2025 AHA Rural Health Care Leadership Conference

View the AHA Rural Health Care Leadership Conference agenda for more information on each session.

Monday, February 24

10:15 a.m.
7 Minutes to Innovation: Strengthening the Rural Health Care Workforce
Panelist: Tammy Needham, Chief Clinical Officer, Island Health 
Island Health Chief Clinical Officer Tammy Needham joins other rural hospital leaders for a fast-paced discussion on quick, innovative strategies to tackle workforce challenges. Attendees will learn the transformative approaches that have reshaped each organization, covering everything from recruitment and retention to workforce development initiatives.

10:15 a.m.
Preserving Obstetric Care in Rural Communities
Panelist: Tammy Hayes, Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Northfield Hospital + Clinics
Rural communities across the country are facing challenges in accessing adequate and timely maternal care. Those communities and healthcare providers are navigating labor and delivery unit closures and growing shortages of OBGYNs, resources, and spaces for safe deliveries. Hear panelists share innovative resources and skills to fill the gaps in rural maternal care, such as increasing access through telehealth, workforce development and education, and training on timely screening, referral, and intervention.

3:30 p.m.
Achieving Financial Stability and Care Improvement Through Global Budget Models in Rural Health
Panelist: Philip Pandolph, President and Chief Executive Officer, Meadville Medical Center
Meadville Medical Center President and Chief Executive Officer Philip Pandolph joins other panelists for a discussion on global budget payment models and their impact on payers, providers, and rural communities. Attendees will learn how to use these models to design and implement alternative payment strategies, and ultimately achieve long-term sustainability in rural health systems.

Tuesday, February 25

8 a.m.
Designing Population Health in a Critical Access Hospital
Holly Davis, Chief Nursing Officer, Bingham Memorial Hospital
In 2018, Bingham Memorial Hospital Chief Nursing Officer Holly Davis launched a population health program focused on advanced nurse care models to improve rural patient outcomes. Her team now includes five RNs, a data analyst, and several care coordinators. Discover how Bingham’s program strengthened quality care and financial sustainability.

8 a.m.
Together We Can: Addressing Health Inequities in Neighborhoods
Mary Mannix, President and Chief Executive Officer, Augusta Health
Clint Merritt, Chief Physician Executive, Chief Medical Officer and Senior Vice President, Augusta Health
Krystal Moyers, Administrative Director, Community Outreach and Partnerships, Augusta Health
Join Augusta Health for a glimpse into its “Neighborhood Clinic” program, designed to improve access to primary care, reduce unnecessary emergency room utilization, and improve health outcomes in areas where primary care clinics are most needed. Learn about the program’s success and 17-site expansion, including community centers, churches, firehouses, mayor’s offices, and homeless shelters.

Wednesday, February 26

9:15 a.m.
Navigating Rural Health Care Governance as a New Board Member
J.J. Bujeaud, Board Member, North Country Healthcare
North Country Healthcare Board Member J.J. Bujeaud leads this session geared toward new board members with limited healthcare experience. Throughout the session, attendees will gain practical guidance on navigating governance in rural health settings, such as tools for effective communication and resources for ongoing self-education.