Registration
Grab your badge and register for the week ahead!
Lunch On Your Own
Stay in the hotel and grab lunch at The Market inside the hotel, or take a short walk to the Ferry Building!
Optimizing Health Plan Contracting: The 2026 OPEN MINDS Executive Seminar On Building Referrals, Revenue & Margins
Across the country, managed care organizations are successfully delivering treatment services to large populations and doing it in a way that saves states significant sums of money. These demonstrated savings show that value-based reimbursement and managed care arrangements aren’t going anywhere. For executives, this means they must find a way to position themselves to work closely with managed care companies. And provider organizations need to move from an understanding of the key competencies required in the VBR model to tactical initiatives for implementing the talent, technology, and systems that deliver quality and value.
How? By developing relationships with the payers in your market, considering what metrics they are tied to and how you can help them to meet their performance requirements, discussing how you can align programs and services with the goals of the payers and health plans in your market, and providing data that proves your service lines can achieve both high quality outcomes and lower costs. In this crucial seminar, we will discuss:
- How to start strategic conversations with health plans
- How to confirm the foundational components of infrastructure needed for VBR are in place and demonstrate your organization’s value in a way that will capture health plan’s interest
- How to secure and optimize service agreements with health plans and implement approaches to realign service models to ensure success in a value-driven market
Rick Gutierrez, Ph.D., BCBA
Rick Gutierrez, Ph.D. brings over 20 years of clinical and operational experience to the OPEN MINDS team. His unique blend of experience has allowed him to drive impactful outcomes in the developmental disability and behavioral health fields.
Prior to joining OPEN MINDS, Dr. Gutierrez served as Vice President, Clinical Strategy & Operations at Easterseals Southern California. In this role he oversaw the outpatient Applied Behavior Analysis provider network and Enhanced Care Management in partnership with Kaiser Permanente. Dr. Gutierrez also oversaw START Crisis services, behavioral services for all residential services, negotiation and management of contracts with network providers and payers, and intake and customer service functions including revenue cycle management, benefits and eligibility, and authorization teams. In addition, he developed and monitored the implementation of a strategic plan in collaboration with the Chief Clinical Officer.
Prior to this, Dr. Gutierrez served as Regional Vice President and Director of Subcontracting also at Easterseals Southern California.
Previously, Dr. Gutierrez served as Clinical Administrator at Applied Behavioral Consultants, Inc. where he oversaw all clinical aspects of community-based behavioral health treatment for consumers in Southern California. He also monitored compliance across multiple areas of the organization, negotiated contracts with most major health plans, and led new program development. Before this role, Dr. Gutierrez served as Regional Director and Program Manager at Applied Behavioral Consultants, Inc.
Dr. Gutierrez is a certified Emotional Intelligence (EQ) trainer, licensed psychologist in California, and Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). He has overseen a variety of service settings, including adult day programs, residential programs, and intensive therapy programs like Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), and has worked with individuals across the lifespan who have developmental disabilities and co-occurring mental health conditions. He has experience managing projects aimed at enhancing service delivery, ensuring that strategic initiatives align with budgeted funding and contribute to sustainable growth. He has worked across diverse funding models, including those from the Department of Developmental Services, insurance companies, and school districts, while ensuring programs meet accreditation standards. Additionally, he has shared his expertise globally, giving numerous talks on program development, leadership, and employee retention. These combined clinical and operational skills make him a versatile leader capable of improving both care delivery and organizational performance.
He has also served as Program Director, Behavior Consultant, and Case Manager at various organizations. Dr. Gutierrez is an active member of multiple professional organizations.
Dr. Gutierrez earned his Doctorate of Philosophy from Capella University, his Masters of Science from California State University, and his Bachelors of Art from University of California.
Portfolio Management To Optimize Organizational Performance: The 2026 OPEN MINDS Executive Seminar On How To Optimize, Retire & Build A Service Line Portfolio For The Future
Sponsored By: 
In the current environment of changing consumer expectations and new financial models, two essential skills that all executives need to master are the ability to evaluate and modify existing service lines as well as the ability to develop new services to meet the changes in the evolving market.
In this revamped seminar, OPEN MINDS industry expert Joe Naughton-Travers will break down the process of evaluating current service lines to help answer the questions, which ones should you keep, invest in or curtail? They will also discuss the details of the finances, legacy and compliance issues that come with enhancing the service lines you already have. In addition, they’ll review real-world case studies, and the tools used in the analysis to help create a budget for new service lines, the understanding of reimbursement rates, and the units of service and staffing needed to help organizations decide if this is a viable option.
