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Virginia Leaders in Business and Health Care Gather for the 2023 Virginia Health Care Conference
“Transforming Virginia’s Health Care Future”
RICHMOND, VIRGINIA – Moments ago, the 2023 Virginia Health Care Conference concluded with participation from over 350 attendees. In its 13th year, the conference was co-hosted by the Virginia Chamber Foundation, the Virginia Hospital & Healthcare Association, and the Virginia Business Coalition on Health.
The conference brought together leading industry experts, members of the business community, and members of Governor Youngkin’s Administration to discuss the latest trends and innovations in addressing workforce development in health care, reshaping behavioral health, and new opportunities for transforming health care in the Commonwealth.
Bryan Slater, Virginia Secretary of Labor, provided keynote remarks focusing on the newly passed, bi-partisan legislation that will consolidate and transform Virginia’s workforce development system and how the Administration will address the workforce challenges in Virginia’s health care industry.
The program also included a panel discussion, moderated by Virginia Secretary of Health and Human Resources, John Littel, on current trends in behavioral health, recommendations for policy changes in the Commonwealth, and how the business community can play a larger role in improving outcomes for individuals.
As a highlight of the event, Barry DuVal, President, and CEO of the Virginia Chamber of Commerce, announced the creation of the Virginia Chamber Foundation’s Workforce and Education Center. Under the Virginia Chamber Foundation 501(c)(3), the Center will work to ensure Virginia remains at the top of national business climate rankings.
“The Center will work to develop policy and implement programming to help ensure access to education and workforce development opportunities for all Virginians,” said Barry DuVal. “We believe this will drive the creation of a strong education-workforce system that maintains Virginia’s reputation as the best state for talent.”
Additional Highlights from Conference Include: (listed in order of appearance)
Keynote and Special Remarks:
The Honorable Bryan Slater, Virginia Secretary of Labor
Barry DuVal, President & CEO, Virginia Chamber of Commerce
Michael Elliott, COO, VCU Health System and Secretary-Treasurer, Virginia Hospital & Healthcare Association Board of Directors
Karen Velkey, VP of Compensation and Benefits, HII, and Co-Chair, Blueprint Virginia Health Care and Life Sciences Executive Committee
Panel Discussion: Workforce Development in Health Care
Moderator: Sean Connaughton, President & CEO, Virginia Hospital & Healthcare Association
Panelists:
Justin Fulton, Vice President of Talent Management, Sentara Healthcare
Jesse Goodrich, Senior Vice President, Human Resources, Riverside Health System
Dr. Marlon Levy, CEO (Interim), VCU Health Systems and Sr. Vice President (Interim), VCU Health Sciences
Panel Discussion: Reshaping Behavioral Health
Moderator: The Honorable John Littel, Virginia Secretary of Health and Human Resources
Panelists:
Matt Brown, Chief Administration Officer, Addiction Recovery Care (ARC)
Mike Lutes, President, Bon Secours Richmond
Sharon Lamberton, MS, RN, Deputy Vice President, State Policy and External Outreach, PhRMA
Dr. Steve Motew, Chief, Clinical Enterprise, Inova Health System
Jason Youngblood, Director, Behavioral Strategy, Cigna
Panel Discussion: Opportunities for Transformational Health Care
Moderator: Paige Fitzgerald, Counsel, Troutman Pepper LLP
Panelists:
Sweeny Bansal, Vice President / General Manager, Atlantic Division – Richmond and Chesapeake, Labcorp
John Derse, Senior Partner, Healthcare Provider Industry Practice Leader, Mercer
Jason Lineen, Chief Strategy Officer, UVA Health
Robert Nelson, IV, Healthcare Executive Director, Virginia Ecosystem, Genentech
Courtney Walker, PharmD, Health Outcomes Director – Health Equity, Novo Nordisk, Inc.
Luncheon Program:
Keynote Remarks: “The Power of Food as Medicine”
Introduced by: Kurt Small, President, East Region, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield
Dr. Kofi Essel, Food As Medicine Program Director, Elevance Health
Closing Remarks: Monica Schmude, President, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia
The full program for the 2023 Virginia Health Care Conference can be found here.
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About the Virginia Chamber Foundation:
The Virginia Chamber Foundation tracks Virginia’s economic competitiveness, conducts research and analysis, and hosts programs connected to the priorities of Blueprint Virginia. In December 2021, the Chamber released its new statewide strategic economic development plan, Blueprint Virginia 2030, which engaged over 7,000 business, economic development, workforce, education, housing, and other community leaders to lay out a plan to ensure Virginia remains at the top of national business climate rankings. Learn more at www.blueprintvirginia.org.
