Healthcare Governance Conference, June 4-6, 2026
Join Texas Healthcare Trustees and more than 400 board members and hospital CEOs from around the state at the Healthcare Governance Conference. Let's talk all things health care including workforce solutions, compliance infrastructure, governance best practices, the rapidly changing political and regulatory environment and much more! THT looks forward to welcoming you and your hospital and health system peers in-person or virtually in June 2026!
Register Now!
Questions? Contact [email protected] if you have any questions through the registration process.
Registration is for hospital staff and board members only. If you are interested in registering as a vendor contact Chris Felton at [email protected].
Featured Speakers
Jon Carmichael, Photographer and Keynote Speaker
Craig Deao, MHA, Managing Director, Strategy & Organizational Transformation, Huron
In-Person Venue
Grand Hyatt San Antonio River Walk
600 E Market Street, San Antonio, TX, 78205
Reduced room rate for conference attendees: $259/night
Reservation cut-off date: May 19, 2026
Phone Reservations: 725/201-7415
THT works with a third-party organization, Connections Housing, to manage hotel reservations. Do not call the hotel direct. Please use the phone number or online link above.
In an effort to ensure that all conference registrants get a hotel reservation at the host hotel, all hotel reservations without an accompanying conference registration will be dropped by April 24, 2026.
Reservation Cancelation Policy
If your plans change and you need to cancel a reservation entirely, please do so prior to April 24, 2026 to avoid a $50 cancellation fee per reservation or prior to May 15, 2026 to avoid at $100 cancellation fee per reservation.
Agenda
Thursday, June 4 – Pre-Conference
8 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
THT Annual Golf Tournament Presented by Cura Hospitality
Riverside Golf Course
7 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
Registration
7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
Exhibit Hall Open
7:30-8:30 a.m.
Networking Breakfast in the Exhibit Hall
8:30 a.m.-Noon
New Board Member Orientation & Refresher*
- 8:30-9:30 a.m.
Board Member Orientation
Kevin Reed, J.D., Partner, Reed, Claymon, Meeker & Hargett, PLLC, Austin and Fletcher Brown, J.D., Phelps Dunbar LLP, Austin
- 9:30-10:30 a.m.
Quality 101 for Health Care Boards
Laura Cornelson, MSN, RN, Vice President, Clinical Initiatives and Sheila Dolbow, MSN, RN, CFN, CPHQ, Project Improvement Manager, Texas Hospital Association Foundation, Austin
- 10:30-11 a.m.
Morning Break - 11 a.m.-Noon
Introduction to Hospital Finance
Deborah Whitley, CPA, Partner, Healthcare, FORVIS, Waco
Noon-1 p.m.
Pre-Conference Luncheon
1-5 p.m.
Advanced Board Strategies Workshop*
- 1-2:30 p.m.
Compliance Update – What’s New in Texas Health Care
Heather De La Garza-Barone, J.D., Assistant General Counsel and Nicole Lusardi, J.D., Associate General Counsel, Texas Hospital Association, Austin
- 2:30-3 p.m.
Afternoon Break - 3-4 p.m.
Advanced Hospital Finance
Anna Stelter, Vice President of Policy and Matt Turner, Ph.D., Senior Director of Quality and Payment, Texas Hospital Association, Austin
- 4-5 p.m.
AI and Cyber Risk – Industry Update
Darren Skyles, J.D., Partner, Nelson Mullins, Houston; Sara Thomas, J.D., Chief Legal Officer/Division Director, Harris Health System, Houston, David Hilderbrand, Chief Commercial Officer, Ferrum Health and Jamie Bergen, Director of Customer Success, Ferrum Health
5-6 p.m.
Welcome to San Antonio Reception
*Separate registration fee applies
Friday, June 5 – Main Conference Day One
7 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
Registration
7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
Exhibit Hall Open
7:30-8:30 a.m.
Networking Breakfast
8:30-10 a.m.
