CEO Track
Presentations
Getting To The Right Scale: The OPEN MINDS Executive Seminar On Growth Through Mergers, Acquisitions & Affiliations
How big is big enough for your organization to sustain talent, market reach, and financial resources? In deciding the right path for staying competitive in the constantly shifting health and human services marketplace, many executives from specialty provider organizations are pursuing merger, acquisition, and affiliation (MA&A) strategies. In the last few years, the field has experienced a record number of MA&A among specialty provider organizations serving consumers with complex conditions. Join us for this information-packed seminar examining growth strategies and successful implementation plans from previous combinations and collaborations occurring in the health and human services field. Learn how to position your organization for sustainability and growth as we move forward into the “post-pandemic” world.
This seminar will focus on:
- Designing an effective strategy for growth and scale
- Assessing the options for growth – from investors to mergers
- Identifying prospective organizational partners
- Overcoming the challenges to create successful collaborations
Ken Carr
Ken Carr brings more than 20 years of finance, technology, data analysis, and reporting experience in the health and human services field to OPEN MINDS. He currently is a Senior Associate with the OPEN MINDS consulting practice. In this role, he has served as a subject matter expert leading numerous engagements in strategic planning, merger and acquisition prospecting, business process improvement, financial analysis of service lines, and technology selection.
Before joining the OPEN MINDS team, he served as the Chief Financial Officer of The Centers, a community mental health center in Ocala, Florida. In this position, Mr. Carr led a realignment of the organization’s financial management functions. This included revenue cycle management, EHR bill implementation and reporting, cash management enhancement, and strategic financial analysis.
Prior to his role at The Centers, Mr. Carr served as Chief Financial Officer of Guild Incorporated, an organization providing residential and community based mental health services in St. Paul, Minnesota. As CFO, Mr. Carr led the financial, billing, IT, quality, informatics, compliance, and facilities activities. During his tenure at Guild Incorporated, Mr. Carr used his expertise in change management and business process improvement to lead the EHR implementation team, align service data reporting and financial performance, and lead the financial and data capture activities for new service initiatives.
Mr. Carr has also held the positions of Administrative Director and Finance Director at the St. Paul National Testing Laboratory, a biomedical testing facility of the American Red Cross. In those positions he oversaw activities to enhance inventory management, align financial results to industry standards, and improve financial and facilities performance through problem analysis and quality management initiatives. He also was involved in directing human resource functions during laboratory closing near the end of his tenure.
Mr. Carr earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of South Dakota and a Master of Divinity Degree from Sioux Falls Seminary. He maintains an active CPA license with the State of South Dakota.
How To Build (& Succeed With) Value-Based Payer Partnerships: An OPEN MINDS Executive Seminar On Best Practices In Marketing, Negotiating & Contracting With Health Plans
Featured Special Guests: Don Fowls, President, Don Fowls & Associates, LLC & Paul Duck, Chief Strategy Officer, OPEN MINDS
Across the country, managed care organizations are successfully delivering treatment services to large populations and doing it in a way that saves states significant sums of money. These demonstrated savings show that value-based reimbursement and managed care arrangements aren’t going anywhere. For executives, this means they must find a way to position themselves to work closely with managed care companies. And provider organizations need to move from an understanding of the key competencies required in the VBR model to tactical initiatives for implementing the talent, technology, and systems that deliver quality and value.
How? By developing relationships with the payers in your market, considering what metrics they are tied to and how you can help them to meet their performance requirements, discussing how you can align programs and services with the goals of the payers and health plans in your market, and providing data that proves your service lines can achieve both high quality outcomes and lower costs. In this crucial seminar, we will discuss:
- How to start strategic conversations with health plans
- How to confirm the foundational components of infrastructure needed for VBR are in place and demonstrate your organization’s value in a way that will capture health plan’s interest
- How to secure and optimize service agreements with health plans and implement approaches to realign service models to ensure success in a value-driven market
Christy Dye, MPH
Christy Dye is a data-focused healthcare executive who brings over 30 years of experience supporting provider organizations, state agencies, and communities in achieving their business, operational, and quality goals in health and human services to OPEN MINDS as a Senior Associate. Christy’s career has included working as a state Medicaid leader, a national expert in substance abuse treatment systems, health information exchange and interoperability, and as chief executive for Arizona’s leading integrated primary/behavioral healthcare provider.
Prior to OPEN MINDS, Ms. Dye served as Chief Business Development Officer for Health Current, (division of Contexture), Arizona’s statewide health information exchange (HIE). While there, Ms. Dye developed provider education and training programs in using clinical and administrative data to improve patient outcomes and manage value-based reimbursement contracts. She led the Health Current HIE research data initiative in partnership with Arizona State University and also served as co-principal investigator for a National Institute of Mental Health project at ASU focused on information sharing for behavioral health populations.
Ms. Dye is the former Chief Executive Officer for Partners in Recovery (now Copa Health), an Arizona agency serving more than 10,000 adults with serious mental illness. At Partners she created a network of fully integrated behavioral and primary care clinics for SMI adults, and launched the company’s population health, value-based and complex care programs, including Arizona’s only Medical Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) Team.
Prior to PIR, she served as Division Chief for Clinical and Recovery Services and Arizona’s state substance abuse director at the Arizona Department of Health, Division of Behavioral Health. As a state official, she served on a team charged with the re-design of Medicaid behavioral health benefits in Arizona and oversaw the expansion of the state’s contracted managed care system to a more recovery focused model, including expansion of peer-delivered mental health, addiction, and consumer-operated services.
Ms. Dye graduated from the University of Arizona with a Master’s in Public Health Administration. She received her Bachelor’s degree from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. She is an active member of the Community Advisory Board for Health Informatics at ASU’s College of Health Solutions.
Promoting Outside The Box: Using Net Promoter Score & Alternative Methods For Lasting Consumer Success
In the health and human services industry, consumer experience is not just a metric but a driving force that shapes outcomes and success. According to a recent American Hospital Association survey, nearly 80% of consumers who switched provider organizations cite difficulties in doing business, bad experiences with administrative staff, and inadequate digital solutions.
