Today’s CEOs are facing more challenges than ever, as demonstrated by the two-decade high in turnover for healthcare CEOs, instability in the global (and national) economy, and an increasingly competitive and rapidly changing post-pandemic health and human service. Despite these pressing challenges, there are key directional trends in the field that are known— such as integrated care models, payviders, retail health care and consumerism, reimbursement tied to performance, price sensitivity, and the end of the public health emergency.
For executives, envisioning the opportunities and future market positioning in the ever-evolving landscape will be a key leadership competency and a critical piece of organizational success. The OPEN MINDS Chief Executive Officer Learning Path was created to equip today’s CEOs with the critical skills and competencies needed to embrace current challenges, make informed decisions, and lead their organizations into the future with confidence.
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MA&A Strategy For A Shifting Market: The 2026 OPEN MINDS Seminar On Planning & Succeeding In Increasing Scale
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
Ray Wolfe, J.D.
Raymond “Ray” Wolfe, J.D. brings over 40 years of experience in the health and human services sector to the OPEN MINDS team. Mr. Wolfe currently serves as a Senior Associate, a position in which he utilizes his expertise to successfully lead varying projects for OPEN MINDS. His areas of expertise include financial analysis and management, mergers and acquisitions, performance improvement, and strategic planning.
Before joining OPEN MINDS, Mr. Wolfe served in a 22 year tenure with Pittsburgh Mercy Health System in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Most recently, Mr. Wolfe served as the organization’s Chief Operating Officer (COO) where he was responsible for oversight of all system operations, strategic planning, and performance management. Under his direction Pittsburgh Mercy achieved over $850K in value-based reimbursement contract quality bonus awards, integrated three organizations through merger/acquisition, and adopted a new performance management program for managers.
Before acting as Pittsburgh Mercy’s COO, Mr. Wolfe served as the organization’s Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and was responsible for the development of internal costing methodologies, contract rate negotiations, and financial forecasting activities. In addition, he coordinated an integrated care program with local partner hospitals to develop a series of diversion and respite programs, as well as, specialized primary care, integrated care management and high utilizer teams, while maintaining 15 straight years profitability.
Mr. Wolfe was promoted to CFO after serving as the Director of Fiscal and Information Security/Compliance for the health system. In this role, he was responsible for managing the transition of service contracts from fee-for-service (FFS), leading all compliance activities, and implementing a next generation electronic health record (EHR) system.
Prior to his time at Pittsburgh Mercy Health System, Mr. Wolfe served as Chief Fiscal Officer with the Summit Center for Human Development in Clarksburg, West Virginia, where he was responsible for reporting and budgeting functions and preparing Summit Center’s programs for FFS billing.
Previously, Mr. Wolfe served in billing and collections for two Pennsylvania-based hospitals. First, as an Accounts Receivables Manager for Brownsville General Hospital in Brownsville, PA, where he managed the accounting and billing system transition systems. Later as a Patient Account Manager for St. Francis Medical Center in Pittsburgh, PA, where he improved collections to hit 95% rate through the implementation of new billing software and department reorganization.
Prior to working in the health and human services market, Mr. Wolfe spent five years practicing as a Lawyer with at Law Offices of Arch A. Moore in Moundsville, WV. In this role he provided general legal practice, created and established bylaws for multiple corporation, and handled West Virginia licensing of first vision insurance plan.
Mr. Wolfe earned his Juris Doctor from the West Virginia University School of Law in Morgantown, WV and his Bachelor’s degree with a focus in Political Science and Sociology from West Liberty University, in Wheeling, WV, where he graduated Magna Cum Laude.
Inside The Payer View: The Future Of Addiction Treatment Service Delivery
As addiction treatment evolves, so do the expectations, innovations, and strategic priorities of the nation’s leading payers. Join Debra Nussbaum, Senior Director, Behavioral Health Evidence Based Services, and National SUD Strategy Lead for Optum, and Monica Oss, Chief Executive Officer of OPEN MINDS, in this fireside chat as they discuss the newest developments shaping service delivery for substance use disorder care—from value-based payment models and quality measurement, to network design, care coordination, digital solutions, and member engagement strategies that drive outcomes.
Attendees will gain a behind-the-scenes look at how payers are redefining best practices to expand access, improve continuity of care, and strengthen accountability across the addiction treatment ecosystem. Understand what providers need to know, what changes are on the horizon, and how to align clinical, operational, and financial strategies to succeed in a payer-driven landscape.
