The Power Of Collaboration & Strategic Partnerships In Today’s Evolving Market: The UPMC Approach
In this keynote session, Dr. Matthew Hurford, President and Chief Executive Officer of Community Care Behavioral Health, and Vice President of Behavioral Health at UPMC Insurances Services, will discuss how strategic alliances and integrated care models are key to driving better outcomes, improving efficiency, and addressing the complexities of health care delivery in times of change. Dedicated to health equity and quality improvement, UPMC and the Community Care Behavioral Health Organization are paving the way with their Quality Improvement Program to facilitate close coordination with providers, members and other stakeholders. Hear valuable insights into how UPMC’s unique partnerships are reshaping the future of behavioral health and creating new opportunities for growth and patient-centered care.
Employee Engagement & Retention Starts With Leadership: The Jay Nolan Community Services Case Study
In this current chaotic business environment where providers struggle to recruit and hire top talent, employee engagement and retention are more critical than ever. The more an organization’s employees feel invested in, valued, listened to, and appreciated, the greater the buy-in, commitment, and longevity organizations see from their most valuable resource – their staff.
This is “mission critical” for leadership teams and not something that can be delegated to HR or committees as a project. When the senior leadership team of an organization takes accountability for creating an environment that people want to work in, not only will it relieve some pressure on recruiting, but the organization will also deliver higher quality services and perform better financially.
Hear from Jay Nolan Community Services, a provider for fifty years with over 700 staff and supporting over 550 individuals with autism and developmental disabilities, as they discuss their approach to making employee engagement and retention a core part of the organization’s culture and “DNA” (Develop, Nurture, Appreciate).
Edward R. Amey, MS
Throughout his career, Edward has worked with children, teens, individuals, and families from various walks of life; as a coach, crisis counselor, social worker, therapist, teacher, adoption services supervisor, and program director. He has been a member of several boards, as well as serving as the Executive Director of The Concordia Schools – Los Angeles, the Managing Director for The Institute for the Redesign of Learning, and now as the CEO of the Jay Nolan Family of Companies.
Edward has led multiple organizations to financial prosperity, through digital and cultural change, by focusing on the greatest assets they have, the people they support, and the people providing that support. He is committed to helping the leaders in our communities and companies to drive lasting positive change through innovation that keeps people at the center.
Having been in executive leadership roles for nonprofits for over 20 years; Edward believes one of the fundamental ways to strengthen our communities is through purposeful efforts to provide opportunities for every member to contribute. By providing safe, challenging, and diverse venues in which to grow, develop, and contribute we create communities that are whole and healthy.
Using The Latest Tech Trends In Your Workforce Strategic Plan
In today’s rapidly evolving health care landscape, staying ahead requires more than just clinical excellence — it demands a forward-thinking workforce strategy powered by the latest technological innovations. This presentation explores how emerging health care tech trends, such as AI-driven staffing analytics, telehealth integration, automation in administrative workflows, and digital health tools, can be leveraged to optimize workforce planning and performance. Executives will gain insights into aligning tech advancements with strategic goals, improving staff engagement, reducing burnout, and enhancing patient outcomes. Discover practical approaches to integrating technology into workforce development and position your organization for long-term agility and success.
During this session, hear:
- Case studies of real world examples of AI-driven scheduling tools that reduce overtime or burnout
- Highlights of technology solutions with real ROI, including apps that improve engagement, predictive analytics in staffing shortages, and telehealth tools that support rural workforces
- Obstacles in adoption—privacy, integration, leadership resistance—and how these obstacles were overcome
Building An Agile Team For Hybrid Workforces
The shift to hybrid work models is transforming the health care workforce — but success requires more than just flexible schedules. It demands agile teams built for adaptability, collaboration, and resilience. This session will guide executives through strategies to design and support high-performing hybrid teams that can thrive across clinical, administrative, and remote environments. Learn how to foster a culture of agility, leverage digital collaboration tools, redefine team roles, and implement management practices that support both in-person and virtual staff. Gain insights into real-world examples from organizations leading the way in hybrid workforce innovation, and walk away with practical approaches to drive engagement, accountability, and operational excellence.
This session will help attendees answer:
- How do you lead when your staff is scattered?
- What does ‘agility’ mean in a clinical setting?
- How do you onboard, supervise, and build team identity across remote and onsite roles?