Other studies have shown that from the first call to invoice, consumers are nine times more likely to stay if the provider organization is easy to work with.
In this session, executive attendees will gain a comprehensive understanding of how Net Promoter Score (NPS) and other forms of data collection can serve as a vital compass to navigating consumer satisfaction, loyalty, and organizational success. Discover the practical applications of these methods in shaping organizational opportunity and improved outcomes in the behavioral health field.
- Explore the nuances of NPS, the interplay between consumer experience and consumer success, and practical methods that can be used to measure and elevate both in your organization.
- Understand how to leverage NPS and other consumer-centric data in your marketing campaigns, contracting and other business and service line expansion.
- Learn practical methods to measure consumer experience in the behavioral health sector, facilitating actionable insights for improvement.
Jeanne Marshall, M.Ed., MA, BCBA, LBA
As the Executive Vice President of Services and Chief Program Officer for Easterseals Midwest, Jeanne Marshall oversees all program operations conducted by the agency, which serves over 5,000 individuals with developmental disabilities across Missouri, Kansas, and Illinois. She has been employed by the Easterseals since 1987 when she began volunteering and working as a classroom assistant.
Jeanne holds a master’s degree in special education from the University of Missouri, as well as a master’s degree in applied behavior analysis from the University of Nevada. She is a Board Certified and Licensed Behavior Analyst. She also holds teaching certifications in special education for learning disabilities and behavior disorders.
For more than ten years, Jeanne has served as a surveyor for the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF), an international nonprofit organization that reviews and grants accreditation for organizations serving people with developmental disabilities. She also has served on the Board of Directors for St. Bridget of Kildare School, the Association for Aging with Developmental Disabilities and the Missouri Association for Behavior Analysis.
Doug Beebe
Doug Beebe serves as CEO of Benchmark Human Services, an organization providing care for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and behavioral health needs across the country. Prior to becoming CEO in 2017, Doug was President of Residential Services, overseeing all of the company’s residential programs, as well as employment services.
Doug has extensive experience in social services and health care. He was Chief Executive Officer of Community Rehabilitation Hospital in Indianapolis for several years before joining Benchmark. He has also served as Director of the Bureau of Aging and In-home Services for the State of Indiana; Program Director and Executive Director of Hook Rehabilitation Center–Community Hospital in East Indianapolis; and State Administrator for Res-Care in Illinois and Indiana.
Doug holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Wabash College and a master’s degree in psychology, focusing on rehabilitation, from Purdue University – Indianapolis.
Paul M. Duck
Paul M. Duck brings more than 40 years of experience in leadership and management focusing on managed care, health information technology organizations, strategy, business development, and market expansion, and customer experience optimization to the OPEN MINDS team.
Prior to joining OPEN MINDS, Mr. Duck served as the Vice President, Strategy & Development at Beacon Health Options. In this role, Mr. Duck led the organization’s strategy and business development efforts, which led to a 30% increase in net revenue and initiated more than $1 billion in revenue generation. Mr. Duck was active in national behavioral health initiatives as an executive of Beacon Health Options, including participating as a speaker at national and state association meetings.
Before joining Beacon Health Options, Mr. Duck was the Vice President of Business Development at Netsmart Technologies. During his tenure, Mr. Duck was responsible for business planning including the oversight of strategic activities including acquisitions, development, and execution of strategic initiatives, and positioning, and sales of large strategic customers. He also led the rollout of the company’s benchmarking and data analytics product suite.
Prior to Netsmart, Mr. Duck served as the Chief Executive Officer for Coastal Orthopedics and Pain Management, a large group practice with five clinic locations and two ambulatory surgical centers. As the organization’s chief executive officer, Mr. Duck was responsible for significant positive changes in leadership and corporate culture, financial and operational performance, compliance, and governance. Mr. Duck improved net collections by over $1 million per month and grew the practice through negotiating better contract rates with payers. He also implemented an organizational rebranding initiative and launched a new marketing campaign.
Prior to Coastal Orthopedics and Pain Management, Mr. Duck served as the President and Chief Executive Officer for Florida Radiology Imaging, one of the largest outpatient diagnostic imaging service companies serving the greater Orlando market. During his tenure, Mr. Duck led the construction of three new, full modality, diagnostic imaging locations. Mr. Duck revolutionized the company’s culture by creating a highly attractive and functional work environment.
Mr. Duck earned his Bachelor of Arts in Business Management from Case Western Reserve University. He earned his Associate of Arts in Electronic Engineering Technology from the Electronic Technology Institute. Mr. Duck received an award by Inc magazine for leading Florida Radiology Imaging as one of America’s fastest-growing companies. Mr. Duck recently served as a contributing author to the book The New Health Age: The Future of Health Care in America.
Primary Care Evolution: Exploring The FQHC Model For Expansion
Examine the evolving landscape of health care delivery models – from the Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) to virtual primary care and collocated services, attendees will leave with a comprehensive view of innovative approaches to providing accessible and quality health care services.
Join our industry experts as they uncover eligibility criteria, services offered, funding sources, and the step-by-step process of becoming an FQHC. Explore strategies for seamless integration of telehealth services, data security, and privacy considerations. Plus, gain insights into how collocated models can improve patient experience, streamline care coordination, and address holistic health needs.
This session will offer real-world case studies that share how integration can amplify patient outcomes, community wellbeing, and organizational potential for growth and sustainability.
- Comprehend the key features and requirements of the FQHC model, including the eligibility criteria, services offered, funding sources, and the process of becoming an FQHC.
- Explore the various components and challenges involved in establishing a virtual primary care model within an organization- the technology and infrastructure requirements, the integration of telehealth services, data security and privacy considerations, as well as the potential benefits and limitations of virtual primary care.
- Analyze the benefits and challenges of collocated models, where primary care services are integrated with other health care or social service providers within the same facility or organization.