Leaving The Emergency Room Behind: Innovative Programs For Youth
Emergency departments are seeing record numbers of children and adolescents in behavioral health crisis—often waiting hours or even days for appropriate care. Yet many of these youth could be safely and effectively treated in less restrictive, more therapeutic environments.
This session explores how health care organizations and community partners are building behavioral health crisis diversion programs that reroute young people from hospital emergency rooms to the right level of care at the right time. Case studies will showcase successful models for creating a continuum of care designed specifically for children and youth.
During this session, attendees will:
- Discover key components of an effective crisis service continuum for young people.
- Evaluate operational and staffing considerations unique to youth crisis services
- Identify partnership and funding strategies to support community-based crisis alternatives to ED care.
Jennifer Craig, MA, MS, LPC, LCPC, SPHR, SHRM-SCP
Jennifer Craig, MA, MS, LPC, LCPC, SPHR, SHRM-SCP, serves as President and CEO of ReDiscover, an innovative Certified Community Behavioral Health Organization dedicated to serving individuals and families throughout Jackson County, Missouri, in the Kansas City metropolitan region.
With more than 30 years of leadership and clinical experience in behavioral health, Jennifer has worked in community-based, residential, and outpatient settings as both a therapist and senior administrator. Her career reflects a deep commitment to expanding access to high-quality mental health services while strengthening organizational excellence.
Jennifer earned her Bachelor of Science from Northwestern University, her Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, and her Master of Science in Organization and Management with a specialization in Human Resource Management from Capella University. She is licensed as a Professional Counselor (LPC) in Missouri and a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in Illinois. In addition, she holds the Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) and the Society for Human Resource Management Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP) credentials, reflecting her dual expertise in clinical leadership and organizational strategy.
A dedicated community leader, Jennifer serves on numerous boards and commissions. She is Chair of the Lee’s Summit Wellness Commission, Chair of CommCARE, and Secretary/Treasurer of the Metro Council of Community Behavioral Health Centers. She also serves on the following boards: Missouri Behavioral Health Council, the Greater Lee’s Summit Healthcare Foundation, the Lee’s Summit Civic Roundtable, Pro Deo Youth Center, and St. Luke’s Hospital Crittenton Children’s Center.
Previously, Jennifer served on the board of the Illinois Association for Behavioral Health and the Lee’s Summit Chamber of Commerce. She is a former member of the Illinois Counseling Association’s Governing Council and Past President of its Lewis and Clark Chapter. Her professional affiliations include Mental Health Corporations of America, OPEN MINDS, the Society for Human Resource Management, and Rotary International.
Through her integrated expertise in clinical care, executive leadership, and human capital strategy, Jennifer is recognized for advancing sustainable behavioral health systems and fostering strong community partnerships.
Improving Access & Outcomes For The Underinsured Through Subscription-Based Care
Community Health Network is bringing services to the uninsured and underinsured populations through their My Concierge Access Model (MCA), a low-cost, monthly subscription-based program. Designed for underinsured populations, including those on Medicaid, Medicare, and high-risk patients, the program provides care within 24-48 hours for a low monthly fee. With over 1,000 members, CHN is seeing improved outcomes for patients as they are provided affordable, comprehensive health care including virtual medical services, mental health counseling, dental services, and whole person care through the program.
Community Health Network is a non-profit organization headquartered in Houston, Texas, with 15 locations and serving 44,000 patients a year. They provide whole person care including women’s health, pediatrics, remote monitoring, home health, medical, behavioral and dental care. Join this session to discover an innovative program designed to bring much needed services to more individuals.
Mark Young
Yvette Poindexter, M.D., FACOG, MBA
Linh Tran, CPA, 340B ACE, CMPE, CHA, CIFHA, MS
Demi Minter, LPC-S, LCDC
Accountable Care For Autism & I/DD: Inside The ACO Model
What does accountable care look like for individuals with I/DD? This session explores ACO models designed to improve care coordination, outcomes and cost management for this population. Hear directly from ACO leaders and participating providers about governance, data sharing, quality metrics, and financial alignment. Attendees will gain a balanced view of the opportunities and challenges of ACO participation, along with actionable considerations for organizations evaluating or operating within these models.