Attendees will take away:
- A multi-faceted approach for evaluating service line opportunities
- The tools needed to analyze current and new service lines
- Real world examples of new service line development and decision making from successful organizations
Joseph P. Naughton-Travers, EdM
Joseph P. Naughton-Travers, EdM, Senior Associate, has more than 30 years of experience in the health and human service field. In this tenure as senior associate with OPEN MINDS since 1998, he has served as lead of dozens of client initiatives, served as editor of OPEN MINDS publications, and is the author of many groundbreaking articles and presentations.
Mr. Naughton-Travers brings to OPEN MINDS a broad range of experiences in private and public sector delivery of behavioral health and social services. He started his career as a behavioral health clinician, working in both child welfare and community mental health clinic settings. Subsequently, Mr. Naughton-Travers held a senior business operations management position for a psychiatric hospital system and its community mental health clinics. Later, he was vice president of a firm specializing in information systems and billing and receivables management for community-based mental health programs.
Since joining OPEN MINDS, Mr. Naughton-Travers has developed business solutions for provider and professional organizations, state and county government, technology companies, and venture capital firms. His primary areas of expertise include strategic planning and metrics-based management, electronic health record (EHR) and technology selection and implementation, operations improvement, and corporate compliance. For the past decade, over half his consulting practice has focused on aiding organizations in technology selection and implementation, including all aspects of strategic technology planning, functional specifications development, request for proposal development, vendor selection, and contracting.
He has written numerous articles, including “Winning the Human Resource Wars: Tried, True and New Strategies for Behavioral Health and Social Service Organizations,” “Five Pillars of Management Competency,” “Data Driven Decision Making: Moving to an Organizational Measurement Culture,” “Survival of the Smartest: What is Your Organization’s Information Literacy IQ?,” and “Strategic Human Resource Management: Aligning Compensation with Employee Performance and Organizational Strategy.” Mr. Naughton-Travers is also a nationally recognized speaker, having conducted hundreds of executive and professional executive training events around the nation.
Mr. Naughton-Travers received his Bachelor’s degree from Miami University of Ohio and his Masters’ of Education in Counseling Psychology from Boston University.
Grand Opening Of The Exhibit Hall
Join us for an unveiling of all of our great exhibitors! Unwind from the day and enjoy cocktails and hor ‘doeuvres with your peers and thought leaders.
Executive Breakfast & Registration
Sponsored By: 
If you haven’t registered yet, check in with us at the registration desk and then enjoy breakfast in the exhibit hall!
Keynote
Dawn Gillam, LCSW
Thought Leader Discussion
Join our keynote for an interactive discussion where you can take time to ask your own questions and continue the conversation.
Perfecting Patient Engagement & Experience From Beginning To End
Patient engagement is no longer a single touchpoint—its an end-to-end ecosystem that shapes clinical outcomes, operational efficiency, and long-term organizational growth. This session explores how leading behavioral health organizations are redesigning the patient journey from the first outreach to sustained recovery, with strategies that blend human-centered design, technology enablement, and trauma-informed care.
Discover how to create a customer success program through proven tactics for improving intake and navigation, enhancing the care experience across care teams, strengthening communication, and supporting successful transitions and follow ups.
J.J. Johnston, Ed.D., BCBA
Rene Hurtado, MBA
Rene Hurtado was born and raised in El Paso and has over 25 years of experience in healthcare operations and public policy. He holds a bachelor’s degree in communications and a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Texas at El Paso.
Mr. Hurtado has extensive experience in both the public and private sectors of healthcare delivery systems along the U.S.-Mexico border. He has designed communication initiatives in different areas of public health to include trauma & crisis communications, children’s outreach and poison control centers. He has also led marketing and public affairs initiatives for one of the largest hospital systems in El Paso, where he designed multi-media communications initiatives for various healthcare product lines including pediatrics, kidney transplant and oncology. In the area of public policy and government relations, he served as Director of Public Affairs for Spectrum Communications where he advocated for effective telecommunications legislation.
He currently serves as Chief of Staff for Emergence Health Network, the designated mental health authority for El Paso County responsible for designing and maintaining the public mental health/developmental disability service delivery system for the region to include crisis services and suicide prevention. He oversees community affairs, human resources, training & education, and government relations.
Mr. Hurtado also works and has held leadership positions with various community agencies. He has served as chair of the public relations committee for the Paso Del Norte Health Foundation and chair of the government relations division for the Greater El Paso Chamber of Commerce. He also volunteered with Leadership El Paso, Creative Kids and various community agencies. Mr. Hurtado is a graduate of the Mexican American Legal Defense Fund Leadership Program, Leadership El Paso and the El Paso Creative Cities Leadership Group.
Recently Mr. Hurtado was appointed to One Fund El Paso, which provided guidance and resources for victims of the El Paso August 3rd 2019 Walmart Shooting and has advocated for increased access to mental health services as a result of this tragic mass shooting.
