RICHMOND, VIRGINIA – Today, the Virginia Chamber Foundation in partnership with the Virginia Hospital and Healthcare Association hosted the 2024 Virginia Health Care Conference. In its 14^th year, this year’s theme centered around “Healthy Communities, Strong Economy: Using Collaboration and Innovation to Grow a Community,” and brought together leading industry experts, policymakers, and members of the business community to discuss pressing issues in healthcare.

The conference commenced with an insightful discussion between Virginia Secretary of Health and Human Resources, John Littel, and Virginia Chamber President and CEO, Barry DuVal. Secretary Littel emphasized the critical importance of collaboration in addressing Virginia’s healthcare challenges and highlighted the role of the business community in bolstering the state’s healthcare ecosystem.

“By leveraging partnerships and embracing innovation, we can build a stronger, more equitable healthcare system that serves every Virginian,” said Secretary of Health and Human Resources, John Littel. “Events like today’s conference provide a vital platform for stakeholders to come together, share insights, and chart a path forward towards a healthier and more resilient future for the Commonwealth.”

“Collaboration is the key to addressing the complex challenges facing Virginia’s health systems,” said Barry DuVal, President and CEO of the Virginia Chamber of Commerce. “The insights shared by our esteemed panelists underscore the importance of collaboration and innovation in advancing health care in Virginia.”

Throughout the day, attendees engaged in dynamic panel discussions led by prominent leaders in healthcare and business. Panels covered a range of topics including mental health and behavioral well-being, collaborative pathways for growing the healthcare workforce, and the impact of technology in healthcare innovation.

Highlights from today’s program include:

WELCOME AND OPENING REMARKS

Barry DuVal, President & CEO, Virginia Chamber of Commerce

Robert Duvall, President & CEO, Virginia Natural Gas and Chair, Virginia Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors

Joanne M. Inman, President, Sentara Leigh Hospital and Chair, Center for Healthcare Excellence, Virginia Hospital & Healthcare Association

A CONVERSATION WITH VIRGINIA’S SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND HUMAN RESOURCES

Barry DuVal, President and CEO, Virginia Chamber of Commerce

The Honorable John Littel, Virginia Secretary of Health and Human Resources

PANEL DISCUSSION – Collaborative Pathways: Growing the Healthcare Workforce Pipeline

Moderator: Sean Connaughton, President & CEO, Virginia Hospital & Healthcare Association

Panelists:

• Kathy Baker, PhD, RN, NE-BC, Chief Nursing Officer, UVA Health
• William A. Hazel, Jr., M.D., Senior Deputy Executive Director, Claude Moore Charitable Foundation
• Windley Gravatt, Chief Market HR Strategic Partner, Bon Secours Richmond Market
• Becky Sawyer, Executive Vice President, Human Resources and Chief People Officer, Sentara Healthcare

PANEL DISCUSSION- Health Care Innovation: Exploring the Impact of Technology in Health Care

Moderator: Walter Coleman, MBA, Health Care Consulting Director, FORVIS

Panelists:

• Andres Diaz, Head of Experience Services & Digital Innovation, Genentech
• Kristin Henshaw, Sr. Principal and Office Practice Leader/Health, Mercer
• Ainsley MacLean, MD, Chief Medical Information Officer & Chief AI Officer, Kaiser Permanente
• Chris Stanley, Vice President, Clinical and Digital Solutions, Labcorp

PANEL DISCUSSION – Mental Health and Behavioral Well-being: Path to Productivity

Moderator: Karin Addison, Director, State Affairs – Troutman Pepper Strategies

Panelists:

• Johnathan Gay, Director, External Affairs & Deputy Legal Counsel, Addiction Recovery Care (ARC)
• Anna McKean, CEO, Master Center for Addiction Medicine
• Ryan McQueen, MD, Behavioral Health, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Riverside Health System
• Gail Smith, MS, LMFT, Behavioral Clinical Strategy Team Lead, Cigna

luncheon program

special remarks

Introduced by:  Cynthia Lawrence, Director of the Office of Workforce Development,

Carilion Clinic

Dr. David Doré, Chancellor, Virginia Community College System

keynote remarks

Introduced by: Monica Schmude, President, Virginia, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield

Shantanu Agrawal, MD, MPhil, Chief Health Officer, Elevance Health

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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 has 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.