Tuesday April 15, 2025
Executive Summit 2025
The Executive Summit is an opportunity for healthcare HR executives and thought leaders to engage in critical education and open discussions on human resource trends, solutions and strategies.
ASHHRA Executive Summit 2025
Savannah, Georgia
Session 1: Sept. 14 – 16, 2025
Session 2: Sept. 17 – 19, 2025
Summit attendees should plan to arrive by 3:00 p.m.
Each summit will adjourn on day three, after breakfast and concluding comments.
ASHHRA, along with our sponsors, host healthcare HR executives and thought leaders in this intimate event of up to 24 attendees. Each session includes education and open discussions on human resource trends, solutions and strategies. Selected participants are invited to attend one of the sessions and are provided with:
Complimentary registration
Travel reimbursement (up to $500)
Accommodations at The Alida, Savannah
All meals and entertainment
Opportunities to strategize and network with executive-level peers from across the country.
About the Executive Summit
The inaugural ASHHRA Healthcare HR Executive Summit was held in October 2022, hosted in Savannah, Georgia. Comprised of healthcare HR executives from across the country, the intimate group of 22 participants engaged in education and open discussions on human resource trends, solutions and strategies, paired with networking opportunities with the support of generous sponsors.
The inaugural Executive Summit was a great success and yielded high attendee engagement. As a result, ASHHRA is holding two summits, allowing for twice the number of attendees to be able to participate.
The Executive Summit is by invitation only. The number of participants in each summit is limited in order to foster deeper discussions and connections. Attendees are considered for an invitation upon completion of the application.
CONTACTS
SUMMIT SPONSORSHIP
Katy Lewis
katy.lewis@wearemci.com
410-584-1990
GENERAL SUMMIT QUESTIONS
Mary Platz
mary.platz@ashhra.org
312-278-7076
Sponsors
Summit 1
Summit 2
PROGRAMS
Summit 1
Sunday, Sept. 14
All events in Harper’s Gallery (located in the top floor of The Alida) unless otherwise indicated.
4:30 – 6:00 p.m. Welcome/Happy Hour | Trade Room
6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Dinner | Harper's Gallery
6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Dinner | The Alida: Harper’s Gallery
Monday, Sept. 15
8:30 – 9:00 a.m. Breakfast
8:30 – 9:00 a.m. Breakfast
9:00 – 10:00 a.m. Education
9:00 – 10:00 a.m. Education
Smart Benefits Rebuilt: Reimagining Supplemental Benefits through a Group Captive
Traditional supplemental health benefits often come with hidden fees, low claims utilization, and limited value for employees. This session explores a different path – a group captive model that prioritizes transparency, cost efficiency, and better plan designs.
Join BeneRe for for an engaging discussion on how leading employers are using this model to eliminate waste, enhance employee coverage, and align benefit strategies with organizational values.
The session will include open roundtable time to answer your questions and discuss how to evaluate your current plans, identify areas of improvement, and understand the fiduciary implications of offering better benefits without added cost.
Learn how dividends from unused premiums can be returned and reinvested in your workforce, turning a traditionally opaque benefit category into a strategic asset.
Objectives
- Understand how group captives for supplemental benefits create financial transparency and eliminate hidden costs.
- Learn how leading employers are leveraging the BeneRe model to improve employee benefits without increasing budget.
- Explore real-world examples of how unused premiums can be returned as dividends and reinvested to support total rewards and wellness initiatives.
Presenters
- Stacey Krings
National Director, Captive Programs
BeneRe - Lamont Thurston
Founder & CEO
BeneRe
10:00 – 10:15 a.m. Break
10:00 – 10:15 a.m. Break
10:15 – 11:15 a.m. Education
10:15 – 11:15 a.m. Education
Flexible Scheduling in Healthcare: The Key to Attracting and Retaining Top Talent
In the competitive nature of today’s healthcare workforce, flexible scheduling has become a key strategy for organizations striving to attract, retain, and engage top talent – especially nurses. This presentation will delve into strategies for healthcare leaders to foster a culture that embraces and promotes flexible scheduling. The discussion will also examine the key elements and practical implementation of a Flexible Scheduling Model that balances employee needs with the pursuit of operational excellence.
