Keynote Speakers

CareForum 2018 featured four nationally recognized keynote speakers sharing their expertise and thought leadership to help your organization succeed and thrive.
 

Marilyn Tavenner
Former President and CEO of America's Health Insurance Plans (AHIP)
and Former Administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)


Looking Forward to Future Changes in Health and Human Services and Anticipating What’s Next for the Industry
A discussion with Marilyn Tavenner, hosted by Mediware CEO Bill Miller, featuring audience Q&A.

Agencies throughout the U.S. Department Health & Human Services continue to signal their increasing emphasis on delivering quality care. Most notably, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) are focusing on new value-based payment models. The trajectory of the health and human services industry affects the vital care you provide, and you need perspective to ensure your agency’s success for years to come. Marilyn Tavenner — former President and CEO of AHIP and Administrator of CMS — will give you that perspective at CareForum 2018. Join Marilyn for a forward-looking armchair discussion with audience Q&A, hosted by Mediware CEO Bill Miller. Marilyn will share her thoughts on what’s next for Medicare and Medicaid; how the 2018 political landscape in Washington will shape the industry; and how we can better connect community services and health care to help more people in need.
 

David Rendall
Keynote Speaker & Executive Coach

Oppositioning: One Surprising Strategy for Innovation and Differentiation
What can tiny houses, Spartan races, knuckleball pitchers, armless archers, Snapchat, unibrows, and Minecraft teach us about innovation and differentiation? We all know that innovation and differentiation are essential, but developing and implementing truly unique ideas seems very difficult, and most fail to become more creative and distinctive. The solution is surprisingly simple. A singular method for finding unconventional ideas that will dramatically improve your ability to stand out and produce an endless supply of original breakthroughs. You’ll go from unconventional to unforgettable to unstoppable. 
 

Ann Oliva

Senior Policy Advisor for Corporation for Supportive Housing (CSH)
Former Deputy Assistant Secretary for Special Needs at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
 

Data with Purpose: Connecting Health and Social Issues to Help Communities Thrive
Health and social issues are deeply interconnected. Human services professionals know that a person’s presenting condition — whether it’s homelessness, addiction, or a health issue — is rarely a singular need with a singular solution. To find solutions that help individuals thrive, we need system-level thinking and planning, as well as innovation at every level of service. This kind of collaboration at scale requires intelligent, actionable data gathered from multiple sources. In this session, we will explore creative, multidisciplinary approaches to problem solving that can improve care across virtually any service setting.

 

Jake Poore
President and Chief Experience Officer of Integrated Loyalty Systems


Creating Patient Loyalty by Providing Exceptional Patient Experiences
Patients today say they want to be treated as individuals and not just identified by their acuity or clinical ID number. They tell us that exceptional experiences occur when we consistently meet their expectations on what we provide (the clinical care side) while exceeding their expectations on how we provide it (the service side). In the highly competitive health care marketplace, patient experience is a top driver of patient loyalty and marketshare.
 

 

Ginger Voss
Ginger Voss
Vice President of Strategic Partnerships
PlayMaker Health
Starting her career in healthcare over 15 years ago with Gentiva Health Services, Ginger held several progressive positions within the M&A and Consulting Services divisions at Gentiva Health Services; including leading both teams as Vice President. In 2012, Ginger served as Chief Operating Officer of Transpirus; a Revenue Cycle Management, ICD10 Coding and Consulting Services company. Launching viaDirect, LLC in 2017, providing data analytics and market intelligence for post-acute services lead to combining viaDirect with PlayMaker Health in July, 2018 where she now serves as VP, Strategic Partnerships. Throughout her healthcare career Ginger has worked with large national providers to local independent and hospital-based agencies in order to help improve operational processes, clinical outcomes and financial performance as well as provide guidance for driving organizational growth strategies.

