2024
Presentations
Registration & Breakfast
Grab your badge, some breakfast and coffee, and get registered for the week ahead!
How To Develop A Strategic Plan: The 2024Ā OPEN MINDSĀ 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, āwaiting for the dust to settleā isnāt 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 MINDSā 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 MINDSĀ since 1998, he has served as lead of dozens of client initiatives, served as editor ofĀ OPEN MINDSĀ publications, and is the author of many groundbreaking articles and presentations.
Mr. Naughton-TraversĀ brings to OPEN MINDSĀ 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.Ā Later, he was vice president of a firm specializing in information systems and billing and receivables management for community-based mental health programs.
SinceĀ joiningĀ 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 hasĀ written numerous articles, including āWinning the Human Resource Wars: Tried, True and New Strategies for Behavioral Health and Social Service Organizations,ā āFive Pillars of Management Competency,ā āData Driven Decision Making: Moving to an Organizational Measurement Culture,ā āSurvival of the Smartest: What is Your Organizationās Information Literacy IQ?,ā and āStrategic Human Resource Management: Aligning Compensation with Employee Performance and Organizational Strategy.ā Mr. Naughton-Travers is also a nationally recognized speaker, having conducted hundreds of executive and professional executive training events around the nation.
Mr. Naughton-TraversĀ received his Bachelorās degree from Miami University of Ohio and his Mastersā 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 ās pilot with Santa Clara Countyās 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 ā 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 companyās 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 Masterās in Political Science with a concentration in Economics and Public Policy.
Lunch On Your Own
Try Sign Of The Buck, The Garryowen Irish Pub, or The Gettysburger Company, three of Gettysburgās favorite local restaurants!
Building A Digital Transformation Roadmap ā Aligning Technology, Team, & Processes For Superior Consumer Experience & Engagement: The 2024Ā OPEN MINDSĀ 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 organizationās strategy and business development efforts ā 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 companyās 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 organizationās 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 companyās 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 Americaās 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.
Networking Reception
End your day by unwinding with your peers, colleagues, thought leaders, and vendors. Join us at the Gettysburg Hotel and enjoy a cocktail and hors d’oeuvres!
Book Signing:Ā Featuring special guest Keynote Jeff McCausland, who will be conducting a book signing during the reception! (Book purchases are cash only)
Gettysburg Pub Tour
*This experience isĀ sold out; you must pre-register to attend this pub tour. To sign up for the waiting list, please contact Erin Deppen atĀ edeppen@openminds.com.
Enjoy a taste of the Gettysburg’s favorite brews. Meet us outside of the entrance of the Gettysburg Hotel and walk with your peers through the historic streets of downtown Gettysburg.
Enjoy a taste of the Gettysburg’s favorite brews. Meet us outside of the entrance of the Gettysburg Hotel and walk with your peers through the historic streets of downtown Gettysburg. Along the way, the tour will stop at three iconic locations:
- Reidās Orchard & Winery Tasting Room at the Cider House – Where history meets tradition, enjoy a wide selection of locally crafted ciders or wind down with a glass of wine like their signature Chardonnay crafted in Pennsylvania oak barrels.
- Ploughman’s Tap Room – Known for their crisp and delicious ciders, crafted from five generations of locally grown apples.
- Garryowen Irish Pub – Experience one of Gettysburg locals favorite place, with an extensive selection and over 120 Irish whiskeys.
Erin Deppen