Flexible scheduling is more than just a buzzword in healthcare staffing – it is now a must-have for recruiting nurses and providing the work-life balance they desire. According to McKinsey & Company, 63% of surveyed nurses ranked incorporating flexibility into work schedules as the most effective initiative for their well-being. Additionally, 86% cited a flexible work schedule as a key reason for staying in their current position, second only to performing meaningful work.1 Healthcare organizations must address their employees’ needs for flexibility to stand out as an employer of choice, while also providing a model that is fair, easily understood, and doesn’t sacrifice quality patient care.
Join us in this interactive presentation to share thoughts and discuss the cultural shifts needed to create, implement, and promote flexible scheduling. Whether you’re looking to launch flexible scheduling in your organization or refine an existing model, this presentation will provide the tools you need to succeed.
Objectives
- Explore the growing demand for flexible scheduling and why it’s critical for recruiting, retaining, and engaging healthcare staff in today’s competitive market.
- Define and understand the cultural shifts required to support flexible scheduling models and learn how to craft a data-driven business case that resonates with executive leadership.
- Uncover the essential features of scheduling technology, including self-scheduling, mobile access, and predictive analytics, to support a flexible scheduling program.
Presenters
- Courtney Green MSN, RN, NE-BC
Senior Vice President of Nurse & Staff Solutions
QGenda - Jeena Stanford BSN, RN
Senior Clinical Executive
QGenda
11:15 – 11:30 a.m. Break
11:15 – 11:30 a.m. Break
11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Education
11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Education
12:30 – 1:00 p.m. Lunch
12:30 – 1:00 p.m. Lunch
1:00 – 2:00 p.m. Education
1:00 – 2:00 p.m. Education
Myths, Complications and Truisms in Healthcare Succession Planning: Choosing Your Next Health System CEO
Selecting the next CEO of a health system is one of the most impactful—and complex—decisions boards and CHROs face. In this engaging one-hour session, compelling new research on healthcare CEO succession events will be unveiled, revealing what genuinely drives sustainable performance for health systems. Gain exclusive insights from proprietary research analyzing the last decade’s CEO succession events at leading health systems nationwide. Findings will focus on key factors—such as internal versus external hires, clinical versus non-clinical backgrounds, and measurable outcomes post-transition. Additionally, the session will spotlight learnings from an extensive collaboration with 20 of the nation’s highest-performing health systems, highlighting the distinct knowledge, skills, and personal traits that characterize successful future CEOs.
Designed for maximum interaction, the session will feature real-time audience polling, dynamic group discussions, and opportunities for executives to share and reflect on their own succession planning experiences. Through a powerful blend of evidence-based insights and collaborative discourse, attendees will leave equipped to challenge common myths, navigate succession complexities with greater confidence, and advocate effectively with their CEOs and boards using robust, research-backed perspectives.
Objectives
- Discover cutting-edge research insights on CEO succession events and their direct impact on health system performance.
- Clarify which CEO backgrounds and competencies correlate strongly with future success, challenging myths about internal versus external succession.
- Gain practical tools to facilitate data-driven, impactful discussions on succession planning with CEOs and board members.
Presenters
- Aaron Sorensen, Ph.D.
Senior Partner
Lotis Blue Consulting - Sean Butler
Director of Client Experience
SullivanCotter
2:00 – 2:15 p.m. Break
2:00 – 2:15 p.m. Break
2:15 – 3:15 p.m. Education
2:15 – 3:15 p.m. Education
2025 Legislative Shifts: How Hospitals Can Adapt Contracts, Benefits, and Strategies Heading into 2026
Join RxBenefits, the nation’s first and leading Pharmacy Benefits Optimizer, for an insightful discussion on how regulatory shifts, premium hikes, and the “Big Beautiful Bill” are poised to reshape hospital pharmacy benefits.
Focusing on clinical, regulatory, HR, and pharmacy, our healthcare experts will share actionable strategies to protect your budgets, optimize benefits, and navigate these transformative changes. Discover how to safeguard your organization’s financial health while ensuring sustainable, high-quality support for your employees.
Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable perspectives from industry leaders and peers as we prepare your organization for success in 2026 and beyond.
Objectives
- Actionable strategies for sustainable benefits: Learn how to navigate rising premiums and regulatory changes to ensure your organization provides sustainable, high-quality pharmacy benefits that support both employees and the bottom line.
- Insights on the “Big Beautiful Bill” and beyond: Discuss the implications of the “Big Beautiful Bill” and other regulatory shifts, and how they will shape the future of pharmacy benefits for hospitals and health systems.
