrees (sociology and geography, University of Memphis), and a Ph.D. (medical sociology, Vanderbilt University). Dr. Thomas also serves as vice-president for Health and Performance Resources, a healthcare consulting firm.
Dipul Patadia, MD, MBA
Dr. Patadia is a transformational physician executive with over 20 years of experience in the healthcare industry, brings a wealth of experience as a practicing clinician and healthcare executive He is currently the Global Lead for Health System Strategy and Innovation at Salesforce where he aids in contextualizing health systems’ needs with new and existing technology capabilities. Prior to joining Salesforce, Patadia came from Ascension and Advocate Health where he served as a Chief Medical Officer, leading clinical initiatives and operations for two of their high-acuity hospitals. He has been instrumental in developing and operationalizing specialty service lines, optimizing quality management systems, and designing innovative value-based care strategies. He has also served as the President of an emergency medicine group, and he has been a trusted advisor to over a dozen venture-capital portfolio companies and healthcare startups. His niche areas of expertise include digital innovation, new care-model delivery systems, virtual care, remote patient monitoring, and provider-focused AI solutions. In addition, Dr. Patadia has had national and local leadership roles. He was the Illinois Representative for the American Academy of Emergency Medicine, and he held an elected seat on the DuPage County Medical Society’s Board of Directors. Dr. Patadia received his bachelor’s in Finance from the University of Illinois and his medical doctorate from the UIC College of Medicine. He completed his residency training in Emergency Medicine at Advocate Christ Medical Center, and he received his master’s in business administration from the Kellogg School of Management. His accolades include a full scholarship to the University of Illinois, the Gold Humanism in Medicine Award, and several awards for leadership in Safety and Quality. Dr. Patadia lives in the western suburbs, has been married for 15 years, has 2 amazing kids and a lazy dog. He enjoys exercise, travel, golf, philosophy, and all jokes delivered to him.
Jonathan Witenko, MS DIS, CHCIO, PMP, MCSE, CCSP
Jonathan has been working in IT for 30 years, half of that in Healthcare IT. As a leader in IT, Jon has been serving as a catalyst for Digital Transformation and Innovation throughout the healthcare system. After a personal experience with his child, Jonathan became an evangelist and change agent spurring telehealth before it was covid-cool. Of late, he has been geeking over the latest Gen AI product and GPT to hit the market and how to safely and responsible extract value.
Alan Weiss, MD, MBA, FACP
Dr. Alan M. Weiss joined the BayCare Health System as their CMIO in August, 2018. He primary responsibilities over all clinical systems, their associated governance as well as over providing executive leadership over data and analytics. Prior to BayCare, Dr. Weiss spent 5 years in the Memorial Herman System in Houston, Texas, as their first Ambulatory CMIO. In that role, he had responsibilities over GE Centricity, Cerner and eClinic Works EHRs. Central to that role was EHR optimization efforts as well as the conversion of GE Centricity to Cerner. Before Memorial Hermann, Dr. Weiss was the Assoc. Medical Director of Inpatient Systems at Cedar-Sinai in Los Angeles where he helped develop and implement their EHR, Epic. A general internist by training, Dr. Weiss spent 10 years practicing at the Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland, Ohio. He also reported directly to their CIO to assist on EHR implementation and optimization efforts, was the head of their business informatics group in primary care, head of main campus internal medicine operations and also was an internal medicine section head. Furthermore, Dr. Weiss spent time teaching medical student and residents while providing both ambulatory and inpatient care. Before medical school, Dr. Weiss worked for Eli Lilly as a clinical information analyst, helping to develop data entry systems for clinical trials as well as analyzing that data for FDA reporting and for medical journals. Dr. Weiss earned a B.S. from the University of Michigan with a double major in computer science and philosophy. He also has both an M.B.A. and an M.D. from Case Western Reserve University. His M.B.A involves a double focus on health care management as well as the management of information systems. Dr. Weiss is passionate about patient care and advocates for the proper use of data and analytics to refine EHR development towards the inclusion of evidence-based medicine.

Fostering Inclusion of LGBTQ Patients and Employees
2024-11-13 17:30 - 19:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) patients face many challenges in accessing knowledgeable, unbiased and welcoming healthcare in all practice settings. The potential and/or fear of receiving derogatory remarks, unequitable care, or being turned away from treatment often deters some of the LGBTQ community and their families from seeking healthcare services. Healthcare equality for all people is a guiding principle of the healthcare management profession. However, discrimination towards the LGBTQ community continues in the healthcare environment today. This panel discussion will focus on the need to strengthen the pursuance of equity of care and to foster inclusion for LGBTQ patients and employees.
Agenda
5:30 – 6:30PM – Speaker Introduction / Presentation
6:30 – 7:00PM – Q&A
ACHE Virtual Interactive Education Credits: 1.5
Earn ACHE Virtual Interactive Education credits through these innovative, interactive courses from your home or office. Virtual education is offered on a variety of timely healthcare leadership topics and consists of pre-course surveys and assessments, discussion board conversations and scheduled virtual live sessions.
To receive full credit for the course, you are required to participate in all pre-scheduled virtual live sessions. Participants will have access to all course materials/recordings 180 days after the program concludes.
Cathy Grant, MPA, CDM
Cathy Grant is the vice president, Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer. She joined Moffitt Cancer Center in 2006 and prior to being named Vice President she was Senior Director of Moffitt Diversity. Cathy provides leadership for the cancer center’s Enterprise Equity strategy. A collaborative model for advancing equity through shared leadership center-wide. During her tenure, the cancer center has advanced to become a nationally recognized diversity, equity & inclusion leader. She leads an interdisciplinary team of professionals focused on diversity, equity & inclusion/cultural and linguistic competence, language access, and supplier diversity. Moffitt’s DE&I strategy has recognized ranked as top 10 by DiversityInc on their annual list of Top Health and Health Systems for several consecutive years; has receive designation as a Leader in LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality for 12 consecutive years by the Human Rights Campaign, and received the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) National Minority Enterprise Development Week Award Winner of the 2021 Distinguished Supplier Diversity Award, among many other accolades. Notable programs established during her tenure include the model for Team Member Engagement Networks, the Supplier Diversity Program, policies that guide language access for limited English proficient patients and families, and guidelines for gender transition in the workplace. Cathy is a graduate of City University of New York, where she earned a Master of Public Administration. She is also earned a Certificate in Diversity Management in Health Care (CDM) from Georgetown University and the Institute for Diversity & Health Equity. She serves as Chair of the Alliance of Dedicate Cancer Center’s Health Equity Workgroup and is Co-Chair of the Governance Committee and member of the Tampa Museum of Art, Board of Trustees. Cathy is also a graduate of Leadership Tampa 2020.
Kathryn Harrison
Cappy Harrison has been involved with the LGBTQ+ community for over 40 years as an activist and community organizer. She has her masters in social work from New York University, and is currently a reports analyst for the case management department at the United Healthcare Community & State New Jersey plan. She lives in Portland, OR with her husband, dog, and cat.
Derrick Mitchell, DHA, PMP, CDM
Dr. Mitchell has worked in the healthcare field for over 20 years and has obtained a Certificate in Diversity Management in Healthcare from The American Hospital Association. He also holds both the Project Management Professional and Agile Certificated Practitioner certifications from the Project Management Institute. Prior to joining HCA Healthcare, Dr. Mitchell was a consultant with Chartis Center for Health Equity and Belonging. His previous work experience also includes being the Director of Diversity, Inclusion, and Health Equity at the Society of Gynecologic Oncology and the Manager of Research and Insights at the American Hospital Association’s Institute for Diversity and Health Equity. He also served as chair of the American Hospital Association’s Diversity and Inclusion council. Dr. Mitchell is a member of the American College of Healthcare Executives where he served as the Diversity and Inclusion committee co-chair for the local Chicago Health Executives Forum chapter. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology from Grinnell College, a Master’s in Health Services Administration from National-Louis University and has obtained a Doctor of Healthcare Administration degree at the Medical University of South Carolina.
Bradford B. Barber, MSN, RN, CVRN
Brad holds his master’s degree in nursing leadership management and a bachelor’s in business management with a concentration in supply chain/logistics. Brad has been working within the Tampa General Hospital (TGH) system for the last 10 years. During his tenure with TGH he has held many roles to support the organization including Clinical Administrator, Nurse Manager for the MICU & COVID ICUs, and now as the Senior Director of Care Continuum. In his current role, Brad focuses on interconnecting patients within TGH’s Continuum of Care and building innovative programs to support care coordination. Brad is devoted to serving at-risk populations across the Tampa Bay region and is committed to creating programs that foster the equitable provision of health care services.