Pamela Tripp, MSOM, MEd
Pamela Tripp is the Chief Executive Officer and known as the Chief Encouragement Officer of CommWell Health, a large community healthcare system located throughout southeastern NC. Ms. Tripp has served over 27 years in the industry as a Senior Leader and is the Founder of Corporate Transcendence, a Workforce Culture Transformation blueprint that values diversity and inclusion and delivers excellence in culture, quality, finance, and governance. Ms. Tripp is the author of “The Culture Cure: Transforming the Modern Healthcare System” and the accompanying Master Mind Resource Guide.
Under her leadership, state and national recognitions have been received at CommWell Health. Among those are Best Place to Work in Healthcare by Modern Healthcare, Outstanding Rural Health Organization by the National Rural Health Association, and the recognition as the first Federally Qualified Community Health System in the nation to receive the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Milestone II award. Ms. Tripp believes that “Our excellence tomorrow should always be greater than our excellence today.”
Deanne Cornette, MHA, GPC
Deanne Cornette, MHA, GPC, brings over 20 years of experience in the behavioral health field. Ms.Cornette currently serves as a Senior Associate for OPEN MINDS and brings to the OPEN MINDS team noted expertise in strategic planning, grant writing and revenue development.
Previously, Ms. Cornette was the Vice President of Strategic Development for Tampa Family Health Centers, a Federally Qualified Healthcare Center. In this role, she managed grants, contracts, front desk operations, training, quality assurance special assignments (risk assessments and responses to complaints), credentialing and billing functions. In a very short time period, she successfully procured funding to integrate behavioral health services, brought a system of processes to track health indicators and improve value-based care payment and service and became proficient in utilizing HRSA’s reporting portals.
As Counsel for Strategic Development at Agency for Community Treatment Services, Inc. (ACTS) and Vice President of Business Development for Gracepoint (merger), Ms. Cornette directed strategic development, contract negotiations, revenue development, marketing and grants. In this capacity, she targeted funding sources and built a lucrative cash flow that provided needed services to vulnerable populations in need of behavioral health treatment.
Some of her most successful negotiations created best practice services for veteran’s programs, women’s services, as well those involved with the criminal justice system. Her portfolio includes a wide array of awards from a multitude of agencies including, but not limited to: SAMHSA, HUD, Centers for Medicaid, and the Department of Transportation and collaborations with private, non-profit and government entities. Most recently, she worked with Gracepoint to develop Hillsborough’s Centralized Receiving Facility, one of the first funded in the State of Florida. From a system of care for jail diversion to evidence based practices for individuals who are homeless with behavioral health needs, her awards have netted over $80 million dollars to our community.
In addition, Ms. Cornette served as the Vice President for the National Contract Management Association Suncoast Chapter, Vice President of ACTS Affordable Housing Board of Directors, Vice President of ACTS Foundation Board of Directors, and was a member of Hillsborough County Health Care Advisory Board. She is the recipient of University of South Florida’s 2018 Florida Outstanding Women of the Year in Public Health. Her Centralized Receiving Facility collaborative won a 2018 WEDU PBS Be Brilliant / Innovation Award. Her concept of Housing, Engagement and Retention Tenancy (HEART) program won the 2018 Heart for Homeless award through the Housing and Education Alliance.
Ms. Cornette received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and her Masters Degree in Health Administration from the University of South Florida.
Bridging The Behavioral/Physical Health Gap: Leveraging Whole Person Care Models For Improved Care
Integrating behavioral and physical health services has proven to be a more effective approach toward caring for people with complex care needs. As a result, the industry has seen a rise in organizations shifting to Whole Person Care models.
A survey done by OPEN MINDS found that 73% of primary care provider organizations reported integrated treatment for co-occurring disorders, and 51% of specialty provider organizations have an integration strategy.
For executives who are wondering where to start with implementation or those who are looking for insights to improve current models, this dynamic session will explore the impact of integrated care on organizational success and offer strategies for implementing, maintaining, and measuring outcomes of Whole Person Care Models.
Join this session to:
- Identify practical strategies and best practices for bridging the gap between behavioral and physical health services.
- Understand how to overcome potential barriers and promote collaboration between different health care disciplines.
- Discuss the use of metrics and data analysis to demonstrate the value of the Whole Person Care Model to health care providers, payers, and policymakers.
Shar Najafi-Piper, Ph.D.
A clinical psychologist, Dr. Najafi-Piper has expertise in fully integrated continuums of care for complex-needs individuals and believes in a whole-person health care model that supports successful outcomes.
In leadership roles since 2008, she has also demonstrated notable talent and skill on the business side of the health and human services industry. This ranges from the implementation of quality assurance functions, peer review, utilization review, as well as service and clinical protocols. In addition, Dr. Najafi-Piper has demonstrated success in the areas of program development, contract development/negotiations, public relations, media development, and business growth through revenue diversification including both traditional and non-traditional sources.
Most recently, Dr. Najafi-Piper led in the creation of the first behavioral health Accountable Care Organization (ACO) in Maricopa County. Consisting of six multi-disciplinary providers, the ACO works collaboratively to reduce gaps in care and provide better outcomes while reducing the overall cost of providing services.
Gagandeep Singh, M.D., D.F.A.P.A.
Dr. Singh has served as the Chief Medical Officer for Mercy Care since September 2021. Prior to being at Mercy Care, he led behavioral health service lines for large integrated health systems. Dr. Singh is board-certified in Psychiatry, Consultation-Liaison (C/L) psychiatry, and Addiction Medicine.
Dr. Singh is responsible for driving improvements for Mercy Care through strategic medical management, quality management, value-based programming, and policy implementation. He provides leadership and direction to medical directors and clinical activities with the goal of advancing organizational integrated care efforts and quality of care improvements for members in all six of Mercy Care’s contracted lines of business. Dr. Singh builds new and strengthens existing relationships with providers and is the voice for Mercy Care in the Arizona medical community.
Dr. Singh holds an M.B.B.S (Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery) from the University of Delhi in India. He is also an Associate Professor at the University of Arizona College of Medicine. He is the president of the Arizona Psychiatry Society and is a Distinguished Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association. He has published writings in scholarly medical journals and given various medical presentations.
