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.
Bridging The Gap Between Data & Decisions With AI
Sponsored By: 
In today’s data-rich healthcare environment, the challenge isn’t gathering information—it’s transforming that data into actionable clinical decisions that improve client outcomes. Join Ravi Ganesan, President & CEO of Core Solutions, as he explores how AI is bridging this critical gap in care delivery processes.
Drawing from real-world implementations and Core Solutions’ breakthrough Cx360 Intelligence platform, Ravi will demonstrate how intelligent EHR systems can convert complex client data into clear, actionable insights at the point of care. This session will examine practical applications including predictive analytics for early intervention, AI-driven care coordination across the continuum, and decision support tools that enhance clinical judgment without creating workflow disruption.
Attendees will learn how to:
- Apply predictive analytics for earlier, more effective interventions
- Improve care coordination with AI across the entire continuum of care
- Leverage decision support tools to strengthen clinical judgment without slowing workflows
- Seamlessly integrate AI solutions into existing EHR and care models
Ravi Ganesan
Ravi Ganesan is the founder and CEO of Core Solutions, where he leads the revolution in behavioral health through artificial intelligence and other leading-edge technologies. With over 25 years of dedication, Ravi has addressed the unique challenges of the health and human services industry by developing innovative EHR technology, significantly improving treatment outcomes. His deep expertise in healthcare and technology, combined with a strong commitment to customer satisfaction, has established Core Solutions as a leading software provider nationwide.
Under his leadership, Core Solutions has pioneered AI-driven solutions for clinical documentation, treatment planning, and care delivery optimization in behavioral health settings. As CEO, Ravi has successfully established partnerships with large providers, government agencies, and leading management consulting firms to improve treatment for behavioral health and intellectual and developmental disability services.
Ravi is a recognized thought leader and frequent speaker on AI implementation, data-driven decision-making, and digital transformation in healthcare. Ravi received his M.B.A. from St. Joseph’s University in Philadelphia.
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
Isamu Pant
Isamu Pant brings 10 years of experience in consulting, analytics, project management, and program evaluation to OPEN MINDS as an Advisory Board Member.
In addition to his work with OPEN MINDS, Mr. Pant is the Director of Business Intelligence for The Aurora Mental Health Center, a SAMHSA Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic grantee offering services to address a wide range of mental health conditions, in Denver, Colorado. In his tenure with The Aurora Mental Health Center, Mr. Pant has also held the positions of Director of Analytics and Quality Improvement Specialist.
Before his work with The Aurora Mental Health Center, Mr. Pant held multiple positions at The University of Denver, in Denver Colorado, including, Tableau Administrator and Research Analyst. Mr. Pant is also a former Research Analyst for The Partnership for Working Families, a national coalition of left-of-center nonprofits which support policies that redistribute wealth and grant preferential treatment to workers, in Denver, Colorado.
Mr. Pant was also a Consultant and a Research Associate for Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey. During his time as a consultant, Mr. Pant worked on the United Nations Development Programme for Rutgers University, conducting gap analyses on gender equality programs conducted in over 40 countries. He also collaborated in the development of an analysis framework and developed recommendations for creating a sustainable and effective approach to gender equality in subsequent programmatic efforts.
Mr. Pant graduated from Beloit College in Wisconsin with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and International Relations. In 2014, Mr. Pant received a Master of City and Regional Planning (Program Evaluation) from Rutgers University in New Jersey. Mr. Pant is also a Scrum Alliance Certified Scrum Master and Certified Product Owner. Mr. Pant has completed a Project Management: Professional Certification.
Becoming Data-Driven: How Real-Time Business Intelligence Transformed CenterPointe’s Productivity & Culture
Sponsored By: 
Data-driven insights are foundational for informed decision-making, yet many behavioral health organizations are uncertain where to begin or how best to leverage data to meet mission-critical KPIs. With an uncertain market environment and challenges around burnout, staffing shortages, and retention, the ability to leverage real-time Business Intelligence (BI) can deliver greater operational oversight and empower your organization to do more with less.
Joined by Qualifacts’ Rich Rose, a Senior Business Intelligence Services Consultant, Dr. Ryan Carruthers, the Chief Clinical Officer at CenterPointe, will share his organization’s journey to become a data-driven organization.