State of the Chapter
2024-11-21 17:00 - 21:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
Sarasota Yacht Club, Sarasota | 5-9pm | NOVEMBER 21, 2024
Annual State of the Chapter Awards & Networking Event: Join us as we close the year with a celebration of the accomplishments of our chapter and welcome a keynote speaker discussing important healthcare management topics.
Click here to register

Sponsored by
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ACHE WFC Top Golf Networking Event
2025-01-13 17:30 - 20:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
Join us for ACHE WFC’s first dynamic Top Golf Networking Event of the year, where emerging and senior leaders unite for an extraordinary evening of leisure and connections. Swing into success as you tee off with industry trailblazers, enjoy delicious food, and make meaningful interactions and expand your network!
** Limited seating within golf bays means we have a restricted number of tickets available. Secure your spot now, or join our waitlist for the chance to snag one should additional openings arise **

Date and time

Monday, January 13, 2025 · 5:30 – 8pm EST

Location

Topgolf
10690 Palm River Road Tampa, FL 33619

Refund Policy

Refunds up to 7 days before event
Eventbrite’s fee is nonrefundable.

Sustainable Strategies to Support Well-Being for Healthcare Professionals
2025-01-21 17:30 - 19:30 (America/New_York)
Sustainable Strategies to Support Well-Being for Healthcare Professionals

Date and time

Tuesday, January 21, 2025 · 5:30 – 7:30pm EST

Location

4301 W Boy Scout Blvd suite 700
4301 West Boy Scout Boulevard #suite 700 Tampa, FL 33607

Agenda

Speaker Introduction / Presentation: 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM

Q&A: 7:00 PM – 7:30 PM
This program has been developed and is presented locally by ACHE WFC. The American College of Healthcare Executives has awarded 1.5 ACHE In-Person Education Credits (previously called Face-to-Face Education Credits) to this program.
In the wake of the pandemic, pre-existing challenges with healthcare professional burnout have only accelerated. This has resulted in challenges for these individuals and their loved ones, as well as workforce shortages that are putting a strain on the healthcare system. In addition, adverse patient events have been attributed to healthcare staff who have had trouble sleeping, reduced job satisfaction, impaired behavior, and anxiety. These attributes contribute to more serious consequences such as burnout, depression, post-traumatic disorder, and suicidal ideation. Healthcare leaders often struggle with finding long-term solutions to address an important but personal issue for their staff and organization. During this panel, participants will learn sustainable strategies and approaches that will address wellbeing and resiliency for healthcare professionals in today’s healthcare environment. Even when leaders recognize this as a problem, they are often presented with confusing information or get-better-quick solutions that bring no lasting change and can sometimes increase cynicism among employees. During this panel, participants will learn the importance of supporting and sustaining well-being for healthcare professionals in today’s health care environment.
Dr. Naakesh Dewan (Facilitator)
Naakesh (Nick) Dewan, M.D. serves as Vice President, Behavioral Health for Guidewell and Florida Blue. In this role, he is responsible for creating a cross-functional team that designs and implements the enterprise’s behavioral health strategy for all insurance segments. This includes creating new value-based reimbursement models and new roles in the care delivery system, as well as a broad view of behavioral health across demographics and specific points of care. As Board Member at Lucet, he supports the innovation and technology development efforts.
Dr. Dewan is an accomplished physician and executive with a proven track record in health systems operations. Prior to joining GuideWell and Florida Blue, he was Chief Medical Officer for behavioral health for a multi-hospital regional health system. Previous roles included being a medical director for a substance use and eating disorder treatment facility, a skilled nursing facility, and leading an applied quality improvement services company.
In his more than 30 years of experience, Dr. Dewan has been an innovator in behavioral health and academic medicine. He has published three books in behavioral health technology and pioneered the use of digital patient support tools in primary care. Dr. Dewan is a leader in the field of outcomes measurement and payment models in behavioral health and served as an advisor to the AMA RBRVS Review Panel. He was recently chair of the expert panel for CMS developing cost measures for hospital and outpatient behavioral health. Internationally, he has served as the chair of mental health section of the International Medical Informatics Association in Geneva. He is a champion for well-being initiatives in the workplace.
Additionally, Dr. Dewan played and coached tennis at the collegiate level and has worked with amateur and professional athletes around the world in multiple sports including tennis, golf, football, baseball, basketball and soccer. He has also helped executives improve their performance and well-being.
Dr. Dewan holds a Bachelor of Science in psychology from Wright State University, and a Doctor of Medicine from Medical College of Ohio at Toledo. He spent three years in psychiatric residency at the University of Southern California and completed his residency and fellowship in psychiatric epidemiology at the University of California, San Diego. He is a certified physician executive and is board-certified in psychiatry and addiction medicine.
Rayna Letourneau
Rayna Letourneau, PhD, RN, is the Executive Director of the Florida Center for Nursing, an Associate Professor at the University of South Florida College of Nursing, and the President of the National Forum of State Nursing Workforce Centers. She has more than 20 years of nursing experience with a clinical background in emergency nursing.
She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Master of Science in Nursing Administration from the University of Rhode Island in 2002 and 2008, respectively. In 2017, she earned her PhD in Nursing from the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth. She’s earned a certificate in online teaching from the Online Learning Consortium.
Dr. Letourneau’s scholarship focuses on nursing workforce development, transition to practice, nurses’ well-being, and quality and safety education for nurses. She has over 100 peer-reviewed and invited publications and presentations and is the host of the Frontline Nursing podcast. In 2022, Dr. Letourneau was named to the Florida Health Care Power 100 by City and State and received the President’s Award from the Florida Nurses Association.
Jen Bonamer
Jen Bonamer works as a Nursing Professional Development – Research Specialist at Sarasota Memorial Health Care System in Sarasota, Florida. She leads the nursing research and evidence-based practice (EBP) programs and is actively focused on supporting healthy work environments and clinician well-being. Jen received her BSN from the University of Florida (Gainesville) and practiced for ten years in pediatrics (general practice and hematology/oncology/bone marrow transplant). She completed the University of South Florida’s (Tampa) Nursing BS to PhD program with her master’s of science degree (nursing education) and PhD (nursing). She is certified in both nursing professional development and advanced holistic nursing. Jen teaches an online EBP class for a local BSN program, is an active member in the American Nurses Association – Enterprise (ANAE) Research Council, and an independent contractor of peer review services for the Magnet program.
Dr. Nick Colovos
BayCare’s top priority is the health and well-being of our healthcare providers and the communities they serve. Dr. Colovos, BayCare Medical Group, Medical Director and Chief Experience Officer, is accountable for creating as well as executing efforts to promote provider wellness, improve physician engagement, enhance the patient experience, decrease the potential for burnout, and improve the retention for providers, and staff. More specifically he is accountable for monitoring and ensuring the standards of services provided meets or exceeds the satisfaction of our customers and community.
Dr. Nick Colovos is board certified in emergency medicine. He received his undergraduate degree in biology from Florida International University in Miami Florida. He earned his Doctor of Medicine from the University of Miami School of Medicine in Miami, Florida. He completed his residency in emergency medicine at St. Vincent Medical Center in Toledo, Ohio. Dr. Colovos currently serves as the Medical Director, Chief Experience Officer, for BayCare Medical Group.
Please contact Lana Palmquist, Lana.Palmquist@baycare.org with any questions, or request for special accommodation at least 7 days prior to the program.