Blythe FitzHarris, Ph.D., LSCW
Blythe FitzHarris, PhD, LCSW, is the Chief Clinical Office at Mercy Care. In her role, Blythe is responsible for clinical program development, including the Adult and Children’s Systems of Care and the Central Region Behavioral Health Crisis System. Additionally, Blythe oversees multiple Mercy Care service delivery systems including integrated care, the Office of Individual and Family Affairs (OIFA), grant services, cultural diversity and tribal affairs. She directs initiatives, strategies and programs to address social determinants of health (such as housing and employment) and system performance. Blythe works closely in her roles with stakeholders and system advocates.
Christy Dye, MPH
Christy Dye is a data-focused healthcare executive who brings over 30 years of experience supporting provider organizations, state agencies, and communities in achieving their business, operational, and quality goals in health and human services to OPEN MINDS as a Senior Associate. Christy’s career has included working as a state Medicaid leader, a national expert in substance abuse treatment systems, health information exchange and interoperability, and as chief executive for Arizona’s leading integrated primary/behavioral healthcare provider.
Prior to OPEN MINDS, Ms. Dye served as Chief Business Development Officer for Health Current, (division of Contexture), Arizona’s statewide health information exchange (HIE). While there, Ms. Dye developed provider education and training programs in using clinical and administrative data to improve patient outcomes and manage value-based reimbursement contracts. She led the Health Current HIE research data initiative in partnership with Arizona State University and also served as co-principal investigator for a National Institute of Mental Health project at ASU focused on information sharing for behavioral health populations.
Ms. Dye is the former Chief Executive Officer for Partners in Recovery (now Copa Health), an Arizona agency serving more than 10,000 adults with serious mental illness. At Partners she created a network of fully integrated behavioral and primary care clinics for SMI adults, and launched the company’s population health, value-based and complex care programs, including Arizona’s only Medical Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) Team.
Prior to PIR, she served as Division Chief for Clinical and Recovery Services and Arizona’s state substance abuse director at the Arizona Department of Health, Division of Behavioral Health. As a state official, she served on a team charged with the re-design of Medicaid behavioral health benefits in Arizona and oversaw the expansion of the state’s contracted managed care system to a more recovery focused model, including expansion of peer-delivered mental health, addiction, and consumer-operated services.
Ms. Dye graduated from the University of Arizona with a Master’s in Public Health Administration. She received her Bachelor’s degree from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. She is an active member of the Community Advisory Board for Health Informatics at ASU’s College of Health Solutions.
Deanne Cornette, MHA, GPC
Deanne Cornette, MHA, GPC, brings over 20 years of experience in the behavioral health field. Ms.Cornette currently serves as a Senior Associate for OPEN MINDS and brings to the OPEN MINDS team noted expertise in strategic planning, grant writing and revenue development.
Previously, Ms. Cornette was the Vice President of Strategic Development for Tampa Family Health Centers, a Federally Qualified Healthcare Center. In this role, she managed grants, contracts, front desk operations, training, quality assurance special assignments (risk assessments and responses to complaints), credentialing and billing functions. In a very short time period, she successfully procured funding to integrate behavioral health services, brought a system of processes to track health indicators and improve value-based care payment and service and became proficient in utilizing HRSA’s reporting portals.
As Counsel for Strategic Development at Agency for Community Treatment Services, Inc. (ACTS) and Vice President of Business Development for Gracepoint (merger), Ms. Cornette directed strategic development, contract negotiations, revenue development, marketing and grants. In this capacity, she targeted funding sources and built a lucrative cash flow that provided needed services to vulnerable populations in need of behavioral health treatment.
Some of her most successful negotiations created best practice services for veteran’s programs, women’s services, as well those involved with the criminal justice system. Her portfolio includes a wide array of awards from a multitude of agencies including, but not limited to: SAMHSA, HUD, Centers for Medicaid, and the Department of Transportation and collaborations with private, non-profit and government entities. Most recently, she worked with Gracepoint to develop Hillsborough’s Centralized Receiving Facility, one of the first funded in the State of Florida. From a system of care for jail diversion to evidence based practices for individuals who are homeless with behavioral health needs, her awards have netted over $80 million dollars to our community.
In addition, Ms. Cornette served as the Vice President for the National Contract Management Association Suncoast Chapter, Vice President of ACTS Affordable Housing Board of Directors, Vice President of ACTS Foundation Board of Directors, and was a member of Hillsborough County Health Care Advisory Board. She is the recipient of University of South Florida’s 2018 Florida Outstanding Women of the Year in Public Health. Her Centralized Receiving Facility collaborative won a 2018 WEDU PBS Be Brilliant / Innovation Award. Her concept of Housing, Engagement and Retention Tenancy (HEART) program won the 2018 Heart for Homeless award through the Housing and Education Alliance.
Ms. Cornette received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and her Masters Degree in Health Administration from the University of South Florida.
Becoming A Center Of Excellence: Navigating Challenges, Embracing Opportunities & Collaborating With Health Plans
Centers of Excellence are rapidly gaining traction as a way for health plans to recognize provider organizations for delivering superior care. By identifying ‘high value’ provider organizations for specific conditions— payers are then able to develop benefit plans designed to encourage consumers to use those provider organizations.
Join our distinguished panel of industry leaders in this thought-provoking plenary session as they delve into the intricacies of what it means to become a Center of Excellence, share insights into the future implications for providers and health plans, and uncover both the challenges and opportunities inherent to this dynamic model.
Robert Poznanovich
Bob Poznanovich is the Chief Business Growth Officer and a member of the Executive Leadership Team at the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation. He manages the organization’s strategic relations with health systems, employers, insurance and managed care organizations, professional referents and other national accounts, along with the patient access and placement team. Bob is also responsible for bridging the gap between product development, marketing and sales to help the nonprofit reach more people with its lifesaving substance use and mental health care and resources
Bob joined Hazelden Betty Ford in 2009 after many wide-ranging and successful business ventures elsewhere. Prior to joining the organization, he co-founded and served as the CEO of AiR Health a behavioral health company. Before that, he spent over 20 years as a senior business development executive in the technology industry. He also co-authored the Hazelden Publishing title, It Is Not Okay to be a Cannibal: How to Stop Addiction from Eating Your Family Alive. On top of that, he also gives public speeches and media appearances to share his expertise on a variety of addiction-related topics, including the impact of addiction in the workplace.
