
Speakers
October 21-24, 2025 | Boise, Idaho
Keynote Session Speaker
Keynote Session
Greg Kettner
Greg Kettner is on a bold mission to help one million people WorkHappy — because life’s too short to spend it stuck in a boring meeting.
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He passionately champions the idea that a thriving workplace begins with putting people before profits, creating a culture where well-being and productivity go hand in hand.
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With 27 years of sales and leadership experience at renowned organizations like Nike, SAP, and even the National Hockey League, he has developed the WorkHappy Framework — a practical gameplan that distills invaluable lessons into strategies that actually work and won’t put you to sleep.
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A master connector, he’s shared memorable moments with hockey icon Wayne Gretzky, shared the stage with legendary comedian Robin Williams, and once had a humorous encounter with Queen Elizabeth — no royal crowns or tiaras were harmed in the process.
His engaging style and relatable stories make him a captivating speaker, capable of turning even the most serious topics into enjoyable, insightful conversations.
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As an expert in mental fitness, happiness, and resilience, Greg is a sought-after speaker and trainer whose advice is backed by evidence — and occasionally, a good laugh.
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His actionable techniques empower individuals and organizations to harness their mental strength, reduce stress, and boost overall job satisfaction, proving that a happier workplace isn’t just a nice idea — it’s a smart business strategy.
Pre-Conference Workshop Speaker
NFPA 99: Health Care Facilities Code Overview
​Lindsey Brackett, CHC, CHFM, CHOP, CSSBB, FASHE - Chief Empowerment Officer, Legacy FM
Lindsey Brackett is a nationally recognized leader in healthcare facilities management and education, serving as the Chief Empowerment Officer of Legacy FM. With over a decade of experience, she has dedicated her career to equipping healthcare facilities teams with the knowledge and tools they need to operate safely, efficiently, and compliantly.
Lindsey holds multiple advanced credentials, including Certified Healthcare Constructor (CHC), Certified Healthcare Facility Manager (CHFM), Certified Healthcare Operations Professional (CHOP), Certified Health Care Physical Environment Worker, and Lean Six Sigma Black Belt for Healthcare (CSSBB-HC). She is a Fellow of the American Society for Health Care Engineering (FASHE), a distinction awarded for exceptional leadership and contributions to the field.
As an ASHE Faculty Member, Lindsey has taught thousands of professionals across the country. She has developed and delivered high-impact educational programs, authored numerous articles and white papers, and led strategic initiatives within professional organizations to advance the industry. Her work at Legacy FM focuses on developing comprehensive training programs, competency frameworks, and empowerment strategies for nearly 300 hospitals nationwide.
A passionate advocate for continuous improvement and workforce development, Lindsey continues to inspire and lead by example, bridging the gap between technical knowledge and real-world application.
Abstract
This one-day interactive workshop introduces healthcare facilities professionals to the essential requirements and practical applications of NFPA 99: Health Care Facilities Code. Designed to support safe, compliant design, construction, and maintenance of critical systems in healthcare environments, the course provides a practical overview of NFPA 99's risk-based framework. Participants will learn how to classify spaces and equipment using risk categories 1 through 4, based on the potential impact on patients, and apply this approach to real-world scenarios.
The workshop explores system-specific requirements for medical gas and vacuum systems, including installation, inspection, testing, maintenance, and documentation needed to meet CMS Conditions of Participation. Participants will also review essential electrical systems in alignment with NFPA 70, NFPA 110, and CMS K-Tags. Additional coverage includes plumbing, HVAC, fire protection, hyperbaric facilities, information technology, and emergency management requirements.
By the end of the session, participants will be empowered to navigate NFPA 99 requirements, classify risk appropriately, identify and correct compliance gaps, and maintain healthcare systems in a way that promotes patient safety, regulatory alignment, and operational resilience.
General Session Speakers
Creating Ventilation Management Program plans using the new ASHRAE/ASHE Guideline 43
Dana F. "Dino" Coliano, MBA - Principal, Avanzare Advisory Services
Dino Coliano was recently the Healthcare Vertical Market Leader for The Climate Control Group based in Oklahoma City. Prior to CCG, Dino was the Head of Healthcare for Siemens Smart Infrastructure where he worked in Sales and Marketing leadership roles for over 15 years. He also held Sales and Marketing leadership roles with Setra Systems, Johnson Controls, STERIS, Premier GPO, and Baxter Healthcare over the prior 20 years.