Member Appreciation Event
2025-01-30 17:30 - 22:00 (America/New_York)
About this Event
Join us in celebrating the first Member Appreciation Event of the year!
Date: Thursday, Jan. 30, 2025
Location: Amalie Arena, 401 Channelside Dr., Tampa, FL 33602
Event: Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Los Angeles Kings NHL Game
ACHE members are invited to arrive starting at 5:30 PM for an evening of networking, socializing, and excitement at Amalie Arena. This special event kicks off the year with exclusive access to the Thunderzone and the chance to watchthe Tampa Bay Lightning take on the Los Angeles Kings in an action-packed NHL game.
It’s the perfect opportunity to connect with fellow healthcare leaders and enjoy a fun night out. We look forward to kicking off the year with you!
Agenda
5:30-6:45 PM – Exclusive Entry to Thunderzone. All-inclusive food and beverage (beer, wine, and liquor). This space is reserved from 5:30pm through 2nd intermission. Attendees can go back and forth from the space as desired.
6:45-7:00 PM – Transition to Arena Seats (Section 312)
7:00 PM – Puck Drop
Parking Information: Parking | Amalie Arena
Additional Information: A “Know Before You Go” email will be sent before the game which will include menu, bag policy, gate entrance, etc.
Ticket prices and number:
$45/ticket (limit 2)
Tickets can be picked up at Will Call window
No more than 50 tickets sold. Register before December 30, 2024.
Please contact Anthony Koffman, anthony.koffman@baycare.org, with any questions, or request for special accommodation at least 7 days prior to the program.

The State of Healthcare: Industry Leaders’ Perspectives
2025-02-21 12:00 - 13:30 (America/New_York)
The State of Healthcare: Industry Leaders’ Perspectives

Date and time

Friday, February 21 · 12 – 1:30pm EST

Location

Online

Refund Policy

Refunds up to 7 days before event
Eventbrite’s fee is nonrefundable.

About this event

Event lasts 1 hour 30 minutes

Numerous public policy and legislative issues around healthcare delivery and public health affect healthcare organizations and demand involvement of their leaders to respond and make improvements. These issues often relate to improving population health, access and coverage through Medicaid and other programs, improving value, addressing consumer issues and workforce shortages, and more. Learning these issues and being involved in policy and organizational responses is important for healthcare leaders, regardless of how directly they may be involved.
Agenda
12:00 – 1:00PM – Speaker Introduction / Presentation
1:00 – 1:30PM – Q&A
ACHE Virtual Interactive Education Credits: 1.5
Earn ACHE Virtual Interactive Education credits through these innovative, interactive courses from your home or office. Virtual education is offered on a variety of timely healthcare leadership topics and consists of pre-course surveys and assessments, discussion board conversations and scheduled virtual live sessions.
To receive full credit for the course, you are required to participate in all pre-scheduled virtual live sessions. Participants will have access to all course materials/recordings 180 days after the program concludes.
Juliet Rogers, Ph.D, MPH, MAPL (Moderator)
Juliet is a futurist, strategist, and visionary for the vast and complex worlds of safety net healthcare, academic medicine, and large, integrated health systems. Her portfolio of consulting leadership includes engagements focused on emerging clinical models, digital health, technology, performance, operations, and transformational innovation.
She has two roles at CannonDesign – she is the President of Blue Cottage of CannonDesign, the firm’s consulting arm, and the Chief Strategy Officer for CannonDesign.
Prior to these roles, Juliet served in an operational leadership position at Michigan Medicine for a decade and recently completed several years of service as a tenure track faculty member and faculty director for the University of Michigan Griffith Leadership Center in Health Management & Policy. She currently sits on the Boards of The Cannon Corporation and DPR Construction and is a mentor to many.
Ari Asif, MD, MHCM, MBA, MAS, CPE
Dr. Ari Asif serves as the Vice President and Chief Medical Officer at Winter Haven Hospital, BayCare Health System, Florida. Prior to this, Dr. Asif served Hackensack Meridian Health as Vice President of Clinical Operations, Assistant Chief Medical Officer, Chair of Department of Medicine, and Chair of Performance Improvement, among others.
Dr Asif career has focused on value-based care and payment reforms to streamline healthcare delivery with an emphasis on quality and safety. His work has also focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion. By training he is an internal medicine and nephrology expert. He holds three master’s degrees: one in healthcare management from Harvard University and another in population health from Johns Hopkins University; in addition to an MBA from the University of Texas at Tyler.
Kimberly Smoak, MSH, QIDP
Ms. Smoak has been with the Agency for Health Care Administration since August 1995. She is the Deputy Secretary of the Health Quality Assurance Division. The Division licenses and/or certifies and regulates 30 providers, including hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and home health agencies. The Division licenses certify, regulate, or provide exemptions for more than 50,000 providers.
Ms. Smoak is also the State Survey Agency Director for the State of Florida and holds a Master of Science in Health with a program emphasis in Aging Studies. She is also a Qualified Intellectual Disability Professional (QIDP). In 2009 and 2017, she received Survey & Certification Achievement Awards, presented by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, for her work in Survey and Certification.
Christopher Cogle, MD
Dr. Christopher Cogle is a distinguished leader at the intersection of healthcare, science, and policy. He serves as Chief Medical Officer for Florida Medicaid where he leads one of the nation’s largest healthcare programs and numerous statewide health initiatives. Dr. Cogle is also a professor of medicine at the University of Florida where he conducts health services research and directs the Florida Health Policy Leadership Academy, building Florida’s capacity of highly effective community leaders across the state.