From Strategy To Action: How Organizations Are Moving Their Strategic Plan From Paper To Performance
Too often, organizational strategic plans sit on a shelf until the next planning cycle rolls around. In this session, discover how organizations are going beyond strategic planning 101 and “owning” the entire strategy analysis, development and implementation process. Learn the secrets to driving toward your organization’s North Star in spite of shifting healthcare policies, market disruptions and funding changes.
During this session, attendees will hear real-world case studies from leaders who seized the reins and moved beyond basic strategic planning to create a vibrant vision and action plan for their organization’s future.
Jeanne Marshall, M.Ed, MA, BCBA, LBA
Jeanne Marshall has been affiliated with the Easterseals Midwest organization since 1987 when she began volunteering and working as a classroom assistant. She graduated from the University of Missouri with a Master’s degree in Special Education in 1991. She served in a variety of program roles prior to becoming the Director of the Training Program in 1997. In 2004, Jeanne was appointed as Chief Program Officer for and continued in that role until 2024 when she was appointed President. In 2004, she completed a Master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis from The University of Nevada and is a Board Certified and Licensed Behavior Analyst. She also holds teaching certifications in Special Education for Learning Disabilities and Behavior Disorders.
Jeanne has served for more than 15 years as a surveyor for CARF International , a not for profit organization that reviews and grants accreditation for organizations providing services in the industry. She has served on the Board of Directors for St. Bridget of Kildare School, The Association for Aging With Developmental Disabilities, the Missouri Association for Behavior Analysis, and The Autism Collective. She currently serves on the Missouri Autism Commission and the Starling Board of Directors.
Justin Chase, LMSW, MBA, FACHE
Justin is a nationally recognized subject matter expert in crisis systems, recovery-oriented systems of care, peer integration, non-profit organizational leadership and development. His expertise also includes developing sustainable, effective and efficient healthcare programs and systems. He has served as a behavioral health administrator, executive, network/program developer, direct practitioner and project manager within the public behavioral health and child welfare system for more than 15 years.
Justin earned Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees in Social Work from Arizona State University and holds a Certificate in Nonprofit Management from Duke University. Justin is a Licensed Master Social Worker in the State of Arizona, Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality, Certified Six Sigma Green Belt, Certified Peer Support Specialist in the State of Arizona, Certified Crisis Interventionist by the American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress and a Fellow with the National Center for Crisis Management and the American College of Healthcare Executives. Justin also serves on the International Council for Helplines Board of Directors.
Is The Behavioral Health Carve-Out Dead? A Payer Roundtable
For decades, behavioral health carve-outs have been a defining feature of managed care, separating mental health and substance use services from medical benefits in the name of cost control, specialization, and network management. But as the industry shifts toward whole-person care, value-based payment, and integrated delivery models, many are asking: Is the carve-out model reaching its end?
In this candid payer roundtable, health plan leaders will discuss how their organizations are evolving behavioral health strategy in response to market pressures, parity requirements, workforce shortages, and growing demand for integration of primary and specialty care. Panelists will explore hybrid models that are emerging and what these changes mean for provider partnerships, contracting, care coordination and data sharing.
Attendees will leave with:
- Direct insight into payer priorities and the future role of specialty behavioral health organizations
- A clearer understanding of how to position organizations for success as the line between behavioral and physical health continues to blur
Jennifer Black, MA, LPC
Jennifer Black is a behavioral health executive with more than 28 years of experience advancing whole-person health solutions. As a business development leader at Carelon Behavioral Health, she drives growth strategy and partners with health plans, employers, and government agencies. As a licensed clinician, she brings expertise from state government and nonprofit care delivery to her work, ensuring outcomes remain at the heart of every initiative.
Steven Pratt, M.D.
Building Scale, Stability & Strategic Advantage Through MA&A
Mergers, acquisitions and affiliations have become essential tools for organizations seeking sustainable growth, operational resilience, and long-term impact. This session explores how health care executives can use MA&A not only as a growth mechanism, but as a strategic lever to build scale, strengthen clinical and operational sustainability, and position their organizations for future success.
Case studies will examine how to align MA&A strategy with mission, culture, and patient outcomes, while navigating market volatility and regulatory complexity. Attendees will gain practical insights into identifying the right opportunities, assessing strategic fit, and integrating organizations in ways that preserve quality of care and accelerate performance.
