2026 Health Leadership Conference
Leadership. Purpose. Impact.

February 10 – 12, 2026
Hyatt Centric Las Olas Fort Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdale, FL

DRAFT AGENDA

Please note: The session schedule and times are
tentative and may be subject to change.

Tuesday, February 10

11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.                      NHC’s Community Connect: The Pantry of Broward
                                                            Join us for a meaningful volunteer experience at The Pantry of Broward, supporting seniors living on
                                                            limited incomes and grandparents raising grandchildren. Your time will make a real impact. (Pre-
                                                            registration required for this pre-conference activity.)

1:00 – 2:30 p.m.                                Lead on LinkedIn: A Bootcamp for Health Leaders
                                                            Don’t miss this new, highly interactive pre-conference workshop designed for health leaders who want to
                                                            strengthen their presence on LinkedIn. This small-group session provides space for real-time feedback and
                                                            personalized guidance. Participants will learn how to optimize their profiles, use their CEO voice to
                                                            support organizational goals, publish content that shapes conversations on health and policy, and increase
                                                            visibility with the stakeholders who matter most.
                                                            (Pre-registration required for this pre-conference activity; Seating is limited.)

                                                            Facilitator:
                                                        • Anthony Shop, Co-Founder, Social Driver

2:00 – 8:00 p.m.                              Registration Open

2:00 – 2:45 p.m.                               Board Leaders Connect & Refresh
                                                            Join us for an exclusive networking opportunity designed for Board Leaders of NHC member organizations. This                                                                event provides a space to connect, share insights, and strengthen relationships within the NHC community.
                                                            Whether you’re seeking collaboration opportunities or simply looking to connect with peers
                                                            in similar board roles, this convening offers the ideal setting to build relationships and expand your network.

3:00 – 5:30 p.m.                               Future-Focused Leadership, a Pre-Conference Workshop
                                                            Designed for CEOs/Executive Directors, board members, and senior executives, this pre-conference session
                                                            guides participants through a facilitated strategic thinking discovery process. The session will help leaders
                                                            prepare for their organization’s future by focusing on strengths and opportunities to inspire bold, actionable
                                                            strategies.

                                                            Facilitator:
                                                        • Steve Swafford, EdD, IOM, Co-Founder, Leadership Outfitters

6:00 – 8:00 p.m.                              Welcome Reception: An Evening of Networking
                                                            Join fellow attendees for a relaxed evening featuring live music by Heatwave Music, a variety of food
                                                            stations, passed hors d’oeuvres, and a fully hosted open bar. Whether you’re reconnecting with familiar
                                                            faces or forging new relationships, this gathering promises vibrant conversation, great company, and
                                                           delicious bites in a festive atmosphere.

Wednesday, February 11

6:30 – 7:15 a.m.                                Health & Wellness Activity: Yoga

                                                           (Pre-registration required)
                                                           Begin your day with a beginner-friendly yoga session focused on mindfulness and movement. Enjoy
                                                           guided stretches, breathing techniques, and simple poses in a supportive environment—perfect for all
                                                           experience levels.

                                                           Instructor:
                                                       • Michelle Cash, Instructor, Divine Wave Sound

7:00 a.m. – 5:15 p.m.                      Registration Open

7:30 – 8:30 a.m.                              Networking Breakfast

8:00 – 9:00 a.m.                             Conference Breakfast

9:00 – 9:10 a.m.                              Opening Remarks & Conference Objectives
                                                          Join us for the opening session of our conference, where we will set the stage for an inspiring and productive
                                                          event. Attendees will gain insights into the key topics and sessions to look forward to, setting the tone for a
                                                          collaborative and engaging experience. Don’t miss this opportunity to start the conference on a high note. 
         
