According to the World Health Organization, a worldwide shortage of healthcare workers will leave more than 18 million positions open by 2030.
From direct care workers to physician specialists, unique skill sets are required, and equally unique challenges are recruiting and retaining the healthcare workforce. This is exacerbated by the rising prevalence of mental health and chronic health conditions and an aging healthcare workforce.
To be successful, today’s Chief Human Resource Officers need to have an in-depth understanding of industry shifts and market trends, tools for aligning organizational strategy with talent management strategy, and a detailed vision for crafting employee culture.
OPEN MINDS Chief Human Resources Officer Learning Path is catered to these unique demands, providing organizational leaders with the tools to overcome challenges and chart a path to future success.
View featured courses and sessions below to get started!
How To Develop A Strategic Plan: The 2024 OPEN MINDS Executive Seminar On Best Practices In Strategy, Portfolio Management & Scenario-Based Planning
In the current health and human service market, executives face uncertainty. This leads many executive teams to avoid or reluctantly initiate significant strategic initiatives requiring long-term commitments. Unfortunately, “waiting for the dust to settle” isn’t a wise management choice. Regardless of what lies ahead in the market, strategic planning is essential to ensure continued success. A successful strategic planning process will provide your organization with a roadmap for developing plans in uncertain times, implementing them, and evaluating their success. In this crucial seminar, Senior Associates will discuss OPEN MINDS’ three-phase approach to strategy development, including:
- The OPEN MINDS best practice approach to building a strategic plan
- Guide to strategy implementation planning
- An in-depth review of how to manage strategy implementation for success
Joseph P. Naughton-Travers, EdM
Joseph P. Naughton-Travers, EdM, Senior Associate, has more than 30 years of experience in the health and human service field. In this tenure as senior associate with OPEN MINDS since 1998, he has served as lead of dozens of client initiatives, served as editor of OPEN MINDS publications, and is the author of many groundbreaking articles and presentations.
Mr. Naughton-Travers brings to OPEN MINDS a broad range of experiences in private and public sector delivery of behavioral health and social services. He started his career as a behavioral health clinician, working in both child welfare and community mental health clinic settings. Subsequently, Mr. Naughton-Travers held a senior business operations management position for a psychiatric hospital system and its community mental health clinics. Later, he was vice president of a firm specializing in information systems and billing and receivables management for community-based mental health programs.
Since joining OPEN MINDS, Mr. Naughton-Travers has developed business solutions for provider and professional organizations, state and county government, technology companies, and venture capital firms. His primary areas of expertise include strategic planning and metrics-based management, electronic health record (EHR) and technology selection and implementation, operations improvement, and corporate compliance. For the past decade, over half his consulting practice has focused on aiding organizations in technology selection and implementation, including all aspects of strategic technology planning, functional specifications development, request for proposal development, vendor selection, and contracting.
He has written numerous articles, including “Winning the Human Resource Wars: Tried, True and New Strategies for Behavioral Health and Social Service Organizations,” “Five Pillars of Management Competency,” “Data Driven Decision Making: Moving to an Organizational Measurement Culture,” “Survival of the Smartest: What is Your Organization’s Information Literacy IQ?,” and “Strategic Human Resource Management: Aligning Compensation with Employee Performance and Organizational Strategy.” Mr. Naughton-Travers is also a nationally recognized speaker, having conducted hundreds of executive and professional executive training events around the nation.
Mr. Naughton-Travers received his Bachelor’s degree from Miami University of Ohio and his Masters’ of Education in Counseling Psychology from Boston University.
Dee Dewitt
Dee DeWitt has extensive experience as a consultant and corporate leader in the healthcare field. Mr. DeWitt brings over 28 years of experience in healthcare finance and operations, M&A, use of technology, strategic planning, and change management in healthcare organizations to OPEN MINDS as a Senior Associate.
Previously, Mr. DeWitt was the Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer of Momentum For Health, a CARF-accredited non-profit behavioral health organization providing services to individuals with a diagnosed serious mental illness (SMI) and/or substance abuse disorder, in San Jose, California. During his tenure, Mr. DeWitt increased outpatient productivity by 25% and contributed to growing revenues from $55 million to a projected $71+ million for the fiscal year of 2023. Mr. DeWitt also oversaw Momentum ‘s pilot with Santa Clara County’s transition to Netsmart Provider Connect and led a successful grant award and implementation of a multi-year paid intern program in partnership with Santa Clara University, San Jose University, and Palo Alto University.
Mr. DeWitt was also the Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer of Veridian Financial Group, a strategic consulting firm specializing in performing long-term, on-site C-level and Director roles, evaluating and implementing financial strategies, strategic operational planning, and development strategies for companies that are poised for significant growth, change, or require turnaround attention, in San Jose, California. During his time at Veridian Financial Group, Mr. DeWitt focused primarily on healthcare, finance, technology, and private equity and coordinated licensing, compliance, and external audits for 42 state licenses, including managed care organizations, managed care plans, Medicare, Medicaid, and service provider organizations.
In addition, Mr. DeWitt served as Chief Financial Officer and a Consultant in Strategic Planning and Finance for Home Recovery – Home Aid, Inc., a private equity-backed, for-profit company that provides personal care and skilled care in 35 locations and in-home care throughout Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, D.C. During his time there, Mr. DeWitt was a member of the company’s executive management team, audit team, and License & Compliance team. Mr. DeWitt also served as Chief Financial Officer of Professional Healthcare Resources, Inc., a for-profit holding company comprised of 5 home health companies, 4 hospice companies, and 2 private duty/personal care companies. Mr. DeWitt has also been the Chief Financial and Technology Officer for The Filson, a nationally renowned non-profit archive and research institute, and Director of Strategic Development for Signature Healthcare, LLC, a national private equity-backed for-profit, long-term care company operating over 180 facilities, with 18,000 employees, and over $1 billion in revenues.
Mr. DeWitt also held the positions of Deputy Director of Behavioral Health at the County of Ventura, CA Behavioral Health Services Department, and Director of Finance and Management Services of the Southeastern Arizona Behavioral Health Services (SEABHS), a joint commissioned accredited non-profit.