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Greg Roaldson
Manager
Carson Tahoe Regional Medical Center
Greg Roaldson started his career as a Respiratory Therapist teaching at a facility in Southern California, and is currently managing respiratory departments in acute care and LTACH facilities in Carson City, Nevada. He has held several leadership positions throughout his career related to both respiratory therapy and cardiology in small, medium and large hospitals. He has enjoyed several clinical implementation roles over the years related to high frequency ventilation, ECMO and protocol development.


Helen Sorenson
Helen Sorenson
Former Associate Professor in the Respiratory Care Program at the University of Texas Heath Science Center in San Antonio TX
University of Texas
Helen Sorenson is a Registered Respiratory Therapist with a Masters in Social Gerontology from the University of Nebraska in Omaha. She has been a therapist for the past 38 years. Throughout her career she has been a staff therapist at a small Community Hospital, a Department Director, Director of Clinical Education at Metropolitan Community College in Omaha NE and most recently, Associate Professor in the Respiratory Care Program at the University of Texas Heath Science Center in San Antonio TX. She was inducted as an AARC Fellow in 2000. She co-authored a textbook on Geriatric Respiratory Care and additionally has co-authored many chapters in Respiratory Care textbooks.

Hunter Belgard
Hunter Belgard
System Administrator
Portland Housing Bureau
Husband, father, step-father, sons/stepson (11, 13, 29), stepdaughter (11), grew up in the Northwest, 12 years in Colorado, started career in Child Care Resource and Referral, now 11 years successfully administering ServicePoint. Hunter has been described as a gentlemen and scholar, a teacher who makes data fun, passionate, effective communicator, silly, and dedicated to making data entry/reporting as painless as possible. Hunter very much enjoys being the bridge between the amazing agencies providing direct service and the funders looking for success stories on how their money is spent. Hunter appreciates the ever changing landscape of data collection and data standards that keep us moving forward into new and exciting directions.

Jay Bulot
Jay Bulot
Vice President, Business Development
WellSky
Jay Bulot, Ph.D., is a national expert on aging and disability services, long-term services and supports (LTSS), and health policy. He helps lead WellSky's human services solutions to reimagine the ways states can serve their consumers. He previously served in both Georgia and Louisiana as the State Director for Aging and Adult Services, where he directed programs involving public guardianship, protective services, the Older Americans Act, Medicaid waivers and state funded LTSS services. He has provided expert testimony to state legislatures, federal agencies, Congress, and the White House. He earned his MS and PhD in Gerontology with an emphasis in Public Policy, Research Methods and Statistics from the University of Massachusetts, Boston. He received his BS in Psychology from the University of Southwestern Louisiana with a minor in Gerontology and Computer Science.

Jeanne Lugli
Jeanne Lugli
General Manager of Reimbursement Services
Mediware
Since 1995 I have been the General Manager of Mediware Reimbursement Services, LLC (MRS). MRS provides IV & DME consulting, full-service billing and collections, and collection project services to companies throughout the US. Our customers range from small single-site pharmacies; to large University based infusion sites to National companies. I have worked in the infusion industry (in
reimbursement related roles) since early 1983 working at companies such as: Caremark, Home Intensive Care, and NMC Homecare. I bring a unique reimbursement prospective since I have worked in a branch pharmacy location for a national company, a regional reimbursement center, for a national home infusion company, and for a company that provides software and outsourcing services. I have has provided complex IV reimbursement and software implementation consulting at more than 150 sites across the country. I was a board member of NAIT (National Alliance of Home Infusion Providers) before the inception of NHIA (National Home Infusion Association). I have been a guest speaker at the NHIA or ASHP annual conferences several times since 2001. I have been on the NHIA Payer advocacy and Relations Committee since 2006 and held the position of Chair, Vice Chair or Secretary for 8 years.