Opening General Session
The Eclipse Mindset: How to Break Barriers, Adapt, Innovate, and Create History
Jon Carmichael, Photographer and Keynote Speaker
Jon Carmichael’s journey to capturing one of history’s most breathtaking images of a solar eclipse wasn’t just about photography—it was about perspective, audacity, and the relentless pursuit of possibility. In this inspiring keynote, Jon shares how embracing The Eclipse Mindset—one that sees beyond obstacles and reimagines limitations—allowed him to turn uncertainty into a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Through captivating storytelling and stunning visuals, Jon takes audiences on his journey from a childhood dream to a high-stakes mission at 39,000 feet, where teamwork, intuition, and bold thinking led to a breakthrough moment. Just like an eclipse reveals a hidden beauty that’s only visible for a fleeting moment, Jon shows how our biggest opportunities often emerge from the shadows of challenge and change.
10-10:45 a.m.
Morning Break in the Exhibit Hall
10:15-10:30 a.m.
Certified Healthcare Trustee and Leader Info Session
10:45-11:45 a.m.
Concurrent Breakout Sessions
- Building Blocks of a Hospital Compliance Program
Kenya Woodruff J.D., Partner and National Chair, Health Care Practice and Deputy General Counsel, Katten, Dallas
- Governance Best Practices: Effective Board Meetings
Stacy Cantu, Stacy G. Cantu Governance Consulting
- AI Governance 101 – Reducing Risk
Darren Skyles, J.D., Partner, Nelson Mullins Houston; Sara Thomas, J.D., Chief Legal Officer/Division Director, Harris Health System, Houston and Cornelius Sabastian Berry, J.D., MPH, Assistant County Attorney, Harris County Attorney’s Office
- Traits of a High-Performing Board: What the Best Boards Do Differently
Dillon McKinney, Regional Director, The Governance Institute
Noon-1:30 p.m.
Trustee Awards Luncheon
1:30-2:30 p.m.
Concurrent Breakout Sessions
- Quality Compliance in Health Care
Laura A Dixon, BS, J.D., RN, CPHRM, President, Healthcare Risk Education and Consulting, LLC
- Cybersecurity: Latest Trends in Health Care
- Being an Effective Hospital Champion
- The Chair’s Role in a Time of Change – Leading the Board for Maximum Impact
Keith Wysocki, Vice President, The Governance Institute
2:30-3:15 p.m.
Afternoon Break in the Exhibit Hall
2:45-3 p.m.
Certified Healthcare Trustee and Leader Info Session
3:15-4:30 p.m.
Afternoon General Session
4:30-5:30 p.m.
Noble Allen Silent Auction and Reception
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.
Saturday, June 6 – Main Conference Day Two
7:30-11 a.m.
Registration
7:30-8:30 a.m.
Certified Healthcare Trustee Breakfast
7:30-8:30 a.m.
General Attendee Breakfast
8:30-9:30 a.m.
Concurrent Breakout Sessions
- Open Meetings Update
Craig Carter, J.D., Co-Founding Partner, Jackson & Carter, PLLC, Austin and Brian Jackson, J.D., Co-Founding Partner, Jackson & Carter, PLLC, Austin
- Governance Best Practice: A Practical Framework for Board and Committee Structure
Craig Deao, MHA, Managing Director, Strategy & Organizational Transformation, Huron - Practical Uses of AI for Rural Hospitals
- Physician/Hospital Compliance Standards
Carol Carden, CPA/ABV, ASA, CFE, Managing Principal of Compensation Valuation, Planning and Design, PYA, Knoxville, TN
9:45-11 a.m.
Closing General Session
2026 Health Care Governance and Industry Trends
Craig Deao, MHA, Managing Director, Strategy & Organizational Transformation, Huron
Hospitals across Texas are facing rapid change driven by financial pressures, workforce shortages, regulatory shifts and accelerating innovation. In this keynote, hospital trustees and governance leaders will explore the key industry and governance trends shaping 2026 and what they mean for effective board leadership.
11 a.m.