Dino is a 28-year active member of the American Society for Healthcare Engineering. He is a national speaker on Space Ventilation/Ventilation Management Programs and has presented at ASHE and local ASHE chapters conferences and meetings over the last 7 years. He is a member of the ASHRAE/ASHE 170 & 43 Committees.
Dino earned his Master of Business Administration from the University of Notre Dame and his Bachelor of Science from Indiana University. He also served honorably as a Captain in the United States Army.
Jonathan Flannery, MHSA, CHFM, FASHE, FACHE - Senior Associate Director of Regulatory Affairs, American Society for Healthcare Engineering (ASHE)
As the Senior Associate Director, ASHE Regulatory Affairs of the American Society for Health Care Engineering of the American Hospital Association, Jonathan manages ASHE’s advocacy relations to federal agencies and code development organizations that affect the healthcare physical environment. Jonathan provides testimony, engages in deliberation, and develops public comments on proposed regulations to the benefit of ASHE and AHA members. Jonathan has over 34 years of health care engineering experience and has served previously as the Executive Director of Engineering and Operations at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences and Acting Administrative Officer at Gallup Indian Medical Center. Jonathan currently serves as a voting member of ASHRAE Standard Committees 241, Control of Infectious Aerosols, 514, Risk Management for Building Water Systems: Physical, Chemical, and Microbial Hazards and 170, Ventilation of Health Care Facilities; NFPA 90A & B Standard for the Installation of Air-Conditioning and Ventilating Systems and the International Code Council Committee on Health Care and Fire Code Development Committee. Jonathan serves as ASHE faculty teaching national programs on healthcare construction, managing life safety, fundamentals of healthcare engineering and has presented at national conferences in relation to the health care physical environment and was the project manager for the development, implementation and education programs for the ASHE ICRA 2.0 documents and training programs. Jonathan is a certified health care facility manager and has a master’s in health systems administration.
Abstract
To support clinical care, infection control, and ongoing patient care as well as satisfy accreditation compliance requirements, hospital facilities staff operate and maintain a large inventory of equipment that serve critical and non-critical ventilated spaces. To ensure the built environment enhances the healing environment, there is a need for a Ventilation Management Program to control airborne contaminants by ensuring proper pressure relationships, temperature, humidity, filtration efficiencies, and air exchange rates are maintained as well as inspection, testing, and maintenance activities are completed and documented. Over the last 7 years, there have been several presentations and articles on this subject. This presentation identifies how we have met compliance using ASHRAE/ASHE Standard 170, introduces newly created ASHRAE/ASHE Guideline 43, introduces the concept of a Ventilation Management Plan, and pulls together many of the best practices identified in the available resources as well as many Hospitals visits nationally.
Learning Objectives
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Understand the new ASHRAE/ASHE Guideline 43 Operations Guideline for Ventilation of Health Care Facilities and its’ potential impact on your space ventilation program.
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Provide education for hospital staff on how to create, monitor, and maintain a Ventilation Management Program.
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Identify the available resources and best practices for hospital facilities engineers to develop a Ventilation Management Program.
It’s More Than a Project: How We Build Success with Operations
Brady Housden, CHC, CHFM, CHOP-B, FDAI - Senior Project Manager, Community Health Network
Brady Housden is a seasoned healthcare facilities leader and project manager with over 20 years of experience. Currently at Community Health Network’s Community South Hospital, he specializes in creating safe, compliant, and healing environments. Known for his expertise in fire protection and operational excellence, Brady is a trusted voice in healthcare engineering and a longtime advocate for safety and compliance.
Abstract
Having recently transitioned from operations to project management, I’ve seen firsthand how vital it is to bring both perspectives together. In this session, I’ll share how my experience on the operations side has shaped the way I approach projects today. By working closely with operations staff, I’ve learned that true project success comes from understanding their needs, minimizing disruption, and ensuring that every project aligns with the everyday realities of healthcare. When we collaborate, we build success—not just for the project, but for the whole team.
Learning Objectives
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Identify and apply effective strategies for bridging the gap between project teams and operations staff, fostering collaboration, and ensuring smoother project delivery with minimal disruption.
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Develop practical skills for engaging operations staff early in the project lifecycle, ensuring alignment, addressing risks, and creating outcomes that benefit both the project and ongoing operations.
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Learn how to navigate the challenges of balancing project goals with operational needs, ensuring both successful project outcomes and seamless continuity in healthcare environments.
Barrier Management Best practices
Scott Clinton, CHFM - Building Performance Specialist, UMC
Scott is an accomplished Facilities Manager with 13-yrs experience in large healthcare facilities. 9-yrs working directly with regulatory inspections & infection prevention teams. Served as 2022 WSSHE State President.
