2024 Tennessee State of Reform Health Policy Conference

The Networking Breakfast will take place before the start of the conference to allow attendees to grab light refreshments and connect with their fellow colleagues before we kick things off for the day.

Join us as we kick off the day by hearing from Natalie Cooper, President of Wellpoint Tennessee, as she discusses her organization’s work to grow and improve healthcare coverage across the state.

Natalie Cooper: President & Chief Executive Officer, Wellpoint Tennessee

Join this panel for an update on the state’s behavioral health reform work. Hear about what has changed and what is still needed to build up the public behavioral health system.  The panel will also discuss innovative strategies for addressing substance use disorder (SUD), including the SUD Home Model partnership between Wayspring and Wellpoint and other efforts to reform behavioral healthcare in Tennessee. 

Renea Bentley: Executive Director of Behavioral Health, Wellpoint Tennessee

Mary Linden Salter: Executive Director, Tennessee Association of Alcohol, Drug & Other Addiction Services

Sarah Mansouri: Market President, Wayspring

Moderator: Rosemary Plorin: Chief Executive Officer, Lovell Communications

As artificial intelligence (AI) and other new technologies continue to evolve and penetrate the healthcare market, it is crucial that healthcare experts carefully consider the future of technology in Tennessee healthcare.  What are the opportunities, what are the potential risks and concerns, and how does health policy need to evolve to address both? Join this panel as they discuss how the state is approaching the future of innovation in healthcare.   

Jordan Allen: Deputy Commissioner, Tennessee Department of Disability & Aging

Jana Dreyzehner, MD: Co-founder & Chief Executive Officer/Chief Medical Officer, LifeConnect Health

Patti Killingsworth: Senior Vice President, CareBridge

Moderator: Jim McEvoy: Principal, Health Management Associates

In Tennessee, supporting the healthcare workforce is crucial to addressing the state’s growing needs in behavioral health, long-term services and supports, and hospital staffing. Our conference panel will unite experts from various sectors to discuss actionable strategies for enhancing recruitment, retention, and training within these critical areas. By examining successful initiatives and innovative approaches, we aim to provide practical solutions that strengthen Tennessee’s healthcare system and ensure comprehensive, high-quality care for all residents. 

Robin Atwood: Executive Director, Tennessee Community Organizations (TNCO)

Cody Pittman: Chief Executive Officer, Duett, Inc.

Alysia Smith Knight: Executive Director, Tennessee Association of Mental Health Organizations (TAMHO)

Moderator: Shannon Brown Joseph: Senior Consultant, Health Management Associates

Ensuring the health and well-being of Tennessee children and youth remains a top priority for the health sector. From disparate birth outcomes to behavioral health challenges among youth, this panel will discuss the policy reform that is needed to improve the health of Tennessee’s youngest residents. 

Tobi Amosun, MD, FAAP: Deputy Commissioner, Tennessee Department of Health

Michele Johnson, JD: Executive Director, Tennessee Justice Center

Wendy Likes, PhD, DNSc, APRN-BC, FAANP: Dean, University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Nursing

Kiffany Peggs, MD: Chief Medical Officer, UnitedHealthcare Community & State

Moderator: Alicia Johnson, MBA: Managing Principal, Health Management Associates

This session will explore the Health Equity Index, a crucial tool designed to measure and promote equitable health outcomes across diverse populations. Panelists will discuss how Managed Care Organizations (MCOs) in Tennessee can integrate health equity performance metrics into their overall operations to drive meaningful improvements in patient care. By incorporating the Health Equity Index into their strategic framework, MCOs can identify disparities, tailor interventions to address specific needs, and ensure more equitable access to care. This session will provide actionable insights and strategies for MCOs to enhance their health plans, improve outcomes for all members, and advance health equity within the state’s healthcare system. 

Kwamane Liddell: Chief Executive Officer, ThriveLink

Rick Whitted: Chief Executive Officer, U.S. Hunger

Trish Olivier: Manager, Innovative Partnerships & Strategic Improvement, BlueCare Tennessee

Moderator: Michelle Hurst: Principal, Health Management Associates

Join this panel as they discuss how Tennessee can better gather and streamline data coming in from different types of providers. You will hear from Community-Based Organizations, hospitals and insurance companies as they share their own approach for data sharing as well as their opinions on what work needs to be done for improved connectivity.  

Kraig Dalton: State Director, findhelp

Jason Webster: Chief Information Officer, HealthTech Solutions

Moderator: Jim McEvoy: Principal, Health Management Associates

Explore effective strategies for tackling housing and homelessness, including insights into how we arrived at this point. This session will cover leveraging national, state, local and corporate funding opportunities to address these challenges. Learn the importance of addressing housing issues and discover actionable ways to use coordinated funding to drive meaningful improvements in housing stability and access. 

Neru Gobin: Director, Office of Housing & Homeless Services, Tennessee Department of Mental Health & Substance Abuse Services

Bobby Watts: Chief Executive Officer, National Health Care for the Homeless Council

Moderator: Tia Cintron: Managing Director, Housing Supports & Services, Health Management Associates

This session will cover various value-based payment efforts happening in Tennessee’s health sector, where they are headed, and their potential implications for Tennesseans. Panelists will discuss value-based initiatives in Medicaid, Medicare, and private markets and how health equity is being addressed through whole-person models that utilize social determinants of health.

Lisa Stevens Anderson: Regional Market President, Equality Health

Rita Johnson Mills: Regional President, CINQCARE

Dr. Michael Poku: Chief Clinical Officer, Equality Health

Moderator: Carl Mueller: Associate Principal, Health Management Associates

Join this unique panel to hear from experts about the work happening in the legislature to reform healthcare policy. From certificate of need legislation to the work to address HRSNs, this panel will talk through the key legislation that passed this year as well as the bills to anticipate being brought forth in the 2025 legislative session. 

Meagan Frazier: Principal, Harris Frazier Government Relations

Estie Harris: Principal, Harris Frazier Government Relations

Rep. Harold Love: State Representative, Tennessee House of Representatives

Elliot Pinsly: Chief Executive Officer, Behavioral Health Foundation

Moderator: Kathleen Nolan: Senior Regional Vice President, Health Management Associates

Discover how cutting-edge care coordination models are transforming the management of chronic conditions such as diabetes and sickle cell disease. This session will highlight integrated approaches that combine personalized treatment plans, multidisciplinary teams, and comprehensive support services. Learn how these innovative models enhance patient outcomes and offer valuable insights into holistic, patient-centered care. Join us to explore how effective care coordination is setting new standards in managing chronic diseases. 

Steward Johnson: Founder, ForBetterHealth

Michael Smith: Chief Executive Officer, Marti Health

Moderator: Jennifer Bridgeforth: Associate Principal, Health Management Associates

We’re wrapping up the day with a valuable keynote featuring Lauren LeGate, Deputy Commissioner of Tennessee’s newly created Department Disability and Aging. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to hear from LeGate about the purpose of the new department and the work it’s pursuing to improve healthcare for Tennessee’s aging and disabled populations.

Lauren LeGate: Assistant Commissioner, Tennessee Department of Disability & Aging