- Peer-led best practices for 2026 and beyond: Talk through innovative approaches to managing pharmacy benefits, ensuring compliance and preparing your organization for the challenges and opportunities ahead.
Presenters
- Kinjal Patel, PharmD
Business Development Executive, Healthcare Markets
RxBenefits - Brady Heiner
Business Development Healthcare Executive
RxBenefits
3:15 – 3:30 p.m. Break
3:15 – 3:30 p.m. Break
3:30 – 4:00 p.m. Debrief Topics, Open Forum
3:30 – 4:00 p.m. Debrief Topics, Open Forum
4:00 – 6:00 p.m. Mental Refresh
4:00 – 6:00 p.m. Mental Refresh
6:00 p.m. Walk to Dinner | Meet at The Alida lobby
6:00 p.m. Walk to Dinner | Meet at The Alida lobby
6:15 – 8:00 p.m. Dinner | 45Bistro (Off-site)
Tuesday, Sept. 16
8:30 - 9:00 a.m. Breakfast
8:30 – 9:00 a.m. Breakfast
9:00 - 10:00 a.m. Roundtable Discussion
9:00 – 10:00 a.m. Roundtable Discussion
10:00 - 10:30 a.m. Final Comments/Adjournment
10:00 – 10:30 a.m. Final Comments/Adjournment
Summit 2
All events in Harper’s Gallery (located in the top floor of The Alida) unless otherwise indicated.
Wednesday, Sept. 17
4:30 – 6:00 p.m. Welcome/Happy Hour | Trade Room
4:30 – 6:00 p.m. – Welcome/Happy Hour | The Alida: Trade Room (Lobby)
6:00 - 8:00 p.m. Dinner | Harper's Gallery
Thursday, Sept. 18
8:30 – 9:00 a.m. Breakfast
8:30 – 9:00 a.m. Breakfast
9:00 – 10:00 a.m. Education
9:00 – 10:00 a.m. Education
Analytics that Deliver: Reduce Costs, Elevate Care with More Granular Data Insight
Join Joseph Rayner of Marsh McLennan Agency and Cheryl Matochik of Third Horizon for an in-depth exploration of how data-driven strategies can foster innovation and tackle the challenges of cost containment and competitive positioning in today’s evolving healthcare landscape. During the session, Joe and Cheryl will highlight real-world applications of advanced analytics to optimize network performance, manage costs, increase domestic steerage, and improve member outcomes. Attendees will also receive an exclusive preview of Network Navigator, a cutting-edge innovation that provides detailed insights into evaluating and shaping network and provider strategies using actuary-certified price transparency data.
Objectives
- Describe how leveraging data analytics can drive innovation and support strategic initiatives to control expenses and enhance competitive advantage in the healthcare sector.
- Analyze practical examples of advanced data techniques used to improve network efficiency, reduce costs, boost domestic member engagement, and enhance health outcomes.
- Explore the capabilities of Network Navigator as an innovative tool for assessing and developing network and provider strategies through transparent, actuary-certified pricing information.
Presenters
- Joseph Rayner
Senior Employee Benefits Consultant
Marsh McLennan Agency - Cheryl Matochik
Chief Growth Officer
Third Horizon
10:00 – 10:15 a.m. Break
10:00 – 10:15 a.m. Break
10:15 – 11:15 a.m. Education
10:15 – 11:15 a.m. Education
From Reactive Fixes to Strategic Workforce Planning: The CHRO at the Helm
The healthcare workforce crisis is often framed as a problem of scarcity, but the deeper challenge is one of alignment: matching the supply of talent to the roles where it’s needed most. CHROs sit at the center of this equation, balancing rising compensation and benefits costs, the pressure to retain and engage staff, and the imperative to build sustainable talent pipelines.
In this interactive session, we’ll explore how CHROs can elevate workforce development from a perk to a strategic capability that delivers measurable ROI. We’ll highlight proven results from health systems that have reduced dependence on contract labor, strengthened retention, and built resilient pipelines of critical roles. Together, we’ll examine what it takes to move beyond short-term fixes toward data-driven workforce planning that delivers sustainable impact.
Objectives
- Understand how CHROs can lead the shift from reactive fixes to strategic, outcomes-backed workforce planning.
- Explore practical strategies for embedding continuous workforce development and talent mobility into organizational practices.