Jeff Baird
Jeff Baird
Attorney
Brown & Fortunato, P.C.
Jeffrey S. Baird, Esq., is Chairman of the Health Care Group at Brown & Fortunato, P.C., a law firm based in Amarillo, Texas. Mr. Baird represents pharmacies, HME companies and other health care providers throughout the United States. He works closely with governmental agencies. Mr. Baird has authored numerous articles and is a frequent lecturer throughout the country. He serves on the Medtrade Education Advisory Board, the AAHomecare Regulatory Council, and the AAHomecare Audit Task Force. Mr. Baird earned a B.B.A. from the University of Iowa and received his law degree from the University of Tulsa College of Law. Mr. Baird is Board Certified in Health Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization.

Jeff Benjamin
Jeff Benjamin
Sr. Implementation Specialist, Human and Social Services
Mediware
Joining the organization in 2003, Jeff Benjamin brings over 15 years of experience working with the SAMS product line. After starting with the Customer Support team, Jeff expanded his role based on company needs by leading software implementations for the Human and Social Services division. As a Sr. Implementation Specialist, Jeff provides expert product knowledge with managed service consultation, business process analysis, product configuration, form development, and training services. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science from the University of Vermont in Burlington, Vermont, with Minors in Electrical Engineering and Mathematics. Jeff has additional experience with volunteering as a driver for a local Meals on Wheels program, and served on their Board of Directors for 3 years.

Jennifer Warfield
Jennifer Warfield
Education Director
PPS Plus Software
As a well-known homecare coding and OASIS specialist with extensive nursing experience, Jennifer is an informational ally for hundreds of home health agencies across the country. Certified as an ICD-10 trainer, Jennifer provides education on important industry topics, including coding, OASIS and documentation. Her passion for being an educational resource keeps her traveling across the country to agencies and associations, conducting educational workshops and speaking at numerous home care conferences. Jennifer currently serves as the education director at PPS Plus Software in Biloxi, MS, and plays an integral role in the development of OASIS Analysis Plus, PPS Plus Software’s OASIS analysis software and as a regulatory and compliance consultant for Kinnser Software.

Jennifer Costello
Jennifer Costello
President
JC Healthcare Consulting
Jennifer Costello is President of JC Healthcare Consulting, a boutique consulting firm specializing in homecare operations located in Tampa, Florida. She founded the company in 2018 after working exclusively in the homecare industry. JC Healthcare Consulting LLC serves clients from early stage start up organizations to Fortune 500 companies.

Jennifer is an experienced professional with over 20 years in the healthcare industry. Prior to being a consultant, she started a successful home care company from the ground up using the Kinnser platform. In 2014, her agency was acquired by a larger multi-state organization. Due to her business acumen, she was asked to serve as the VP of Clinical Services for their homecare division and did so for 2.5 years. Jennifer has extensive experience in the establishment and growth of start-up agencies with Medicare & Medicaid certification including, but not limited to, the development and establishment of the business plan, policies/procedures, and continuing education programs. In addition, she possesses extensive knowledge of Medicare regulations, private duty and home health accreditation process.
Her focus is patient care and providing her clients with the operational and clinical tools to build business while maintaining compliance.

Jennifer Duwall
Mrs Jennifer Duwall
PM
WellSky
With more than 20 years in the information technology industry and more than 10 years with SAMS(Social Assistance Management System), Jennifer has a wide range of experience providing project and account management experience and is seasoned in customer service, training, and implementing business technology solutions. As her career began as a SAMS System Administrator in Allegheny County, PA and evolved into positions as an Account Executive and currently a Project Manager. In her spare time, she enjoys gardening, yoga and horse backing riding with her husband and 2 sons on their small family farm.

Jill Dyer
Jill Dyer
Owner/consultant
JID Consulting and Coding, LLC
Jill Dyer is an accomplished nurse with experience in home health compliance, coding, and operations. As a previous owner of a home health agency, Jill understands the difficulties facing administrators, clinicians, and owners. Her expertise is focused in the daily operations of home health agencies. Her certification and knowledge in coding and OASIS allows her to assist agencies in providing quality care – documenting that care within the Medicare guidelines. Jill has presented numerous webinars and educational programs and provides one-on-one consultation to agencies. Her education and experience as a home health owner/operator allows her to provide practical, compliant advice to home health agencies.