Stacey Easley - Facilities Manager, St Lukes Health System
Brady Housden, CHC, CHFM, CHOP-B, FDAI - Senior Project Manager, Community Health Network
Brady Housden is a seasoned healthcare facilities leader and project manager with over 20 years of experience. Currently at Community Health Network’s Community South Hospital, he specializes in creating safe, compliant, and healing environments. Known for his expertise in fire protection and operational excellence, Brady is a trusted voice in healthcare engineering and a longtime advocate for safety and compliance.
Nathan Waye - Strategic Healthcare Account Manager, STI Firestop
As the Strategic Healthcare Account Manager for the Pacific Northwest at Specified Technologies Inc. (STI), Nate leverages over a decade of experience in healthcare support services and life safety compliance.
He works closely with hospital facility teams, contractors, and leadership to deliver education and guidance that ensure fire and smoke barrier compliance. An active member of his local ASHE chapters, Nate plays a key role in organizing educational initiatives and supporting professional development within the healthcare facilities community.
Abstract
Participants will explore the role of passive fire protection in healthcare settings, gaining insights into construction processes, understanding the importance of a barrier management program and how to implement it within a facility or project.
Learning Objectives
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Understand the importance of Rated barriers and compartmentation in healthcare facilities.
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Explain how to implement a Barrier management program in facilities.
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Explain the importance of standardization as well as education for internal staff as well as contractors.
Successful Collaboration for Occupied ED Renovation & Expansion
Patrick Rank, CHC ASHE - Sr. Project Manager, Lease Crutcher Lewis
Patrick Rank has 28 years of construction experience with a focus in major campus renovations and expansions for clients in healthcare and higher education. With a passion for continuous improvement in the built environment, Pat advocates for both improving the energy efficiency of buildings as well as lean construction practices.
Patrick earned his Bachelor’s of Science in Engineering from Milwaukee School of Engineering. He is active in numerous healthcare industry organizations such as local chapters of OSHE and WSHE and keeps current on the latest best practices in patient care design and construction.
Thomas Wesel, AIA, NCARB, AHC, OSHE, WSHE - Principal, JRJ Architects
Tom is well established in the Pacific Northwest healthcare field and has a deep and diverse portfolio of projects, spanning all aspects of on and off campus environments. As an active member of the region’s architectural healthcare profession, he facilitates opportunities for staff to keep up to date on national trends and advancements in the design and delivery of healthcare facilities, with a consistent focus on delivering exemplary patient care spaces. With 32 years of experience spanning numerous healthcare facility types, Tom’s design expertise covers the full scope of a project from initial concept through construction documentation and close-out.
Tom earned his Bachelor’s of Architecture from The Ohio State University and Masters of Architecture from the University of Oregon. A licensed Architect in Washington, Oregon, Montana, California and Texas, he is active in numerous healthcare industry organizations and keeps current on the latest trends in facility design for improved patient care.
Abstract
Participants will explore the role of passive fire protection in healthcare settings, gaining insights into construction processes, understanding the importance of a barrier management program and how to implement it within a facility or project.
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Learning Objectives
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Understand the importance of Rated barriers and compartmentation in healthcare facilities.
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Explain how to implement a Barrier management program in facilities.
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Explain the importance of standardization as well as education for internal staff as well as contractors.
Down to Earth Sustainability: Practical Solutions for Healthcare Facilities
Tim Johnson, PE, BEMP, LEED AP BD+C - Director, Sustainability | Mechanical Engineer, Cushing Terrell
Tim is a passionate mechanical engineer and Director of Sustainability at Cushing Terrell. With about 20 years of experience, he is a specialist in developing energy-efficient solutions for multiple market sectors through energy analysis and modeling. Tim is a dedicated advocate for high-performance design, such as those for achieving carbon reduction, meeting Architecture 2030 goals, and striving for net-zero carbon emissions. He skillfully utilizes simulated and measured data to inform design decisions, drive industry trends, and maximize investments.
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Derek Miller, MBA - Director of Facilities Idaho and Oregon, Saint Alphonsus
Derek has an MBA in Business Administration and is affiliated with ASHE and NFPA. In his current role as Facility Director for Saint Alphonsus in Idaho and Oregon he oversees 4 hospitals comprising 780 beds and over 30 Medical Office buildings that serve southern Idaho and Eastern Oregon. He brings both strategic insight and operational discipline to implementing green practices that improve patient safety, staff well-being, and long-term infrastructure performance.