Debra Nussbaum, Ph.D., LCSW
Dr. Debra “Deb” Nussbaum is a Sr. Director For Behavioral Health Evidence Based Services and National SUD Strategy Lead for Optum. Optum is the behavioral health specialty arm of United Healthcare Insurance Company. Deb has been in a clinical leadership role for Optum since 2010 and has led behavioral product design, network development and specifically substance use disorder (SUD) initiatives since 2013.
Deb’s products within Optum are designed to improve access to evidence based services, such as the adoption and roll out of the American Society of Addiction medicine (ASAM) criteria, expansion of Optum’s MOUD/MAUD network, implementation of the 24/7 SUD helpline and development of alternative payment and value based models of care. Deb also leads parity compliant benefit design initiatives for customers looking to address specific utilization trends for their population.
Deb’s clinical background is in substance use treatment, family services and was an addictions counselor prior to earning her PhD. She is also an LCSW licensed in Florida and in New York. Deb sits on many committees within ASAM and is an advocate for evidence based care at the federal level championing SUD legislation.
Stuart L. Lustig, M.D., MPH
Dr. Stuart L. Lustig came to Cigna in 2011 and is currently the National Medical Executive for Provider Partnerships at Evernorth, part of The Cigna Group. He engages with behavioral provider groups and other stakeholders about innovative care delivery and contracting approaches. He has also worked extensively with Cigna clients in his prior role as National Medical Executive for Behavioral Health. A board-certified child psychiatrist, he has also served as Lead Medical Director for Child and Adolescent Care for Evernorth Behavioral Health. Dr. Lustig previously served as an Associate Clinical Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of California, San Francisco. For two decades, Dr. Lustig has worked with numerous human rights organizations and, due to numerous published articles in professional journals, is a nationally recognized expert on psychological trauma among refugees and political asylum seekers. He has provided consultations to numerous school systems in the San Francisco and Boston areas. He is the editor of the textbook Advocacy Strategies for Health and Mental Health Professionals: From Patients to Policies. Dr. Lustig received his Doctorate of Medicine from Rush Medical College and completed his psychiatric training at Stanford and Harvard hospitals. He also has a Master’s in Public Health from the University of Illinois School of Public Health.
Elisha Engelen, MA, LMFT
Elisha is a Vice President of Aon’s U.S. Health Transformation Team. She is a member of the U.S. Health Transformation Leadership Team. She is a leader for the Minneapolis Apprentice Program. Her role is to partner globally with Aon colleagues and client leaders to understand the current employee wellbeing strategy, culture, and utilization to inform needed changes or enhancements. Her role also includes people leadership, which includes developing the next leaders at Aon.
Prior to joining Aon in 2021, Elisha served as the Clinical Director at Cigna Healthcare and concurrently practiced in the field for 18 years as a Licensed Mental Health Professional.
She first began working in the industry in 2003 as a Mental Health Practitioner. Her background stretches clinical practice in community- based care, school-based counseling, and outpatient services. During her 16 years at Cigna, the highlights of her career were that she built Utilization and Case Management Programs in Autism and Eating Disorders and built a Talent Readiness and Sustainment Program for Medical and Behavioral Operations to serve 4000 employees.
Elisha’s expertise includes systemic mental health care. She brings her systemic thinking into her Prosci Change Management Certification to lead organizational changes. Her background also includes organizational cultural journey development and sustainment. She is trained in Mental Health First Aid.
Ken Carr
Ken Carr brings more than 20 years of finance, technology, data analysis, and reporting experience in the health and human services field to OPEN MINDS. He currently is a Senior Associate with the OPEN MINDS consulting practice. In this role, he has served as a subject matter expert leading numerous engagements in strategic planning, merger and acquisition prospecting, business process improvement, financial analysis of service lines, and technology selection.
Before joining the OPEN MINDS team, he served as the Chief Financial Officer of The Centers, a community mental health center in Ocala, Florida. In this position, Mr. Carr led a realignment of the organization’s financial management functions. This included revenue cycle management, EHR bill implementation and reporting, cash management enhancement, and strategic financial analysis.
Prior to his role at The Centers, Mr. Carr served as Chief Financial Officer of Guild Incorporated, an organization providing residential and community based mental health services in St. Paul, Minnesota. As CFO, Mr. Carr led the financial, billing, IT, quality, informatics, compliance, and facilities activities. During his tenure at Guild Incorporated, Mr. Carr used his expertise in change management and business process improvement to lead the EHR implementation team, align service data reporting and financial performance, and lead the financial and data capture activities for new service initiatives.
Mr. Carr has also held the positions of Administrative Director and Finance Director at the St. Paul National Testing Laboratory, a biomedical testing facility of the American Red Cross. In those positions he oversaw activities to enhance inventory management, align financial results to industry standards, and improve financial and facilities performance through problem analysis and quality management initiatives. He also was involved in directing human resource functions during laboratory closing near the end of his tenure.
Mr. Carr earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of South Dakota and a Master of Divinity Degree from Sioux Falls Seminary. He maintains an active CPA license with the State of South Dakota.