Integrating Technology, Housing, & Health To Support Independent Aging
Technology is playing an increasingly important role in supporting older adults to live independently while improving health outcomes and reducing social isolation. Affordable senior housing providers are beginning to integrate digital health tools, remote monitoring, and supportive technologies directly into residential settings to better connect residents with care and services.
This panel will explore emerging innovations at the intersection of housing, health, and technology, highlighting how housing providers, health care organizations, and technology partners are working together to improve resident health, reduce isolation, and strengthen service coordination. Panelists will also share insights from a national research study conducted by the Institute for Public Health Innovation and funded by the Humana Foundation that examines how these models are being implemented in affordable senior housing communities.
Stephen Samuels
Stephen Samuels is Vice President of Innovation & Impact Investing at the national office of Volunteers of America (VOA), one of the nation’s largest and most experienced nonprofit providers of housing, health, and human services. In this role, he leads market-driven growth and multi-sector partnerships to expand VOA’s housing and value-based health initiatives.
Stephen also directs VOA’s Futures Fund, an impact investing subsidiary, which has deployed more than $3 million in catalytic capital to advance innovation and entrepreneurship both within the organization and among early-stage founders across the country. Under his leadership, VOA tests and pilots emerging technology solutions that improve the quality of life for clients nationwide. Some of the most successful have been in the areas of financial security, agetech, workforce development and maternal health.
Most recently, Stephen oversaw the research and publication of Residents First: Technology for Connection and Healthy Living in Affordable Senior Housing—a study which provides a people-centered roadmap for effective technology and health integration in older adult resident communities.
Before joining VOA, Stephen served as Executive Director of Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) in Greater Kansas City, one of the country’s leading community development financial institutions. He recently served on the national Advisory Research Council for Catalyzing Community Investment for Health Equity, a collaboration of the Build Healthy Places Network and the Association for Community Affiliated Plans; and is an Advisory Board member for CareAxis, a new service coordination platform for housing operators.
Stephen holds degrees in Urban Planning and Business Real Estate from the University of Cincinnati. Although his office is in Alexandria, VA, he works remotely from his home in Sacramento, CA.
Kari Evans
Kari Evans is a results-oriented monitoring, evaluation, and research expert with over 15 years of experience generating data-driven insights to enhance domestic and international community development programs. She specializes in approaches that center local voices and shared ownership, ensuring that evidence generation is grounded in community priorities and leads to meaningful, actionable change.
Kari is skilled in designing and implementing participatory monitoring and evaluation frameworks that combine qualitative and quantitative approaches to capture the depth of lived experience. She brings a human perspective to data and insights, using interviews, focus groups, participatory mapping, and other qualitative methods to center the stories behind the numbers. Her work emphasizes co-creation with stakeholders, integrating community knowledge with rigorous research design to enhance program effectiveness, equity, and sustainability.
Her technical expertise spans public health, governance and human rights, water and sanitation, and gender and social inclusion. She holds a master’s degree from The George Washington University’s Elliott School of International Affairs, where she focused on gender and development in the Middle East, and a bachelor’s degree with distinction in Foreign Affairs and a minor in Middle East Studies from the University of Virginia.
Charlotte Yeh, M.D., FACEP
Dr. Yeh is a passionate advocate for healthcare transformation and healthy aging. Her career has spanned the industry: providers, payers, tech companies, nonprofits, and the government. Roles have included Chief Medical Officer, AARP Services Inc.; Regional Administrator, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services; and emergency department chief.
Dr. Yeh received an MD from Northwestern University Medical School. She has extensive board experience and has garnered many honors for her work.
Private Equity Unpacked: Balancing Innovation, Profit & Mission: A Panel Discussion
Private equity continues to play a role in shaping the behavioral health landscape—bringing capital for expansion, technology, and innovation, while raising questions about sustainability, quality and mission alignment. This session offers a clear and candid look at the dynamics of private equity in behavioral health. Panelists will consider the pros and cons of private equity investment, and the implications it has had on certain programs across the nation, including Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA).
Participants will gain a balanced perspective to help them evaluate potential partnerships, strengthen their strategic posture, and ensure that financial objectives support the organization’s mission and well-being of the individuals they serve.
Michael Zhe, BCBA
Michael Zhe is the CEO of Alora Behavioral Health and a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) with 18 years of experience in the ABA industry. He began his career as a Behavior Technician and has held senior clinical and operational leadership roles, including Chief Clinical Officer and Chief Operating Officer. Michael brings a unique perspective shaped by experience as a clinician, healthcare operator, and parent of a child who has received services.
Rob Haput, MS, BCBA
Neil Hattangadi, M.D.
Healthcare innovation is Neil’s driving passion. Drawing on his training as a physician and scientist, Neil has spent his career leading, advising, and investing in the medical and biotech industries. His experience spans established, market-leading corporations to groundbreaking, early-stage start-ups. Neil holds degrees from Duke University, Harvard Medical School, and Oxford University, where he studied as a Rhodes Scholar.