Jim Sackett
Jim Sackett
Director of Product Management
Mediware
Jim has been with the company since 2007 and is the director of product management for aging solutions in Mediware’s Human and Social Services group. His responsibilities include product management of Mediware’s Social Assistance Management System (SAMS), Provider Direct, the Mediware Customer Portal, Mobile Assessments, the SAMS Application Program Interface (API), SAMScan, and Caregiver Direct. In addition, Jim’s team
manages Mediware’s Government Reporting Solutions, including the NAPIS SRT, the Ombudsman Reporting Tool, CDA Reporter, and NYSOFA Reporter. He also plays a lead role in product documentation and training development.

Jim Megna
Jim Megna
Healthcare exeutive
Self employed
Jim is a Senior Healthcare Executive with expertise in delivering best-in-class services in a cost-effective and efficient manner, executing large-scale capital projects, leading, planning, and implementing internal programs, processes and governance systems, launching new service offerings, securing critical accreditations, and driving short-term and long-range strategic plans. Jim played a key contributing role in transforming Northwell Health’s Southside Hospital from a community hospital into a regional tertiary center and introducing centers of excellence and specialization across in-patient and out-patient care. In addition to his overall organizational management capabilities, Jim has forged a solid reputation as a thought leader and subject matter expert in niche areas of physical therapy including brain injury, balance issues and dizziness. He has consulted to the 101st Airborne on brain injury training and to the Broadway cast of Westside Story on injury prevention. Additionally, Jim has contributed over half dozen publications to the clinical community. He was also the Deputy executive director, Glen Cove Hospital- Northwell Health and Associate executive director, Southside hospital- Northwell Health.

J'non Griffin
J'non Griffin
President
Home Health Solutions LLC
J’non Griffin is a 30 year veteran of home care as an RN, a national full service consultant in home health and hospice, and is a nationally recognized speaker on a variety of pertinent home health and hospice topics. She received her Master’s Degree in Health Care Administration in 2005.  She has experience as a field nurse, director and executive with home health and hospice agencies, both large and small. She has served as Director of Staff Development and Appeals for home health and hospice agencies. She has taken part in mock surveys for agencies, and prepared agencies for accreditation. She has been directly involved in accreditation surveys, acquisitions and many regulatory crises with state survey agencies and the intermediary. J’non is certified as a Homecare Coding Specialist-Diagnosis (HCS-D), Certified in OASIS competency, COS-C, Hospice certified coder (HCS-H) Homecare Compliance (HCS-C) and is an AHIMA approved ICD-10-CM trainer/ambassador.  has several publications in the home health and hospice market, and has developed agency tools and products for sale.

Joey Graham
Joey Graham
Executive Vice President & General Manager
Prochant
Joey Graham is an industry veteran with nearly 20 years of experience in DME operations and revenue cycle management. In his current role as Executive Vice President & General Manager for Prochant (formerly The Prometheus Group), he is focused on delivering greater profitability to clients by combining industry-leading processes with a team of highly-skilled specialists. His past roles include executive roles at large DME and software companies including Brightree. He has a bachelor’s degree in finance and an MBA from the University of West Florida. Joey started his HME career right out of high school, spending several years as a service technician.