Adjourn
Livestream Agenda
Thursday, June 4 – Pre-Conference
8:30 a.m.-Noon
New Board Member Orientation & Refresher*
- 8:30-9:30 a.m.
Board Member Orientation
Kevin Reed, J.D., Partner, Reed, Claymon, Meeker & Hargett, PLLC, Austin and Fletcher Brown, J.D., Phelps Dunbar LLP, Austin
- 9:30-10:30 a.m.
Quality 101 for Health Care Boards
Laura Cornelson, MSN, RN, Vice President, Clinical Initiatives and Sheila Dolbow, MSN, RN, CFN, CPHQ, Project Improvement Manager, Texas Hospital Association Foundation, Austin
- 10:30-11 a.m.
Morning Break - 11 a.m.-Noon
Introduction to Hospital Finance
Deborah Whitley, CPA, Partner, Healthcare, FORVIS, Waco
1-5 p.m.
Advanced Board Strategies Workshop*
- 1-2:30 p.m.
Compliance Update – What’s New in Texas Health Care
Heather De La Garza-Barone, J.D., Assistant General Counsel and Nicole Lusardi, J.D., Associate General Counsel, Texas Hospital Association, Austin
- 2:30-3 p.m.
Afternoon Break - 3-4 p.m.
Advanced Hospital Finance
Anna Stelter, Vice President of Policy and Matt Turner, Ph.D., Senior Director of Quality and Payment, Texas Hospital Association, Austin
- 4-5 p.m.
AI and Cyber Risk – Industry Update
Darren Skyles, J.D., Partner, Nelson Mullins, Houston; Sara Thomas, J.D., Chief Legal Officer/Division Director, Harris Health System, Houston, David Hilderbrand, Chief Commercial Officer, Ferrum Health and Jamie Bergen, Director of Customer Success, Ferrum Health
*Separate registration fee applies
Friday, June 5 – Main Conference Day One
8:30-10 a.m.
Opening General Session
The Eclipse Mindset: How to Break Barriers, Adapt, Innovate, and Create History
Jon Carmichael, Photographer and Keynote Speaker
Jon Carmichael’s journey to capturing one of history’s most breathtaking images of a solar eclipse wasn’t just about photography—it was about perspective, audacity, and the relentless pursuit of possibility. In this inspiring keynote, Jon shares how embracing The Eclipse Mindset—one that sees beyond obstacles and reimagines limitations—allowed him to turn uncertainty into a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Through captivating storytelling and stunning visuals, Jon takes audiences on his journey from a childhood dream to a high-stakes mission at 39,000 feet, where teamwork, intuition, and bold thinking led to a breakthrough moment. Just like an eclipse reveals a hidden beauty that’s only visible for a fleeting moment, Jon shows how our biggest opportunities often emerge from the shadows of challenge and change.
10:45-11:45 a.m.
Breakout Session
AI Governance 101 – Reducing Risk
Darren Skyles, J.D., Partner, Nelson Mullins Houston; Sara Thomas, J.D., Chief Legal Officer/Division Director, Harris Health System, Houston and Cornelius Sabastian Berry, J.D., MPH, Assistant County Attorney, Harris County Attorney’s Office
Noon-1:30 p.m.
Trustee Awards Luncheon
1:30-2:30 p.m.
Breakout Session
The Chair’s Role in a Time of Change – Leading the Board for Maximum Impact
Keith Wysocki, Vice President, The Governance Institute
3:15-4:30 p.m.
Afternoon General Session
Saturday, June 6 – Main Conference Day Two
8:30-9:30 a.m.
Breakout Session
Physician/Hospital Compliance Standards
Carol Carden, CPA/ABV, ASA, CFE, Managing Principal of Compensation Valuation, Planning and Design, PYA, Knoxville, TN
9:45-11 a.m.
Closing General Session
2026 Health Care Governance and Industry Trends
Craig Deao, MHA, Managing Director, Strategy & Organizational Transformation, Huron
Hospitals across Texas are facing rapid change driven by financial pressures, workforce shortages, regulatory shifts and accelerating innovation. In this keynote, hospital trustees and governance leaders will explore the key industry and governance trends shaping 2026 and what they mean for effective board leadership.