Breaking The Silence: Addressing Mental Health & Social Isolation In Older Adults
Mental health conditions among older adults are often underdiagnosed and undertreated due to stigma, workforce shortages, and limited integration between behavioral health and aging services. At the same time, social isolation and loneliness are increasingly recognized as major contributors to depression, anxiety, and declining health among older adults.
This panel will examine strategies to reduce stigma and expand access to behavioral health care while addressing social isolation as a key driver of mental health challenges. Panelists will discuss approaches such as integrating behavioral health into primary care, expanding geriatric mental health training, strengthening partnerships between health care providers and community organizations, and incorporating social connection interventions such as peer support and community engagement programs.
Scott Kaiser, M.D.
Scott A. Kaiser, MD, is the CEO of Determined Health, a company he co-founded with a vision for a new approach to community care—one that starts with human connection, first. Kaiser is a board-certified family physician and geriatrician with executive leadership experience focused on the improvement of aging services, geriatric care, and population health. Engaged in clinical care, teaching, community outreach, advocacy, and research, Kaiser is the Director of Geriatric Cognitive Health at the Pacific Neuroscience Institute, an adjunct faculty member of the USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, and serves on the boards of several non-profit organizations. He is determined to solve healthcare’s greatest challenges and create healthy communities that support us all in living well and aging well.
Kaiser completed his undergraduate studies at Vassar College with a degree in Science, Technology, and Society, and received his medical degree from the Keck School of Medicine of USC. He went on to train within the Lawrence Family Medicine Residency, the Harvard Geriatric Medicine Fellowship, and the UCLA Health Services Research Fellowship.
Kristen Brooks, M.D.
Financial Leadership In Uncertain Times
With inflation, labor costs, and reimbursement volatility, financial leadership is being tested like never before. Join a candid discussion on what today’s CFOs and CEOs must do to weather economic turbulence.
Paul Duck
Paul M. Duck brings over 25 years of experience in leadership and management focusing on managed care, health information technology organizations, strategy, business development, and market expansion, and customer experience optimization to the OPEN MINDS team.
Prior to joining OPEN MINDS, Mr. Duck served as the Vice President, Strategy & Development at Beacon Health Options. In this role, Mr. Duck led the organization’s strategy and business development efforts – responsible for a 30% increase in net revenue and initiated over $1 billion in revenue generation. Mr. Duck was active in national behavioral health initiatives as an executive of Beacon Health Options, including participating as a speaker at national and state association meetings.
Before joining Beacon Health Options, Mr. Duck was the Vice President of Business Development at Netsmart Technologies. During his tenure, Mr. Duck was responsible for business planning, including, the oversight of strategic activities including acquisitions, development, and execution of strategic initiatives, and positioning, and sales of large strategic customers. He also led the rollout of the company’s benchmarking and data analytics product suite.
Prior to Netsmart, Mr. Duck served as the Chief Executive Officer for Coastal Orthopedics and Pain Management, a large group practice with five clinic locations and two ambulatory surgical centers. As the organization’s chief executive officer, Mr. Duck was responsible for significant positive changes in leadership and corporate culture, financial and operational performance, compliance, and governance. Mr. Duck improved net collections by over $1 million per month and grew the practice through negotiating better contract rates with payers. He also implemented an organizational rebranding initiative and launched a new marketing campaign.
Prior to Coastal Orthopedics and Pain Management, Mr. Duck served as the President and Chief Executive Officer for Florida Radiology Imaging, one of the largest outpatient diagnostic imaging service companies serving the greater Orlando market. During his tenure, Mr. Duck led the construction of three new, full modality, diagnostic imaging locations. Mr. Duck revolutionized the company’s culture by creating a highly attractive and functional work environment.
Mr. Duck earned his Bachelor of Arts in Business Management from Case Western Reserve University. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in Electronic Engineering Technology from the Electronic Technology Institute. Mr. Duck received an award by Inc Magazine for leading Florida Radiology Imaging as one of America’s fastest-growing companies. Mr. Duck recently served as a contributing author to the book The New Health Age: The Future of Health Care in America.
Lunch On Your Own
Stay in the hotel and grab lunch at The Market inside the hotel, or take a short walk to the Ferry Building!
Apple-A-Day Giveaway
They say an apple a day keeps the doctor away—and today, it just might keep the post-lunch slump away! Visit the exhibit hall from 1:45 p.m. to 2:15 p.m. on Wednesday to enter our raffle and have a chance to win an Apple product. The lucky winner will be revealed during the raffle prize drawing on Thursday, August 13, at 1:45 p.m.—don’t miss your chance to take a bite out of something big.