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 āBe a Better Guide Academyā in their tour program.
Pattyās mission is to share, educate, and inspire by sharing stories of the history of the Battle of Gettysburg.
Breakfast & Registration
If you havenāt registered yet, check in with us at the registration desk and then enjoy breakfast and coffee before the morningās keynote presentation.
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 todayās 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. Ā
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 MINDSĀ since 1998, he has served as lead of dozens of client initiatives, served as editor ofĀ OPEN MINDSĀ publications, and is the author of many groundbreaking articles and presentations.
Mr. Naughton-TraversĀ brings to OPEN MINDSĀ 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.Ā Later, he was vice president of a firm specializing in information systems and billing and receivables management for community-based mental health programs.
SinceĀ joiningĀ 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 hasĀ written numerous articles, including āWinning the Human Resource Wars: Tried, True and New Strategies for Behavioral Health and Social Service Organizations,ā āFive Pillars of Management Competency,ā āData Driven Decision Making: Moving to an Organizational Measurement Culture,ā āSurvival of the Smartest: What is Your Organizationās Information Literacy IQ?,ā and āStrategic Human Resource Management: Aligning Compensation with Employee Performance and Organizational Strategy.ā Mr. Naughton-Travers is also a nationally recognized speaker, having conducted hundreds of executive and professional executive training events around the nation.
Mr. Naughton-TraversĀ received his Bachelorās degree from Miami University of Ohio and his Mastersā of Education in Counseling Psychology from Boston University.
Thought Leader Discussion
Join our keynote for an interactive discussion where you can take time to ask your own questions and continue the conversation.
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.
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 āPeople Practicesā that elevate Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Belonging and Accessibility that promote pathways for success.
As a āPeople-Centricā leader Vivian serves as the advocate, supporting staff, organizational leadersā 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, Vivianās approach to HR and People is about bringing the āHumanā 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 Bachelorās 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 Devereuxās 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 Devereuxās 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 organizationās 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 bachelorās degree in psychology from Mount Saint Maryās University and a masterās degree in clinical psychology from West Chester University. He earned a Senior Human Resources Certificate from Villanova University.
CEOs Playbook To AI
Sponsored By:
How can organizations leverage the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) not only to enhance operational efficiency but also to drive data analysis and innovation? Ravi Ganesan, President and CEO of Core Solutions, will delve into the transformative potential of AI in the business world and provide valuable insights and practical advice on effectively harnessing this powerful technology.
We will discuss how AI can enhance operational efficiency, improve decision-making through data-driven insights, and elevate customer experiences with personalized solutions. We will also explore the critical importance of data quality and governance in AI implementation, offering insights on how to establish a strong foundation for success within your organization.
Discussion Topics include:
- AI fundamentals and business impact
- Implementing AI in your organization
- Building confidence in AI
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 cutting-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. 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 an active speaker on AI and data-driven decision-making. Ravi received his M.B.A. from St. Joseph’s University in Philadelphia.
Out Of The Ledger ā The CFOās Guide To Integrating Financial Strategy With Organizational Strategy: The Aspire Living & Learning Case Study
Improved organizational performance and financial sustainability often go together, particularly in todayās health and human services landscape. Changing consumer demand, increased competition, and the need to generate greater efficiencies make improved organizational growth and performance key strategic initiatives for financial sustainability.
How does a chief financial officer move out of the ledger to best prepare their organization for successful, sustainable growth? In this session learn how Erica Hare, CFO at Aspire Living and Learning was able to build efficient lines of communication with the CEO and other stakeholders, and develop a financial plan aligned with the broader organizational strategic plan.
Key takeaways include:
- Understand the challenges of siloed financial strategy and strategies
- Gain practical strategies for building direct lines of reporting with CEOās and other executive leaders
- Learn proven tactics for integrating financial strategy and outcomes with overall organizational goals
Erica Hare, MBA

Erica Hare is an experienced financial leader who has served as Chief Financial officer with Aspire for over five years. From the beginning, she brought a clear vision to ensure the Finance Team was able to build and improve processes, mitigate risk, and simplify where possible. Before her current role, Ms. Hare served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at Vermont College of Fine Arts.
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 Bachelorās degree in Communications and Spanish and a Masterās 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 masterās 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 Gaudenziaās most prestigious recognition, the āEmployee of the Year Award (2015),ā awarded to individuals for their outstanding efforts, extreme endurance in professional growth, and excellent job performance. Patrisha was featured in two of Gaudenziaās blogs, Women Leaders at Gaudenzia (2021) and My Frontline Story (2023), where she was recognized by Gaudenziaās Chief People Officer who described Patrisha as āa driver of performance and a driver for producing quality results. Her skills have helped Gaudenziaās Human Resources department to achieve its goals toward transformationā (Doug Hilton, Former Chief People Officer, 2023).
Ā 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 Gaudenziaās full-cycle recruitment, onboarding, and performance management processes. Patrisha is passionate about her work as a key contributor and is inspired daily by Gaudenziaās mission, values, and operating principles, which allows her to positively impact the organization. āThe destination is important, but for Patrisha, whatās most important is ensuring we hire talent that is the right fit for our organization to ensure they have an excellent employee experienceā (Patrisha Williams).
Identifying &Ā Refining Your OptimalĀ 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 nationās 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.
Lunch On Your Own
Enjoy one of the many local restaurants and take a stroll in historical downtown Gettysburg!
Post Lunch Pick Me Up
Sponsored By:
Donāt miss this after lunch break in the hotel atrium, featuring individual yogurt parfaits, granola bars, fresh fruit cups, and more! A special thank you to our sponsor, Sigmund Software.
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-Āstate family of nonĀ-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.
āDuring 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.Ā Her innovative thinking and dedication to the discovery of each personās 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.Ā 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.Ā
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.Ā
Community Systems, Inc. is a group of nonprofit organizations providing support to persons with disabilities in Massachusetts, Connecticut, Virginia, and Delaware.Ā The organization operates primarily in the ID/DDĀ but also provides brain injury services, including to disabled veterans.Ā Ā 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.
Women In Leadership: A Discussion Session
As organizational culture continues to change and evolve, organizations must learn to appreciate the different strengths and perspectives women bring to leadership roles. Women in leadership often face challenges differently than their male counterparts. To build strong leadership, organizations need to recognize the differences women bring and determine how they can foster female career growth and support in leadership positions. The panel, comprised of dynamic women in leadership roles, will lead a discussion on facing challenges, overcoming barriers, and empowering women executives in the workplace by sharing their leadership stories and lessons learned. After this forum, attendees should be able to:
- Identify different strengths and perspectives women bring to leadership
- Identify opportunities within your organization to encourage female career growth in leadership roles
- Strategize on how to best support leadership development for women within your organization for sustainable change