Key takeaways include:
- A framework for using MA&A to drive competitive advantage and expand service capabilities
- How to identify the right opportunities and create a durable organization that is prepared to thrive in a dynamic market
- Best practices for integrating organizations while still maintaining mission and culture without sacrificing outcomes
Bev Johnson, MHA, MS
Ms. Johnson is a dedicated healthcare leader with a diverse academic and professional background. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Health Science and a Master of Healthcare Administration from the University of Florida, as well as a Master of Science in Physiology from San Diego State University. Throughout her career, Ms. Johnson has worked in both for-profit and nonprofit healthcare environments, ultimately discovering her passion for advocating on behalf of individuals with complex needs.
A servant leader at heart, Ms. Johnson is driven by the belief that meaningful change happens one person, one community at a time. She excels in developing innovative programs and thrives on the possibility of transformative impact. Known as a calculated risk-taker, she believes that true progress requires challenging boundaries and thinking beyond conventional limits.
As President and CEO of Easterseals, Ms. Johnson is responsible for setting the organization’s vision and developing the strategies necessary to achieve its goals. She leads with a collaborative approach, working closely with a volunteer Board of Directors and playing an active leadership role in the broader community. Ms. Johnson is also passionate about building strong, impactful partnerships and empowering teams to drive success.
The Road Ahead For Autism & I/DD Organizations: A Payer & Provider Executive Roundtable
This closing panel brings together senior leaders from Autism & I/DD provider organizations and payer partners for a candid discussion on the future of the field. Panelists will address shared challenges, evolving expectations, and opportunities for collaboration across care delivery, reimbursement, and innovation. Designed as an interactive executive dialogue, this session will leave attendees with forward-looking perspectives and practical takeaways to guide strategic planning in an increasingly complex I/DD landscape.
Rebecca Richwine, MS
Becki Richwine is the Senior Vice President for Merakey’s Children & Family Services, responsible for overseeing all program operations and driving clinical and business development. She began her career at Merakey in 2007 as the Regional Director of Autism Services. Becki’s leadership has been instrumental in significantly expanding program operations, while she continues to foster new ideas to improve programming for all Merakey children’s services.
Becki received her BA in Psychology from Shippensburg University and went on to receive her Master’s in Clinical Psychology with a focus in Behavioral Disorders and Social Emotional Disorders. She started her career in human services as Therapeutic Support Staff before moving into management roles, such as the Assistant Director of BHRS, the Director of Outpatient Services, the Executive Director of Operations, and the Vice President of Education & Autism Services.
In her over 20 years of experience, Rebecca has focused her career on delivering high quality services to all individuals in need and skilling operational and clinical leaders to help fulfill that mission.
Dean Pastras, ACSW, LCSW
Looking Towards The Horizon: How Magellan Health Is Advancing Behavioral Health Through Clinical Innovation
Leaders at Magellan Health are looking to the future as the organization transitions to an independent managed behavioral health care organization. In this keynote, Dr. Steven Pratt, Chief Medical Officer of Magellan Health, will share how the company plans to expand its clinical services into new markets with enhanced technology, AI, data and analytical solutions, providing quality access to care to more communities. Discover how Magellan is continuing to focus on whole person care, excellent customer service, and collaborating more effectively with providers to improve outcomes for complex populations.
Steven Pratt, M.D.
The National Market Trends Driving Changes In Government Health & Human Service Management
Join us as we kick off the day by diving into the national policy, funding, and market forces reshaping county health and human services systems. Attendees will leave with a clear understanding of how federal shifts, state funding recalibration, value-based expectations, and rising demand are redefining county accountability and performance expectations. Hear why counties are not simply administrators of programs, but integrators of care and stewards of measurable outcomes in a resource-constrained environment.
Making Mergers Work: Integration For Financial & Operational Success
M&A success depends on what happens after the deal closes. Learn key principles of post-merger integration—from financial harmonization and governance to culture, staffing, and communication planning.
Paul Duck
Paul M. Duck brings over 25 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 – responsible for a 30% increase in net revenue and initiated over $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 Bachelor 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.
State Leaders Driving Behavioral Health Innovation: A Panel Discussion
As behavioral health systems face rising demand, workforce shortages, and evolving payer and regulatory expectations, state leaders are playing a pivotal role in shaping the future of care delivery. This session brings together a panel of state leaders to share how they are advancing behavioral health transformation through strategic funding, policy reform, cross-agency collaboration, and data-driven initiatives.