Integrated Supports For Dual-Diagnosis: The Convergence Of Mental Health & I/DD Services
Individuals with co-occurring mental health conditions and intellectual or developmental disabilities often fall into gaps between traditionally siloed systems—resulting in fragmented care, unnecessary crisis events, and inconsistent outcomes. As demand grows and acuity rises, behavioral health leaders are increasingly challenged to design coordinated, person-centered models that meet the full spectrum of needs for this population.
This session explores emerging best practices in integrating mental health and I/DD services across clinical, community and residential settings. Presenters will highlight innovative models that blend behavioral health expertise, trauma-informed care, and care coordination to deliver comprehensive, consistent, and culturally responsive services.
Attendees will learn:
- Implications for the workforce in providing comprehensive care
- The funding and regulatory considerations, and
- Data-sharing strategies and partnerships that drive care for dual-diagnosis populations
Angela Yen, MA, BCBA
Angela Yen is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and Registered Psychological Associate with over 18 years of experience supporting individuals with neurodevelopmental disabilities and co-occurring mental health conditions across the lifespan. She holds a master’s degree in special education with a specialization in autism spectrum disorders and is currently completing her doctorate in psychology.
Angela’s career spans a rich continuum, from classroom teacher and wraparound counselor servicing inner-city youth, to building and leading ABA teams, to directly consultation and crisis services. Her practice integrates positive psychology and the biopsychosocial model, with a focus on strengths-based, whole-person care across complex service systems.
At Easterseals Southern California, Angela leads the Consultation Services Department, overseeing Enhanced Care Management and START Crisis Support Services. She has cultivated partnerships with the Autism Society, NAMI, local law enforcement, and the Department of Mental Health. Her research interests center on system-informed positive psychology, the integration of PERMA+ frameworks into clinical and organizational practices, and organization behavior management. Angela is passionate about advancing innovative, people-centered models of service delivery that embed well-being science into the future of care.
Terri Gowey, MS, BCBA, LBA
Terri Gowey is a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), Licensed Behavior Analyst, and Chief Operating Officer at Chileda Institute, Inc. in La Crosse, Wisconsin. Terri obtained her undergraduate degree in Psychology from the University of Wisconsin – La Crosse and Master of Science in Psychology degree from Kaplan University. Terri has been with Chileda for 25 years and in her role as COO has been influential in expanding services to meet the needs of more families and children in Wisconsin communities. She has many years of experience supporting individuals with Autism, Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, and challenging behaviors using Trauma-Informed Behavioral Interventions.
Valerie Wilmink, MS, BCBA, LBA
Kate Lopas, MS, BCBA
An Update On Innovative New Payer Programs
Join our payer panel to hear the latest in innovative programs that top health plan industries are implementing today. This series will feature different payers from across the nation at each 2026 event.
State & Local Strategies For The Next Decade: Building Age-Ready Systems Of Care
States and communities across the country are responding to rapid demographic change as the population of older adults grows and becomes more diverse. Workforce shortages, rising care needs, and evolving expectations around access, technology, and care coordination are placing new demands on aging and health systems. Many states are developing Multisector Plans for Aging (MPAs) to align policy, coordinate services, and strengthen systems that support aging across health care, housing, transportation, and community services. At the same time, cities and counties are advancing Age-Friendly Community Action Plans to translate these broader policy goals into practical strategies that improve daily life for older adults.
This panel will explore how state and local leaders are working together to build age-ready systems through cross-sector collaboration, expansion of home- and community-based services, workforce development, and community planning. Panelists will discuss how statewide policy initiatives and local age-friendly strategies can reinforce one another to create coordinated systems that support healthy aging over the coming decade.
Safety As Strategy: Reducing Risk For Patients & Staff
In behavioral health care, safety is more than compliance, it’s a core strategic advantage. As organizations face rising clinical complexity, workforce pressures, and heightened regulatory scrutiny, proactive safety design has become essential for protecting both patients and staff while strengthening operational resilience.
This session examines how behavioral health organizations are integrating safety into organizational strategy, from frontline practices to enterprise-wide decision-making. Participants will explore frameworks for reducing patient harm, preventing staff injury, and addressing environmental and operational vulnerabilities before they escalate into crises.
Key takeaways include:
- Evidence based risk-reduction models
- The role of culture and leadership in advancing safety, and
- The use of data, technology and cross-functional teams to drive continuous improvement
Ashley Brewer
Ashley Brewer, MPH, LSW, CHPI, is a licensed social worker and public health professional based in Urbana, Ohio. With degrees from Wilmington College and Kent State University, Ashley has spent 15+ years improving behavioral health outcomes for at-risk populations in rural Ohio. She developed and managed the Integrated Behavioral Health Program at Community Health and Wellness Partners, a Federally Qualified Health Center, and now serves as Safety Compliance Manager, focusing on quality, safety, process improvement, and regulatory compliance. Outside of work, Ashley enjoys traveling, reading, volunteering, and spending time with her husband and their dog Mo.