- Engage in peer dialogue to refine strategies and build connections with fellow leaders facing similar challenges.
Presenters
- Hannah Patterson
SVP, Healthcare and Applied Learning
Guild
11:15 – 11:30 a.m. Break
11:15 – 11:30 a.m. Break
11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Education
11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Education
From Burnout to Belonging: A Culture-First Approach to Health System Resilience
Burnout is no longer just a workforce issue; it’s a cultural one, demanding CHROs to lead beyond wellness programs and toward systemic change. In this session, we’ll explore why recovery from burnout remains elusive across health systems, the cultural blind spots that leave key staff populations unsupported, and how trust, belonging, and psychological safety must be at the center of any sustainable well-being strategy. Our Lyra Health expert through real world examples, will share what it looks like when mental health becomes a shared organizational value and how to build a culture where every staff member feels seen, supported, and able to thrive.
Objectives
- Lead a culture shift that embeds well-being, trust, and belonging into your health system.
- Identify and address disparities in workforce experience across clinical and non-clinical roles.
- Discuss what successful culture transformation looks like in practice, and how to align around a shared mental health vision.
Presenters
- Dr. Andrea Holman
DEI&B Senior Manager, Workforce Transformation
Lyra Health
12:30 – 1:00 p.m. Lunch
12:30 – 1:00 p.m. Lunch
1:00 – 2:00 p.m. Education
1:00 – 2:00 p.m. Education
Smart Benefits Rebuilt: Reimagining Supplemental Benefits through a Group Captive
Traditional supplemental health benefits often come with hidden fees, low claims utilization, and limited value for employees. This session explores a different path – a group captive model that prioritizes transparency, cost efficiency, and better plan designs.
Join BeneRe for for an engaging discussion on how leading employers are using this model to eliminate waste, enhance employee coverage, and align benefit strategies with organizational values.
The session will include open roundtable time to answer your questions and discuss how to evaluate your current plans, identify areas of improvement, and understand the fiduciary implications of offering better benefits without added cost.
Learn how dividends from unused premiums can be returned and reinvested in your workforce, turning a traditionally opaque benefit category into a strategic asset.
Objectives
- Understand how group captives for supplemental benefits create financial transparency and eliminate hidden costs.
- Learn how leading employers are leveraging the BeneRe model to improve employee benefits without increasing budget.
- Explore real-world examples of how unused premiums can be returned as dividends and reinvested to support total rewards and wellness initiatives.
Presenters
- Mike Schaller
COO
BeneRe - Joe Sadik
National Director, Captive Programs
BeneRe
2:00 – 2:15 p.m. Break
2:00 – 2:15 p.m. Break
2:15 – 3:15 p.m. Education
2:15 – 3:15 p.m. Education
2025 Legislative Shifts: How Hospitals Can Adapt Contracts, Benefits, and Strategies Heading into 2026
Join RxBenefits, the nation’s first and leading Pharmacy Benefits Optimizer, for an insightful discussion on how regulatory shifts, premium hikes, and the “Big Beautiful Bill” are poised to reshape hospital pharmacy benefits.
Focusing on clinical, regulatory, HR, and pharmacy, our healthcare experts will share actionable strategies to protect your budgets, optimize benefits, and navigate these transformative changes. Discover how to safeguard your organization’s financial health while ensuring sustainable, high-quality support for your employees.
Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable perspectives from industry leaders and peers as we prepare your organization for success in 2026 and beyond.
Objectives
Actionable strategies for sustainable benefits: Learn how to navigate rising premiums and regulatory changes to ensure your organization provides sustainable, high-quality pharmacy benefits that support both employees and the bottom line.
Insights on the “Big Beautiful Bill” and beyond: Discuss the implications of the “Big Beautiful Bill” and other regulatory shifts, and how they will shape the future of pharmacy benefits for hospitals and health systems.
Peer-led best practices for 2026 and beyond: Talk through innovative approaches to managing pharmacy benefits, ensuring compliance and preparing your organization for the challenges and opportunities ahead.