Roadmap For Implementing Value-Based Payments
The use of value-based reimbursement models is increasing by payers of all sizes. While fee for service may still be the base for funding core services, new funding models have been refined to incentive performance and outcomes. Key frequent performance measures tied to value include access to care, clinical outcomes, participant experience and reduction of unnecessary costs. But considering the challenges of retaining skilled staff to drive performance, some payers are considering additional factors such as staff retention and DEIA. The key to success is aligning consumer needs, payer responsibilities and provider sustainability. This session will focus on:
- Identification of performance domains and goals for value-based payment
- Negotiating payment incentives that align with consumer needs, payer requirements and provider sustainability
- The role of data systems to drive value-based outcomes
Theresa Reyes-Cummings, MPA, GPC
Theresa Reyes-Cummings is a native of Kansas City, Kansas. She received her master’s degree in public administration from the University of Kansas with an emphasis in performance management and a master’s certification in Health Care Administration from Mid America Nazarene University. Her career spans over 35 years of experience and expertise in the fields of non-profit and public administration, mental health and criminal justice administration, community development, and government relations. She is also a seasoned grants professional, holding her national grant professional certification (GPC) for 15 years. In her tenure as a public funder for mental health care in Jackson County, Missouri, she has led the implementation of a Value-Based Payment structure for behavioral health care. She was also instrumental in addressing mental health disparities and enhancing the level of diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts among a network of mental health agencies serving non-insured populations. Theresa’s personal passions include any type of outdoor adventure, ultra-trail running, and bodybuilding.
Bruce Eddy, Ph.D.
Bruce Eddy is executive director of the Community Mental Health Fund (CMHF). The Fund is a public payer for mental health services for 18,000 uninsured residents of Jackson County, Missouri. Direct services are provided through 35 contracting non-profit agencies. Bruce’s responsibilities include the development and oversight of healthcare contracts, strategic direction, government relations, budgeting, quality assurance programs, and staffing an appointed board of trustees. He also represents public services as a Kansas City Tax Increment Finance Commissioner. In his prior role, he served as executive director of Resource Development Institute, a non-profit research and evaluation institute. He received his doctorate in community psychology from the University of Missouri-Kansas City. In his post-doctoral work, he directed national and international technical assistance at the Association of University Affiliated Programs for Developmental Disabilities in Washington, DC.
Ken Carr
Ken Carr brings more than 20 years of finance, technology, data analysis, and reporting experience in the health and human services field to OPEN MINDS. He currently is a Senior Associate with the OPEN MINDS consulting practice. In this role, he has served as a subject matter expert leading numerous engagements in strategic planning, merger and acquisition prospecting, business process improvement, financial analysis of service lines, and technology selection.
Before joining the OPEN MINDS team, he served as the Chief Financial Officer of The Centers, a community mental health center in Ocala, Florida. In this position, Mr. Carr led a realignment of the organization’s financial management functions. This included revenue cycle management, EHR bill implementation and reporting, cash management enhancement, and strategic financial analysis.
Prior to his role at The Centers, Mr. Carr served as Chief Financial Officer of Guild Incorporated, an organization providing residential and community based mental health services in St. Paul, Minnesota. As CFO, Mr. Carr led the financial, billing, IT, quality, informatics, compliance, and facilities activities. During his tenure at Guild Incorporated, Mr. Carr used his expertise in change management and business process improvement to lead the EHR implementation team, align service data reporting and financial performance, and lead the financial and data capture activities for new service initiatives.
Mr. Carr has also held the positions of Administrative Director and Finance Director at the St. Paul National Testing Laboratory, a biomedical testing facility of the American Red Cross. In those positions he oversaw activities to enhance inventory management, align financial results to industry standards, and improve financial and facilities performance through problem analysis and quality management initiatives. He also was involved in directing human resource functions during laboratory closing near the end of his tenure.
Mr. Carr earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of South Dakota and a Master of Divinity Degree from Sioux Falls Seminary. He maintains an active CPA license with the State of South Dakota.
The 2024 OPEN MINDS Performance Management Executive Survey: Where Are We On The Road To Value
During this session, OPEN MINDS Senior Associate Carol Clayton will share the results of this year’s survey, The 2024 OPEN MINDS Performance Management Executive Survey: Where Are We On The Road To Value, and discussing its implications for health and human service organizations.
OPEN MINDS surveyed specialty provider organizations in the health and human services market to determine where they are on the road to value-based contracting adoption. The survey provides information on:
- Performance-based contracts for staff by market and organizational size
- Trends in value-based contracting arrangements by market and organizational size
- The number of organizations with contracts with managed care plans or accountable care organizations by market and organizational size
A full copy of survey results, The 2024 OPEN MINDS Performance Management Executive Survey: Where Are We On The Road To Value, will be available to all OPEN MINDS Circle members in the OPEN MINDS library following the session.
Carol Clayton, Ph.D.
Dr. Carol Clayton is a licensed, psychologist with 30 years of health care experience in the public and private sector, including non-profit and private practice work. Prior to joining OPEN MINDS as a Senior Consultant, she retired as the Translational Neuroscientist for Relias, where she specialized in health care solutions targeting workforce development and population health outcome improvement. Before joining Relias, Dr. Clayton was the CEO of Care Management Technologies, a health IT data analytics company. She also served as the Executive Director of the NC Council of Community Programs from 2000-2006. The NC Council is the predecessor organization to i2i.
Chief Executive Officer Networking Lunch
If you’re the Chief Executive Officer or Executive Director of an OPEN MINDS member organization, join us for this private networking luncheon. This is an opportunity to share leadership experiences and solutions with your peers from across the nation. Our hosts for the luncheon are Monica E. Oss, Chief Executive Officer, and Kim Bond, Executive Vice President at OPEN MINDS. (To register, contact Erin Deppen, Event Coordinator, at 717-334-1329 or edeppen@stg-openminds-staging.kinsta.cloud.)
Monica E. Oss
Monica E. Oss, M.S. is the founder of OPEN MINDS and serves as its chief executive officer, executive editor of its publications and websites, and executive lead of its consulting engagements. For the past three decades, Ms. Oss has led the OPEN MINDS team and its research on health and human service market trends and its national consulting practice. She is well known for her numerous books and articles focused on the strategic and marketing implications of the evolving health and human service field – and its focus on the verticals of the field serving consumers with chronic conditions and complex support needs.