Specifically, the presentation will:
- Outline CenterPointe’s struggles prior to adopting Business Intelligence (BI), including an inability to access real-time data and make it actionable.
- Detail the practical ways CenterPointe utilizes 1,000+ BI reports across the organization today, from frontline staff to individual teams and executive leadership.
- Review CenterPointe’s positive outcomes since adopting BI, including improvements in fiscal forecasting, increases in fundraising, and unparalleled staff productivity through automated workflows.
- Discuss strategies for other organizations looking to leverage real-time data for informed decision-making.
Ryan Carruthers, Ph.D., LMHP, LADC, CPSS
Ryan Carruthers is a Licensed Mental Health Practitioner (LMHP), Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC) and Certified Peer Support Specialist (CPSS) in the State of Nebraska who has been practicing for over 18 years. He holds a Ph.D. in Counseling Studies from Capella University.
Ryan is a member of the Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers and has also worked as an adjunct professor at local colleges. Ryan has provided countless continuing education classes to other addiction counselors and mental health practitioners in the State of Nebraska on topics related to harm reduction, suicide prevention, and alternatives to the 12-step programs. He is also a Certified SMART Recovery facilitator, as he started Nebraska’s first SMART Recovery meeting. Ryan has created programs for Education Courses, Outpatient Programming, Intensive Outpatient Programming, Adolescent/Family Education Courses, and Short-Term Residential programs.
At the end of the 2007-08 school year, Ryan was awarded Millard Public School’s “Expanding Horizons” Award for “Making a difference by enhancing students learning of curriculum through practical experience in the school environment.” Ryan has held various positions with CenterPointe, in Omaha and Lincoln, Nebraska, and has been their Chief Clinical Officer for the last three years.
Rich Rose
For more than seven years, Rich Rose has been the Senior Business Intelligence Consultant for Qualifacts where he provides in-depth support and agency-specific consultation for agencies contracted for the Credible Business Intelligence (BI) solution. He began his Qualifacts career as a member of the service team where he resolved over 4,000 support cases, acquiring subject-matter expert status in business intelligence, ad hoc reporting, and data systems on the Credible platform.
Prior to joining Qualifacts, Rich was the Quality Improvement and Compliance Director for a Credible partner agency, giving him a deep understanding of the Credible platform. He has a bachelor’s degree in business leadership and a master’s degree in business administration. Being based in Southern Oregon, in his off time, Rich and his wife, Kiki enjoy hiking, rafting, fishing, and playing with their three dogs!
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?
Strengthen Your Foundation: The Legal Structures & Compliance Tactics You Need To Support Partnerships & Affiliations At Scale
This workshop features two distinguished legal experts who will highlight approaches to growth and sustainability for organizations operating in the health and human services sector and discuss the danger zones presented by the changing economic, policy, and regulatory landscape of the industry. Through exploring the plans and options for growth developed and used within the Woods System of Care, this interactive, three-hour executive seminar is designed to equip behavioral health leaders with a deeper understanding of growth strategy and the array of options available to reduce risk while gaining scale. The session will highlight potential dangers and opportunities you will face on that path.
The Workshop will be a blend of content presentation and open discussions that will address the specific issues, risks, and opportunities for growth today. The workshop will include discussions about:
- The importance of strategic planning and the questions that were considered and addressed in the development of Woods System of Care – cohesion, alignment, and growth
- Deploying legal structures for cohesion, alignment, and growth, including not only various forms of corporate structures and alliances but also affiliations such as joint ventures and tactical partnerships.
- Assessing the potential value and risk of affiliations and customizing approaches to ensure the best outcome.
This workshop is specifically focused on CEOs, CFOs, and key leaders who could be involved in an alliance or affiliation opportunity.
Simon Kimmelman
Ray Wolfe, J.D.
Raymond “Ray” Wolfe, J.D. brings over 40 years of experience in the health and human services sector to the OPEN MINDS team. His areas of expertise include managed care and value-based reimbursement models, financial analysis and management, mergers and acquisitions, CCBHC certification, integrated care, performance improvement, and strategic planning.