Abstract​
There are tangible environmental, economic, and human-centered benefits associated with incorporating sustainable design solutions in healthcare facilities. However, given the complex nature of healthcare design, incorporating holistic sustainability solutions can feel overwhelming. This session will bring sustainability "down to earth," identifying practical strategies that can improve patient health and experience, lower operations and maintenance costs, and reduce carbon footprint.
As Director of Sustainability for Cushing Terrell, Tim led the efforts to develop a sustainable design excellence framework for architectural and engineering projects. In this session, Tim will introduce a basic framework to use when collaborating with stakeholders that will help focus conversations around the most impactful areas of sustainability. Using this framework, he'll explore indoor air quality during periods of low outdoor air quality, practical energy reduction strategies, and how to use biophilia and natural daylight to improve occupant experience.
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Learning Objectives
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Understand the diverse benefits of sustainable healthcare design
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Acquire a practical framework for integrating sustainability into healthcare facilities
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Explore specific strategies for improving indoor air quality, reducing energy and carbon emissions, and enhancing occupant experience
Navigating Water Management: ASHRAE 514 & AAMI ST-108
Shane Sullivan, BOD: California Society for Healthcare Engineering - VP of Sales, Nephros, Inc.
Shane received his bachelors of science from the University of Southern California and had spent the past 25+ years serving in healthcare, life science and biopharmaceutical environments.
In the past thirteen years he’s been focused on raising awareness and addressing water quality in dialysis and healthcare in an effort to reduce healthcare associated infections. He’s spent the past four years on the board or directors for both the California APIC Coordinating Council and Greater Los Angeles Chapter for the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and was recently elected and serving on the board for the California Society for Healthcare Engineering.
The focus of his talk will revolve around the latest Regulations (AAMI ST-108) and Guidance (ASHRAE 514) related to water quality that impacts your healthcare facilities today.
Abstract​
Navigating Regulatory Guidance and Best Practices in Water Management today.
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Learning Objectives
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AAMI ST-108
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Water Quality in Reprocessing - Why does it matter?
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Is Testing just Guidance or is it Required?
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What's Tested.? Frequency? Why?
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ASHRAE 514
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What are the most Significant Changes within 514?
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What are Physical, Chemical & Microbial Hazards?
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Vulnerable Patients and Specialty Areas you cannot afford to overlook
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Medical & Non-Medical Equipment that use water or cleaned using water
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What are the Capabilities, Limitations and Warning Labels on Commercial Filtration that can increase your risk?
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What is the Primary Reason the FDA 510K Class II is now published best practice in Healthcare
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Beyond Security: a system approach to violence prevention in healthcare
Tyler Kerns, M. Coun - West Region Violence Prevention and Education Consultant, Saint Alphonsus Health System
Tyler Kerns is the Violence Prevention and Education consultant for Saint Alphonsus Health System and Trinity Health's West Region, overseeing WPV prevention programs in Idaho, Oregon, and California. His has a Master's Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and has been teaching de-escalation training since 2013. He has served as a guest lecturer and adjunct instructor at Boise State University's School of Nursing, focusing on preparing new nurses to manage aggressive behavior. Tyler is a member of the Northwest Chapter of the Association of Treat Assessment Professionals and has served as a subject matter expert for The Joint Commission's advisory panel for violence prevention regulations in behavioral health settings. He has also served as the chairperson for Trinity Health's National Workplace Violence prevention committee since 2020.
Abstract​
Providing an overview of evidence-based practices for hospital-based violence prevention programs to meet and exceed regulatory requirements while improving staff safety and patient care. The presentation will provide an outline for creating a robust and sustainable violence prevention program.
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Learning Objectives
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Components of a successful violence prevention program.
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Strategies for fostering stakeholder engagement, accountability, & collaboration.
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Approaches for shifting organizational culture from reactive to proactive.
Preparing for the Operational Consequences of a Cyber Attack: Strategies and Best Practices
Roger Glick, MS, MBA, CEM, FACHE - Director – Healthcare + Emergency Management, Jensen Hughes
Roger Glick is an emergency management expert with specific expertise in healthcare. With 33 years of experience, Roger has worked with a wide range of healthcare organizations, including rural Critical Access Hospitals, large academic medical centers, regional healthcare systems, and healthcare coalitions. He also has experience working with colleges, universities, and government organizations.
Roger leads multi-disciplinary teams specializing in system preparedness, emergency response and recovery, program evaluation, Continuous Quality Improvement, and policy development and advocacy. He is a respected industry leader, educator, and researcher.
