2025 Annual Conference

The Future of Healthcare Leadership

 

Thursday, May 1


Keynote: My hair is on fire? Oh, I hadn't noticed!
Strategies to help you slow down to go fast
8:30-10:15am
Speaker: Dr. Kerri Burchill, NorthStar Coaching LLC
 

Are you ready to elevate your skills and unlock powerful strategies for success? This isn’t just another keynote – it’s an interactive masterclass designed to help you implement practical strategies that will transform your approach to work and life.

In this session, you’ll learn how to get time back by optimizing your productivity, apply techniques that empower you to help others solve problems effectively, and heighten your self-awareness to unlock your full potential. Don't miss out on this rare opportunity to gain insights that will truly make a difference.


Building a Culture of Leadership at All Levels
Expert Panel Session
10:45am-12:00pm
 
Moderator: Dan Marino, Lumina Health Partners
Panelist: Mark Helms, MBA, Executive Director, UofC
Panelist: Timothy McDonnell, VP, CTVSA
Panelist: Cathy Harte, System Director, Population Health, SIU

 

Session Description:
In today’s fast-paced healthcare environment, fostering leadership at every level is crucial for success. This session will focus on developing a strong leadership culture that empowers individuals at all stages of their careers to take ownership, innovate, and drive results. Participants will gain insight into proven strategies for cultivating leadership within teams, building trust, and creating a supportive environment where leadership is not just top-down but embedded throughout the entire organization. Whether you're managing teams or shaping organizational strategy, this session will provide the tools to lead with confidence and inspire growth in others.

Learning Objectives:

  1. Develop strategies to nurture leadership qualities in individuals at all levels within healthcare organizations.
  2. Implement practices that build trust, accountability, and collaboration among healthcare teams.
  3. Identify key factors for creating an inclusive leadership culture that fosters innovation and growth across all levels of management.


Challenges and Solutions for Illinois Healthcare Leaders in 2025
Expert Panel Session
1:00-2:15pm
 
Moderator: Jason Raidbard, MPA, FACMPE, Executive Administrator, UofC 
Panelist: Sarah Hartley, Edward Elmhurst
Panelist: Ishani Patel, MS, FACHE, Section Administrator, UofC
Panelist: Raquel Torres, Solaris Health and UroPartners, LLC
 
Session Description:
As the healthcare landscape in Illinois continues to evolve in 2025, leaders face unique challenges in navigating policy shifts, technological advancements, workforce shortages, and patient care demands. This session will explore the most pressing challenges faced by healthcare leaders in the state, offering solutions and actionable insights to tackle these issues effectively. By delving into emerging trends and sharing best practices, attendees will be equipped to lead their organizations through the complexities of healthcare management while ensuring quality care, operational efficiency, and staff engagement.
Learning Objectives:
  1. Analyze the current and future challenges faced by Illinois healthcare leaders, including regulatory changes and healthcare accessibility issues.
  2. Identify innovative solutions to address workforce shortages, enhance recruitment, and improve staff retention in healthcare settings.
  3. Develop strategies for leveraging technology and data-driven approaches to improve patient outcomes and operational efficiency.

Impact of company culture on staff and patients
2:30-4:00pm
 
Speaker: Sharon Sagarra, MBA, FACMPE, Sagara Medical Consulting
 

Session Description:
A strong organizational culture is more than just a set of values—it directly influences how employees perform, interact with each other, and, most importantly, how they care for patients. This session will explore the deep connection between company culture and its impact on both staff satisfaction and patient outcomes. By understanding the psychological and practical aspects of culture, leaders can create an environment that promotes well-being, drives performance, and enhances patient care. Attendees will leave with actionable strategies to foster a positive, supportive culture that not only retains top talent but also improves patient experiences.

Interactive Component: Breakout Discussion In this session, participants will break into small groups to discuss real-life challenges and opportunities in shaping company culture within their own healthcare organizations. Each group will focus on specific aspects, such as communication, leadership styles, or employee empowerment, and then present their findings and solutions to the larger group. This interactive discussion will provide opportunities to share experiences and learn from others in similar roles.

Learning Objectives:

  1. Understand the relationship between company culture, staff engagement, and patient care outcomes.
  2. Identify key cultural elements that contribute to a positive work environment and enhance patient satisfaction.
  3. Develop strategies for leaders to actively shape and improve organizational culture to foster both staff retention and high-quality patient care.