Agenda

• 8:30-9:30 a.m.
  Board Member Orientation
  Fletcher Brown, J.D., Phelps Dunbar LLP, Austin; and Jennifer Claymon, J.D., Partner, Reed, Claymon, Meeker & Hargett, PLLC, Austin
  Are you a newly appointed hospital board member or simply need a governance refresher? This session will equip you with the fundamental knowledge and skills needed to navigate your role effectively. Gain insights into the key responsibilities of hospital board members, the traits of high-performing boards, and practical strategies for strong governance. Join us to build a solid foundation for your leadership and contribute to your hospital’s success.
  ACHE (Qualified), CHTL: 1.0 hours

• 9:30-10:30 a.m.
  Quality 101 for Health Care Boards
  Sheila Dolbow, MSN, RN, CFN, CPHQ, Project Improvement Manager, Texas Hospital Association Foundation, Austin
  This session is essential for board members looking to strengthen their understanding of quality oversight and seeking to ensure the highest standards of patient care. Learn how to interpret key quality metrics, ask the right questions, and implement effective oversight practices to drive continuous improvement. Gain the knowledge and tools needed to support your organization’s commitment to excellence in care delivery.
  ACHE (Qualified), CHTL: 1.0 hours

• 10:30 – 11 a.m.
  Morning Break
  Monument ABCD

• 10:30 – 11 a.m.
  Info Session: Certified Healthcare Trustee and Leader
  Monument Foyer
  Interested in earning your Certified Healthcare Trustee and Leader certification? Attend this brief info session located at the Bite-Sized Education stage to learn more about the certification process, renewal requirements and the new board star rating.

• 11 a.m.-Noon
  Introduction to Hospital Finance
  Deborah Whitley, Partner, Healthcare, FORVIS, Waco
  Health care finance is complex, and a strong foundational understanding is essential for hospital board members to make informed decisions. This session will break down the unique financial aspects of hospitals, including how they are reimbursed for services, key cost drivers, and key financial statement metrics. Gain the knowledge needed to navigate financial reports with confidence and provide effective oversight in today’s rapidly evolving health care landscape.
  ACHE (Qualified), CHTL: 1.0 hours; CPE 1.2 hours

• 1-2:30 p.m.
  Legal Hot Topics: Outcomes of the 89^th Texas Legislature
  Heather De La Garza-Barone, J.D., Associate General Counsel; and Nicole Lusardi, J.D., Associate General Counsel, Texas Hospital Association, Austin
  This session will provide key insights into the most impactful legislative changes emerging from the 89th Texas Legislature, with a focus on new laws and revisions that could reshape hospital operations. Speakers will highlight high-risk areas, compliance implications, and what board members need to know to ensure their hospitals remain in compliance and prepared for regulatory changes.
  ACHE (Qualified), MCLE, CHT: 1.5 hours; CPE 1.8 hours

• 2:30-3 p.m.
  Afternoon Break
  Monument ABCD

• 3-4 p.m.
  Advanced Hospital Finance
  Anna Stelter, Vice President of Policy, and Matt Turner, Ph.D., Senior Director of Quality and Payments, Texas Hospital Association, Austin
  This session takes a deeper dive into hospital reimbursement, including Medicare, Medicaid and other key payment structures. Additionally, speakers will provide insight on state and federal updates and their impact on hospital financial operations. Attendees will gain the insights needed to navigate the evolving financial landscape and support the long-term stability of your hospital.
  ACHE (Qualified), CHT: 1.0 hours; CPE 1.2 hours

• 4-5 p.m.
  AI in Health Care
  Darren Skyles, J.D., Partner, Nelson Mullins, Houston; and Sara Thomas, J.D., Chief Legal Officer/Division Director, Harris Health System, Houston
  As AI continues to transform health care, hospital board members must understand its opportunities—and its risks. This session will explore the evolving legal and regulatory landscape surrounding AI in health care, from historical trends to emerging technologies. Speakers will highlight key laws, executive orders and enforcement actions shaping AI development, as well as the potential liability risks hospitals may face. Attendees will gain insights into building a strong AI governance framework to ensure ethical, responsible, and compliant AI use in their organizations.
  ACHE (Qualified), MCLE, CHTL: 1.0 hours 