Aging In Place: Care Models That Are Improving Outcomes
As health care financing shifts toward value-based reimbursement, aging services providers are increasingly expected to demonstrate measurable outcomes while supporting older adults to remain safely at home. This panel will highlight scalable models that align Medicare Advantage plans, provider organizations, hospitals, and community-based services to improve outcomes while controlling costs.
Panelists will share lessons from home-based care coordination programs, hospital-to-home transition models, and provider–payer partnerships that are helping reduce avoidable hospitalizations and improve continuity of care for medically complex older adults.
Jessica Santos, MS, BSN, RN, CWOCN
Executive Networking Reception
End your day by unwinding with your peers, colleagues, thought leaders, and vendors. Join us in the exhibit hall and enjoy a cocktail and hors d’oeurvres!
Executive Breakfast
Sponsored By:
Start your day off right with breakfast, served in the exhibit hall. Take this time to speak with our great exhibitors and talk to peers about what you’ve heard this week!
Combining Smart Data & Collaboration For Better Performance With Banner Health
Health systems across the country face a common challenge: improving access and quality while managing limited capacity and growing demand. In this keynote, Dr. Marjorie Bessel, Chief Clinical Officer at Banner Health, (who was named as one of Modern Healthcare’s 50 Most Influential Clinical Executives for 2025) will share how a system-wide initiative combining real-time data, interdisciplinary teamwork, and operational alignment transformed patient flow and care performance across six states.
By creating a diverse team, breaking down silos and coordinating daily decision-making across clinical specialties and care settings—including rehabilitation, home-based care, and post-acute services—Banner created smoother care transitions which improved care agility. The results were significant: capacity equivalent to 100 additional beds and the ability to serve nearly 10,000 more patients in a single year.
Join Banner Health to hear actionable insights for harnessing data, strengthening collaboration, and accelerating patient movement across the continuum, all for sustainable operational impact.
Marjorie Bessel, M.D.
Marjorie Bessel, M.D. is the chief clinical officer at Banner Health. Dr. Bessel began her journey with Banner 12 years ago, and has served in progressive physician leadership positions. She initially served as chief medical officer for several hospitals, then moved into the Arizona Division chief medical officer role, before accepting vice president roles for Continuum Management and Clinical Integration. She most recently served as vice president/chief medical officer for Community Delivery.
Her clinical background is as a hospitalist and she maintains board certification and active staff privileges. She is also passionate around empowerment of patients through transparency of individual’s clinical information. Dr. Bessel earned a B.S. in biology, magna cum laude, from Syracuse University and she attended Rush Medical College in Chicago, Illinois, where she was presented with the James B. Herrick award for most outstanding performance in internal medicine. She completed her residency in internal medicine at Rush- Presbyterian St. Luke’s Medical Center, Chicago and was honored by continuing for an additional year in the capacity as Chief Resident.
Thought Leader Discussion
Join our keynote presenter for an interactive discussion where you can take time to ask your own questions and continue the conversation.
Marjorie Bessel, M.D.
Marjorie Bessel, M.D. is the chief clinical officer at Banner Health. Dr. Bessel began her journey with Banner 12 years ago, and has served in progressive physician leadership positions. She initially served as chief medical officer for several hospitals, then moved into the Arizona Division chief medical officer role, before accepting vice president roles for Continuum Management and Clinical Integration. She most recently served as vice president/chief medical officer for Community Delivery.
Her clinical background is as a hospitalist and she maintains board certification and active staff privileges. She is also passionate around empowerment of patients through transparency of individual’s clinical information. Dr. Bessel earned a B.S. in biology, magna cum laude, from Syracuse University and she attended Rush Medical College in Chicago, Illinois, where she was presented with the James B. Herrick award for most outstanding performance in internal medicine. She completed her residency in internal medicine at Rush- Presbyterian St. Luke’s Medical Center, Chicago and was honored by continuing for an additional year in the capacity as Chief Resident.
From Assessment To Treatment: What AI Brings To Today’s Clinicians
Artificial Intelligence is at the top of everyone’s minds lately, and the health care industry is no exception—from streamlining assessments to enhancing clinical decision-making and expanding access to personalized treatment. Yet the questions remain in understanding which AI innovations truly support clinicians instead of replacing them, how AI can be implemented responsibly, and what are the safeguards needed to maintain trust and quality.
This session provides some clarity to the mystifying state of AI in health care and explores practical, ethical, and strategic considerations for health care executives. Presenters will highlight emerging tools that reduce administrative burden, strengthen diagnostics, support risk identification, and improve patient engagement.
Correnda Perkins
Driving Outcomes For High-Needs Youth: Innovations In Foster Care Services
Youth in foster care with complex behavioral health needs often face fragmented services, frequent placement disruptions, and limited access to specialized supports. As acuity rises and systems strain under workforce and funding pressures, organizations are being challenged to rethink how they deliver coordinated care.