Rochelle Head-Dunham, M.D., DFAPA, FASAM

Dr. Head-Dunhamās 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.
Hattie Tracy

Hattie Tracy is the President and CEO of Coleman Health Services, headquartered in Kent, Ohio. She assumed that role on August 7, 2021 after previously serving Coleman as the Senior Vice President of Clinical Operations.Ā Tracy has a long and successful history in the behavioral health field. She brings over 20 years of behavioral health and human services experience, with over 10 years in executive team roles. She previously served in senior roles with Child Guidance and Family Solutions and in the BeST Center, a Coordinating Center of Excellence in the Department of Psychiatry at NEOMED where she helped lead the FIRST Coordinated Specialty Care for First Episode Psychosis program. She also had a private practice as an outpatient therapist, was an adjunct faculty member at the University of Akron and served on the Board of Goodwill Industries in Akron.Ā She has a Master of Public Policy and Administration degree from Kent State University and a Master of Social Work from The Ohio State University. She is a licensed social worker in the state of Ohio, and resides in Kent with her husband, Joe, and two young daughters.Ā Ā āI entered this field because I wanted to make a difference for the people we serve,ā Tracy said. āLeading Coleman is the best way I can think of to have that positive impact. I am so excited to work with the Board, the senior leadership team and all of our 900 employees to put those we serve right in the middle of Colemanās core values. āTracy was chosen from more than 100 applicants in a National Search. Coleman Health Services was founded in Kent, Ohio in 1978. It offers comprehensive behavioral health, residential, employment, and supportive services. It earned the 2021 Gold Seal of Transparency from Guidestar, the worldās largest source of information on nonprofit organizations. Earlier this year, Coleman earned the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) designation from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), one of 11 such designees in the state. This designation will allow Coleman to provide fully integrated health services across six Ohio counties. Tracy has been leading that effort.
Jessica Fenchel, MA

Jessica Fenchel is the Executive Vice President and COO at Access Services, where she supports the delivery of diverse community-based programming for children, adults, and families in Eastern Pennsylvania. Access Services is a nonprofit organization building community through the delivery of services in Behavioral Health, Children and Families Services, and Intellectual Disability and Autism Programming.
Jess has been at Access Services for over 10 years, during which she was key in the startup of innovative initiatives across multiple service spaces including crisis, forensics, schools, and homelessness. Jess believes that help should be helpful and that the people we serve deserve our best. She has led in partnership building to realize integration between behavioral health and physical health, driving solutions for vulnerable populations. Jessā work to develop new models of partnership between law enforcement and crisis systems has led to overall reductions in arrest for those experiencing mental health crisis.
Jess received her undergraduate degree from Messiah College, her masterās degree from Lasalle University in Clinical Counseling Psychology, training in Applied Behavior Analysis from the University of North Texas, a certificate in Nonprofit Management from Lasalle University, and a certificate from the Global Trauma Recovery Institute. Jess is an avid sports fan, especially the Buffalo Bills, and loves being active outside with her husband, three kids, and dog.
Yvette Jackson, DBH, LMSW