Mr. DeWitt graduated from the University of Louisville, Kentucky with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Economics and a Master’s in Political Science with a concentration in Economics and Public Policy.
Building A Digital Transformation Roadmap – Aligning Technology, Team, & Processes For Superior Consumer Experience & Engagement: The 2024 OPEN MINDS Seminar
Much focus has been on digital strategies for health and human service organizations. A post-pandemic strategy involves a multi-pronged technology-driven approach that leads to streamlining processes and higher performance. While the pandemic has accelerated the use of technology to support consumer access, using a technology strategy to assure business success goes beyond a consumer digital interface. This seminar will focus on the eight dimensions of digital transformation and provide a road map for executive teams to integrate and incorporate their entire organization. Attendees will gain insights into a digital-first approach focused on consumer experience, organizational efficiency, resiliency, growth, and sustainability. Key objectives include:
- A road map for digital-first evolution and what it means to be a digital-first organization
- The eight dimensions of a digital-first framework for quality and performance
- Critical organizational competencies needed for leading-edge technology transformation
Carol Clayton, Ph.D.
Dr. Carol Clayton is a licensed, psychologist with 30 years of health care experience in the public and private sector, including non-profit and private practice work. Prior to joining OPEN MINDS as a Senior Consultant, she retired as the Translational Neuroscientist for Relias, where she specialized in health care solutions targeting workforce development and population health outcome improvement. Before joining Relias, Dr. Clayton was the CEO of Care Management Technologies, a health IT data analytics company. She also served as the Executive Director of the NC Council of Community Programs from 2000-2006. The NC Council is the predecessor organization to i2i.
Paul M. Duck
Paul M. Duck brings over 30 years of experience in leadership and management focusing on managed care, health information technology organizations, strategy, business development, and market expansion, and customer experience optimization to the OPEN MINDS team.
Prior to joining OPEN MINDS, Mr. Duck served as the Vice President, Strategy & Development at Beacon Health Options. In this role, Mr. Duck led the organization’s strategy and business development efforts – responsible for a 30% increase in net revenue and initiated over $1 billion in revenue generation. Mr. Duck was active in national behavioral health initiatives as an executive of Beacon Health Options, including participating as a speaker at national and state association meetings.
Before joining Beacon Health Options, Mr. Duck was the Vice President of Business Development at Netsmart Technologies. During his tenure, Mr. Duck was responsible for business planning, including, the oversight of strategic activities including acquisitions, development, and execution of strategic initiatives, and positioning, and sales of large strategic customers. He also led the rollout of the company’s benchmarking and data analytics product suite.
Prior to Netsmart, Mr. Duck served as the Chief Executive Officer for Coastal Orthopedics and Pain Management, a large group practice with five clinic locations and two ambulatory surgical centers. As the organization’s chief executive officer, Mr. Duck was responsible for significant positive changes in leadership and corporate culture, financial and operational performance, compliance, and governance. Mr. Duck improved net collections by over $1 million per month and grew the practice through negotiating better contract rates with payers. He also implemented an organizational rebranding initiative and launched a new marketing campaign.
Prior to Coastal Orthopedics and Pain Management, Mr. Duck served as the President and Chief Executive Officer for Florida Radiology Imaging, one of the largest outpatient diagnostic imaging service companies serving the greater Orlando market. During his tenure, Mr. Duck led the construction of three new, full modality, diagnostic imaging locations. Mr. Duck revolutionized the company’s culture by creating a highly attractive and functional work environment.
Mr. Duck earned his Bachelor of Arts in Business Management from Case Western Reserve University. He earned his Associate of Arts in Electronic Engineering Technology from the Electronic Technology Institute. Mr. Duck received an award by Inc Magazine for leading Florida Radiology Imaging as one of America’s fastest-growing companies. Mr. Duck recently served as a contributing author to the book The New Health Age: The Future of Health Care in America.
The Women Of Gettysburg: Morning Walking Tour
The women of Gettysburg are a lesser discussed but integral part of the Civil War battle, serving as nurses, burying the dead, and even, at times, disguising themselves as soldiers.
Refresh your body and mind on Wednesday and join us for this morning walk through the historic streets of Gettysburg to walk in the footsteps of women who served critical roles during the battle. Take a step back in time and hear the stories of their heroism, struggles, and even death.
This walk will meet at the entrance of the Gettysburg Hotel.
*This experience is sold out; you must pre-register to attend this walk. To sign up for the waiting list, please contact Erin Deppen at edeppen@openminds.com.
*Walking shoes are recommended.
Patty Hawthorn
Patty loves storytelling. She has been a guide since 2013. Before becoming a tour guide, she was a substitute teacher for K-6 in one of the local school districts. But that did not prepare her for being a tour guide.
After attending multiple tours and doing a huge amount of reading, she was ready. And she loved it from the very beginning.
Patty is certified by the “Be a Better Guide Academy” in their tour program.
Patty’s mission is to share, educate, and inspire by sharing stories of the history of the Battle of Gettysburg.
Navigating Uncertainty: What History Can Teach Us About Modern Leadership
Step back in time and explore leadership through the eyes of two prominent historical leaders, General Dwight D. Eisenhower, and Abraham Lincoln, in this one-of-a-kind session designed specifically for health and human services executives.
This informative and inspiring keynote presentation will examine the parallels between historical leadership and the challenges faced by modern executives today, aiding today’s organizational leaders in overcoming adversity and fully embracing their own unique leadership potential. Attendees will gain raw insight into navigating the industry landscape, one that is rich with both uncertainty and possibility.
Jeff McCausland, Ph.D.
Dr. McCausland is a retired US Army Colonel who formally served as the Dean of Academics at the US Army War College. During his time in the military he commanded a battalion in combat during the Gulf War in 1990 and 1991. He also served on the National Security Council staff in the White House during the Kosovo crisis. He currently serves as a national security consultant for CBS radio and television. He routinely does analysis for CBS on issues such as Iraq, European security, arms control, or related questions of national security policy. He is currently involved in a project for the National Nuclear Security Administration focused on nuclear weapons in South Asia and proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. Dr. McCausland is also the founder and CEO of Diamond6 Leadership and Strategy, LLC. Diamond6 conducts executive leadership workshops for corporate, public, and non-profit leadership teams across the United States. He recently published a new book, Battle Tested! Gettysburg Leadership Lessons for 21st Century Leaders.