John Eaton
John Eaton
Director of Community Health Improvement
Flagler Hospital
John Eaton is the Director of Community Health Improvement at Flagler Hospital in St. Augustine, Florida. Under John’s leadership, the community health improvement team is focused on educating and activating members of the community and their families to take ownership of their health and improve quality of life. Key to this effort is St. Johns Care Connect, a new community alliance established to connect area residents in need with available services and address social determinants of health in a coordinated way throughout all of St. Johns County.
As Director of Communtiy Health Improvement, John is responsible for developing and overseeing the implementation of a community-wide health improvement plan, identifying gaps in access to care, developing programs to meet those needs, and deploying health education and engagement strategies.
John holds a bachelor’s degree in Health Education and Behavior from the University of Florida. He serves as the Co-Chair of the St. Johns County Health Leadership Council and on several Boards of Directors including, St. Johns County Continuum of Care, Community Partnership School Executive Board, and Good Samaritan Health Centers and the St. Augustine Family YMCA.

Jonathan Pritchett
Jonathan Pritchett
Associate Director, Pharmacy
ACHC
Dr. Jon Pritchett joined the Accreditation Commission for Healthcare (ACHC) in December 2014 as Associate Director of Pharmacy and oversees the organization’s pharmacy programs. He regularly presents to US boards of pharmacy, federal and state legislators and agencies, and pharmacy personnel about USP standards and their implementation. Prior to joining ACHC he was Pharmacy Manager of a PCAB-accredited pharmacy where he specialized in sterile and non-sterile compounding as well as specialty and clinical services. Jon maintains a strong passion for elevating the pharmacy profession and strengthening its position in the medical field.

Dr. Jon earned his Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) from Campbell University College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences, and is a Registered Pharmacist in the state of North Carolina. He is also a member of the International Academy of Compounding Pharmacists (IACP), National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA), American Pharmacists Association (APhA), International Pharmaceutical Federation (IFP), American Society for Pharmacy Law (ASPL), North Carolina Association of Pharmacists (NCAP), and Campbell University Alumni Association.


Jonathan Wofford
Jonathan Wofford
Product Manager, Biotherapies
WellSky
Mr. Wofford is the General Manager for Mediware Information Systems’ Cellular Therapy Solutions Division and is responsible for the continued development of the Transtem software system. As an epidemiologist, he has extensive experience in the fields of hematopoietic cell transplant and cellular therapy, applying statistical theory to evaluate the safety, purity and potency of these therapies. Prior to joining Mediware, he spent over a decade as the bioinformatics lead for the blood and marrow transplant program at SSM Cardinal Glennon Children’s Medical Center and The St. Louis Cord Blood Bank, and was a member of the transplant committee for St. Louis University Medical Center and School of Medicine. His work has been presented at several industry conferences and is published in leading industry journals. Mr. Wofford has been honored by the Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research for outstanding clinical research, and has spoken before members of the United States Congress to advance the use of adult stem cells and to secure funding for the National Marrow Donor Program. He continues to serve on several industry committees working to standardize data collection and the evaluation of transplant protocols and patient outcomes. Prior to entering the field of stem cell medicine, he designed disease management programs and analytical models for a major health management organization.

Joseph Morse
Joseph Morse
CEO
Therigy, LLC
Joseph Morse co-founded Therigy in 2006 and, as Chief Executive Officer, he is responsible for stewarding the company’s overall vision, ensuring the Therigy team delivers exceptional service to its specialty pharmacy clients. Joe is also responsible for Therigy’s Pharmacy Consulting practice.

Joe is a respected thought leader in the specialty pharmacy field. Prior to founding Therigy, he held the position of Vice President of Business and Corporate Development at the Aetna Specialty Pharmacy, which was a joint venture between Priority Healthcare and Aetna. He led that company’s pioneering efforts in the conceptual development, start-up, and initial market success of the Aetna Specialty Pharmacy.

Previously, he served as Vice President of Business and Corporate Development with Priority Healthcare, where he was responsible for health plan business relationships. Joe began his career at Accenture, the world’s largest management and technology consulting firm, where he was a Manager in the Health Services Practice.

Joe is a member of the National Association of Specialty Pharmacy's Board of Directors. He also serves on the Chapter Board of Trustees for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and the Editorial Advisory Board of the Pharmacy Times Health-System Edition. Joe received a BA in Economics from the University of Florida.