New Member Webinar
2025-03-13 12:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York)
Date and time

Thursday, March 13 · 12 – 1pm EDT

Location

Online

About this event

Event lasts 1 hour

Please join us for a New Member Seminar. We invite all new ACHE Western Florida Chapter members to attend this virtual seminar. Chapter experts will provide comprehensive information on all of the benefits of chapter membership. Discussions include use of chapter resources, connections with national ACHE, and many of the events and offerings of the Western Florida Chapter.
If you have any questions, you may contact Yurit Diaz, Membership Chair at Yldiaz9@gmail.com.

New Member Webinar
2025-03-19 17:00 - 18:00 (America/New_York)
Date and time

Wednesday, March 19 · 5 – 6pm EDT

Location

Online

About this event

Event lasts 1 hour

Please join us for a New Member Seminar. We invite all new ACHE Western Florida Chapter members to attend this virtual seminar. Chapter experts will provide comprehensive information on all of the benefits of chapter membership. Discussions include use of chapter resources, connections with national ACHE, and many of the events and offerings of the Western Florida Chapter.
If you have any questions, you may contact Yurit Diaz, Membership Chair at Yldiaz9@gmail.com.

Finance in Healthcare Symposium
2025-04-24 07:30 - 16:30 (America/New_York)
Date and time

Thursday, April 24 · 7:30am – 6pm EDT

Location

GROVE
10670 Boardwalk Loop Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202

Refund Policy

Contact the organizer to request a refund.
Eventbrite’s fee is nonrefundable.

Agenda

7:30 AM – 8:00 AM
Check-in/Networking

8:00 AM – 8:30 AM
Keynote

8:30 AM – 10:00 AM
Program 1 – Financial Sustainability of Healthcare Organizations

10:00 AM – 10:30 AM
Break/Networking

10:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Program 2 – The Value of Developing and Implementing Alternative Care Models

12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
Break/Lunch

1:00 PM – 2:30 PM
Program 3 – Financial Implications: The Push From Inpatient to Ambulatory Care