Before joining OPEN MINDS, Mr. Wolfe served in a 22-year tenure with Pittsburgh Mercy Health System in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Most recently, Mr. Wolfe served as the organization’s Chief Operating Officer (COO), where he was responsible for oversight of all system operations, strategic planning, and performance management. Under his direction, Pittsburgh Mercy achieved Certified Behavioral Health Center status, earned over $850K in value-based reimbursement contract quality bonus awards, integrated three organizations through merger/acquisition, opened a primary care service that was integrated into programming for the severe and persistent mentally ill and homeless populations, and adopted a new performance management program for managers.
Before acting as Pittsburgh Mercy’s COO, Mr. Wolfe served as the organization’s Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and was responsible for the development of internal costing methodologies, contract rate negotiations, and financial forecasting activities. In addition, he coordinated an integrated care program with local partner hospitals to develop a series of diversion and respite programs, as well as specialized primary care, integrated care management, and high utilizer teams, while maintaining 15 consecutive years of profitability. Mr. Wolfe supervised the opening of a primary care clinic and Pittsburgh Mercy was selected in the first round for CCBHC status.
Mr. Wolfe was promoted to CFO after serving as the Director of Fiscal and Information Security/Compliance for the health system. In this role, he was responsible for managing the transition of service contracts from fee-for-service (FFS), leading all compliance activities, and implementing a next-generation electronic health record (EHR) system.
Prior to his time at Pittsburgh Mercy Health System, Mr. Wolfe served as Chief Fiscal Officer with the Summit Center for Human Development in Clarksburg, West Virginia, where he was responsible for reporting and budgeting functions and preparing Summit Center’s programs for FFS billing.
Previously, Mr. Wolfe served in billing and collections for two Pennsylvania-based hospitals. First, in his role as a manager for Healthcare Corporation of America (HCA) and as an Accounts Receivables Manager for Brownsville General Hospital in Brownsville, Pennsylvania, where he managed the accounting and billing system transition systems. Later as a Patient Account Manager for St. Francis Medical Center in Pittsburgh, he improved collections to hit a 95% rate through the implementation of new billing software and department reorganization.
Prior to working in the health and human services market, Mr. Wolfe spent five years practicing as an Attorney with the Law Offices of Arch A. Moore in Moundsville, WV. In this role, he provided general legal practice, created and established bylaws for multiple corporations, and handled West Virginia licensing of first vision insurance plan.
Mr. Wolfe earned his Juris Doctor from the West Virginia University School of Law in Morgantown, WV, and his Bachelor’s degree with a focus in Political Science and Sociology from West Liberty University, Wheeling, West Virginia, where he graduated Magna Cum Laude.
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.
Leading The Change: Insights From Payers On Serving High-Needs Consumers While Staying Resilient
With changes in federal policy, new care delivery models and the integration of advanced technology driving transformation across the field, the behavioral health industry is evolving at a rapid pace. At the same time, providers must stay focused on addressing the challenges and complexities of serving the most high-needs consumers. This panel of interdisciplinary leaders and payers will share their perspectives on how the latest industry shifts are transforming the payer mix and reshaping access to care. Panelists will explore strategies for strengthening payer-provider collaboration and using these opportunities to build resilience in an uncertain marketplace.
Designed for health care executives and provider organizations, this session offers a rare opportunity to hear directly from decision-makers who are leading in the face of inevitable change at the center of behavioral health.
Bruce A. Eddy, Ph.D.
Bruce Eddy is executive director of the Community Mental Health Fund (CMHF). The Fund is a public payer for mental health services for 18,000 uninsured residents of Jackson County, Missouri. Direct services are provided through 35 contracting non-profit agencies. Bruce’s responsibilities include the development and oversight of healthcare contracts, strategic direction, government relations, budgeting, quality assurance programs, and staffing an appointed board of trustees. He also represents public services as a Kansas City Tax Increment Finance Commissioner. In his prior role, he served as executive director of Resource Development Institute, a non-profit research and evaluation institute. He received his doctorate in community psychology from the University of Missouri-Kansas City. In his post-doctoral work, he directed national and international technical assistance at the Association of University Affiliated Programs for Developmental Disabilities in Washington, DC.
Maureen Tarpinian, MBA
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.