As Devereux Arizonaās executive director, Yvette Jackson, LMSW, DBH, oversees the care and treatment of more than 4,500 children and adolescents each year. Jackson joined the organization in 1998 as a foster parent recruiter/trainer and, in 2002, was promoted to program manager of foster care services. In 2003, Jackson moved into the role of director of community-based services and, six years later, was promoted to assistant executive director. She assumed her current role in November 2019.
Jackson has earned the following degrees: Bachelor of Arts in sociology from the University of Arizona, and a Master of Social Work and Doctor of Behavioral Health (DBH) from Arizona State University. She is a licensed social worker (LMSW).
As a DBH, Jackson works to advance the triple-aim by implementing non-medical interventions designed to improve overall healthcare outcomes for specific populations. Jackson is deeply committed to advancing issues of health equity through diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in healthcare, and is a critical leader in Devereuxās national efforts around DEI.
One of her passions is health equity for the LGBTQ+ population. In 2015, she received the āLeadership in LGBTQ Health Care Award,ā and in 2021 she received the āChampion of Change Awardā for her work on behalf of LGBTQ+ individuals in healthcare. In 2022, she was awarded the āIntegrated Health Excellence Awardā from Integrated Health Magazine.
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 Lincolnās footsteps and walk the very same path that led to the Presidentās 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 Lincolnās leadership style and what we can learn from him in todayās 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 Energyās 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 Rockiesā 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.
Adapting To Change & Aligning Services With Long Term Organizational Goals: The Coleman Health Services Case Study
Many emotional and strategic complexities are inherent in parting with traditions and founding initiatives.
In this session, gain insight into how Coleman Health Services, aĀ nationally-recognized nonprofit offering comprehensive behavioral health, residential, employment and supportive services to ten Ohio counties, has successfully navigated organizational change, embraced innovation, and worked to continuously ensure program alignment with the evolving needs of the organization’s mission and long-term strategic goals.
- Understand how to recognize when change is necessary using financial and market-based assessments
- Explore the pivotal role of Social Determinants of Health and other data in gauging program effectiveness and identifying community needs that necessitate innovative solutions
- Gain insights into balancing the commitment to mission-driven goals with the need for adaptability, ensuring that your organization remains resilient and responsive
Hattie Tracy

Hattie Tracy is the President and CEO of Coleman Health Services, headquartered in Kent, Ohio. She assumed that role on August 7, 2021 after previously serving Coleman as the Senior Vice President of Clinical Operations.Ā Tracy has a long and successful history in the behavioral health field. She brings over 20 years of behavioral health and human services experience, with over 10 years in executive team roles. She previously served in senior roles with Child Guidance and Family Solutions and in the BeST Center, a Coordinating Center of Excellence in the Department of Psychiatry at NEOMED where she helped lead the FIRST Coordinated Specialty Care for First Episode Psychosis program. She also had a private practice as an outpatient therapist, was an adjunct faculty member at the University of Akron and served on the Board of Goodwill Industries in Akron.Ā She has a Master of Public Policy and Administration degree from Kent State University and a Master of Social Work from The Ohio State University. She is a licensed social worker in the state of Ohio, and resides in Kent with her husband, Joe, and two young daughters.Ā Ā āI entered this field because I wanted to make a difference for the people we serve,ā Tracy said. āLeading Coleman is the best way I can think of to have that positive impact. I am so excited to work with the Board, the senior leadership team and all of our 900 employees to put those we serve right in the middle of Colemanās core values. āTracy was chosen from more than 100 applicants in a National Search. Coleman Health Services was founded in Kent, Ohio in 1978. It offers comprehensive behavioral health, residential, employment, and supportive services. It earned the 2021 Gold Seal of Transparency from Guidestar, the worldās largest source of information on nonprofit organizations. Earlier this year, Coleman earned the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) designation from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), one of 11 such designees in the state. This designation will allow Coleman to provide fully integrated health services across six Ohio counties. Tracy has been leading that effort.
Steven Bossart