2:30 PM – 3:00 PM
Break/Networking

3:00 PM – 4:30 PM
Program 4 – The Future of Healthcare Financing

4:30 PM – 6:00 PM
Reception/Networking

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About this event

Event lasts 10 hours 30 minutes

ACHE WFC Finance in Healthcare Symposium
Thursday, April 24, 2025
This 10 hour, instructor led, symposium will provide expert insight regarding a range of topics on finance in healthcare. The panels will cover topics including financial sustainability, alternative care models, push from inpatient to ambulatory, and the future of healthcare financing. Attendees are welcome to ask questions and interact with panelists. Attendees will receive 6 hours in-person ACHE credit and will have 4 hours of time to network with other healthcare professionals.
Agenda
7:30-8:00 AM Check-in/Networking
8:00-8:30 AM Keynote Speaker
8:30-10:00 AM Financial Sustainability of Healthcare Organizations – A Plan of Action (1.5 In-person Education Credit)
10:00-10:30 AM Break/Networking
10:30-12:00 PM The Value of Developing and Implementing Alternative Care Models (1.5 In-Person Education Credit)
12:00 -1:00 PM Break/Lunch Provided
1:00-2:30 PM Financial Implications: The Push From Inpatient to Ambulatory Care (1.5 In-Person Education Credit)
2:30-3:00 PM Break/Networking
3:00-4:30 PM The Future of Healthcare Financing (1.5 In-Person Education Credit)
4:30-6:00 PM Reception/Networking (Optional) – Cash bar will be available
Speakers & Moderators
Keynote Speaker
Jared Capouya, MD, MS
Dr. Capouya received his medical education and residency training in pediatrics from the University of South Florida with further education in Healthcare Quality and Safety Management at Thomas Jefferson University, College of Population Health. He was the inaugural Medical Director of Quality at Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital in 2013, leading system level pediatric quality and safety efforts and subsequently led the quality and safety program as the Vice President of Quality and Safety, at Arkansas (AR) Children’s health system, from 2018 to 2022. Concurrent to this he was also the medical director for their statewide clinically integrated network, Arkansas Children’s Care Network, before transitioning to Nemours at the end of 2022. He also was a critical member of the Little Rock COVID-19 Mayors Task Force and co-led the AR state Maternal and Perinatal Outcomes Quality Review Committee for several years.
Additional current responsibilities include being the chair elect of the patient safety team at the Child Health Patient Safety Organization (Children’s Hospital Association), a clinical steering team member and co- lead of the innovation, technology, and research workgroup at Solutions for Patient Safety (SPS). Dr. Capouya has led several implementation efforts including population health indices, communication and optimal resolution program, harm reduction efforts across a health system, integrated behavioral health in early childhood, high reliability leadership methods and behaviors, as well as remaining active clinically.
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Program 1 – “Financial Sustainability of Healthcare Organizations – A Plan of Action” (1.5 In-Person Education Credit)
Jyric Sims, Ph.D, FACHE
Jyric Sims serves as the president of HCA Healthcare West Florida Division, where he oversees the operations of 15 hospitals, two behavioral health campuses, 30 emergency room locations, 30 urgent care sites, 14 ambulatory surgery centers, 84 physician practices and Division Office staff who support these care locations along Florida’s Gulf Coast. Jyric brings more than two decades of healthcare experience to the role and formerly served as chief executive officer at HCA Healthcare’s Medical City Plano and Medical City Frisco in 2021. Together, both hospitals comprise over 700 acute care beds and 3,000 employees. Sims previously served from 2017 to 2021 as CEO of HCA Healthcare’s Medical City Fort Worth, a 348-bed, acute care hospital. His leadership is credited with turnaround efforts that resulted in growth in services, recruitment of top talent and improvements in patient experience. He led more than $115 million in expansions, including the addition of a patient tower with a 30-bed ER, a neuroscience/spine center and the opening of Medical City ER White Settlement. Sims joined Medical City Healthcare’s parent company, HCA Healthcare, in 2011, serving as vice president and chief operating officer at Tulane Health System in New Orleans, Louisiana; chief operating officer of St. Lucie Medical Center in Port St. Lucie, Florida; and associate chief operating officer at Clear Lake Regional Medical Center in Webster, Texas. He started his career at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas, as an administrative fellow and director of domestic and international operations. Dedicated to community service, Sims is active in Tampa Bay Thrives, Tampa Bay Partnership, Habitat for Humanity and Young President’s Organization (YPO) since relocating to Tampa. He currently serves on the American Hospital Association Regional Policy Board, the Louisiana State University Foundation Board as the chair of the finance committee, and formerly, the Plano Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. He is a member of Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity (Boule), Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., and many other organizations. He is also active with the National Association of Health Services Executives (NAHSE). Sims has received numerous accolades, including: • 2022 Becker’s Top 75 Black Healthcare Leaders to Know • 2021 Dallas Business Journal 40 under 40 (No date?) • 2018 “40 Under 40” by the Fort Worth Business Press • 2017 National Association of Healthcare Executives Young Executive of the Year • 2016 UAMS Alumnus of the Year • 2015 Modern Healthcare Up and Comer Award Sims received a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Public Policy from Southern University in Baton Rouge, a Master in Health Administration from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences and holds an undergraduate degree from Louisiana State University. He is also a fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives.
Jen Rosati, CPA, MBA
Jennifer Rosati has spent her 18-year career working in the healthcare finance sector. After graduating from the University of Miami with a B.B.A in Accounting and Finance, she began working with Ernst & Young as an auditor, obtaining her CPA license and focusing on the healthcare industry. She was then hired by one of her clients, Memorial Healthcare System, to lead the Corporate Finance Department for more than nine years, before joining Broward Health Medical Center in 2022 as their Chief Financial Officer. In 2024, she joined Sarasota Memorial Health Care System as the Vice President of Financial Operations where she is responsible for the oversight of the hospitals’ and physician group’s fiscal operations. Jennifer is a wife and mother to two young boys, who are four and six years old. As a family, they spend a lot of time on different sports fields, exploring their own backyard in Sarasota, and traveling.
Lori Shea, MBA, BSN, RNC-OB, FACHE
Lori Shea, MBA, BSN, RNC-OB, FACHE, has served as Associate Vice President of Women’s & Children’s for Lakeland Regional Health since April 2020. Prior to joining Lakeland Regional, Lori has served in several leadership positions within Medical Devices, Ambulatory Practices and the Acute Care Setting with specialization in Cardiothoracic Surgery, Women’s & Children’s Service Lines throughout Florida, Texas, California and Georgia. Lori is a Fellow of the American College of Health Care Executives and holds certifications in Inpatient Obstetrics and Obstetrics, Neonatal Quality and Safety. She earned her bachelor’s in Nursing from Capital University in Columbus, Ohio and her masters in Business and Healthcare from Northcentral University. Lori currently serves as a board member for two area service organizations in Lakeland Florida.
Cristal Mackay (Moderator)
Cristal Mackay is Vice President of Customer Success and Workforce AI at Aya Healthcare. Her career has included leadership roles at Banner Healthcare, Ventura County Medical System, Adventist Healthcare and the University of Utah Medical Center.
Cristal is mission driven and has a strong desire to advance healthcare delivery through innovation. In her spare time, she takes Tucker, her pet therapy dog to healthcare facilities to delight and comfort staff and patients.
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Program 2 – “The Value of Developing and Implementing Alternative Care Models” (1.5 In-Person Education Credit)
Carl Schuessler, Jr., DHP, DIA, GBDS
Carl Schuessler, Jr. leads Mitigate Partners, a consortium of 22+ employee benefit consulting & brokerage firms. His passion for fixing the problem of runaway health-care costs in this country and his desire to treat the employer’s money as his own led him through years of research culminating in the development of his proprietary FairCo$t Health Plan. This innovative plan design seamlessly integrates 20+ cost containment solutions with a high-performance health-care solutions platform. The 2022 Executive Leader Healthcare Leader of the Year, Carl & Mitigate Partners have been nationally recognized for their work in creating localized, employer-built, health-care plans in Forbes, Entrepreneur, Innovation & Tech Today, Physician Outlook Magazine, Free Market Medical Association, and Bold TV. By removing misaligned incentives, directing care based on quality and cost, &, ultimately, helping courageous employers fix their plans, employers are saving 15-to-30 percent in their healthcare spend. An accomplished speaker, Carl often rallies audiences with stories of how Mitigate Partners are challenging Wall Street (insurer-built) health plans by creating Main Street (employer-built) health plans and bending the healthcare cost curve.
Jessica Schofield, MSN, RN, CCM
Jessica Schofield is a dedicated nurse leader with over 20 years of experience in the healthcare industry. As a champion of value-based care, Jessica has consistently demonstrated a commitment to improving patient outcomes through innovative care strategies and evidence-based practices. Jessica’s passion for nursing and her focus on patient-centered approaches continue to shape the future of healthcare delivery.
Xavier Sevilla, MD, MBA
Dr. Xavier Sevilla served on the National Advisory Council of AHRQ and as National VP of Clinical Quality for Catholic Health Initiatives in Denver. He was appointed to the NCQA advisory panel on Patient Centered Medical Home, and other clinical programs. Has led initiatives in performance improvement and delivery system transformation in ACOs, major health plans, large medical groups, and integrated hospital systems. Dr. Sevilla continues to practice part time in BayCare Medical Group.
Ann M. Richardson, MBA (Moderator)
Visionary healthcare administration Strategic Partner and Health Care Operations Transformation Consultant with extensive hospital system and multispecialty medical group operational and financial leadership experience. An innovative, creative thinker who leverages a consultative approach drawing on 25+ years of healthcare administration experience and a passion for leading multidisciplinary teams to assess and strategize processes for access to safe, timely, and high-quality care. A successful track record leading large hospital-based departments in academic medical centers and community hospital systems – Anesthesiology, OB Gyn, Primary Care, Breast Center – Radiology & Breast Health, Surgery – General, Trauma & ACS, Vascular, Transplant, Endocrine, Surgical Oncology, and directing multi?specialty group practices. Strong interest and ability to assess and evaluate technology along with key stakeholders to enhance and support clinical and administrative performance. A builder and promoter of clinical programs, creating an infrastructure, defining roles, and recruiting top-performing teams that uphold high integrity and patient advocacy standards. A compassionate advocate, change management facilitator, trainer, mentor, and coach. A clinically savvy, trusted partner committed to exceeding expectations, keeping physicians, providers, care teams, and patients’ interests at the center of decision-making, and focusing on enhanced value; able to respectfully challenge authority to protect patients and care teams. I believe in physician and care team advocacy to successfully implement patient-centric advocacy models of care. I use a ‘big eyes and big ears’ approach to uncover countless opportunities for improvement and engagement through a bottoms-up systems-based approach with the voice of the frontline workers directing and implementing the necessary changes utilizing select Lean methodologies. Collaborative relationship-builder and decisive partner. Gives voice to difficult ideas, finds consensus, and brings stakeholders together to deliver value to patients and the care team with the utmost integrity and commitment to service. Often referred to as the “Doctor Whisperer,” given the ability to demonstrate the enhanced value of change to physicians and care teams by fact-finding, listening, and gaining trust and respect.
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Program 3 – “Financial Implications: The Push From Inpatient to Ambulatory Care” (1.5 In-Person Education Credit)
Jorge Amaro, MBA, FACHE