Health care executives will gain insight into emerging state priorities, innovative programs, and scalable models that are improving access, quality, and outcomes across mental health, substance use, and integrated care settings. The discussion will highlight practical implications for providers, including opportunities to align organizational strategy with state initiatives, leverage public funding, and prepare for what’s next in behavioral health policy and system design. Leave with a clearer understanding of how state-level innovation is reshaping the behavioral health landscape – and how executive leaders can partner effectively with states to drive sustainable, mission-aligned growth.
Nora K. Bock, MS, LPC
Nora Bock serves as the Director of the Division of Behavioral Health at the Missouri Department of Mental Health. She is a recognized behavioral health leader focused on strengthening public mental health systems through cross sector partnerships. Her work spans community-based prevention, treatment, and recovery services, as well as forensic services, hospital oversight, and innovative public-private collaborations that increase access and improve outcomes across complex public behavioral health environments.
Nick Boukas, MPA
Nick Boukas is the Director of Behavioral Health Services at the New Mexico Health Care Authority. Mr. Boukas has served in various roles in public service for city, county, regional and state government agencies and national organizations working with the CDC and other Federal agencies on policy and programs. He has been an invited speaker to national and regional conferences speaking on various topics ranging from workforce development to
community engagement. Prior to his appointment in 2023, Mr. Boukas worked at the New Mexico Department of Health. His focus has been to strengthen the behavioral health system to make New Mexico a healthier place. He has a Masters Degree in Public Administration and lives in Santa Fe with his wife and dogs.
Housing As Health Care: Delivering Services Despite Funding Cuts
The connection between stable housing and improved health outcomes has never been more evident. This session will examine how behavioral health leaders can sustain and even strengthen housing-related services in the face of shrinking budgets, reimbursement challenges, and shifting regulatory landscapes.
Through real-world examples, data informed strategies, and innovative partnerships, presenters will explore operational and financial models that allow organizations to continue delivering housing supports that directly impact emergency utilization, care continuity, and long-term recovery.
Attendees will gain insight into:
- Creative financing and braided-funding solutions that offset program cuts
- Cross-sector collaborations with public agencies, payers and community partners
- Proven approaches for integrating housing into care management and value-based care models
Amanda Zwirecki, MSEd
Amanda M.V. Bartz, LCSW-R
Amanda Bartz serves as Endeavor’s Vice President of Clinical Operations, providing strategic oversight of program development, quality assurance, and service delivery across the organization. She began her career at Endeavor in 2008, working directly with children, adolescents, and families, which is an experience that continues to inform her commitment to reducing barriers to care and expanding access to effective, equitable treatment. With a strong background in trauma-informed care and systems of coordination, Amanda plays a key role in advancing Endeavor’s integrated model of care. In this feature, she offers a behind-the-scenes perspective on the agency’s work to support youth, families, and underserved populations, highlighting how Endeavor’s approach fosters resilience and sustainable outcomes from the ground up.
Navigating The Investment Landscape: A Panel Session
As the health care market continues to evolve, investment opportunities in the sector are becoming more dynamic and complex. This panel will bring together experts from the worlds of health care, finance, and venture capital to explore the latest trends and innovations shaping health care investment today. From cutting-edge technologies like AI and remote monitoring systems to shifts in policy and regulation, the discussion will highlight emerging opportunities, potential risks, and strategies for navigating this fast-paced and ever-changing industry. Attendees will gain insights into the key drivers of health care investment, as well as the challenges investors must consider when evaluating new ventures. Whether you’re an investor looking for the next big opportunity or a health care professional seeking to understand today’s investment landscape, this session will provide valuable perspectives on how to successfully navigate the future of health care investment.
Aaron Baca
Aaron joined Vista Care in 2024 to help lead the development of the next wave of tech-enabled I/DD services. Before Vista Care, he founded Mox Capital, where he partnered with innovative healthcare companies focused on reducing costs and enhancing outcomes. Aaron also served as Head of Healthcare and Life Sciences at Kingfish Group, where he sourced investment opportunities and drove strategic growth for portfolio companies. He holds a BA from Stanford University and a Master’s Degree from Oxford University.