Steve Bossart is Vice President of Business Development and Marketing for Coleman Health Services in Kent, Ohio. Previously he served as Vice President of Development for the Southwest General Foundation, Executive Director for the Akron General Foundation, and Director of Leadership Giving for Akron Childrenās Hospital.
In addition to his health care roles, he has worked in development for a national membership organization, in higher education and in museum fundraising. In his career he has been responsible for over $200 million in philanthropic support.
Steve has a Bachelor of Science degree in Public Relations from Kent State University and earned a Masters in Nonprofit Management from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland. He lives in Copley, Ohio with his wife of 27 years, Lorrie and their two daughters, Sloane (14) and Sutton (12).
Executive Networking Reception At The Gettysburg National Military Park Museum & Visitor Center
Sponsored By:
The Gettysburg Museum and Visitorās Center is home to thousands of Civil War artifacts and relics from the Battle of Gettysburg. Institute attendees will have private, after-hours access to all museum areas, including the bookstore/gift shop. Also, view the famous Gettysburg Cyclorama. Paul Philippoteauxās 1883 cyclorama painting of the Battle of Gettysburg is among the last surviving cycloramas in the United States. Cocktails, other refreshments, and food will be available!
A shuttle bus from the Gettysburg Hotel will transport attendees to and from the Visitor Center from 6:30 pm to 9:00 pm. Attendees may also drive themselves to the receptionāstop by the Registration Desk for driving and parking directions. (1195 Baltimore Pike, Gettysburg, PA 17325)
Executive Breakfast
Join us for a hot breakfast and coffee in the exhibit hall to start your day!Ā
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,Ā 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.
Thought Leader Discussion
Join our keynote for an interactive discussion where you can take time to ask your own questions and continue the conversation.
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.
Briefing & Discussion: Results Of The 2024Ā OPEN MINDSĀ Executive Compensation & Retention Survey
Executive compensation is an essential topic for boards and organizations who want to retain current executives and ensure a smooth succession when the time comes. The 2024 OPEN MINDS Executive Compensation & Retention Survey provides the data and trends to help develop a compensation and retention plan in tune with the current market. Join this interactive discussion and hear survey results on:
- The types of cash compensation incentives for Chief Executive Officersābehavioral health, child and family services, long-term services and supports and intellectual and developmental disabilities, and primary careāby organizational revenue
- Trends in executive cash compensation by marketābehavioral health, child and family services, long-term services and supports and intellectual and developmental disabilities, and primary careāby organizational revenue and by executive level
- Trends in the number of executives who plan to leave their organization next year and why they plan to leave their organization. Data is broken down by market, revenue, and executive level
- Trends in whether executives believe they can be replaced at the same pay. Data is broken down by market, revenue, and executive level
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 organizationās strategy and business development efforts ā 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 companyās 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 organizationās 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 companyās 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 Americaās 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.
Should IĀ Become A FQHC Or A CCBHC?āHealthPort’s Journey From Attempted Look-A-Like To CCBHC Status
Are you a healthcare provider or organization interested in expanding your services to underserved communities and accessing federal funding? Join us for a comprehensive comparative session on the advantages and considerations of becoming a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) vs becoming a Certified Community Behavioral health Center (CCBHC). This session aims to provide an in-depth analysis of both designations, guiding you toward making an informed decision that aligns with your organization’s goals and objectives.
Hear the lived experience of HealthPort’s journey from two separate entities of failed Look-A-Like Clinic and aĀ Behavioral Health Program with no legal or financial connection, to a merger that brought the two organizations together, and obtaining CCBHC status that provided the funding and resources for sustained growth.
HealthPort is a $22 million rural safety netĀ health care and housingĀ provider for the Lower Shore CommunityĀ of the Eastern Shore of Maryland.
Attendees will:
- Differentiate between FQHCs and CCBHCs: Define and describe the key characteristics and requirements of both emphasizing the distinctions in terms of funding, services, and operational aspects
- Explore the eligibility criteria: Identify the specific criteria that organizations must meet to qualify as either an FQHC or an CCBHC and understand the significance of meeting these requirements
- Compare funding opportunities: Compare and contrast the funding opportunities available to FQHCs and CCBHCs, including federal grants, cost-based reimbursement, and other financial incentives
Dimitri Cavathas

Dimitrios has been the CEO of the Lower Shore Clinic (LSC) since 2016, a private non-profit organization established in 1979. The $21 million organization has 160 employees serving over 2400 persons in the Wicomico, Worcester, Somerset, & Dorchester communities of the Eastern Shore of Maryland. Services provided include primary care, health home services, outpatient behavioral healthcare, medicated assisted treatment, substance abuse treatment, vocational services, psychosocial & residential rehabilitation, supportive housing, residential crisis beds, healthy food services, & assertive community treatment teams. He is a Licensed Certified Social Worker-Clinical & holds a Certificate in Child & Adolescent Treatment from the University of Maryland School of Social Work (UMSSW) & is a subject matter expert on homelessness, primary care integration, & assertive community treatment. Prior to his current role he was also an Adjunct Associate Professor at the UMSSW for 11 years teaching Advanced Mental Health & Social Policy at the graduate level & has been in Non-Profit Executive Leadership for 23 years in urban, suburban, and rural settings. In his leadership he strives every day to promote the recovery of all. This means that the community & the people LSC serves are healthy, have a stable & safe place to live, find a purpose they find meaningful for their life, & experience support, friendship, love, & hope.
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 foundationās event and marketing teams and was responsible for event planning/logistics, implementing a strategic plan for the foundationās digital marketing efforts, and developing custom campaigns for corporate partners.
Prior to her role as Program and Marketing Director, Ms. Frantz served as the foundationās 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 foundationās 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 countryās 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 companyās marketing and customer outreach, including design and administration for the companyās web site, coordinating the electronic distribution of the companyās e-publications, and providing technical support to customers. She has also directed the OPEN MINDS sales team and provided support for the companyās annual publications.
Ms. Bell is a Gettysburg native and studied accounting at Messiah College.
Media, PR & TheĀ Executive Leader: How Grafton Integrated Health’s PR Nightmare Fueled Innovation + Newport Healthcare’s Approach To Overcoming NIMBY
Effective communication is the cornerstone of organizational success. Itās about sculpting the image of your organization to be positive, trustworthy, welcoming, and forward-thinking.
However, navigating effective external communication strategies often involves facing challenges head-on, likeĀ announcing the departure of a high-level leader, appropriately addressing a crisis to maintain trust, and being candid with board members while not oversharing with employees.Ā
Hear how Newport Healthcare, the nationās leading behavioral healthcare provider for adolescentsĀ and young adults suffering from high-acuity mood, anxiety, and co-occurring disorders, overcomes the “Not In My Backyard” mentality when expanding sites and locations with effective communications and PR strategies.
Plus, hear how Grafton Integrated Health Network, a 66-year-old non-profit service provider specializing in services for high acuity children and adults with I/DD and Autism, overcame a traumatic patient incident and the resulting media aftermath. Ultimately, they responded by developing a national crisis intervention program to offer alternatives to the use of restraints/seclusion.
In this session:
- Learn how your organizationās brand and communication style can affect your marketing efforts to both consumers and partners
- Explore how organizations have successfully navigated external media relations and PR messaging through turbulent times
- Discover strategies for facilitating effective communication and collaboration across stakeholder groups
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 yearsā progressive experience in a healthcare environment.