Jorge Amaro, MBA, FACHE has more than 25 years of senior leadership experience across the healthcare and biopharmaceutical industries. Mr. Amaro is President and CEO of A3i Health, leading a team that delivers accelerated procedural prior authorizations, patient assistance programs, and revenue cycle management services nationally. Mr. Amaro’s command of payer medical and payment policy, healthcare finance, and operations has been leveraged to improve financial positions across renown organizations such as DaVita, Genentech, Becton Dickenson, Orlando Health, and more. He is the co-author of a Decision Support System embedding 15 decision trees within 7 implant categories that drove implant choice, site of service selection, and powered alternative payment models such as pay for performance and value-based payments. Among several accolades, Jorge received the distinguished UCF College of Business Hall of Fame Entrepreneurial Alumni award, multiple American College of Healthcare Executives Regent awards, the American College of Healthcare Executives Presidents Award and is a board-certified Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives. Jorge actively serves on the UCF College of Business Advisory Board and proudly serves as President of the American College of Healthcare Executives of Central Florida. Jorge holds an Advanced Management certification from the Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University, a Master’s in Business Administration from the University of Central Florida and undergraduate degrees in management and computer science. Jorge and his wife love to ballroom dance, have two grown children, and serve in various community and church ministries.
David Cato, PT, MBA
David is the Vice President of Operations for the Cleveland Clinic Florida Market. As the Vice President of Operations of Cleveland Clinic Florida Health System he is responsible for leading the planning, direction, and ensuring the smooth and efficient operations of Cleveland Clinic Florida. Provides leadership to ensure the attainment of strategic objectives and the delivery of quality and economical sound health care services are provided. Leads related initiatives including quality, innovation, teamwork, and service. Ensures new programs are developed and implemented in accordance with strategic planning. David works collaboratively with the health system team to achieve financial, operational, quality and safety, and strategic goals.
Prior to joining Cleveland Clinic Florida, David spent fifteen years at Lee Health based in Fort Myers, FL and was most recently their Chief Officer Outpatient and Hospital Operations & Post?Acute Care, and prior to Lee Health spent more than eight years in the Shands health care system at the University of Florida. David has served in many executive, administrative and clinical roles throughout his career. David has facilitated teams to establish new sites of care across the continuum of healthcare to enhance access to quality care to the communities served. He has led improvements in patient care, access, flow, and coordination of care resulting in additional capacity, more efficient intake processes, decreased length of stay and lowering the overall cost of care.
David is a native Floridian and has a degree in physical therapy and a master’s degree in Business Administration both from the University of Florida.
Outside of his work, David’s passion for community service has led him to volunteer as a youth football, basketball and baseball coach for the past 25 years. David serves on the state of Florida Special Olympics Board of Directors, and he also enjoys being the Clinical Director for the Special Olympics overseeing “Fun Fitness” providing physical therapy screenings for the participating athletes at local, regional, and state Special Olympics events. David has volunteered for many other local organizations in the communities that he has worked and lived in.
Dana McQuaide Begley, MHA, FACHE
Dana McQuaide Begley, MHA, FACHE, joined Lee Health in October 2022. In her current position, she is responsible for the operations, development, quality, and growth for the post-acute continuum to include, home health, skilled nursing and long-term care, rehabilitation, and wellness services across Lee Health’s five hospital system. Ms. Begley is also responsible for the development of partnerships with community agencies and post-acute providers to expand the continuum and coordinate care for all patients. Prior to her current position, Ms. Begley served as Vice President of Service Operations and Development for Lifepoint Health (TN), Vice President of Medical Management/Post Acute Services at the Conemaugh Health System (PA), Vice President of Marketing and Business Development at Select Specialty Hospital Division and The Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation of Select Medical Corporation (PA), Chief Executive Officer of Select Specialty Hospital of Johnstown (PA) and as Director of Outpatient Services at HEALTHSOUTH Rehabilitation Hospital of Altoona (PA). After graduating from Dickinson College with a degree in economics and policy management, Ms. Begley went on to earn her masters of health care administration degree from theUniversityofPittsburgh, Graduate School of Public Health. She is a fellow and certified healthcare executive in the American College of Healthcare Executives (FACHE) and a LEAN 6Sigma Green Belt.
Chris Bucciarelli, MD, MBA (Moderator)
Christopher Bucciarelli, MD, MBA, FACEP, is an accomplished physician and health system executive, currently serving as the vice president and chief medical officer (CMO) of Ambulatory Services for BayCare Health System. BayCare is one of the nation’s best-performing health care systems and is renowned for delivering the highest clinical excellence with extraordinary, compassionate care.
Dr. Bucciarelli oversees a comprehensive range of ambulatory services, including 16 outpatient imaging centers, 21 urgent care centers, four ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs), seven multi-specialty BayCare HealthHubs, Bardmoor’s Free-Standing Emergency Department, and hospital-at-home services across West Central Florida. As a member of the executive team, he shares in the formulation of the vision, strategy, goals and policies for BayCare Ambulatory Services which has seen tremendous growth and expansion, especially in ambulatory surgery centers, outpatient imaging and urgent cares under Dr. Bucciarelli’s leadership.
His innovative leadership also resulted in the creation of BayCare Virtual Hospital, a hospital-at-home program that received waiver approval for acute (adult) care facilities, a groundbreaking initiative that positions BayCare at the forefront of healthcare delivery.
Prior to his current executive leadership role, Dr. Bucciarelli served as vice president and CMO of both St. Joseph’s Hospital-South and St. Joseph’s Hospital-North, where his contributions were instrumental in earning numerous prestigious recognitions.
Dr. Bucciarelli also served as the assistant CMO at Morton Plant Hospital, where he developed evidence-based clinical pathways to improve patient outcomes and hospital performance. As an emergency medicine physician, he has practiced at BayCare’s Morton Plant Hospital and Bardmoor Emergency Center since 2016.
Prior to joining the BayCare Health System, Dr. Bucciarelli practiced as an emergency medicine physician with Bay Area Physicians and the University of Florida Emergency Medicine Department from 2016-2019. During these years, he served as the attending at Trauma One Center and provided oversight on management for emergency medicine residents.
Dr. Bucciarelli holds a Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree from the University of Florida and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business. He is board-certified in emergency medicine and a Fellow of the American College of Emergency Physicians (FACEP).
His transformational leadership, academic accomplishments and passion for improving healthcare delivery have earned him numerous awards, including recognition as one of the University of Florida’s “Top 40 Under 40” in 2022 and The Chapman Gold Humanism Honor Society and Distinguished Service Award.
Dr. Bucciarelli is an active leader in both community and youth development. He serves on the Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA Governance Board, where he provides fiduciary oversight, helps set strategic direction and ensures the organization’s mission to strengthen communities through its 10 family centers, wellness centers, and youth programs. Additionally, Dr. Bucciarelli is on the Positive Coaching Alliance (PCA) Tampa Bay Chapter Board, where he played a pivotal role as the 2024 event chairman for the annual “Inside the Lines” fundraiser, raising over $320,000. These funds directly support character and leadership development for coaches and athletes, benefiting local school districts and youth sports organizations
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Program 4 – “The Future of Healthcare Financing” (1.5 In-Person Education Credit)
Jeff Limbocker, MBA
Jeff Limbocker was appointed Chief Financial Officer for Sarasota Memorial in October, 2022. Sarasota Memorial is a $1.8 billion revenue public hospital system in Sarasota County, FL, with a large 901-bed tertiary academic trauma center, a 200-bed hospital in Venice, FL, a 500-provider multi-specialty medical group, and multiple sites of ambulatory care. He is responsible for the overall financial oversight of the organization including Treasury, Supply Chain, Revenue Cycle, Business Analytics, etc.
Before moving to Sarasota, Limbocker was a finance executive for the Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System (FMOLHS) for 28 years, completing his tenure there as CFO for the Health System. FMOLHS is a $3.2 billion revenue Catholic healthcare organization operating eight hospitals in Louisiana and Mississippi, and a 1,000 provider employed practice. His experience includes joint venture development, physician practice management, large technology implementations, insurance partnerships, hospital acquisitions, as well as serving in various capacities for FMOLHS subsidiaries and boards.
Joanna C. Weiss, CPA
Joanna Weiss is the Chief Financial Officer of Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, Florida and leads all facets of Moffitt’s financial operations including accounting, payroll/tax, research finance, financial analysis and forecasting, capital and debt, supply chain, payer strategies and revenue cycle.
Ms. Weiss joined Moffitt in 2006, as Director, Internal Audit, developing the department while managing and coordinating Moffitt’s financial statement audit. In her 18 years, she has held a variety of leadership roles, mostly recently Senior Vice President, Finance.
Ms. Weiss holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from Auburn University and a Master of Healthcare Administration from Florida Atlantic University. She is a certified public accountant licensed in Florida and Georgia, is a Board Member for the Jack and Jill Late Stage Cancer Foundation and a member of the Finance and Investment Committee for the Association of American Cancer Institutes.
Alisha B. Ozmeral, CPA, MSPH
Alisha is the Senior Vice President of Finance for USF Tampa General Physicians, a jointly governed nonprofit organization that provides all practice infrastructure, clinical management, and related operational and support services to over 1,000 physicians and other health practitioners. In this role she oversees the Finance and Revenue Cycle functions for USFTGP and the health system’s ambulatory entities. She is also an Adjunct Professor for the UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health Executive MHA program as well as the USF College of Public Health MHA program.
Alisha graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a Master of Science in Public Health Policy and Management. She obtained her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a minor in Accounting from Boston University. Alisha is a licensed CPA and prior to joining USF, worked with several other health systems including BayCare Medical Group, UNC Physicians Network, and Brigham and Women’s Hospital. During graduate school, she also worked for the Cecil G. Sheps Center for Health Services Research and the North Carolina Office of Rural Health. She was recently named as a 2024-2025 cohort member for the prestigious Leadership Tampa Bay.
Samir Akach, MD, MHCM (Moderator)
Dr. Samir Akach is a healthcare leader with over 15 years of experience across community, for-profit, non-profit, academic, and integrated health systems. As Chief Medical Officer at St. Joseph’s Hospital (BayCare), he drives initiatives focused on quality, patient safety, throughput, and physician engagement.
Dr. Akach is a founding core faculty member of Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine, where he contributed to the development of the clinical curriculum and supported student education and career growth. He is also a founder and former Associate Program Director of the Internal Medicine Residency Program at Geisinger Health System, where he played a key role in designing the curriculum, securing regulatory accreditation, and mentoring future physicians. Additionally, he launched and directed a Fellowship in Hospital Medicine, establishing specialized training pathways for hospitalist leaders.
His prior leadership roles include Associate Chief Medical Officer at HCA Florida JFK and JFK North Hospitals, where he led quality improvement efforts, reduced hospital-acquired infections, and enhanced patient experience. He also held key roles in quality, documentation, and process improvement at Geisinger and founded the hospitalist program at Wilkes-Barre General Hospital, where he also served as Chairman of the Department of Medicine.
Dr. Akach holds an MD from the University of Damascus and an MS in Healthcare Management from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. He is a Certified Physician Executive and a Fellow of the American College of Physicians, the American College of Healthcare Executives, and the American Academy for Physician Leadership.