Grant Chamberlain
Grant Chamberlain joined Ziegler in 2015 as a managing director in the Healthcare Investment Banking Practice. With over 25 years of investment banking experience, Grant has dedicated the majority of his career to advising HCIT and tech-enabled outsourced services companies with particular focus on transactions with telehealth companies such as Vimly, CXC, TM2U, Somnoware, Avera eCare, Philips Lifeline / ConnectAmerica, Tridiuum, Anelto, SmartMeter, CancerIQ, Validic, Doctible, CentralLogic, SCI, Regroup, Forefront, Basys, Airstrip, Forefront, IRIS, MDLIVE and Voalte.
Prior to Ziegler, Grant led the mHealth sector coverage at Raymond James – which included telehealth, remote monitoring and wireless healthcare solutions – after spending 25 years advising HCIT and tech-enabled outsourced services companies on a broad variety of M&A, joint ventures/partnerships and private financings. Additionally, Grant has completed dozens of transactions in the physician practice management space with a specific concentration in oncology, having closed over 15 deals in that sector in his career.
Prior to Raymond James, Grant was a principal at Shattuck Hammond Partners, which was acquired by Morgan Keegan. He was also a part of the corporate finance group of General Electric Capital Corporation and the financial services division of GE Medical Systems.
In addition, Grant is an elected Director of the ATA, the leading international advocate for the use of advanced remote medical technologies. He is also on the Board of Directors for The MAVEN Project, which uses telehealth and a network of volunteer physicians affiliated with the nation’s foremost medical school alumni associations to improve healthcare access for underserved populations.
Grant earned a B.A. in finance and investment banking from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Eric Keen
Prior to founding Civitas Growth Partners, Eric accumulated 20 years of experience as a private equity investor, including over a decade as a General Partner at Council Capital. His prior engagements include roles at leading middle-market private equity firms including DW Healthcare Partners, The Riverside Company, and Norwest Equity Partners. Prior to his tenure as a private equity investor, he spent time in management consulting at Marakon Associates and investment banking at Credit Suisse First Boston. He earned his BA in finance and political science from the University of Illinois in 2000. Outside of work, Keen also serves on the board of Hope College, Siloam Health, and Currey Ingram Academy, and was selected as a member of the 2016 Nashville Health Care Council Fellows program. He and his wife Macy have been blessed with four children, ranging in age from 16 to 10.
Tania S. Malik, J.D.
As co-founder of The Office of CEO, Tania brings a 25-year success record of C-level leadership, board experience, interim executive engagements, consultancy, investor experience, and serial entrepreneurship with multiple successful exits. Over the course of her career, she has realized several industry firsts as she launched several telemedicine companies starting in 1999. She is the Founder or Co-Founder of Medical Web, Inc, Virtual Medical Group, Inc. 1stonlinepharmacy.com (all related to online primary care with Medical Web being acquired), Vital Health Network. LLC (an online naturopathic company that implemented with Aetna), COPE Today, LLC (a telemental health company acquired by a venture firm), Virtual Medical Services and Veteran Benefit Management Services (dedicated to providing Independent Medical Opinions for veterans).
After two exits, she pivoted to board work, consultancy, and investments.
She serves as executive advisor to Excelerate Health Ventures (focusing on health SAAS companies) and member of Triangle Angel Partners (includes companies outside of healthcare).
As COO of the Center of Digital Health, Innovation and Telehealth for Optum, she focused on a virtual-first care delivery model. She also served as a strategic advisory board member for OmnySense, Inc. and Innovatel Telepsychiatry, acquired by Quartet Health in 2021. As co-founder and CEO of Medical Web, she led the first-of-its-kind online physician-patient communication platform to acquisition in 2014. She also served on the Board of Directors for Mindcare Solutions Group upon its 2013 acquisition of COPE Today, and is currently serving on the Board of Directors for Planned Parenthood Direct and other non-profit boards. She is a Fellow in the American Telemedicine Association (ATA) College of Fellows and was the ATA Woman of the Year in 2020.
Early in her career, Tania practiced law as a Senior Enforcement Attorney with the Commissioner of Insurance for the State of Georgia, and held the position of Administrative Law Judge with the Office of State Administrative Hearings (OSAH) as well as General Counsel for an HMO, Master Health Plan, Inc. A key tenure in management consulting with PricewaterhouseCoopers’ healthcare practice in Atlanta served as a launch pad for business and entrepreneurial opportunities across the healthcare space.