Jamie Orlikoff, President of Orlikoff & Associates, Inc.
Hospitals and health systems are operating in an increasingly complex and unpredictable environment shaped by rapid shifts in political, economic and demographic forces. These changes are redefining how care is delivered and how health care organizations must be governed. What strategies can boards adopt to remain effective amidst a time of rapid change? How can governance models adapt to address the challenges and opportunities of this new era? This presentation will explore the emerging trends shaping health care, the implications for governance and leadership, and practical steps boards can take to strengthen their effectiveness during times of profound change.
ACHE (Qualified), CHTL: 1.5 hours; CPE 1.8 hours

• Rural Hospital Strategy that Actually Works
  Doug Morse, MBA, MHA, Principal, ExecHQ
  Dolomite
  Yesterday’s strategies won’t solve today’s staffing and financial challenges. So how do you think about strategy in a changing world? Consider strategy as deliberately choosing a different set of activities to deliver unique value. This highly interactive session will guide you through the steps to determine if it’s time for a strategy refresh at your organization, where to look for strategies that actually work and steps to get started. Session participants will leave with a toolkit to take back to their hospitals providing strategy exercises for hospital Boards and CEO’s. 
  ACHE (Qualified), CHTL: 1.0 hours

• Leading with Impact: Best Practices for High-Performing Board Leaders
  Chris Benson, Executive Director, Juniper Advisory; and Todd Linden, Partner, Linden Consulting
  Sage A
  This interactive session equips board leaders—Chairs, Chair-Elects, Past Chairs, and aspiring leaders—with strategies to enhance governance and foster strong board-CEO relationships. Participants will explore best practices for conducting executive sessions, delivering meaningful CEO feedback, and navigating board-management dynamics. Through a hands-on role-play exercise, attendees will gain practical experience they can immediately apply to strengthen leadership effectiveness and organizational success.
  ACHE (Qualified), CHTL: 1.0 hours

• The Board’s Role in Compliance Oversight
  Kenya Woodruff, J.D., Partner, Katten, Dallas
  Sage B
  Hospital board members play an important role in ensuring their organization meets legal, regulatory and ethical standards. This session will provide an overview of board responsibilities in compliance oversight, including key regulations and risk management techniques. Attendees will learn how to effectively ask the right questions, identify potential compliance risks, and support leadership in maintaining transparency and integrity.
  ACHE (Qualified), MCLE, CHTL: 1.0 hours

• Ask the Expert with Jamie Orlikoff
  Jamie Orlikoff, President of Orlikoff & Associates, Inc.
  Sandstone
  Don’t miss the opportunity to engage with Jamie Orlikoff in this engaging Q&A session. Attendees can challenge Jamie, seek clarification, and raise issues he did not address to both gain a more complete picture of the lessons, challenges, and opportunities for boards to govern their organizations more effectively.
  ACHE (Qualified), CHTL: 1.0 hours

• Real-World Board Governance: Expert Insights & Open Q&A
  Chris Benson, Executive Director, Juniper Advisory; and Todd Linden, Partner, Linden Consulting
  Dolomite
  Join health care governance experts and fellow board leaders in this interactive, solutions-focused session designed to address your toughest governance challenges. Designed as a collaborative forum, the attendees to this session will engage in open dialogue, exchange best practices, and explore innovative strategies to enhance board effectiveness and performance. Come prepared to ask tough questions, share experiences, and gain actionable insights to strengthen your leadership and decision-making.
  ACHE (Qualified), CHTL: 1.0 hours

• Cybersecurity: Lessons Learned from a Cyber Attack
  Brian Doerr, Senior Vice President of Information Technology and Security and Privacy Officer, Community Hospital Corporation; and Jeffrey Vinson, CISSP, CCISO, CIPP, NSA IAM-IEM, Executive Cybersecurity Advisor, JMV Information Security, IT and Privacy Consulting, Houston  
  Sage A
  With cyberattacks on the rise, it is imperative for hospitals to have policies and procedures designed to mitigate risk in the event of a cyberattack. This session will explore key lessons learned from real-world cyber events, providing insights into proactive strategies such as strengthening backup systems and enhancing employee training. Hear from industry experts and hospital leaders on what to expect during a cyber incident and the essential questions board members should ask to protect their organizations from growing cyber threats.
  ACHE (Qualified), CHTL: 1.0 hours; CPE 1.2 hours

• Community Relations
  Marion Bruce, Chief Executive Officer, Muenster Hospital District; and Charles Patrick McDowell, President, Llano County Hospital Authority
  Panel moderated by Barry Couch, Couch Healthcare Consulting, LLC, Austin
  Sandstone
  Description
  ACHE (Qualified), CHTL: 1.0 hours