11 a.m.
Adjourn
Pre-Conference Workshops (Thursday, June 4)
Please note, there will be two consecutive workshops on the pre-conference day. The Board Orientation and Refresher (8:30 a.m. – Noon) and the Advanced Board Strategies Workshop (1-5 p.m.). The pricing below reflects the registration cost of each workshop. The combo discount is automatically applied at online checkout.
| Early (on or before March 13) | Regular (March 14 – May 15) | Late (after May 15) | |
| In-Person | |||
| Member | $230 | $265 | $300 |
| Combo Pricing (Members Only) | $410 | $480 | $550 |
| Non-Member | $315 | $355 | $400 |
| Golf Tournament | |||
| Individual Golfer | $175 | $175 | $175 |
| Virtual | |||
| Member (Individual) | $200 | $225 | $250 |
| Non-Member (Individual) | $315 | $355 | $400 |
| Member (*Group) | $500 | $575 | $625 |
| Non-Member (*Group) | $675 | $750 | $800 |
Main Conference (Friday-Saturday, June 5-6)
| Early (on or before March 13) | Regular (March 14 – May 15) | Late (after May 15) | |
| In-Person | |||
| Member | $475 | $525 | $575 |
| Non-Member | $575 | $625 | $675 |
| Friday Only | |||
| In-Person (Member/Non-Member) | $350 | $375 | $400 |
| Virtual | |||
| Member (Individual) | $375 | $425 | $475 |
| Non-Member (Individual) | $575 | $625 | $675 |
| Member (*Group) | $650 | $700 | $750 |
| Non-Member (*Group) | $750 | $795 | $825 |
*Please Note: Virtual group registration pricing allows for up to 15 individual connections per hospital. Pre-conference workshops, keynote sessions and select breakout sessions will be available to virtual attendees.
Need to register by check or ACH?
Contact the Service Center at [email protected] or 512/465-1057.
Cancellations
The registration fee, less a 20 percent administrative charge, is refundable if notice of cancellation is received in writing by 5 p.m. on May 19, 2026. No refunds will be issued for cancellations received after this date. Should the conference be canceled, there will be a 100% refund of registration price. To cancel, send an email to [email protected] or fax to 512/692-2653.
Transferring to Virtual Registration
Should you need to transfer your in-person registration to a virtual registration, you may do so and be refunded the difference in registration costs if notice is received in writing by 5 p.m. on May 19, 2026. You may still transfer your in-person registration to a virtual registration following this date, but you will not be refunded the registration difference.
If you wish to transfer your in-person registration to an existing virtual group registration, we will refund you the in-person registration fee, less a 20% administrative charge, if notice is received in writing by 5 p.m. on May 19, 2026. You may still transfer your in-person registration to an existing virtual group registration following this date, but you will not be refunded the in-person registration.
Questions?
Contact the Service Center at [email protected] or 512/465-1057.
THT Golf Tournament
Thursday, June 4 | Riverside Golf Course, San Antonio
Tee Time: 8 a.m.
Fully renovated in 2023, Riverside is a golf course for the whole family. Located just four miles south of downtown San Antonio, it features an 18-hole championship layout. The San Antonio River splits the front and back nine, adding a scenic touch to this historic south-side course, which has been a beloved fixture of San Antonio for decades.
Riverside’s front nine opened in 1929, making it one of the city’s oldest golf courses. In 1968, 11 holes were added to complete the 18-hole layout, with the existing back nine finalized in 1974. Because the two sides were developed in different eras, each offers a distinct experience: the front nine has tree-lined fairways that penalize errant tee shots, while the back nine is more open, offering plenty of birdie opportunities.
Thank you to our Presenting Golf Sponsor
Sponsor this Event
Featuring presentations from industry leaders and an expansive exhibit hall, this conference provides a unique opportunity to connect with health care leadership teams across the state.
If you are interested in registering as a vendor contact Chris Felton at [email protected].