Tania holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill University, and a Doctor of Law from Georgia State University College of Law.
Steven J. Mason Jr., M.Ed.
Steven is a Managing Partner and healthcare industry veteran with more than 25 years of experience starting and operating market-leading technology and services companies in the health and human services industries.
He has been instrumental in Fund I’s investments, including Care Continuity, where he recently served as CEO. Prior to serving as Executive Vice President at Iodine, Steven was the Chief Executive Officer at ChartWise Medical Systems, Inc., a computer-assisted clinical documentation system company that automated and improved the completeness and accuracy of physician documentation for faster and more optimal reimbursement of services provided. Iodine acquired ChartWise in 2021.
Prior to his success with ChartWise, he led several successful start-up ventures including OnFocus Healthcare, a leading provider of web-based enterprise performance management software solutions for healthcare providers and payers. The company was acquired by MedeAnalytics, where he was Senior Vice President and General Manager of the EPM Business Unit. In this role, Steven was primarily responsible for integrating, managing, and growing the Mede Performance Management (MedePM) business unit within the broader MedeAnalytics portfolio.
Additionally, he was Co-Founder, President and Chief Executive Officer of Qualifacts Systems, a SaaS based electronic medical records software provider, and Chief Operating Officer of Camelot Care Centers, a national behavioral healthcare provider organization.
Steven received his BA in History from the University of Mississippi and an M.Ed. Human and Organizational development / counseling from Vanderbilt University. Mr. Mason currently serves on the Board of Directors of several private digital health companies.
Danish Munir
Danish is a Founding Partner of GreyMatter, a VC firm dedicated to advancing innovation in mental & brain health through a systems change approach.
Prior to GreyMatter, Danish founded Genoa Telepsychiatry one of the first (and prior to the pandemic, the largest) telepsychiatry companies in the country, which was acquired by Optum. At Optum he participated in the early transformation of their behavioral health network, working with numerous emerging mental health startups, that have since gone on to become defining companies in our space. GreyMatter was born out of the desire to continue this work to support bold founders pushing this space forward.
Danish started his career at Microsoft. He received a Bachelor of Science and Engineering, Computer information Sciences from The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.
Danish grew up in Karachi, and considers both Karachi and New York home. His interests include cutting edge developments in mental health and therapeutics, ultimate frisbee and live music, and he is an active angel investor.
Moving Government Health & Human Service Contracting To Performance-Based Models
During this session we’ll examine real-world examples of counties transitioning from volume-based or compliance-driven contracting to performance-based models tied to outcomes and value. Attendees will take away the financial, operational, and political implications of this shift, including procurement alignment, provider readiness, and performance metrics, and discover a roadmap for aligning contracts, data systems, and oversight processes to support measurable impact while safeguarding public funds.
Chief Executive Officer Networking Luncheon
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. (To register, contact Erin Deppen, Education Events Manager, at 717-334-1329 or edeppen@openminds.com.)
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 and 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.
Michael Allen
Michael Allen brings over 30 years of experience in the non-profit behavioral healthcare industry to the OPEN MINDS team. He currently serves as an Executive Vice President in our consulting practice, where he provides executive oversight and leadership to provider and payer client engagements for OPEN MINDS.
Mr. Allen was most recently the Chief Executive Officer of SummitStone Health Partners, the largest non-profit behavioral health service provider in Larimer County, CO. In this role Mr. Allen was responsible for the planning deployment, communication and accomplishment of SummitStone Health Partners’ overarching corporate strategy. He managed a budget of $80Million and was responsible for more than 750 full time employees and over 12,000 clients annually.
Prior to SummitStone Health Partners, Mr. Allen served as the Vice President of Managed Care & Operations at AspenPointe (now Diversus Health). At AspenPointe he developed and managed a system of accountability for monitoring and evaluating provider performance in seven Colorado counties. He was also responsible for the quality management oversight of all business lines, as well as managing a substance abuse treatment contract with the Colorado Division of Behavioral Health and a child welfare services agreement with El Paso County Department of Human Services.
Previously, Mr. Allen was the Director of Clinical Care for Connect Care, (rebranded as AspenPointe in 2010). In this position Mr. Allen provided supervision to the clinical staff, as well as developing clinical guidelines and services. He was also the project director for the 4th Judicial District Family Reunification Grant and he oversaw care coordination and voucher management functions for Colorado Access to Recovery Grant.