The Eisenhower Leadership Perspective: Eisenhower Farm Tour
During his wartime and presidential leadership, General Dwight D. Eisenhower (as he preferred to be known in his post-presidency) believed that trust was a critical leadership attribute, especially in turbulent times. Coming up in the military, Ike’s leadership style differed from those before him. He possessed a steady, calming way of looking at the critical issues. He dedicated himself to a cause higher than himself. Eisenhower did not abide by publicity-seeking but believed in accountability and being humble in his authority to make consequential decisions.
Ike considered himself a team player, bringing others along to address that cause. Eisenhower’s leadership approach involved the importance of the study, contingency planning, and being surrounded by diverse opinions. He believed that wisdom does not reside solely in one man’s mind. Eisenhower also incorporated stress management into his day-to-day to stay outwardly calm and exercise optimism. He believed that optimism starts from the top and works its way down. He believed in the importance of morale and making winners out of everyone. Join OPEN MINDS on this one-of-a-kind tour of the Eisenhower farm and learn more about General Eisenhower, his legacy, and his family.
The bus leaves the hotel at 9:45 am for the Eisenhower Farm Tour.
*This experience is sold out; you must pre-register to attend this tour. To sign up for the waiting list, please contact Erin Deppen at edeppen@openminds.com.
Joseph P. Naughton-Travers, EdM
Joseph P. Naughton-Travers, EdM, Senior Associate, has more than 30 years of experience in the health and human service field. In this tenure as senior associate with OPEN MINDS since 1998, he has served as lead of dozens of client initiatives, served as editor of OPEN MINDS publications, and is the author of many groundbreaking articles and presentations.
Mr. Naughton-Travers brings to OPEN MINDS a broad range of experiences in private and public sector delivery of behavioral health and social services. He started his career as a behavioral health clinician, working in both child welfare and community mental health clinic settings. Subsequently, Mr. Naughton-Travers held a senior business operations management position for a psychiatric hospital system and its community mental health clinics. Later, he was vice president of a firm specializing in information systems and billing and receivables management for community-based mental health programs.
Since joining OPEN MINDS, Mr. Naughton-Travers has developed business solutions for provider and professional organizations, state and county government, technology companies, and venture capital firms. His primary areas of expertise include strategic planning and metrics-based management, electronic health record (EHR) and technology selection and implementation, operations improvement, and corporate compliance. For the past decade, over half his consulting practice has focused on aiding organizations in technology selection and implementation, including all aspects of strategic technology planning, functional specifications development, request for proposal development, vendor selection, and contracting.
He has written numerous articles, including “Winning the Human Resource Wars: Tried, True and New Strategies for Behavioral Health and Social Service Organizations,” “Five Pillars of Management Competency,” “Data Driven Decision Making: Moving to an Organizational Measurement Culture,” “Survival of the Smartest: What is Your Organization’s Information Literacy IQ?,” and “Strategic Human Resource Management: Aligning Compensation with Employee Performance and Organizational Strategy.” Mr. Naughton-Travers is also a nationally recognized speaker, having conducted hundreds of executive and professional executive training events around the nation.
Mr. Naughton-Travers received his Bachelor’s degree from Miami University of Ohio and his Masters’ of Education in Counseling Psychology from Boston University.
Overcoming The Workforce Shortage Through Career Advancement Programs & Employer Branding: The Clarvida & Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health Case Studies
This session explores the current and future impact of the workforce shortage and practical solutions providers are implementing to combat decreased revenues and operational limitations. Attendees will get an inside look at how Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health, a nonprofit behavioral health organization that operates programs and services in 13 U.S. states specializing in I/DD services, developed the ASCEND Career Accelerator Program to support retention and career growth.
Plus, learn how Clarvida (formerly Pathways), a leading provider of behavioral health serving 60,000 clients and thousands of under-served communities annually, with operations across 17 states and Washington D.C., has been able to successfully support its workforce by leveraging traditionally untapped talent pools.
Attendees will also be exposed to “best practices” in talent management to help executives navigate the ongoing competition for skilled professionals and ensure long-term sustainability in the changing market.
- Describe the current and future ramifications of the behavioral health workforce shortage
- Understand practical solutions providers and other states are doing to combat the shortage
- Compare and contrast innovative strategies for workforce retention
Vivian Hernandez, MSHRM-SCP
As the Associate Vice President of Human Resource Business Partners | People Operations at Clarvida, Vivian Hernandez serves in collaboration with Michelle Engel, Chief Human Resource Officer, in creating and implementing ‘People Practices’ that elevate Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Belonging and Accessibility that promote pathways for success.
As a ‘People-Centric’ leader Vivian serves as the advocate, supporting staff, organizational leaders’ personal and professional growth and development, translating policies into effective people strategies that ensure the rights and responsibilities for both our employees and the organization.
Founder of Op2Work, a Human Resource Consultancy fostered the ability to cultivate a varied and multi-disciplinary approach to HR and People Operations. With over 15 years of hands-on HR leadership experience in Health and Human Services, Multi-State and Global Enterprises, Vivian’s approach to HR and People is about bringing the ‘Human’ back to Human Resources.
As a Senior Certified Professional in Human Resources, Vivian leads transformational change with a data-focused and people-centric approach. Earning a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Ana G Mendez in Puerto Rico, a B.A. in Leadership and Organizational Development from the University of Colorado Denver, and a M.S. in Human Resource Management, Vivian remains connected with the needs of our ever-evolving workforce and creates people practices that foster growth and success.
Did You Know?
I dream of a world where employees feel valued and supported. Where employees can thrive. For me, transforming organizational cultures, policies and practices is about removing barriers and creating pathways for success.
Jim Costello
Jim Costello joined Pathways in July 2023 and since then has been leading the talent acquisition function. His projects have focused on the design and implementation of the new ATS and Careers page, standardizing and improving processes in relation to the TA function, working with business leaders to help with new and innovative methods to recruit candidates into the business as well as retaining current employees.