• How to Navigate Conflicts of Interest
  Craig Carter, J.D., Co-Founding Partner; and Brian Jackson, J.D., Co-Founding Partner, Jackson & Carter, PLLC, Austin
  Sage B
  Hospital board members must make decisions that prioritize the best interests of their organization and community. This session will explore how to identify, disclose, and manage conflicts of interest while upholding transparency and trust. Learn best practices for ethical decision-making, legal considerations, and strategies to navigate complex situations that may arise in governance.
  ACHE (Qualified), MCLE, CHTL: 1.0 hours

Megan Cundari, Senior Director, Federal Relations, American Hospital Association, Washington D.C.; Carrie Kroll, Senior Vice President of Advocacy and Public Policy, Texas Hospital Association
Moderated by John Hawkins, President/CEO, Texas Hospital Association, Austin
Join our expert panel for an in-depth discussion evaluating the outcomes of the 89th Texas Legislative Session and key federal updates affecting the health care industry. Attendees will learn the most significant legislative changes—both passed and missed—and their implications for urban and rural health care in Texas. Topics will include important issues such as hospital payments, workforce, and health care access and coverage. 
ACHE (Qualified), CHTL: 1.25 hours; CPE 1.5 hours

Attendees, guests and sponsors alike are welcome to attend this special reception and silent auction. Enjoy food and beverages while browsing a variety of items and experiences available at the auction. THT uses funds raised from this auction to continue to provide high-quality governance programs for our members.
Reception sponsored by

Noble Allen Silent Auction sponsored by

• Cybersecurity Landscape: What Hospital Boards Should Know
  John Delano, Vice President, Ministry and Support Services, Information Services, CHRISTUS Health, Irving; and Jeffrey Vinson, CISSP, CCISO, CIPP, NSA IAM-IEM, Executive Cybersecurity Advisor, JMV Information Security, IT and Privacy Consulting, Houston  
  Dolomite
  Cyber threats continue to evolve, posing significant risks to hospital operations and patient care. This session provides hospital leaders and trustees with the latest insights on the cybersecurity landscape, including incident response planning and effective communication strategies. Learn from industry experts about proven methods to safeguard digital infrastructure, mitigate disruptions and ensure continuity of critical health care services.
  ACHE (Qualified), CHTL: 1.0 hours; CPE 1.2 hours

• Open Meeting Do’s and Don’ts
  Craig Carter, J.D., Co-Founding Partner; and Brian Jackson, J.D., Co-Founding Partner, Jackson & Carter, PLLC, Austin
  Sandstone
  Open board meetings are essential for transparency, accountability, and public trust, but navigating the complex rules and regulations can be challenging and overwhelming. This session will equip hospital trustees and leaders with crucial insights on proper documentation, compliance with the Freedom of Information Act, and best practices for open meeting protocols. Learn exactly what to do—and what to avoid—to ensure smooth, legally sound and highly effective board meetings.
  ACHE (Qualified), MCLE, CHTL: 1.0 hours

• From Hiring to Oversight: Navigating Physician Challenges
  Cesar Lopez, J.D., Attorney and Counsel, Cesar J. Lopez Healthcare Law, Austin and Adam Pena, J.D., Associate Attorney, Nichols Weitzner Thomas LLP, Houston
  Sage B
  This session will provide a broad overview of physician-related issues and how a board might collaborate with their legal counsel or with the medical staff. We will discuss the non-profit health organization structure, Texas’ restrictions on the corporate practice of medicine, restrictive covenants and non-compete clauses in physician employment contracts, and disciplinary actions against physicians. Our session is aimed at board members who desire a working knowledge of these issues when these discussions reach the board level.
  ACHE (Qualified), MCLE, CHTL: 1.0 hours

Command Sergeant Major Gretchen Evans, Wounded Veteran, Bestselling Author, and Adventurer
Gretchen Evans shares her powerful story of resilience, from surviving a devastating combat injury to finding purpose and leading others through life’s challenges. In this inspiring talk, she speaks on grit, determination and persevering through loss. She introduces the concept of building a “rope team”—a network of trusted individuals who support and uplift you in your toughest moments. Attendees will leave inspired and equipped with actionable tools to overcome their own obstacles and rediscover hope, healing and strength in their lives.
ACHE (Qualified), CHTL: 1.25 hours