Presenters will explore emerging models that integrate behavioral health, child welfare, education and community supports to build stability, and reduced reliance on higher levels of care.
Attendees will learn:
- Actionable strategies to enhance clinical effectiveness, support caregivers and foster families
- Advancements in wraparound care coordination and in home stabilization
- The use of data to drive accountability and improve long term outcomes
Jane Wintz, LAPSW
Jane Wintz, CEO of Omni Family of Services, has spent her entire career in the child welfare industry working to improve outcomes for youth and families.
Prior to joining the Omni Family in 2017 as Omni Visions’ President & CEO, she served in numerous roles at Specialized Alternatives for Families and Youth (SAFY) including Chief Operating Officer and Interim Chief Executive Officer. (Omni Visions is now known as Omni Family of Services.)
A leader with over 25 years of non-profit experience, Jane has worked in 15 States where she has implemented Treatment Foster Care, Family Preservation, Residential and Congregate Care, and Education service delivery models.
Prior to her time with SAFY, Jane worked with Pressley Ridge for over 12 years in Cincinnati, Ohio and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She currently serves as a Board member for Family Focused Treatment Association (FFTA).
She holds a Bachelor of Science in social work from St. Louis University and a Masters in Social Work from the University of Cincinnati.
Patricia Cavanaugh, Ed.D.
Building High-Performing Teams Through Effective Clinical Supervision
Examine how organizations can elevate clinical supervision from a compliance requirement to a strategic driver of excellence. As work environments are marked by rising acuity, escalating documentation demands, and persistent workforce shortages, clinical supervision can be a lever for strengthening staff performance, improving retention and ensuring high-quality care.
Presenters will explore evidence-based supervision models, coaching techniques, and frameworks for cultivating professional growth and accountability.
Participants will leave with:
- Strategies for enhancing supervisory skills that empower clinicals at every level
- Lessons to transform team culture and ultimately improve outcomes for both staff and patients
- Discussions on how supervisors can support diverse teams, reduce burnout, reinforce treatment models and create safe environments where staff can thrive
Isaac L. Bermudez, MS, BCBA, IBA, LBA-TX
Isaac is the Chief Innovation Officer of Brett DiNovi & Associates (BDA). Isaac has been providing services in applied behavior analysis (ABA) since 1998. He has worked in executive leadership positions in the behavioral health industry since 2007 and uses the principles of organizational behavior management (OBM) to guide the support and growth of organizations. Over the last 18 years, Isaac has led ABA departments, started companies, and has grown organizations over 500% while earning awards for quality of service and employee satisfaction. In addition to Isaac’s primary role at BDA, he is a keynote speaker for state and national conferences as well as has co-authored articles and chapters, most recently in the textbook on Multiculturalism in Applied Behavior Analysis. Isaac is the co-founder of the Latino Association for Behavior Analysis (LABA) as well as a mentorship program called Mentorologist, which has a dedicated Youtube channel that bears the same name. Finally, Isaac is currently a doctoral student in Human Performance Improvement at Capella University.
Lunch On Your Own
Stay in the hotel and grab lunch at The Market inside the hotel, or take a short walk to the Ferry Building!
Raffle Prize Drawing
Don’t miss the much-anticipated raffle drawing at 1:45 pm and come see if you’ve won any of the great prizes provided by our generous sponsors! (Must be present to win!)
CFO Consortium Session
From Reactive To Strategic: Building A Coherent Technology Roadmap For Behavioral Health
In an environment defined by rapid innovation, behavioral health organizations are facing a critical question: are technology decisions being made strategically or simply in response to immediate pressures?
Too often leaders find themselves investing in disconnected solutions that solve short term challenges but fail to support long term goals. This session will explore how forward-thinking organizations are shifting from reactive decision-making to intentional, multi-year technology planning. Learn how to develop a cohesive technology roadmap that aligns with your organization’s strategic priorities, enhances operational efficiency, and supports sustainable growth.
Attendees will gain practical insights on:
- How to evaluate current investments, prioritize initiatives, and avoid costly missteps that come from fragmented approaches
- The frameworks and leadership perspectives needed to ensure your technology strategy becomes a competitive advantage, not a liability
- The technology adoption and strategy questions every executive team should be asking
Michael Allen
Michael Allen brings over 30 years of experience in the non-profit behavioral healthcare industry to the OPEN MINDS team. He currently serves as an Executive Vice President in our consulting practice, where he provides executive oversight and leadership to provider and payer client engagements for OPEN MINDS.
Mr. Allen was most recently the Chief Executive Officer of SummitStone Health Partners, the largest non-profit behavioral health service provider in Larimer County, CO. In this role Mr. Allen was responsible for the planning deployment, communication and accomplishment of SummitStone Health Partners’ overarching corporate strategy. He managed a budget of $80Million and was responsible for more than 750 full time employees and over 12,000 clients annually.