Kimberly Sanders

Kim has worked with children and adults with Autism and other developmental disabilities for nearly 20 years. During her tenure at Grafton, Kim has served as Program Supervisor, Case Manager, Adult Services Administrator, Residential Administrator and Executive Director of the Winchester facility.
Jameson K. Norton, MBA, FACHE

Jameson Norton is the Chief Operating Officer of Newport Healthcare, a leading provider of evidence-based healing centers across the U.S. for individuals and their families struggling with mental health issues.Ā He has recently served as Chair of the Board for the National Association of Behavioral Healthcare in Washington, D.C. and currently serves as the Chair of the NABH Youth Services Committee. Before his role at Newport, Jameson served as the President of Vanderbilt Behavioral Health where he had administrative responsibility to support behavioral health services across the Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC) and the Vanderbilt Health Affiliated Network.Ā At the outset of the pandemic, he was asked by the Tennessee Governorās Covid-19 Unified Command to serve as the Chief Administrative Officer for the Covid-19 Alternative Care Site for middle Tennessee, initially located at the Music City Center in Nashville.Ā Jameson is a Fellow of the Nashville Healthcare Council, a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives (FACHE), and a graduate of Vanderbilt Owen Graduate School of Management. Ā Ā Jameson also began his career serving for seven years on active duty as a U.S. Marine infantry officer and another eight years in the Marine Reserves including two deployments overseas in support of Operation Enduring Freedom ā Horn of Africa and Operation Caring Response in Southeast Asia before serving his final tour on active duty as Executive Officer for Marine Corps Recruiting across Tennessee. Ā Ā He was awarded two Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals, the Army Achievement Medal, and the Colonel Bull Fisher Award for recognition as the top infantry officer in his battalion. Jameson has served on the Board of Directors for Leadership Healthcare, Faith Family Medical Center, REBOOT Combat Recovery and the Advisory Board for the University of Virginiaās Batten School of Leadership & Public Policy.Ā He lives in Nashville with his wife, Anna, and has three children, Jameson (11), Claire (9), and Caroline (5).
Kristin Wilson, MA, LPC, CCTP, RYT

Kristin Wilson, MA, LPC,Ā CCTP,Ā bringsĀ more than 20 years of clinical experience to Newport, and has been with us sinceĀ 2015.Ā Kristin is a firm believer inĀ anĀ integratedĀ treatmentĀ approachĀ as a method for healingĀ mental health issues andĀ numerous types of addictions, including chemical dependence, process addictions (food, exercise, gaming, etc.), and eating disorders. In her previous role as Newportās Vice President ofĀ Clinical Outreach, KristinĀ guided countless young people, families, and professionals toward appropriateĀ inpatient, residential, and outpatient levels of careĀ with the utmost compassion and sensitivity.Ā In her time at Newport, she hasĀ strengthened herĀ focus on helping young adults achieve personal growth and happiness.
Chief Executive Officer Networking Lunch
If youāre the Chief Executive Officer or Executive Director of anĀ OPEN MINDSĀ member organization, join us for this private networking luncheon. This is an opportunity to share leadership experiences and solutions with your peers from across the nation. Our host for the luncheon is Monica E. Oss, Chief Executive Officer and Kim Bond, Executive Vice President atĀ OPEN MINDS.
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 ā 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 ā 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.
Kimberly Bond, MS, LMFT