Presenters
- Kinjal Patel, PharmD
Business Development Executive, Healthcare Markets
RxBenefits - Ryan Pyles
Business Development Healthcare Executive
RxBenefits
3:15 – 3:30 p.m. Break
3:15 – 3:30 p.m. Break
3:30 – 4:00 p.m. Debrief Topics, Open Forum
3:30 – 4:00 p.m. Debrief Topics, Open Forum
4:00 – 6:00 p.m. Mental Refresh
4:00 – 6:00 p.m. Mental Refresh
6:00 p.m. Walk to Dinner | Meet at The Alida lobby
6:00 p.m. Walk to Dinner | Meet at The Alida lobby
6:15 – 8:00 p.m. Dinner | 45Bistro (Off-site)
Friday, Sept. 19
8:30 – 9:00 a.m. Breakfast
8:30 – 9:00 a.m. Breakfast
9:00 – 10:00 a.m. Roundtable Discussion
9:00 – 10:00 a.m. Roundtable Discussion
10:00 – 10:30 a.m. Final Comments/Adjournment
10:00 – 10:30 a.m. Final Comments/Adjournment
FAQs
Who is eligible to apply for the summit?
All practitioner healthcare HR executives are encouraged to apply. ASHHRA receives many qualified applicants and expanded the summit into two sessions to accommodate as many leaders in the field as possible. ASHHRA’s goal is to diversify the attendee pool. Selection will be based on geographic location, system/organization, region/market, site/location and specialty. Preference will be given to ASHHRA members.
If I applied for and/or attended last year's summit, can I apply again?
If you applied for and/or attended a previous summit, you have already been identified as a high-value healthcare HR executive. You are encouraged to apply to attend again and/or refer a colleague. However, given the limited number of available spots and our desire to engage as a diverse pool of executives and thought leaders, an invitation to attend is not guaranteed.
Can I apply if a colleague at my organization also applied?
Yes, we encourage you to apply. Please note that your organization may have zero, one or two attendees selected. Should there be two attendees selected from the same organization, each person will be assigned to a different session.
Who will be in attendance?
Expect an intimate group of 20 to 24 of your fellow healthcare HR leaders. Attendees will be joined by ASHHRA staff and representatives from sponsoring companies.
What is the attendee experience like?
Attendees will be hosted at the luxurious Alida Hotel in Savannah, Georgia, where much of the summit programming will also take place. The event will begin with a welcome reception on the first night, one followed by an educational dinner with one of our sponsors. Day two will consist of networking, roundtables, sponsored education with meals, and a social outing in the evening. The event will conclude on day three over breakfast at The Alida, to give attendees one more opportunity to connect with final discussions.
What are the benefits of attending?
The summit is a unique opportunity to take a brief break from your daily routine while growing your professional connections in the historic city of Savannah. As an attendee last year put it, the summit is a “great opportunity to network with peers and truly problem solve with ideas for solutions back home.”
How are accommodations handled?
[New this year] Invited participants will receive a link from ASHHRA to make their own reservations at The Alida hotel. ASHHRA will still cover the room and tax for two nights of each session (Session 1: Sept. 14 and 15; Session 2: Sept. 17 and 18). Attendees wishing to extend their stay beyond ASHHRA-covered nights can use the same link when booking.
IMPORTANT: The hotel must be notified of any cancellations at least 72 hours before the guest’s check-in date. If the cancellation is within the 72-hour time period, the attendee will be responsible for the cancellation fee of one night’s stay. ASHHRA will not reimburse for any charges in the event of an attendee’s cancellation.
If I am selected to attend, what expenses are covered by ASHHRA?
- HOTEL: Attendees will make their own hotel reservations at The Alida via a link provided by ASHHRA. ASHHRA will cover room and tax for two nights – Session 1: Sept. 14 and 15; Session 2: Sept. 17 and 18. Each attendee is responsible for any nights beyond those covered by ASHHRA.
- MEALS: All meals will be provided beginning with the welcome reception on the first day to the breakfast on the third day.
- TRAVEL: ASHHRA will cover up to $500 for airfare, ground transportation, parking, etc. Attendees will be provided with an expense reimbursement form for travel expenses.
Attendees will be responsible for all other incidentals beyond these covered expenses.
Can I extend my stay?
Yes, you have the option to extend your stay at The Alida. Each summit session is adjacent to a weekend, giving attendees an opportunity to extend their visit to Savanah before or after their session. The hotel will make every effort to accommodate these extensions, including offering the group rate, however, this is not guaranteed. If you would like to extend your stay beyond the two nights covered by ASHHRA, you may do so when making your hotel reservations via the link provided by ASHHRA.
What is the recommended attire?
Recommended attire is business casual along with comfortable walking shoes.