Prior to Pathways Jim was the Global Talent Acquisition Director at Ultra which supported the Defense industry. At Ultra Jim worked with the marketing team to contribute to the company rebrand, was a leader for the DEI Improvement project and helped the organization grow during the pandemic by implementing new policies that were attractive to the evolving candidate market. In addition to his time at Ultra, Jim has led staffing agencies with focuses in the medical, engineering, manufacturing, and finance fields.
Jim graduated from Roberts Wesleyan University where he holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business.
Did you know?
The reason I wanted to join Pathways was to be a part of the creative process of building something. I found the challenge of coming in and helping the company move forward and advance my team was an opportunity that was exciting for me and I am thankful to not just be a number in an organization.
Mike Ernst, SHRM-SCP
Mike Ernst, SHRM-SCP, is Devereux’s senior vice president of People Operations. In this role, Ernst develops roadmaps for, and executes, all employee-related initiatives. Specifically, he is responsible for innovation in the following areas: talent acquisition, engagement and retention, employee development, and total rewards, along with further strengthening Devereux’s culture and employment environment.
Prior to joining Devereux, Ernst was the vice president of Human Resources at NHS Human Services (now Merakey). While at NHS, Ernst managed the organization’s people strategies and Human Resources activities, including: professional development and education, Human Resources business management and services, and talent acquisition and labor relations activities for more than 10,000 employees. Before that, he served in the following roles: worldwide director of Human Resources at Drug Information Association in Horsham, Pennsylvania; senior consultant/strategist at CBI Group in Newark, Delaware; director of Human Resources at the Office of the Governor Mitt Romney in Boston, and vice president of Human Resources/operations for CGN Marketing and Creative Services in Boston. Ernst started his career as a residential counselor and acting program manager with Devereux Pennsylvania.
Ernst holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Mount Saint Mary’s University and a master’s degree in clinical psychology from West Chester University. He earned a Senior Human Resources Certificate from Villanova University.
Building A Data-Driven Workforce Strategy With HR Data & Employee Surveys: The Emergence Health Network & Gaudenzia Case Studies
In this session, learn how your organization can leverage data and analytics to create a practical workforce playbook aligned with overarching organizational goals.
Learn how Emergence Health network, the Local Mental Health and I/DD Authority in El Paso County tracks and analyzes essential HR data to bolster workforce recruitment, retention, and performance.
Plus, learn how Gaudenzia Addiction Recovery Centers, one of the largest non-profit substance use and co-occurring disorders treatment providers in the northeast United States, is using key metrics to drive HR decisions, plus how they leverage employee surveys to intervene with disengaged employees early on.
Whether you’re aiming to optimize recruitment, enhance retention, or elevate performance, this session equips executive leaders with the tools needed to formulate a metrics-driven workforce strategy that drives and supports organization growth and revenue goals.
Key takeaways include:
- Explore strategies for tracking key workforce metrics and internal workforce recruitment, retention, and performance trends
- Learn how to use workforce data to create a practical, metrics-driven workforce playbook aligned with overall organizational goals
- Understand how to use compensation to complement overall organizational strategy
Iris Sandoval, MBA, PHRca, SHRM-CP
Iris Sandoval currently serves as the Chief Human Resources Officer at Emergence Health Network. She has over 12 years of progressive experience in Human Resources with various Fortune 500 companies and non-profit and health care administrators. She was born and raised in El Paso, Texas, although her educational goals led her to spend over ten years in Albuquerque, NM.
In a previous role, Iris started a Human Resources Department from its inception, bringing policy and regulation to a growing Healthcare Administrator in New Mexico. Since then, she has grown her career serving in all major functions of the Human Resources field. Her passion for people and the community of El Paso led her back home. In January of 2023, Iris was awarded the Human Resources Professional of the Year by the Society for Human Resources Management, El Paso chapter. She was selected for mentoring employees, openly sharing her knowledge, and advancing the Human Resources profession in the El Paso Community.
Mrs. Sandoval holds a Bachelor’s degree in Communications and Spanish and a Master’s in Business Administration with a concentration in Human Resources and Finance. She is currently attending the Wharton School and anticipates completing the CHRO program in June of 2025. She is a certified SHRM and PHR professional.
Elle Macias, PHR
Elle Macias, PHR, has served as the Director of HR Operations for Gaudenzia since 2020. She has over 13 years of leadership experience that has been dedicated to human resources and strategic business operations. Her innovative strategies have led to notable accomplishments throughout her professional career, and she is known for her unique ability to balance the best interests of both her employer and her employees simultaneously. She leads with a servant’s heart and is passionate about sharing her expert knowledge and professional experiences with others so they are empowered to become the influential leaders they seek to be.
Patrisha Williams, MBA
Patrisha Williams is the Director of Talent Management for Gaudenzia, Inc. with over twenty years of Human Resources experience. Patrisha earned 4 college degrees, most notable is her master’s degree in business administration, with a concentration in Human Resources Management.
Patrisha previously served on the Board of the American Heritage Credit Union and was the recipient of Gaudenzia’s most prestigious recognition, the “Employee of the Year Award (2015),” awarded to individuals for their outstanding efforts, extreme endurance in professional growth, and excellent job performance. Patrisha was featured in two of Gaudenzia’s blogs, Women Leaders at Gaudenzia (2021) and My Frontline Story (2023), where she was recognized by Gaudenzia’s Chief People Officer who described Patrisha as “a driver of performance and a driver for producing quality results. Her skills have helped Gaudenzia’s Human Resources department to achieve its goals toward transformation” (Doug Hilton, Former Chief People Officer, 2023).
With over 20 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, Patrisha has led numerous successful initiatives that have significantly improved processes at Gaudenzia. Patrisha specializes in talent management and is responsible for overseeing Gaudenzia’s full-cycle recruitment, onboarding, and performance management processes. Patrisha is passionate about her work as a key contributor and is inspired daily by Gaudenzia’s mission, values, and operating principles, which allows her to positively impact the organization. “The destination is important, but for Patrisha, what’s most important is ensuring we hire talent that is the right fit for our organization to ensure they have an excellent employee experience” (Patrisha Williams).
