RICHMOND, VIRGINIA — Today, the Virginia Chamber Foundation and the Virginia Hospital and Healthcare Association convened healthcare executives, employers, policymakers, and more than 300 leaders from across the Commonwealth for the 2026 Virginia Healthcare Conference, a statewide event focused on advancing the healthcare priorities outlined in Blueprint Virginia 2035.

Discussions throughout the day focused on strengthening healthcare affordability, expanding access to care, advancing innovation, supporting caregivers and healthcare professionals, and positioning Virginia as a national leader in healthcare and life sciences research, commercialization, and job creation.

The conference opened with keynote remarks from Elena Bhamidipati, Partner at McKinsey & Company, who provided a data-driven analysis of the current healthcare landscape and examined the economic, workforce, and operational challenges reshaping healthcare delivery in Virginia and across the nation.

Throughout the conference, attendees heard executive roundtables and panel discussions titled:

The conference concluded with keynote remarks from Virginia Secretary of Health and Human Resources Marvin B. Figueroa, who discussed the importance of collaboration, innovation, and workforce investment in strengthening Virginia’s healthcare system for the future.

“Virginia’s ability to compete and grow depends on a healthcare system that is accessible, innovative, and responsive to the needs of every community,” said Virginia Secretary of Health and Human Resources Marvin B. Figueroa. “A strong public infrastructure and a strong private economy are not competing priorities. They depend on one another. When people can get the care they need and employers can find the workers they need, the Commonwealth is stronger.”

“Access to high-quality healthcare is critical to Virginia’s economic competitiveness,” said Jennifer Siciliano, Chief External Affairs Officer for UVA Health and Chair of the Virginia Chamber Board of Directors. “The discussions at today’s conference highlighted the importance of investing in innovation, workforce development, and partnerships that expand access to high-quality care in every region of Virginia.”

“Blueprint Virginia 2035 provides a roadmap for strengthening affordability, supporting caregivers, expanding access to care, and growing Virginia’s healthcare and life sciences economy,” said Monica Schmude, President of Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Virginia and Vice Chair of the Virginia Chamber Board of Directors. “Virginia is well positioned to lead through collaboration, innovation, and strategic investment in the future of healthcare.”

“Healthcare affordability, workforce challenges, and access to care remain top concerns for Virginia employers and communities,” said Keith Martin, Interim President & CEO of the Virginia Chamber of Commerce. “This conference brought together leaders from across sectors to advance practical solutions that support healthier communities and a stronger economy.”

The Virginia Chamber’s Blueprint Virginia 2035 document serves as the Commonwealth’s comprehensive business plan and includes recommendations focused on healthcare innovation, workforce development, affordability, preventive care, telehealth expansion, behavioral health integration, and strengthening Virginia’s life sciences economy through 2035 and beyond.

The full conference program, including a list of speakers, can be found here.

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About the Virginia Chamber Foundation: 

The Virginia Chamber Foundation is the 501(c)(3) arm of the Virginia Chamber, which tracks economic competitiveness and advances long-term policy solutions. Through in-depth research and analysis, strategic initiatives, and sector-specific Industry Councils, the Foundation develops, advances, and tracks the proposed priorities within Blueprint Virginia, a comprehensive plan to position the Commonwealth as the best state for business. These Councils convene leaders from across key industries to provide expert insight on public policy issues shaping Virginia’s future. Learn more at https://vachamber.com/foundation/about-the-foundation/.

About the Virginia Chamber of Commerce:

The Virginia Chamber of Commerce is the largest business advocacy organization in the Commonwealth, with more than 30,000 members. The Virginia Chamber is a non-partisan organization that champions the interests of the business community in the legislative, regulatory, and political arenas to serve as the catalyst for positive change in all areas of economic development and competitiveness for Virginia. Learn more at www.vachamber.com.