Ms. Oss has extensive experience in developing and implementing growth strategies for a wide array of organizations in the field. She has expertise in industry trend analysis, reimbursement, rate setting, and creating actionable plans for market success. In her role, she has led numerous engagements with state Medicaid plans, county governments, private insurers, and health plans, service provider organizations, technology vendors, neurotechnology and pharmaceutical organizations, and investment banking firms – with a focus on the implications of financing changes on delivery system design.
Prior to founding OPEN MINDS, Ms. Oss served as an executive with a nationally managed behavioral health organization, responsible for market development, actuarial analysis, and capitation-based rate setting. She also held a position as vice president of the U.S. risk management and underwriting division of an international insurance company.
Ms. Oss has been the keynote speaker at the conferences of dozens of national associations and has been published in a wide range of professional journals and trade publications. She has provided Congressional and state legislative testimony on issues as diverse as the financial impact of parity and payer medication access policies.
Ms. Oss has led a range of industry research and consultation initiatives, serving as principal investigator on research projects that include the examination of national managed care enrollment and service patterns, development of provider rate structures for government entities, creation of return-on-investment models for technology investments; design of performance-based compensation models within public and private health plans; and analysis of the economic impact of changes in benefit design, adoption of evidence-based practices, and new technologies.
Kimberly Bond, MS
Kimberly Bond, MS, LMFT, brings more than 30 years of experience providing behavioral health treatment in the public and community settings to the OPEN MINDS team. She currently serves as the Executive Vice President of Business Development. In this role, Ms. Bond focuses on growing the OPEN MINDS client portfolio across all nine verticals of OPEN MINDS business.
Prior to joining OPEN MINDS, Ms. Bond served concurrently as a Program Coordinator III and Clinical Manager of Adult Services and a Program Coordinator II and Clinical Manager of Recovery Services for the Ozark Guidance Center. In these roles, Ms. Bond was responsible for the administrative and clinical oversight of the adult outpatient and adult intensive mental health services on the Springdale Campus as well as the adult recovery/co-occurring services, including domestic violence and anger management treatment.
Prior to joining the Ozark Guidance Center, Ms. Bond served as the Executive Vice President of Center Point, Inc, a large substance abuse provider agency in California. In this role, Ms. Bond was responsible for the clinical and administrative supervision of all community-based programs as well as the women and children residential programs. In addition, Ms. Bond also managed budgets, interacted with funding agencies, and built positive relationships with all stakeholders. Ms. Bond was also in charge of proposal and grant writing, staff management, and training, facilities’ licensing and certifications renewals. Additionally, she prepared and submitted monthly, quarterly, semi-annual, and annual reports to various funders.
Previously, Ms. Bond served as the President and CEO of Mental Health Systems, Inc. Ms. Bond was very instrumental in growing the agency from $12 million in annual revenue to more than $100 million and becoming one of the largest providers of behavioral health services in California. In this role, Ms. Bond was responsible for the strategic, clinical, financial, and administrative health of the agency, including direct supervision of Senior Executive Staff. In addition, Bond ensured contract compliance of the agency’s 125 different contracts across federal and state agencies and eight counties.
Ms. Bond received her bachelor’s degree in psychology, with honors, and her master’s degree in counseling education from San Diego State University. She is licensed as a Marriage and Family Therapist in both California and Arkansas.
From Medicaid Dependency To A Thriving Commercial Book Of Business – Revenue Diversification For Growing Organizations
In today’s dynamic health care landscape, organizations are seeking innovative ways to secure their financial future while maintaining a competitive edge.
Over the next five years, the role of the commercial health plan will continue to grow in importance to all provider organizations. Already, group and non-group private insurers cover an estimated 179 million individuals—54.7% of the U.S. population—and 45 million individuals, 13.7% of the U.S. population, respectively. And in OPEN MINDS’ recent report of the unwinding of pandemic-era Medicaid coverage, commercial health plans are likely to gain membership.
In this dynamic session, discover how organizations have successfully expanded their revenue streams beyond traditional sources in order to better weather economic uncertainties and gain a distinct edge in the market. Our industry leaders will explore crucial aspects of revenue diversification, its impact on financial sustainability, and the strategic importance of engaging with commercial health plans through real-world examples and case studies.
- Understand how revenue diversification enhances financial sustainability and increases competitive advantage
- Discuss the operating and business model changes associated with working with commercial health plans
- Examine how commercial insurance is an important component of the organizational growth strategy
Rachel Jackson
Rachel Jackson is a seasoned professional with over 15 years of dedicated service in the behavioral health space. Currently serving as the Chief Operating Officer at Recovery Unplugged Behavioral Health, Ms. Jackson plays a pivotal role in overseeing operations across five states, ensuring the delivery of high-quality substance abuse and mental health services to thousands of individuals.
Prior to her current role, Ms. Jackson served as the Director of Compliance at Recovery Unplugged, where her in-depth understanding of state and national standards of care played a crucial role in ensuring the organization’s adherence to regulatory guidelines. Her involvement in revenue analysis, operational efficiency, and the development of systems and processes has been instrumental in the success of Recovery Unplugged, which has positively impacted the lives of over 13,000 patients. Ms. Jackson demonstrates versatile leadership, showcasing a wealth of experience working with diverse populations and organizations with varying funding sources including non-profit, private, and managed care.
Ms. Jackson is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the state of Florida. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Florida Atlantic University and a Masters’ of Science in Mental Health Counseling from NOVA Southeastern University. Her commitment to advancing the field of behavioral health is exemplified by her contributions as an author for a textbook used in graduate-level university courses for psychotherapy.
Ken Carr
Ken Carr brings more than 20 years of finance, technology, data analysis, and reporting experience in the health and human services field to OPEN MINDS. He currently is a Senior Associate with the OPEN MINDS consulting practice. In this role, he has served as a subject matter expert leading numerous engagements in strategic planning, merger and acquisition prospecting, business process improvement, financial analysis of service lines, and technology selection.
Before joining the OPEN MINDS team, he served as the Chief Financial Officer of The Centers, a community mental health center in Ocala, Florida. In this position, Mr. Carr led a realignment of the organization’s financial management functions. This included revenue cycle management, EHR bill implementation and reporting, cash management enhancement, and strategic financial analysis.