Kimberly Bond, MS, LMFT, brings over thirty years of experience providing behavioral health treatment in the public and community settings to the OPEN MINDS team. She currently serves as the Executive Vice President, Payer/Provider Market. In this role, Ms. Bond provides executive oversight and leadership to all Provider and Payer client engagements for OPEN MINDS.
Prior to joining OPEN MINDS, Ms. Bond served concurrently as a Program Coordinator III and Clinical Manager of Adult Services and a Program Coordinator II and Clinical Manager of Recovery Services for the Ozark Guidance Center. In these roles, Ms. Bond was responsible for the administrative and clinical oversight of the adult outpatient and adult intensive mental health services on the Springdale Campus as well as the adult recovery/co-occurring services, including domestic violence and anger management treatment.
Prior to joining the Ozark Guidance Center, Ms. Bond served as the Executive Vice President of Center Point, Inc, a large substance abuse provider agency in California. In this role, Ms. Bond was responsible for the clinical and administrative supervision of all community-based programs as well as the women and children residential programs. In addition, Ms. Bond also managed budgets, interacted with funding agencies, and built positive relationships with all stakeholders. Ms. Bond was also in charge of proposal and grant writing, staff management, and training, facilitiesā licensing and certifications renewals. Additionally, she prepared and submitted monthly, quarterly, semi-annual, and annual reports to various funders.
Previously, Ms. Bond served as the President and CEO of Mental Health Systems, Inc. Ms. Bond was very instrumental in growing the agency from $12M in annual revenue to over $100M and becoming one of the largest providers of behavioral health services in California. In this role, Bond was responsible for the strategic, clinical, financial, and administrative health of the agency, including direct supervision of Senior Executive Staff. In addition, Bond ensured contract compliance of the agencyās 125 different contracts across federal and state agencies and eight counties.
Ms. Bond received her Bachelors Degree in Psychology, with Honors, and her Masters in Counseling Education from San Diego State University. She is licensed as a Marriage and Family Therapist in both California and Arkansas.
Chief Human Resources Officer/Chief Operating Officer Networking Lunch
Join us for this private luncheon for OPEN MINDSĀ member organization executive leaders ā created for Chief Human Resource Officers and Chief Operating Officers.Ā This networking session aims to provide opportunities for executive leaders nationwide to share solutions to the challenges of serving consumers with complex needs.Ā The hosts for the luncheon are Sharon Hicks and Tom Starling, Senior Associates atĀ OPEN MINDS. (To register, contact Erin Deppen, Event Coordinator, at 717-334-1329 orĀ 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, UPMCās managed behavioral health organization responsible for $800 million in annual revenue. At Community Care, Ms. Hicks was responsible for all aspects of the organizationās 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 ā 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 Bachelorās 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 Masterās 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.
Lunch On Your Own
Enjoy one of the many local restaurants and take a stroll in historical, downtown Gettysburg!
TheĀ CommunicationsĀ Challenge In Times OfĀ Turbulence: TheĀ Pickett’sĀ Charge Case Study &Ā Battlefield Tour
This session will take a bus to the Gettysburg National Military Park, where a licensed battlefield guide will lead a tour across the field where Pickettās Charge occurred. This session will include a review of Generals Lee and Longstreetās relationship and decision-making styles, as well as time for questions and discussion with our guide. Attendees will start and end the session with a classroom-style discussion highlighting leadership lessons learned from Pickettās Charge and applying those lessons to todayās health care executives.
Pickettās Charge may be the most infamous incident at the Battle of Gettysburg. Retrace the steps of General Robert E. Lee and General James Longstreet as they made the decisions that would ultimately determine not only the outcome of the Battle of Gettysburg but possibly the outcome of the Civil War.
On the final day of the Battle of Gettysburg, the commander of The Army of Northern Virginia, General Robert E. Lee, found himself at odds with his trusted commander, General James Longstreet. Generals Lee and Longstreet disagreed at several critical points during the Battle of Gettysburg. The most significant disagreement between the two officers came when Lee first talked to Longstreet about the planned Pickettās Charge on the afternoon of July 3. Longstreet reluctantly agreed to Leeās plan. This is an example of leader vs. follower command disagreement. The assault required the Confederate troops to march nearly a mile over an open field and climb several fences under open fire from the Union line. This disastrous end to the battle resulted in a fifty percent casualty rate among the Confederate troops and is seen as the decisive end to the Battle of Gettysburg and the turning point or high-water mark for the Confederacy in the Civil War.
*Lunch will be provided for attendees of this session.
*This experience isĀ sold out; you must pre-register for this session. To sign up for the waiting list, please contact Erin Deppen atĀ edeppen@openminds.com.
Terry G. Fox