Before Connect Care, Mr. Allen was the Director of Child Welfare Services for Signal Behavioral Health Network, a non-profit that has been managing and expanding substance use prevention, treatment and recovery services in northeast Colorado for over 25 years. Mr. Allen managed a network of Substance Use Disorder treatment providers, programs and services across 35 Colorado counties.
Mr. Allen earned a Bachelor of Arts in Design/Psychology from Brigham Young University, a Masters in Social Work from Case Western Reserve University, and a Masters in Business Administration from Colorado State University. He is a Licensed Social Worker and a Certified Addictions Specialist in Colorado.
Bringing Care To The Consumer: Treatment In Non-Traditional Settings
As the behavioral health landscape evolves, traditional clinic-based models no longer meet the expectations—or the needs—of today’s consumers. From mobile crisis units and street medicine to retail health clinics, care delivery is moving beyond the four walls of traditional office settings.
This session brings together behavioral health leaders who are redefining access and engagement through consumer-centered, flexible care models that (literally) meet people where they are: in a church, at their school or on the street. Panelists will explore how organizations are embedding treatment in these everyday environments, building trust, breaking down stigma and access barriers, and creating sustainable reimbursement and operational frameworks that support care outside conventional facilities.
This session will highlight approaches that:
- Reduce barriers to care and reach underserved populations
- Integrate healthcare services into medical, community and virtual settings
- Align with value-based care goals and payer strategies
Rochelle Head-Dunham, M.D., DFAPA, FASAM
Rochelle Head-Dunham, MD, DFAPA, FASAM, an Endowed Professor at LSU School of Medicine, is an Addiction Psychiatrist with academic appointments as Clinical Associate Professor and Clinical Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at LSU and Tulane University Schools of Medicine, respectively. Her past immediate appointments were Assistant Secretary and Medical Director for the Office of Behavioral Health (OBH) within the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH). In that capacity, she represented the state of Louisiana nationally as the Mental Health and Addictive Disorders Authority, serving as both the Commissioner of Mental Health for the National Association of Mental Health Program Directors (NASMHPD), and the Single State Agency Director for the National Association of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Directors (NASADAD).
Dr. Head-Dunham’s academic and administrative leadership has fostered noteworthy advances in the fields of addiction and mental health. She has served as a subject matter expert on various national and state platforms informing best practices for the field of behavioral health. Her clinical accolades include Clinical Faculty of the Year for the 2021 academic year at LSU School of Medicine. In 2019 she was the recipient of the Nyswander/Dole Award from the American Association for the Treatment of Opioid Dependence, INC. (AATOD). Both awards are demonstrative of her career success as a thought leader and strategist for programmatic and provider development, well documented by extensive lectures and trainings, both locally and nationally. Her clinical acumen coupled with her transformative management style has shaped an administrative career that fosters enduring changes for both systems, organizational and individual levels of performance.
Dr. Rochelle Head-Dunham is a New Orleans native who currently serves as the Executive Director and Medical Director for Metropolitan Human Services District (MHSD), a state local governing entity tasked with service delivery for indigent and Medicaid ensured persons living with mental illness, substance use disorders and intellectual/developmental disabilities, residing in Orleans and neighboring parishes.
Kim Despres, DHA, RN
Scaling Coordinated Care Models For Safety Net Services For High-Needs Population
During this session, panelists will focus on what it truly takes to scale coordinated care beyond pilot programs. Attendees will explore leadership lessons, funding strategies, technology infrastructure, and cross-sector partnerships required to support high-need populations, particularly those interacting with multiple systems. Leave this session with clarity on the enabling conditions for sustainable scale, common pitfalls in multi-system coordination, and how counties can position themselves as accountable hubs for whole-person, safety-net care.
Strategy With Purpose: Creating Growth, Competitive Advantage & Sustainable Impact
For leaders in health and human services, challenging times present a unique opportunity to rethink strategy, reimagine service delivery, and redefine marketing approaches. Join Monica E. Oss, Chief Executive Officer of OPEN MINDS, as she takes a candid look at the current industry landscape and offers actionable insights and tools to help organizations take control of their strategy, focus on their strengths and mission, and emerge stronger.
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 and 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.