The CEO Succession Planning Panel: Industry Insights
In an era of accelerating change and increasing leadership turnover, health care organizations must be more intentional than ever about CEO succession planning. This expert panel brings together seasoned executives, all current or former CEOs, to share candid insights and proven strategies for navigating the complexities of CEO transition. From identifying and developing internal talent to managing unexpected departures and aligning with board expectations, this session will provide actionable guidance grounded in real-world experience. Whether your organization is preparing for a near-term transition or building a long-term leadership pipeline, join us for this conversation designed to equip CEOs and senior executives with the tools to ensure leadership continuity and organizational resilience.
James H. Stewart
James (Jamie) was appointed CEO in June 2016. He joined Grafton in August 2008 as Chief Administrative Officer and Executive Vice-President. As a successful financial and administrative leader he has over twenty years’ progressive experience in a healthcare environment.
Rochelle Head-Dunham, M.D., DFAPA, FASAM
Dr. Head-Dunham’s academic and administrative leadership has fostered noteworthy advances in the fields of addiction and mental health. She has served as a subject matter expert on various national and state platforms informing best practices for the field of behavioral health. Her clinical accolades include Clinical Faculty of the Year for the 2021 academic year at LSU School of Medicine. In 2019 she was the recipient of the Nyswander/Dole Award from the American Association for the Treatment of Opioid Dependence, INC. (AATOD). Her clinical acumen coupled with her transformative leadership style has shaped an administrative career that fosters enduring changes for systems, organizations and individual levels of performance. Dr. Rochelle Head-Dunham is a New Orleans native who currently serves as the Executive Director and Medical Director for Metropolitan Human Services District (MHSD), a state local governing entity tasked with service delivery for indigent and Medicaid ensured persons living with mental illness, substance use disorders and intellectual/developmental disabilities, residing in New Orleans and neighboring parishes.
Systems Upgrades: A Functional Checklist For Buying The Right Systems For Your Organization
From addressing needs to effectively manage today’s diverse service lines, to demands from payers and regulators regarding reporting and integration, selecting the best system platforms to drive organizational efficiency is a priority for every CFO. This case study presentation will explore how an organization has successfully navigated the process of choosing systems that meet today’s needs while positioning the organization for continued success. Through real-world examples, attendees will be guided through a functional checklist that helped this organization successfully navigate the process of choosing the system. Attendees will gain valuable insights into the key factors to consider when purchasing new systems, including scalability, integration, compliance, and functionality.
Key Takeaways:
- A functional checklist to help evaluate critical system features and capabilities
- Practical tips for assessing integration and scalability to ensure long-term success
Strategies For Strengthening & Diversifying Revenue Sources: The Monarch Case Study
As financial pressures continue to mount across the health care landscape, leading organizations must think beyond traditional funding models to remain competitive and sustainable. This executive-level session will explore proven strategies for strengthening and diversifying revenue streams through deliberate, mission-aligned expansion and service integration.
Hear from Monarch, a nonprofit behavioral health and intellectual and developmental disabilities provider serving 27,000 people in North Carolina and Rhode Island, and a team of nearly 1,600 staff members, as they discuss insights into expanding services across state lines to unlock markets and scale operations. They’ll also discuss the financial and operational benefits of building integrated provider networks.
During this session, attendees will:
- Discover practical guidance for organizations looking to evolve their business models while staying grounded in quality and whole-person care
- Explore how the addition of care coordination services and integration of primary and behavioral health or I/DD services can drive both improved outcomes and new revenue opportunities
- Identify key strategies for expanding services into new state markets while maintaining regulatory compliance and service quality
Blake Martin, MHA
Blake Martin, MHA, serves as Monarch’s President. Under the direction of Chief Executive Officer Dr. Peggy Terhune, Blake leads the organization’s strategic planning efforts, build and maintain relationships with state and national policymakers and oversee operations of key business units, enabling the company to continue as well as expand the delivery of exceptional care across all services.
As President, Blake is directly responsible for identifying and developing strategic opportunities and maintaining relationships with the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, statewide local management entities and managed care organizations (LME/MCOs), social services agencies, licensing agencies and the people and families Monarch supports, among other key stakeholders.
Blake brings extensive experience in health care administration, operational oversight and fiscal management, having most recently served as Monarch’s Chief Strategy Officer, where he led the development and implementation of a new five-year strategic plan. He holds both a Master of Health Administration (MHA) degree and a bachelor’s degree from Pfeiffer University. He also serves as a member of Pfeiffer University’s Board of Trustees.
Lead Like It’s 1863: Timeless Lessons For Creating Your Agile Team
In an era of unprecedented complexity, timeless leadership lessons are more relevant than ever. Join Monica Oss, Chief Executive Officer of OPEN MINDS, as she explores the leadership decisions that shaped American history—and how today’s executives can apply those insights to navigate uncertainty, build trust, and make bold decisions when the stakes are high.
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.