Roger has been a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE) since 2009 and was elected as the ACHE Regent for the Central and Tidewater regions of Virginia in 2020. He earned the International Association of Emergency Managers’ highest designation, Certified Emergency Manager (CEM), in 2009.
Currently, Roger serves as a faculty member at the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, with appointments in the Departments of Pediatrics and Emergency Medicine. He is also an Executive Committee member of the National Pediatric Disaster Coalition. Roger has authored numerous peer-reviewed manuscripts, abstracts, and has been invited to give presentations in his field.
Roger Glick, MS, MBA, CEM, FACHE, is an emergency management expert with specific expertise in healthcare. With 33 years of experience, Roger has worked with a wide range of healthcare organizations, including rural Critical Access Hospitals, large academic medical centers, regional healthcare systems, and healthcare coalitions. He also has experience working with colleges, universities, and government organizations.
Roger leads multi-disciplinary teams specializing in system preparedness, emergency response and recovery, program evaluation, Continuous Quality Improvement, and policy development and advocacy. He is a respected industry leader, educator, and researcher.
Roger has been a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE) since 2009 and was elected as the ACHE Regent for the Central and Tidewater regions of Virginia in 2020. He earned the International Association of Emergency Managers’ highest designation, Certified Emergency Manager (CEM), in 2009.
Currently, Roger serves as a faculty member at the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, with appointments in the Departments of Pediatrics and Emergency Medicine. He is also an Executive Committee member of the National Pediatric Disaster Coalition. Roger has authored numerous peer-reviewed manuscripts, abstracts, and has been invited to give presentations in his field.
Abstract​
Cyber attacks have become increasingly prevalent and sophisticated, posing significant operational challenges to organizations across various sectors. In this presentation, we explore the critical importance of preparing for the operational consequences of a cyber attack and discuss strategies and best practices to enhance resilience and response capabilities.
The session will begin by examining the evolving threat landscape and the potential impact of cyber attacks on operational continuity, including disruptions to essential services, supply chain disruptions, financial losses, and reputational damage. We will highlight real-world examples of cyber attacks and their operational consequences, underscoring the need for proactive preparedness measures.
Next, we will delve into key elements of an effective preparedness strategy: risk assessment, incident response planning, business continuity planning, and stakeholder engagement. Attendees will gain insights into conducting comprehensive risk assessments to identify vulnerabilities, prioritize mitigation efforts, and develop robust incident response plans to facilitate timely and coordinated responses to cyber incidents.
Furthermore, the presentation will explore the importance of integrating cybersecurity considerations into broader business continuity planning efforts, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives and regulatory requirements. Practical guidance will be provided on establishing communication protocols, collaborating with internal and external stakeholders, and leveraging resources effectively to minimize operational disruptions in the aftermath of a cyber attack.
Throughout the session, emphasis will be placed on leadership commitment, cross-functional collaboration, and continuous improvement in building organizational resilience to cyber threats. Attendees will leave with actionable insights and practical strategies to enhance their organization's preparedness for the operational consequences of a cyber attack, ultimately safeguarding critical assets and maintaining operational continuity in an increasingly digital environment.
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Learning Objectives
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Understand the Operational Impact of Cyber Attacks
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Identify the evolving cyber threat landscape and its potential consequences, including disruptions to essential services, financial losses, supply chain interruptions, and reputational damage.
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Analyze real-world cyber attack examples to recognize vulnerabilities and the necessity of proactive preparedness.
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Develop and Implement Effective Cyber Incident Preparedness Strategies
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Learn key components of a robust preparedness strategy, including risk assessment, incident response planning, and business continuity integration.
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Gain insights into best practices for identifying vulnerabilities, prioritizing mitigation efforts, and ensuring a coordinated response to cyber incidents.
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Enhance Organizational Resilience Through Leadership, Collaboration, and Continuous Improvement
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Explore the role of leadership commitment and cross-functional collaboration in strengthening cybersecurity preparedness.
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Understand how to integrate cybersecurity considerations into broader business continuity planning and establish effective communication protocols with internal and external stakeholders.
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AI in Healthcare Facilities Management – The Future is Now
Shay Rankhorn, CxA, FASHE, CHFM, CHC - Partner, Facility Diagnostics, LLC
Shay Rankhorn is a strategic leader with over 25 years of experience in facilities, design, and construction management. As a partner at Facility Diagnostics, Shay oversees daily operations, strategic planning, and a portfolio of more than 100 projects, including commissioning services, facility assessments, mock sur-veys, and master planning. His career includes collaboration with leading organizations like HCA, Ballad Health, Lifepoint, Triad, CHS, and Norton Healthcare.