Identifying & Refining Your Optimal Organizational Structure: The Open Hearts Family Wellness & Sheppard Pratt Case Studies
Leadership team structure serves as the backbone of any successful organization. For many teams, determining whether your current structure is effective and knowing when to initiate organizational changes pose significant challenges.
Whether you’re looking to fine-tune your current structure or contemplating a significant reorganization, this session will provide practical guidance to help you navigate the complexities of organizational development.
Learn how the once-new CEO at Open Hearts Family Wellness, a Community mental health Clinic offering mental health, housing, and other community-based services in Arizona, was able to bring clarity to roles, improve functionality, and build organizational trust to reduce turnover and facilitate board recruitment.
Then, hear how Sheppard Pratt, the nation’s largest private, nonprofit provider of mental health, substance use, special education, developmental disability, and social services, is continually fine-tuning organizational structure and roles to best fit overall organizational strategy and employee longevity.
Attendees will:
- Learn strategies for assessing your operational and leadership frameworks
- Gain practical insights on when and how to implement changes for optimal organizational efficiency
- Explore the intricacies of building and evaluating the proper organizational structure with real-world examples that can be applied to enhance your organization’s overall effectiveness
Christopher Keck, DBH, LPC, CPM
Dr. Christopher Keck is dedicated to improving the well-being of individuals, particularly children and youth. He has contributed for over 18 years to prevention, foster care, clinical practice, and Health System Administration, providing clinical leadership to shape policies and practices from trauma- and clinically-informed perspectives. Dr Keck believes that collaborative partnerships and proactive support to families will promote healing and connection and reduce reliance on more costly intrusive interventions.
Outside of his professional endeavors, Dr. Keck finds joy in spending time with his wife and three kids, participating in his faith community, and enjoying gardening, reading, hiking, and camping.
Harsh Trivedi, M.D., MBA
Harsh K. Trivedi, MD, MBA, is the sixth president and chief executive officer of Sheppard Pratt since its founding in 1853. He has served in this role since 2016. Dr. Trivedi is also a clinical professor of psychiatry at the University of Maryland School of Medicine. Previously, he served as chief executive officer of Vanderbilt Psychiatric Hospital, vice chair for clinical affairs in the Vanderbilt University Department of Psychiatry, and associate professor of psychiatry in the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine. Dr. Trivedi is a nationally-renowned expert in healthcare, hospital systems, care delivery, population health, and behavioral health.
A graduate of the Mount Sinai School of Medicine, Dr. Trivedi completed his general psychiatry residency at the Zucker Hillside Hospital/Albert Einstein College of Medicine. He completed his child and adolescent psychiatry training at Children’s Hospital Boston/Harvard Medical School. Dr. Trivedi then served as director of adolescent services at Bradley Hospital and as assistant professor of psychiatry at Brown University.
In addition to his medical training, Dr. Trivedi completed his MBA at the University of Tennessee Haslam School of Business. He also completed a congressional fellowship and has drafted federal legislation that provided more than $150 million to help develop suicide prevention programs for children and adolescents and to help expand mental health services on college campuses across all 50 U.S. states and nine tribal territories. Dr. Trivedi serves as editor of Psychiatric Clinics of North America and is the author of Practical Child and Adolescent Psychiatry for Pediatrics and Primary Care.
Dr. Trivedi is the immediate past board chair of the National Association for Behavioral Healthcare (NABH), serves on the Executive Committee of the Maryland Hospital Association (MHA), and was a former trustee of the American Hospital Association. He is active in his community and serves on the board of The Walters Art Museum and the Baltimore Community Foundation Board, and is a member of the National Association of Corporate Directors. He is married and has two sons.
Creating A High-Performing Leadership Team That Is Aligned With Your Mission: The Community Systems & Project Transition Case Studies
In this session, our industry experts will dive into the intricacies of leadership culture and team building to address two crucial questions: How do you know if you have the right leadership team? If not, what strategies can be used for team alignment?
Attendees will gain valuable insights into the essential skillsets and personalities needed to foster a resilient and effective leadership team and explore the dynamics in fostering a team of diverse perspectives, from agreement to constructive disagreement.
Learn how Project Transition, a provider of long-term behavioral health support and services for individuals who have a history of serious mental illness, has worked tirelessly to reinvent leadership teams over the years and reduce stagnancy amongst key team members all while ensuring the right leaders are in the right seats, and intricately dedicated to the organizational mission.
Plus, discover how Community Systems, a four-state family of non-profit, organizations dedicated to serving the I/DD population, tackles succession planning and leadership development in a way that cultivates an adaptable, resilient, and innovative team culture.
During this session, attendees will:
- Explore a variety of different team dynamics, their challenges, and their functionalities
- Gain strategies for realigning leadership teams and fostering a productive team culture
- Hear solutions to overcoming common leadership team challenges, plus new approaches for building resilience and adaptability
Janet Butler
Janet Butler has developed and led residential and individualized support programs for over 35 years, primarily with Community Systems, where she is the CEO and President. Her innovative thinking and dedication to the discovery of each person’s definition of their own happiness have led to scores of remarkable success stories, most notably with persons considered too challenging to ever enjoy community success or live independently.
Ms. Butler received her degree in nursing and later a BS in Nonprofit Management from Skidmore College. She was the Executive Director of Community Systems, Inc. in Massachusetts for more than 20 years, starting the operations and growing the organization to support 250 individuals with more than 350 staff.
Janet assumed the role of CEO upon the retirement of the founders at CSI, who had filled their roles for more than 30 years. Prior to this role, she worked as a nurse in acute care and helped develop one of the first hospice services in southeastern Massachusetts when it was strictly charity responsibility.
Community Systems, Inc. is a group of nonprofit organizations providing support to persons with disabilities in Massachusetts, Connecticut, Virginia, and Delaware. The organization operates primarily in the ID/DD but also provides brain injury services, including to disabled veterans. For the last 15 years, the primary focus of her role has been to help build leaders.
Luke Crabtree, JD-MBA
As CEO Luke Crabtree, JD-MBA, maintains continuous oversight of Project Transition with the primary objective of ensuring competent and devoted staff are in place to serve the well-being of our members. Luke’s leadership promotes and sustains an environment that encourages a positive and forward-thinking culture. His leadership reflects the company’s commitment to its core values and mission as a recovery-driven residential treatment program.