                                                          Remarks by:
                                                      • Randy Rutta, Chief Executive Officer, National Health Council
                                                      • Michael Osso, NHC Board Chair President & CEO, Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation

9:10 – 9:55 a.m.                              Opening Keynote
                                                         This moment calls for leadership rooted in listening and community connection. In his keynote, Dr. Jean Accius will
                                                         show how progress happens when leaders move beyond playbooks and learn from lived experience. Amid
                                                         disruption and uncertainty, he’ll urge leaders to co-create new models of equity, trust, and resilience with
                                                         community partners. Patient organizations play a pivotal role, turning local realities into solutions with national
                                                         impact. By staying close to community voices, leaders can drive innovation and policy that deliver lasting change
                                                         for patients.

                                                     Keynote Speaker:
                                                     • Dr. Jean Accius, President & CEO, CHC: Creating Healthier Communities

9:55 – 10:05 a.m.                            Break

10:05 – 10:50 a.m.                        NHC Member Reactor Panel

10:50 – 11:00 a.m.                          Break

11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.                 CEO Leadership Panel: The CEO–Board Dynamic in a Changing World  
                                                         As organizations face rapid change, the partnership between CEOs and their boards has never been more critical.
                                                         This session brings together governance and executive-leadership experts to discuss what’s working, where
                                                         tensions arise, and how CEOs can foster a board relationship that is collaborative, strategic, and
                                                         focused on results. The panel will also explore the new expectations facing CEOs, major trends reshaping nonprofit 
                                                         leadership, and actionable ideas for strengthening alignment and trust at the highest levels. 

                                                         Moderator: 
                                                     • Shawn Boynes, FASAE, CAE, Association Executive, Mental Health & Inclusion Advocate

                                                         Panelists:
                                                     • Vernetta Walker, President & CEO, Vernetta Walker & Associates
                                                     • Abby Gorman, Principal, Heidrick & Struggles

12:00 – 1:15 p.m.                             Networking Lunch

1:15 – 2:00 p.m.                              Session To Be Determined

2:00 – 2:15 p.m.                             Break

2:15 – 3:00 p.m.                             Session To Be Determined

3:00 – 3:15 p.m.                             Break

3:15 – 4:00 p.m.                            Leading with Insight: The Power of Data and Storytelling
                                                        In today’s complex health landscape, data alone is not enough—executive leaders in the health ecosystem must
                                                        transform information into compelling stories that drive empathy, innovation, and action. This session explores how
                                                        effective data-driven storytelling grounded in patient experience can inform executive decision-making and
                                                    amplify organizational impact. Participants will gain the communications knowledge that inspires teams and
                                                        decision-makers; influences stakeholders; and advances health equity through meaningful leadership.

4:05 – 5:00 p.m.                          Breakthrough Showcase (formerly Attendee Show & Tell)  
                                                       In the Breakthrough Showcase, CEOs and senior leaders share short, high-impact stories about a “breakthrough”
                                                       that moved their organization forward. These can be pivotal moments, bold decisions, or innovations that improved
                                                       patient experience, strengthened their community, or transformed how their teams work. Each
                                                       speaker will have five minutes.

5:15 – 6:15 P.M.                             Sip & Social Reception
                                                       Join us for connection and conversation! Enjoy live music by guitarist Greg Diamond, light bites and refreshments,
                                                       while networking with fellow attendees. This reception is proudly supported by our conference sponsors.

6:15 p.m.                                       Attendees are free for the evening. Dinner on your own.

Thursday, February 12

7:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.               Registration Open

7:30 – 8:30 a.m.                          Networking Breakfast

8:00 – 9:00 a.m.                         Conference Breakfast

9:00 – 9:15 a.m.                          Opening Remarks & First Day Reflections

9:15 – 10:00 a.m.                         Session To Be Determined

10:00 – 10:15 a.m.                       Break

10:15 – 11:00 a.m.                        Session To Be Determined

11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.             Closing Plenary – Fireside Chat
                                                 • Dr. John Whyte, Chief Executive Officer, American Medical Association

12:00 – 12:15 p.m.                      Closing Remarks and Adjournment
  
                                                    Remarks by:
                                                 • Randy Rutta, Chief Executive Officer, National Health Council