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Previously, Shay served as V.P. of Facilities and Construction Management at Quorum Health, managing capital planning, project delivery, and daily operations for 22 hospitals.
Abstract​
During this session we will explore the growing role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in healthcare facilities management. We’ll dive into how AI is reshaping our field by driving operational efficiency, saving costs, and assisting facility managers in their daily administrative tasks.
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We’ll also look at real-life examples of AI in action and discuss strategies for overcoming the challenges of AI adoption. By the end of this session, you’ll have a clearer understanding of how AI can benefit your healthcare facility and how to begin your own AI journey.
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Learning Objectives
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Introduction to Artificial Intelligence/Basics of AI
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AI in Action in HFM
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Barriers to AI Adoption & Means to Overcome Barriers
Minimizing Risk by Identifying Accessibility Issues for Existing Healthcare Facilities
Joshua Klyber - Senior Accessibility Consultant, Jensen Hughes
Joshua has over a decade of accessibility and universal design projects in most market types, including healthcare and eldercare facilities. He works with owners, architects, facility managers, and other stakeholders to identify, and remove barriers to accessibility. With the numerous overlapping codes, standards, and licensing requirements, he assists navigating the complex requirements specific to healthcare renovations. Going beyond accessibility, Joshua is knowledgeable in navigating the often confusing and contradictory best practices of Universal Design, whether for mobility, neurodivergence, bariatric patients, or trauma informed design.
Abstract​
This session will illustrate the importance of accessibility compliance in healthcare environments. It will look at how to determine the applicability of commonly encountered accessibility codes/standards including the 20% rule per ADA which requires 20% of a construction budget to be spent removing accessibility barrriers throughout the building. The presentation will examine how to determine the general scope of accessibility requirements. Additionally, we’ll identify architectural barriers to accessibility required to be removed even when no work is being undertaken and review the top 10 most common accessibility deficiencies in existing healthcare facilities.
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Learning Objectives
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Understand accessibility scoping as it pertains to existing medical facilities and the 20% rule per ADA requirements
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Explain when accessibility upgrades to existing facilities are required
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Understand 10 of the most commonly observed (and often overlooked) accessibility deficiencies in Health Care environments
When Seconds Count: Preparing Healthcare Facilities for Active Threat Events
Joseph Reppucci, MSEM, CEM - Lead Fire and Emergency Management Consultant, Jensen Hughes
Joe brings 24+ years of emergency services, healthcare emergency management, public health emergency management, and executive leadership and response operations. He is a respected industry leader, trainer, and emergency operations technician with experience developing and managing emergent and non-emergent multidisciplinary teams to respond to complex problems and generate solution-based objectives.
Joe’s experience includes projects from large corporate healthcare systems to individual facilities, state and federal governments, colleges and universities, and large city police departments. In these positions, he served as the project director for statewide emergency management, preparedness, and response activities for the Rhode Island healthcare system to include, 13 acute care hospitals, 90 long-term care facilities, ten community health centers, one tribal nation health center, one Navy health center, and 61 assisted living facilities. In addition, Joe has conducted many statewide cross-functional full-scale exercises, one resulting in a publication with the U.S. Federal Government and an international educational facility.
Shamindra Singh - Facilities Manager, Providence Portland Medical Center
Abstract​
Active threat incidents, including active shooters and armed intruders, have become an increasing concern across healthcare environments. While healthcare settings accounted for two of the 48 active shooter incidents in the U.S. in 2023, the impact of such events is profound, given the vulnerability of patients and staff. This presentation provides healthcare leaders and emergency preparedness professionals with a comprehensive framework for mitigating, responding to, and recovering from active threat events. Through case studies and lessons learned from real-world incidents, the session examines the development and implementation of Emergency Action Plans (EAPs), risk assessment processes, leadership responsibilities, and the integration of drills and exercises. Attendees will gain valuable insight into practical strategies for creating a “survival mindset” and ensuring that staff are both psychologically and operationally prepared to act swiftly when every second matters.
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Learning Objectives
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Explore the essential elements of active threat preparedness within healthcare settings, including planning, communication, and response.
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Understand the leadership and frontline staff roles during each phase of an active threat incident—from pre-event planning through post-event recovery.
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Recognize practical strategies to build organizational resilience through training, drills, and risk-informed security planning.