Terry Fox is a sixth-generation resident of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, and a battlefield guide emeritus with Gettysburg National Military Park. He taught American History in the public schools for 33 years, serving as department head and as a member of the Carnegie Foundation for teaching American History. Since his retirement he has taught as an adjunct professor at Gettysburg College and at the Johns Hopkins University School of Education. He has presented leadership seminars for U.S. Air Force chief master sergeants as well as employees of the U.S. Secret Service, Drug Enforcement Administration, and Immigration and Customs Enforcement, in addition to teaching in Johns Hopkinsā Police Executive Leadership program. He earned his undergraduate and graduate degrees from Shippensburg College.
Post Lunch Pick Me Up
Donāt miss this after lunch break located near the exhibitors and featuring a sweet and salty bar of cookies, popcorn, candy bars and more!
Managing AI, Virtual Service & Social Media Compliance Strategy With The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission & Holland & Knight, LLP
Todayās employers are between a click and a hard place. From the rise of digital communications, and advanced technology and AI in day-to-day operations, and the growing influence of social media, executives must carefully navigate potential areas of liability and craft sound HR strategies to protect employers, employees, and patients.
In this session, our industry experts will help you navigate three common areas of liability and offer strategies for developing a comprehensive risk management audit that protects organizational and client interests.
Learn key considerations for developing legally sound HR strategies, ensuring proper licenses as tele-platforms grow across state lines, and understanding the implications of 42CFR Section 2, and HIPPA compliance with Holland & Knight, LLP.
Then, hear the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission’s considerations for using AI in workforce recruitment, social media best practices, and understanding the laws around managing employees and how the present for health and human services agencies.
Key takeaways from this session include:
- Key considerations for crafting an Iron-Clad Social Media
- Understand the challenges of compliance in regards to AI and Telehealth Services across state lines
- Learn how to build sound HR strategies that protect your organization, employees, and patients
Jamie R. Williamson

In 2018, Jamie Williamson was appointed Director of the Philadelphia District for the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). With over 30 years of leadership across the public, private, and nonprofit sectors, she has established herself as a transformative leader. Her expertise lies in improving organizational performance and driving change. Before joining the EEOC, Ms. Williamson was named Chairwoman of the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination (MCAD) by Governor Deval Patrick. In this role, she oversaw the enforcement and adjudication of civil rights laws within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Previously, Ms. Williamson served as the Executive Director of the Massachusetts Fair Housing Center and played a pivotal role in the creation of Vermontās fair housing agency. Additionally, she was appointed to the Massachusetts Access to Justice Commission by Chief Justice Margaret Marshall, the state’s first female Chief Justice. The commission’s mission is to provide strategic leadership and ensure coordination in advancing civil justice across the Commonwealth.
Ms.Williamson is a graduate of Smith College and made history as the first woman of color elected to the Pittsfield City Council. At that time, she was one of only 38 women of color holding elected office in Massachusetts. Throughout her distinguished career, Williamson has earned numerous awards recognizing her contributions to civil rights and leadership.
In addition to her professional roles, she has shared her expertise as an adjunct professor at UMass Amherst and as a guest lecturer at Western New England College School of Law and Smith College. Ms.Williamson is also a certified mediator, trainer, and executive coach. She is a founding member of the YMCA Presidents Leadership Circle, the Berkshire Leadership Program, and Barrington Stage Co. She has served on the board of trustees for the Norman Rockwell Museum for the past three decades.

Colbey Reagan

Colbey Reagan is an attorney in Holland & Knight’s Nashville office and is the co-leader of the firm’s Healthcare Regulatory & Enforcement practice. Mr. Reagan advises healthcare providers on Stark Law and Anti-Kickback Statute compliance, false claims, fraud and abuse, compliance, licensing and certification, healthcare privacy, reimbursement and other regulatory issues affecting providers of healthcare services. He also assists clients facing compliance, billing, data breach and other government investigations.
Clients that seek Mr. Reagan’s advice and counsel include:
- psychiatric hospitals
- residential treatment facilities
- substance use treatment providers
- disordered eating treatment providers
- ambulatory surgery centers
- home health agencies
- hospice providers
- acute care hospitals
- outpatient treatment providers
- private equity and healthcare specialty finance firms
Prior to joining Holland & Knight, Mr. Reagan was a partner at a large U.S. law firm in its Nashville office, where he served on the firm board of directors. Previous to this role, he was deputy general counsel of a publicly traded, nationwide operator of behavioral and substance use treatment facilities, where he was responsible for advising the company and its facilities regarding compliance with state and federal healthcare regulations, physician relationships, reimbursement disputes, licensing and certification, mergers and acquisitions (M&A), corporate litigation, and numerous other challenges faced in the day-to-day operation of a large healthcare company.
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 ā 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 ā 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.