Plenary Sessions

Conference Welcome

Rick Pollack, President and Chief Executive Officer, American Hospital Association

Opening Remarks

Tina Freese Decker, MHA, MSIE, FACHE, President and Chief Executive Officer, Corewell Health, Grand Rapids, Mich.; Chair, Board of Trustees, American Hospital Association

Leading Through Change: Strategies for Inspired Leadership and Resilient Teams

Cassandra Worthy, Chief Executive Officer and Founder, Change Enthusiasm Global

Change is a constant in the health care field, from organizational restructures to digital transformations. This session equips leaders with actionable strategies to navigate and embrace change with confidence.

Drawing from over 15 years of experience in corporate mergers and acquisitions, the session delves into critical leadership skills required to inspire teams and foster resilience in the face of disruption. Participants will gain insights into cultivating a growth mindset, building workforce engagement and sustaining productivity during times of transformation.

With a focus on real-world applications, this session provides a framework to self-assess leadership strengths, identify areas for growth and develop a practical action plan to lead through change effectively. Attendees will leave with a renewed perspective on managing shifts within their organizations and the tools to become champions of change.

Presentation of the AHA Quest for Quality Prize

The AHA Quest for Quality Prize honors hospitals and health systems committed to leadership and innovation in improving quality and advancing health.

Presentation of the Circle of Life Award

AHA Circle of Life Award honors innovative palliative and end-of-life care programs that exemplify best-in-care models for the field, fostering learning and spreading best practices.

Designing the Future of Care Delivery

Moderator: Elizabeth Cohen, Senior Medical Correspondent, CNN
Panelists: Marty Bonick, President and Chief Executive Officer, Ardent Health, Brentwood, Tenn.
Tina Freese Decker, MHA, MSIE, FACHE, President and Chief Executive Officer, Corewell Health, Grand Rapids, Mich.; Chair, Board of Trustees, American Hospital Association
Wright Lassiter, III, Chief Executive Officer, CommonSpirit Health, Chicago
Eugene A. Woods, FACHE, Chief Executive Officer, Advocate Health, Charlotte, N.C. 

Designing the future of care delivery will require both incremental and transformative change. How can we balance both approaches to improve access, affordability and equitable outcomes? Join this panel of forward-thinking leaders as we explore how the field can best support both incremental improvements and radical transformation in care delivery, and what the future means for health care organizations today.

Navigating Complexity through Leadership & Advocacy

Introductory comments by Marc L. Boom, MD, President and Chief Executive Officer, Houston Methodist, Houston; Chair-Elect, Board of Trustees, American Hospital Association

Presentation of the Dick Davidson NOVA Award

The Dick Davidson NOVA Award celebrates the collaborative work of hospitals and community organizations to improve the health status of individuals and communities.

Presentation of the Foster G. McGaw Prize

The Foster G. McGaw Prize recognizes hospitals and health systems that have distinguished themselves through efforts to improve the health and well-being of everyone in their communities.

Fireside Chat
Addressing Health Care's Most Complex Challenges: A New Leadership Role

Moderator: Elizabeth Cohen, Senior Medical Correspondent, CNN
Panelist: Laura S. Kaiser, FACHE, President and Chief Executive Officer, SSM Health, St. Louis

AHA Town Hall: Navigating the 2025 Political Landscape

Chad Golder, General Counsel and Secretary, American Hospital Association
Stacey Hughes, Executive Vice President, Government Relations and Public Policy, American Hospital Association
Ashley Thompson, Senior Vice President, Public Policy Analysis and Development, American Hospital Association

Join the AHA for a discussion on the latest activity taking place on Capitol Hill. This session will focus on the health care policies Congress is currently considering, the Trump administration’s priorities and the current political landscape. It will also provide insights into AHA’s advocacy priorities, helping health care leaders navigate the challenges and opportunities ahead.

The Caring in Health Care: Challenges and Opportunities in a Technological Era

Abraham Verghese, MD, New York Times Bestselling Author; Practicing Physician; Professor, Stanford University

Artificial intelligence (AI) promises to liberate providers from their clerical and documentation burdens; it might also ease the epidemic of provider burnout and allow for more meaningful patient interactions. Historically, technological advances implemented without sufficient forethought, oversight and user input have caused unintended human consequences. A century ago, Peabody famously said, "The secret of the care of the patient is in caring for the patient." Health care systems need fiscal soundness and inspired leadership; care delivery needs people, presence and empathy. A revolutionary rethinking of humanistic health care must match the upcoming AI revolution.