Prior to SummitStone Health Partners, Mr. Allen served as the Vice President of Managed Care & Operations at AspenPointe (now Diversus Health). At AspenPointe he developed and managed a system of accountability for monitoring and evaluating provider performance in seven Colorado counties. He was also responsible for the quality management oversight of all business lines, as well as managing a substance abuse treatment contract with the Colorado Division of Behavioral Health and a child welfare services agreement with El Paso County Department of Human Services.
Previously, Mr. Allen was the Director of Clinical Care for Connect Care, (rebranded as AspenPointe in 2010). In this position Mr. Allen provided supervision to the clinical staff, as well as developing clinical guidelines and services. He was also the project director for the 4th Judicial District Family Reunification Grant and he oversaw care coordination and voucher management functions for Colorado Access to Recovery Grant.
Before Connect Care, Mr. Allen was the Director of Child Welfare Services for Signal Behavioral Health Network, a non-profit that has been managing and expanding substance use prevention, treatment and recovery services in northeast Colorado for over 25 years. Mr. Allen managed a network of Substance Use Disorder treatment providers, programs and services across 35 Colorado counties.
Mr. Allen earned a Bachelor of Arts in Design/Psychology from Brigham Young University, a Masters in Social Work from Case Western Reserve University, and a Masters in Business Administration from Colorado State University. He is a Licensed Social Worker and a Certified Addictions Specialist in Colorado.
Sharon Hicks, MSW, MBA
Sharon Hicks has more than 30 years of experience in the health and human service field. She has extensive experience and wide range of expertise in health plan management, in clinical operations management, and technology.
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 and within its health plan division. Ms. Hicks served as the Chief Operating Officer for Community Care Behavioral Health, a managed behavioral health organization. She was responsible for all aspects of the organization’s operations including fiscal, information systems, the claims processing department, and the design of clinical systems. In addition Ms. Hicks managed the day-to-day operations of including human resources, facilities, purchasing, and security.
Ms. Hicks also served as the Vice President, Internet Strategy, UPMC Insurance Services Division and, since 2002, as the Chief Executive Officer of Askesis Development Group, Inc. since May of 2002. In this role, Ms. Hicks was responsible for the growth of the company, profitability of the company, and the direction of software development.
Ms. Hick started her impressive health care career as a psychiatric social worker before being promoted to Assistant Director of Social Work. Prior to her executive 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. Before pursuing her graduate education, Ms. Hicks received her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology.
Building Momentum That Lasts: Leadership & Operational Strategies To Advance Better Care
Staying ahead in an uncertain market requires breaking decision paralysis and keeping up momentum for stronger organizational performance and better outcomes. Join Monica E. Oss, Chief Executive Officer of OPEN MINDS, as she discusses how leading organizations are getting ahead by creating a best-in-class consumer experience while streamlining operations. Attendees will gain insights into executive level approaches to leading top clinical teams and providing them with the tools and technology needed for sustainable growth and better care.
Monica E. Oss
Monica E. Oss, M.S. is the founder of OPEN MINDS and serves as its chief executive officer, executive editor of its publications and websites, and executive lead of its consulting engagements. For the past three decades, Ms. Oss has led the OPEN MINDS team and its research on health and human service market trends and its national consulting practice. She is well known for her numerous books and articles focused on the strategic and marketing implications of the evolving health and human service field – and its focus on the verticals of the field serving consumers with chronic conditions and complex support needs.
Ms. Oss has extensive experience in developing and implementing growth strategies for a wide array of organizations in the field. She has expertise in industry trend analysis, reimbursement, rate setting, and creating actionable plans for market success. In her role, she has led numerous engagements with state Medicaid plans, county governments, private insurers, and health plans, service provider organizations, technology vendors, neurotechnology and pharmaceutical organizations, and investment banking firms – with a focus on the implications of financing changes on delivery system design.
Prior to founding OPEN MINDS, Ms. Oss served as an executive with a nationally managed behavioral health organization, responsible for market development, actuarial analysis, and capitation-based rate setting. She also held a position as vice president of the U.S. risk management and underwriting division of an international insurance company.
Ms. Oss has been the keynote speaker at the conferences of dozens of national associations and has been published in a wide range of professional journals and trade publications. She has provided Congressional and state legislative testimony on issues as diverse as the financial impact of parity and payer medication access policies.
Ms. Oss has led a range of industry research and consultation initiatives, serving as principal investigator on research projects that include the examination of national managed care enrollment and service patterns, development of provider rate structures for government entities, creation of return-on-investment models for technology investments; design of performance-based compensation models within public and private health plans; and analysis of the economic impact of changes in benefit design, adoption of evidence-based practices, and new technologies.