By: Leah Poffenberger, Senior Manager, Communications

Leadership health care often comes with unique challenges in an ever-changing ecosystem. To help leaders meet these challenges, the National Health Council (NHC) convenes the annual Health Leadership Conference (HLC), designed specifically for health care executives to discuss timely leadership topics, network with their peers, and stay abreast of the latest in health care policy.

This year, the Health Leadership Conference heads to Fort Lauderdale from February 4 through 6 for a packed agenda exploring the conference theme: The Future of Leadership. Attendees will have the chance to dive into strategies for integrating AI into their roles, leading through polarization, centering patients in innovation, and more.

The NHC is excited to bring thought leaders to the HLC, including keynote speaker Brad Doherty, Co-founder of Braver Angels; Ann Searight Christiano, Founder & Director of the Center for Public Interest Communications; and many more. Anthony Shop, Chief Strategy Officer & Co-Founder of Social Driver, will be returning for a third year to lead a panel of “Chief Influencers” who have harnessed the power of LinkedIn to support their organizations. In a timely session, What Lies Ahead: The Regulatory Environment in 2025, will provide valuable insights into the future of healthcare policy and its direct impact on patient care. Gunnar Esiason, Senior Director, Head of Patient Engagement and Patient-Centered Innovation, at Raven (RA Ventures) will discuss the critical importance of early patient engagement in drug development from an investor’s perspective, highlighting the need for patient voices.

The NHC will also be debuting a new Trusted Messenger campaign focused on the prevention and management of obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Dr. Omar Escontrías, NHC’s Senior Vice President of Equity, Research and Programs, will moderate a panel with three grassroots trusted messengers who contributed to the projects.

In between talks, workshops and panel discussions, HLC attendees have plenty of opportunities to take advantage of an invaluable resource: their fellow health care leaders. Planned events and discussion roundtables will give attendees the opportunity to connect with their peers who can provide insights into best practices or advice on unique challenges. These networking opportunities serve to build strong community leaders who are equipped to support their organizations, each other, and the patients we all serve.

To learn more about the 2025 Health Leadership Conference, visit the conference website.