Prior to his role at The Centers, Mr. Carr served as Chief Financial Officer of Guild Incorporated, an organization providing residential and community based mental health services in St. Paul, Minnesota. As CFO, Mr. Carr led the financial, billing, IT, quality, informatics, compliance, and facilities activities. During his tenure at Guild Incorporated, Mr. Carr used his expertise in change management and business process improvement to lead the EHR implementation team, align service data reporting and financial performance, and lead the financial and data capture activities for new service initiatives.
Mr. Carr has also held the positions of Administrative Director and Finance Director at the St. Paul National Testing Laboratory, a biomedical testing facility of the American Red Cross. In those positions he oversaw activities to enhance inventory management, align financial results to industry standards, and improve financial and facilities performance through problem analysis and quality management initiatives. He also was involved in directing human resource functions during laboratory closing near the end of his tenure.
Mr. Carr earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of South Dakota and a Master of Divinity Degree from Sioux Falls Seminary. He maintains an active CPA license with the State of South Dakota.
Best Practices For Enhancing Home & Community-Based Service Delivery For Seamless Operations
In 2020 many provider organizations were forced to implement options for home and community-based service delivery overnight. As we approach the four-year anniversary of the start of the pandemic, it is clear that consumer demand for these services is here to stay but are the models implemented mid-pandemic still the most effective? What other tools and opportunities are now available to enhance consumer experience and operational efficiency?
This session is designed to help executives reevaluate and improve current models for home and community-based service delivery. Attendees will –
- Review and understand the current processes available
- Identify bottlenecks and techniques to implement strategies to streamline operations
- Learn how to use technology effectively, such as route optimization software or automated order processing systems, to reduce delivery times and increase the number of successful deliveries within a specific timeframe
Gwen Koenig
Gwen Koenig brings 30 years of social work clinical and administrative experience as the Chief Of Strategic Growth for the Omni Family of Services, a national leader of child and family services in behavioral health, child welfare, and juvenile justice. Throughout her career, Gwen has led foster care, family preservation, and community mental health organizations. In 2016, Gwen transitioned from operations to business development and innovation in the human services space. She has represented companies throughout fifteen states and has been responsible for business procurement, strategic planning, grants management, staff development, and technology innovation in this role. Since 2016, Gwen has been an adjunct faculty at the Colorado State University School of Social Work, teaching courses in macro social work and nonprofit management. From 2021 to 2023, Gwen co-founded SigBee, a technology platform to improve workforce retention in human services.
Gwen holds a master’s degree in social work from the University of Cincinnati. Gwen has presented at numerous national and international conferences, including a key presentation at the National Association of Child Care Workers in Port Elizabeth, South Africa. She has served on various boards and committees with the Family Focused Treatment Association and the Alliance for Strong Families and Communities, among other trade organizations. Gwen resides in Fort Collins, CO where she enjoys the beautiful outdoors with her three sons, volunteers in her community, and keeps active with her rescue animals.
Jodina Hicks, J.D.
Jodina Hicks is the President of Volunteers of America of Pennsylvania (VOAPA). VOAPA is a $12million organization, focused on health equity and housing across Pennsylvania. VOAPA’s mission is to equip and empower individuals and communities experiencing greatest inequity.
Prior, Jodina led UrbanPromise Ministries in Camden, NJ, an organization she helped to start earlier in her career. Jodina led national demonstration projects focused on prison reform and prevention while at Public/Private Ventures, where she helped launch Amachi and the Ready4Work (President’s Reentry Initiative). Both initiatives were highlighted in State of the Union addresses and led to new federal funding streams.
She was a senior executive of the Safer Foundation (IL), a prisoner reentry/employment organization. Her work at Safer reached 10,000 people each year, and her policy work at Safer included the writing and passage of state and local legislation aimed at reducing barriers for formerly incarcerated individuals, federal testimony and state reentry policies and procedures.
Jodina earned her Juris Doctor from Rutgers Law School. Jodina was given the New Jersey Hero Award from the Governor (2014), the MLK legacy award from Rutgers Law School (2018), was named a top 100 Pennsylvania Non-Profit Leaders (2022), and awarded the Mary Philbrook Award (2023).
Christy Dye, MPH
Christy Dye is a data-focused healthcare executive who brings over 30 years of experience supporting provider organizations, state agencies, and communities in achieving their business, operational, and quality goals in health and human services to OPEN MINDS as a Senior Associate. Christy’s career has included working as a state Medicaid leader, a national expert in substance abuse treatment systems, health information exchange and interoperability, and as chief executive for Arizona’s leading integrated primary/behavioral healthcare provider.
Prior to OPEN MINDS, Ms. Dye served as Chief Business Development Officer for Health Current, (division of Contexture), Arizona’s statewide health information exchange (HIE). While there, Ms. Dye developed provider education and training programs in using clinical and administrative data to improve patient outcomes and manage value-based reimbursement contracts. She led the Health Current HIE research data initiative in partnership with Arizona State University and also served as co-principal investigator for a National Institute of Mental Health project at ASU focused on information sharing for behavioral health populations.
Ms. Dye is the former Chief Executive Officer for Partners in Recovery (now Copa Health), an Arizona agency serving more than 10,000 adults with serious mental illness. At Partners she created a network of fully integrated behavioral and primary care clinics for SMI adults, and launched the company’s population health, value-based and complex care programs, including Arizona’s only Medical Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) Team.
Prior to PIR, she served as Division Chief for Clinical and Recovery Services and Arizona’s state substance abuse director at the Arizona Department of Health, Division of Behavioral Health. As a state official, she served on a team charged with the re-design of Medicaid behavioral health benefits in Arizona and oversaw the expansion of the state’s contracted managed care system to a more recovery focused model, including expansion of peer-delivered mental health, addiction, and consumer-operated services.
Ms. Dye graduated from the University of Arizona with a Master’s in Public Health Administration. She received her Bachelor’s degree from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. She is an active member of the Community Advisory Board for Health Informatics at ASU’s College of Health Solutions.