Dr. Stacey Dixon
Dr. Dixon is a licensed psychologist with over 37 years of experience in both clinical and leadership positions in the fields of behavioral health and ID/D. The primary focus of her work has been assisting people and their systems of support in transitioning out of high levels of care or incarceration into lives of their choosing in the community. Currently, she leads Project Transition and PCS Mental Health as we bolster and grow our array of community-based services and supports for people with behavioral health, substance use, and ID/D.
Following In Lincoln’s Footsteps: A Leadership Walking Tour
Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States, left a lasting impact on the town of Gettysburg, even though he was only here for 24 hours.
Join OPEN MINDS and Jasan Hileman, licensed battlefield tour guide, as we follow in President Lincoln’s footsteps and walk the very same path that led to the President’s delivery of the Gettysburg Address in the National Cemetery. The walking tour will start at the Gettysburg Lincoln Railroad Station behind the Gettysburg Hotel, will continue to the David Wills House, where Lincoln stayed overnight, and will proceed to the Presbyterian Church. Come away inspired by a national leader who spoke only 272 words that will be remembered for centuries to come. This experience will begin and end with a classroom session to discuss Lincoln’s leadership style and what we can learn from him in today’s tumultuous times.
*This experience is sold out; you must pre-register to attend this walk. To sign up for the waiting list, please contact Erin Deppen at edeppen@openminds.com.
*Appropriate walking shoes will be needed for this tour.
Jasan Hileman
Jasan Hileman is a Licensed Battlefield Guide and an avid American Civil War historian, as well as past president of the Cumberland Valley Civil War Round Table. Jasan serves as a member of the management team for First Energy’s Potomac Edison Company in Williamsport, Md.
A volunteer fire fighter with a specialty in advanced rescue, Jasan incorporates into his battlefield tours his knowledge and his background in quick decision making, emergency response and the use of available resources to protect lives.
Supporting The Mental Health Of Health Care Workers: Meta & VOA Northern Rockies’ Unique Approaches To Employee Wellness
The compounding effect of staffing shortages, increased demand for services, and inefficient processes in the workplace have created a mental health crisis within amongst health and human services staff. A survey conducted by Athena Health found that 93% of U.S. physicians reported experiencing burnout regularly. As a result, 56% have considered leaving the profession.
Amidst rising pressures, many organizations wonder how best to support and retain staff. This session will give attendees an inside look at the current mental health state of the health and human services workforce and then offer two parallel case studies that show how both service providers and significant companies outside of the industry are tackling workplace wellness.
Hear how Volunteers Of America Northern Rockies, a health and human services provider in Wyoming, uses a variety of tactics to recognize, engage, and reinvest in employe wellness to support employee recruitment and retention.
- Understand the complexities contributing to the current mental health state of staff and clinicians working in specialty care
- Get an inside look into how both healthcare providers and organizations outside the industry are supporting workplace wellness for employees
- Discover strategies for building successful workplace wellness initiatives and effectively implementing them into your organization
Rebekah Law
Rebekah serves as the Chief of Staff, overseeing the development of organizational culture, ministry, and strategy. She also leads board development and recruitment efforts alongside the CEO. Since joining the organization in 2016, Rebekah has become certified in human capital coaching and group facilitation. She uses these skills to navigate change management and strategic planning. Rebekah and her husband have one son and enjoy spending time with their family.
Carelon Behavioral Health’s Approach To Cultivating Sustainability Between Payers & Providers
Join Dr. James A Polo as he dives into the key challenges affecting the health and human services ecosystem, strategies for leading through challenging times, plus the importance of aligning the needs of payers, providers, and populations for long-term success and sustainability across the industry.
Dr. Polo will also discuss Carelon’s ‘boots on the ground’ approach for enhancing access to care for people living with serious mental illness, explore cutting-edge digital innovations shaping the future of crisis platforms, and learn about Carelon’s collaborative partnerships with Walmart to provide convenient and affordable care.
James A. Polo, M.D., MBA
Jim has more than 30 years of healthcare experience in the commercial and military arenas. Prior to joining the team, James served as the Executive Medical Director for Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Oregon. There he worked with clinical and business partners to facilitate the optimization of a comprehensive provider network that was member-centric and cost-effective.
Jim proudly served in the United States Army. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Engineering and Psychology from the United States Military Academy at West Point and a Master of Strategic Studies from the U.S. Army War College. Jim also received a Master of Business Administration from the University of Colorado and his Doctor of Medicine from the Uniformed Services University.
Going Beyond The Battle: The 2024 Gettysburg Museum Tour
What happens to a place when a crisis is over? After the dust settles, leaders must learn to pivot, focusing on rebuilding communities and learning to lead in a new normal.
Experience the Beyond The Battle Museum, voted the “Best New Museum” in the country by USA TODAY’s 10 best readers, for eyewitness accounts and true stories of what happened before, during, and after the Civil War. The museum includes 12 interactive exhibits with authentic artifacts, including an original program from the Gettysburg Address. This experience will transport you to another time, where you’ll hear lessons to take back to the modern, post-pandemic world we’re navigating today.
*This experience is sold out; you must pre-register for this session. To sign up for the waiting list, please contact Erin Deppen at edeppen@openminds.com.
Karen Carloni, NCC, LCPC, CRC
Karen Carloni NCC, LCPC, CRC, brings more than 20 years of experience to the OPEN MINDS team as a Senior Associate. Ms. Carloni has extensive experience in non-profit management and program development, as well as fiscal oversight and grant writing.
Prior to joining OPEN MINDS, Ms. Carloni served as the Chief Operating Officer at Cornerstone Montgomery, a certified community behavioral health center spanning a four-county region. In this role, she worked alongside the CEO and the board of directors to ensure the development and implementation of the agency strategy. Ms. Carloni helped meet performance expectations under multiple grants (SAMHSA, county, state, private foundation), and managed budgets in multiple cost centers for an overall budget of $33 million and 450 staff. She also trained program directors and managers to ensure successful program delivery. In addition, she served as a freelance content writer for Choosing Therapy, writing articles in a variety of behavioral health content areas for an online blog.