ACHE WFC Volunteer at Sebring Food Pantry
2025-05-03 08:00 - 11:00 (America/New_York) | 126 S Pine St Sebring, Fl 33870, 126 S Pine St, Sebring, FL, 33870, United States
United Way of Central Florida is seeking volunteers along with First United Methodist Church of Sebring to assist with food distributions as part of the UWCF’s End Hunger Initiative. Volunteers will pack and distribute food boxes that include fresh fruits, vegetables, frozen meats and more. The UWCF End Hunger Initiative works to provide healthy foods to individuals in Avon Park, Lake Placid & Sebring while simultaneously providing wraparound services that help families to find and maintain stability.

Volunteers should arrive between 7:45-8am and expect to work until 11am
Close-toed shoes are required
Upon arrival, ask for Christ Hendrix

Location: 126 S Pine St, Sebring, FL 33870

ACHE WFC at Stamp Out Hunger with Hope Villages
2025-05-10 14:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York) | 100 S Beltcher Rd, 100 S Belcher Rd, Clearwater, FL, 33765, United States
Stamp Out Hunger
United Way Suncoast is excited to share this exciting opportunity that supports our partners at Hope Villages of America.
Stamp Out Hunger is the single largest day of food collection of the year and is put on by the National Association of Letter Carriers. This comes at a great time for Hope Villages of America because the summer months have their greatest need (with kids not getting breakfast/lunch at school) but their lowest months for food donations.
Volunteers will help receive, collect, and load food.

We take pride in the safety and well-being of all our volunteers. Shoes must be closed toe. Flip-flops and sandals are strictly prohibited.
For all loading and unloading positions, volunteers must be able to lift 30 lbs.
Food Sorting positions are available and have no weight restrictions

Saturday, May 10
2pm – 4:00pm
100 S Belcher Road, Clearwater, FL 33765
10 spots currently open

Eventbrite ticket registration does not serve as shift reservation, to sign up for a volunteer shift, please follow this link: United Way Suncoast | ACHE at Stamp Out Hunger with Hope Villages [PIN]
Registration will close on May 7th at noon
Any questions please contact Yurit Diaz at yldiaz9@gmail.com

Disruptive Innovation in Healthcare Delivery
2025-05-15 11:30 - 13:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
ACHE WFC – Disruptive Innovation in Healthcare Delivery
Disruptive innovation, a term coined by Harvard professor Clayton M. Christensen, is a transformative business model that leverages technology to help focus on making products and services more accessible and affordable. In healthcare delivery, disruptive innovations have the potential to decrease costs while improving both the quality and accessibility of care. Disruptive innovations enable new applications and changes in behaviors. The current thinking with many innovators is a belief that a host of disruptive innovations would have wide implications for payers by shifting payment models to reward precision diagnostic tests and abilities of providers. Several current disruptive innovations like retail clinics, medical tourism, artificial intelligence, and point-of-care medical payments are making a major difference in how health care is delivered.
This panel will focus on the role of innovation in the healthcare marketplace and examples of disruptive innovations that will change lives in health care.

Thursday, May 15th
11:30am — 1pm EDT
Virtual

Secure your ticket(s) here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ache-wfc-disruptive-innovation-in-healthcare-delivery-tickets-1296150453899?aff=ebdsoporgprofile

ACHE WFC at Feeding Tampa Bay
2025-06-07 13:00 - 15:30 (America/New_York) | 3624 Causeway Blvd, 3624 Causeway Blvd, Tampa, FL, 33619, United States
Feeding Tampa Bay Warehouse
United Way Suncoast is excited to share this opportunity with one of our funded strategic community partners. Feeding Tampa Bay believes that every single person can do something to help end hunger in America. Whether it is one dollar or one hour, you can make an enormous difference in the lives of hungry women, men and children served by their network.
Volunteers will inspect perishable and/or non-perishable foods for their expiration date and quality, then package those good foods into bags/boxes that will be distributed to our hungry neighbors soon thereafter.