Before that, Ms. Carloni served ten years as the Executive Director, Deputy Director, and PRP Director at Southern Maryland Community Network, Inc, a nonprofit organization with $6 million in annual revenue and 80 staff over a three-county, ex-urban area. She collaborated with the Board of Directors, internal and external stakeholders to provide excellence in service delivery in wide array of programs: PRP, vocational, residential, crisis, assertive community treatment, targeted case management, police liaison, justice reinvestment, and homeless outreach. Ms. Carloni ensured continuous adherence to CARF accreditation standards and COMAR regulations and a positive agency cultural climate and diversity, equity and inclusion in staffing, culture, and services. She oversaw the annual budget process and the development strategy. Ms. Carloni also managed the facilities and Medicaid/Medicare fee for service billing and grant funded programs. In April 2023, she successfully led and completed the strategic plan goal of merging with a CCBHC to ensure future sustainability.
Previously, Ms. Carloni was a Psychotherapist at Synergy E Therapy, where she offered private practice psychotherapy to adults, teens, and couples to meet mental health shortages during Covid-19. Ms. Carloni also served as the Emergency Psychiatric Services Consultant at Calvert Health. There, she preformed psychosocial assessments, linkage, and crisis intervention in the emergency department.
Ms. Carloni received her Master of Arts degree from the University of South Florida and her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Florida.
Leadership Management Certificate Program Networking Session – The Wendy Allen Art Gallery Experience
Don’t miss this unique opportunity to visit the art gallery of Wendy Allen, a Gettysburg based artist who has dedicated her career to capturing the face and ideals of Abraham Lincoln in more than 500 portraits. This inspiring networking event is for members of the Leadership & Management Certificate Program and has limited availability. Attendees will meet at the Gettysburg Hotel and will walk to the art gallery, located on Baltimore Street.
To register for this event, please contact Erin Deppen at edeppen@openminds.com and reserve your spot.
To learn more about the OPEN MINDS Leadership & Management Certificate Program or to join, please click here.
Lauren Frantz
Lauren Frantz brings expertise in event planning, marketing, and campaign development to OPEN MINDS as the General Manager of Executive Education.
Previously, Ms. Frantz was the Program and Marketing Director for the National Pediatric Cancer Foundation in Tampa, Florida. In this diverse role, Ms. Frantz supervised the foundation’s event and marketing teams and was responsible for event planning/logistics, implementing a strategic plan for the foundation’s digital marketing efforts, and developing custom campaigns for corporate partners.
Prior to her role as Program and Marketing Director, Ms. Frantz served as the foundation’s Program Manager and was responsible for enhancing national programs through innovative campaigns, implementing event marketing strategies, and coordinating more than 20 annual events. Ms. Frantz worked heavily on the foundation’s Fashion Funds the Cure program and event series. A main component of which was a nation-wide event tour that partnered with some of the country’s leading property companies, retail vendors, and corporate entities to create high-end fashion show galas and ultimately raise critical funds for pediatric cancer research.
Ms. Frantz enjoys both the creative and the analytical aspects of her work, she strives to embrace out-of-the-box thinking while also ensuring strategic implementation of processes and communication across teams. Her work style has been heavily influenced by her background in performing arts and work with local non-profit organizations in the Tampa Bay area. She strives to bring a broad view and creative edge to her work and is always searching for new ways to engage an audience.
Ms. Frantz graduated from the University of South Florida with a Bachelor of Science degree in Health Sciences with a concentration in health management and biological science.
Casey Bell
Casey Bell has been with OPEN MINDS since 2001 and has served in a variety of functional areas throughout her tenure and has developed expertise in web development, network and database management, publications, marketing and promotions, and project management.
Currently, Ms. Bell serves as OPEN MINDS Chief Operating Officer and is instrumental across all of OPEN MINDS departments, including finance, network and database, subscription services, and consulting. In this role, she manages multiple projects, assists staff members in using computer applications to their full capabilities, and evaluates and develops new initiatives for OPEN MINDS staff and customers.
In addition, Ms. Bell manages the OPEN MINDS Industry Database with its more than 350,000 organizational records. Leading this core department, she has developed and maintains six different industry datasets, specializing in Microsoft Access and SQL Server.
In previous roles, Ms. Bell has overseen the development and management of the OPEN MINDS web site and promotional plans. She was responsible for several areas of the company’s marketing and customer outreach, including design and administration for the company’s web site, coordinating the electronic distribution of the company’s e-publications, and providing technical support to customers. She has also directed the OPEN MINDS sales team and provided support for the company’s annual publications.
Ms. Bell is a Gettysburg native and studied accounting at Messiah College.
Chief Human Resources Officer/Chief Operating Officer Networking Lunch
Join us for this private luncheon for OPEN MINDS member organization executive leaders – created for Chief Human Resource Officers and Chief Operating Officers. This networking session aims to provide opportunities for executive leaders nationwide to share solutions to the challenges of serving consumers with complex needs. The hosts for the luncheon are Sharon Hicks and Tom Starling, Senior Associates at OPEN MINDS. (To register, contact Erin Deppen, Event Coordinator, at 717-334-1329 or edeppen@openminds.com.)
Sharon Hicks, MBA, MSW
Sharon Hicks, MBA, MSW, has more than 20 years of experience in the health and human service field. She has extensive expertise and a wide range of experience in health plan management, clinical operations management, and technology. A recognized thought leader among her peers, Ms. Hicks is a regular keynote speaker at industry conferences and association meetings, as well as an author of hundreds of articles and resources for professionals in both clinical and executive roles.
Prior to joining OPEN MINDS, Ms. Hicks spent two decades in a number of executive positions within the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) system. She served as the Chief Operating Officer for Community Care Behavioral Health, UPMC’s managed behavioral health organization responsible for $800 million in annual revenue. At Community Care, Ms. Hicks was responsible for all aspects of the organization’s operations, including fiscal, information systems, the claims processing department, and the design of clinical systems. She also managed the day-to-day operations of human resources, facilities, purchasing, and security.