Saturday, June 7th
1pm – 3:30pm
Causeway Center, 3624 Causeway Blvd, Tampa, FL 33619
24 spots currently open

Eventbrite ticket registration does not serve as shift reservation, to sign up for a volunteer shift, please follow this link: https://www.volunteersuncoast.org/opportunity/a0CQi00003TBAtn/ache-at-feeding-tampa-bay-hil

Innovation and Changing the Face of Healthcare Delivery
2025-06-09 12:30 - 14:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
ACHE WFC – Innovation and the Changing the Face of Healthcare Delivery

Given the extensive changes in healthcare delivery and the technological landscape overall, there is a necessity to take stock of where the healthcare community stands on change and innovation, specifically regarding the use of technology. The demand for higher quality healthcare at a lower cost creates an imminent need for change and innovation in healthcare delivery. Healthcare has already seen innovations in the tools used to deliver care, including pharmacy products, medical devices, information technology, and biotechnology products. This innovation has changed and continues to change the way healthcare is delivered. This panel will discuss how health systems are using innovation in technology to improve the value of the healthcare they deliver. Examples may include using technology to improve connectivity, patient flow, provider efficiency, and/or quality measurement.

Monday, June 9th
12:30pm — 2pm EDT
Virtual

**Attended our May event? Check your May Event Evaluation Email for your exclusive promo code and apply it at checkout for discounted tickets!**
Get your ticket here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ache-wfc-innovation-and-the-changing-the-face-of-healthcare-delivery-tickets-1317001209069#:~:text=The%20demand%20for%20higher%20quality,information%20technology%2C%20and%20biotechnology%20products.

Strategically Mapping Your Early Career Development
2025-06-25 17:00 - 18:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | https://achewfc.org/event/strategically-mapping-your-early-career-development/
Don’t miss our upcoming session: “Strategically Mapping Your Early Career Development.” Learn how to take control of your career with intention and strategy.

Wednesday, June 25th
5:00-6:30pm EST
Virtual Interactive

Register at this link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1369572280559?aff=ebdsshios&sg=063912c8654d18a6c3ff6e5035cdd4f5f86e8eca8c451d1229965f5492652fe301e8219a13b513b78c035ce046a4df35b770dd8f85482e3c073921d24d46f650237fc09b9a9f5aa5e214850a9a

The Role Vision Plays in Your Strategic Planning Process
2025-07-11 12:00 - 13:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | https://achewfc.org/event/the-role-vision-plays-in-your-strategic-planning-process/
Join us for an insightful webinar, “The Role Vision Plays in Your Strategic Planning Process,” and discover how a strong vision can drive strategic success in healthcare.

Friday, July 11th
12:00pm – 1:30pm EST
Virtual Interactive

Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ache-wfc-the-role-vision-plays-in-your-strategic-planning-process-tickets-1351097552149?aff=erelexpmlt
*Don’t miss out on the opportunity to receive a $10 promotion code for the August Summer Series event!

Crystal Lake Volunteering Opportunity
2025-07-16 15:30 - 18:30 (America/Los_Angeles)
Join ACHE for an opportunity to volunteer at the Crystal Lake Food Pantry. Volunteers will help provide food boxes to families across Polk County.

Wednesday, July 16 · 3:30 – 6:30pm EDT

700 Galvin Drive Lakeland, FL 33801

Please sign up through the Eventbrite link here.
Remember that your Eventbrite registration does not automatically secure shift reservation. Your Eventbrite confirmation email will lead to the shift reservation & additional information necessary (i.e., dress code, meeting location).

Mighty Mussels Networking Event
2025-08-01 19:05 - 21:30 (America/Los_Angeles)
Mighty Mussels Networking Event:
Join us on August 1st at Hammond Stadium as the Fort Myers Mighty Mussels take on Dunedin Blue Jays @7:05PM. Enjoy post game fireworks, 90-minute buffet in the skydeck, and singing of take me out to the ball game during the 7th inning stretch. Don’t miss this great opportunity to enjoy a night of baseball and connect with fellow ACHE members!
Know Before You Go:

Credit Card ONLY- Reverse ATM is available by team store
Bag Policy- single compartment bags and small clutch purses, exceptions will be made for diaper and medical bags
$10 parking per car on game day
In the event of a rain delay, updates will be posted on all Mussels social media page.

Strategy Deployment: Implementing Strategic Plans for Successful Operations
2025-08-26 12:30 - 14:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | https://achewfc.org/event/strategy-deployment-implementing-strategic-plans-for-successful-operations/
Don’t miss our upcoming session: “Implementing Strategic Plans for Successful Operations.” Learn how to incorporate strategy into your organization’s operations.

Tuesday, August 26th
12:30-2:00pm EST
Virtual Interactive

Register at this link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ache-wfc-implementing-strategic-plans-for-successful-operations-tickets-1351512402979?aff=ebdsoporgprofile

Marketing and Money: Linking New Products, Services and ROI
2025-09-11 04:45 - 19:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | 13681 Doctor’s Way, Fort Myers, FL 33912, 13681 Doctor's Way, Fort Myers, FL, 33912, United States
Don’t miss our upcoming session: “Marketing and Money: Linking New Products, Services and ROI.” Learn how to develop new products and services in your HCO.

Thursday, September 11th
4:45pm-7:00pm EST
In-person Education Event

Register at this link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ache-wfc-marketing-and-money-linking-new-products-services-and-roi-tickets-1411170602259

ACHE Volunteer Day at Easterseals Ranch
2025-09-13 08:00 - 12:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
Don’t miss our upcoming volunteer event: “ACHE Volunteer Day at Easterseals Ranch.”

Saturday, September 13th
8:00am-12:00pm EST
1629 Ranch Road, Nokomis, FL

REMINDER: Your Eventbrite registration does not count as shift registration. You will need to register directly through Easterseals Ranch via your Eventbrite confirmation email. Please review the Eventbrite caption for detailed volunteer instructions.
Sign up through Eventbrite here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ache-wfc-volunteer-day-at-easterseals-ranch-tickets-1591820671479?aff=ebdsoporgprofile

ACHE WFC Girl Scout Fest 2025
2025-09-27 08:30 - 11:30 (America/Los_Angeles)
Don’t miss our upcoming volunteer event: “ACHE WFC Girl Scout Fest.”

Saturday, September 27th
Two shifts: 8:30am-11:30am and/or 11:30am-2:30pm
Wiregrass Ranch Sports Complex

Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ache-wfc-girl-scout-fest-2025-tickets-1591899096049?aff=ebdsoporgprofile
There will be an information meeting for all Girl Scout Fest volunteers on 9/23/25 at 6:30 pm. Please look for the meeting link and password a week before the event. A recording will also be emailed to all volunteers.