Ms. Hicks also served in a variety of tech leadership roles for UPMC. In 2002, she was appointed as the Vice President of Technology Strategy for the UPMC Insurance Services Division before becoming the Chief Executive Officer of Askesis Development Group, a leading provider of electronic health record software for behavioral health and social service organizations. In this role, Ms. Hicks was responsible for the growth and profitability of the company and the direction of software development. In addition, Ms. Hicks was the President of U Squared Interactive, a UPMC-owned organization with the exclusive United States rights to Beating The Blues – the renowned computerized cognitive behavioral therapy solution for treating anxiety and depression.
Ms. Hicks started her impressive career as a psychiatric social worker and an Assistant Director of Social Work. Prior to her promotions, Ms. Hicks served as a Clinical Administrator for both Ambulatory Services and Emergency and Intake Services at the UPMC Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic. In this role, Ms. Hicks managed the behavioral health division, the budgets for all departments, and implemented new software replacing paper billing for clinical services.
Ms. Hicks received both her Masters of Business Administration and Masters of Social Work degrees from the University of Pittsburgh in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Before pursuing her graduate education, Ms. Hicks received her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Point Park College, Pittsburgh, PA.
Thomas Starling, Ed.D.
Dr. Tom Starling is a growth-focused executive who has spent his extensive career specializing in defining vision and steering strategy for mission-driven small and mid-sized organizations. Dr. Starling has demonstrated year-after-year success in securing millions of dollars in funding and grants to drive growth, revamp programs, transform operations, and fuel long-term, positive change. Dr. Starling joins OPEN MINDS as a Senior Associate.
Previously, Dr. Starling was the Executive Director of Strategic Partnerships for Rogers Behavioral Health System, a nationally recognized nonprofit provider of highly specialized psychiatric care. In this role, Dr. Starling gave voices to 21 clinics across 10 states and drove the development of a multidisciplinary division, spanning advocacy, government relationships at a state and federal level, and behavioral health prevention and education. He identified, targeted, and secured donors, oversaw 10 staff, and controlled a $2 million budget. Dr. Starling was responsible for co-managing national sponsorship decisions and hired Public Affairs Director and Advocacy Manager to optimize organizational performance and cohesively connect messaging, media, and corporate platforms to advocacy and government relations.
Dr. Starling was also the President and Chief Operating Officer for Mental Health American (MHA) of Midsouth, a nonprofit organization that connects community members with specialized mental health and wellness resources, providing services that improve quality of life and promoting effective services where mental health needs exist. Dr. Starling used his extensive leadership and fundraising experience to define overall strategy and implement a new organizational structure for the largest affiliate in the South. He developed partnerships and managed all relations with funders, donors, and foundations, in addition to providers, hospitals, and health systems. Additionally, Dr. Starling partnered with state and federal legislatures, as well as local and city government officials supervised and supported 25 staff members and controlled the $2 million annual budget. Dr. Starling fueled revenues after creating and rolling out numerous impactful programs and outlined continuing education opportunities and expanded the suicide prevention program by 10 states. Dr. Starling was also nominated to serve on the National MHA Board of Directors and was elected Board Chair from 2018 to 2020, making it the first time in 110-year history to have the affiliate CEO serve as Board Chair.
Dr. Starling is also the former Vice President of Operations for HEOPS in Nashville, Tennessee. Dr. Starling led daily operations and expanded business for the start-up healthcare company. He served as ISO-9001 Quality Manager, HR Manager, Call Center Supervisor, and Chief Contract Negotiator. He was responsible for tripling staff size by opening Medicaid and Medicare networks in 12 states, making the entire network expand across 40 states in total and expanding from 1 call center to 3. Dr. Starling also became a Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 31 listed mediator during his tenure.
Dr. Starling graduated with honors from Tennessee State University with his Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Educational Administration. He also holds a Master of Arts in Medical Ethics from Vanderbilt University, a Master’s Degree in Theology from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Baylor University. Additionally, he obtained a Medical Gerontology Certification from Meharry Medical College and a Business Leadership Certification from the Vanderbilt University Owen School of Business.
Building Competitive Agility: The Leadership Challenge Of The Day For Health & Human Services!
For organizations serving consumers with complex needs, there are many challenges in the industry, but these challenges are not without opportunity. In this session, join OPEN MINDS Chief Executive Officer Monica E. Oss as she brings the retreat to a close by exploring critical lessons learned throughout the week. Attendees will examine market trends and strategies that can be used as leverage to create growth opportunities for their organizations.
Monica E. Oss
Monica E. Oss, M.S. is the founder of OPEN MINDS and serves as its chief executive officer, executive editor of its publications and websites, and executive lead of its consulting engagements. For the past three decades, Ms. Oss has led the OPEN MINDS team and its research on health and human service market trends and its national consulting practice. She is well known for her numerous books and articles focused on the strategic and marketing implications of the evolving health and human service field – and its focus on the verticals of the field serving consumers with chronic conditions and complex support needs.
Ms. Oss has extensive experience in developing and implementing growth strategies for a wide array of organizations in the field. She has expertise in industry trend analysis, reimbursement and rate setting, and creating actionable plans for market success. In her role, she has led numerous engagements with state Medicaid plans, county governments, private insurers, and health plans, service provider organizations, technology vendors, neurotechnology and pharmaceutical organizations, and investment banking firms – with a focus on the implications of financing changes on delivery system design.
Prior to founding OPEN MINDS, Ms. Oss served as an executive with a nationally managed behavioral health organization, responsible for market development, actuarial analysis, and capitation-based rate setting. She also held a position as vice president of the U.S. risk management and underwriting division of an international insurance company.
Ms. Oss has been the keynote speaker at the conferences of dozens of national associations and has been published in a wide range of professional journals and trade publications. She has provided Congressional and state legislative testimony on issues as diverse as the financial impact of parity and payer medication access policies.
Ms. Oss has led a range of industry research and consultation initiatives, serving as principal investigator on research projects that include the examination of national managed care enrollment and service patterns, development of provider rate structures for government entities, creation of return-on-investment models for technology investments; design of performance-based compensation models within public and private health plans; and analysis of the economic impact of changes in benefit design, adoption of evidence-based practices, and new technologies.