2016 SPEAKER BIOS

BETH ADAMS-OUILLETTE, MA

Beth has over 20 years of experience in the field of aging and has worked in community action network, area agencies on aging, county and health system settings. She has served as the Director of Ann Arbor Meals on Wheels, a community-supported program of the University of Michigan Health System, since 2006. During her tenure at Meals on Wheels, she has implemented several quality improvement initiatives including developing procedure manuals, streamlined assessment/reassessment process and volunteer scheduling. Beth is skilled in resolving structural and organizational problems, putting standards in place, developing marketing materials, and synthesizing large amounts of complex data and presenting it in an easy-to-understand format. Beth gives community, student, and professional presentations about Ann Arbor Meals on Wheels, nutrition and aging, introduction to lean thinking and value stream mapping, and developing procedure manuals. Beth earned a BA in Sociology, minor in Gerontology from the University of North Dakota and an MA in Gerontology from Western Illinois University.

Staying Alive and Thriving! Facing New Competition and Challenges on Thursday, September 1 from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

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GALE ADLAND

Gale Singer Adland is the Executive Director of Meals on Wheels of Durham. She attended Duke University as an A.B. Duke Scholar, with majors in Computer Science and Management Science. After working in IT for 30 years, Gale completed a certificate in Non-Profit Management at Duke University, and began working in the nonprofit sector. She has served on the board of Meals on Wheels North Carolina for the past three years, and is currently the treasurer of that organization. She recently completed an eight year term on the board of Trustees at Judea Reform Congregation in Durham, NC, serving as President for 2 of those years. She has served on the Advisory Board for YO:Durham – an organization that partners with the community to provide Durham youth with opportunities to connect, develop, and contribute through mentoring, employment and educational support. She also participates in the Mayors Committee for Persons with Disabilities, Durham Partnership for Seniors, Durham Congregations in Action, and Durham CAN (Congregations, Associations and Neighborhoods).

Everything You Always Wanted to Know about Adopting the Meals on Wheels Brand on Thursday, September 1 from 1:45 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

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UCHEOMA (UCHE) AKOBUNDU, PhD, RD

Uche has over 10 years of experience working in community nutrition and aging services research, in addition to program management and evaluation within academia and nonprofit organizations. She is the Director of Project Management and Impact at the Meals on Wheels America. Uche earned a BS in Biology and a minor in French from the State University of New York at Albany, an MS in Nutrition with a concentration in Public Health from the University of Massachusetts – Amherst, and a PhD in Nutrition at the University of Maryland – College Park. She completed her Dietetic Internship at Hunter College, New York, NY.

Food Safety and Resources You Can Use on Wednesday, August 31 from 1:15 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

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SANDY ATKINS

Sandy has over 30 years of experience planning and managing services for chronically ill adults. She is currently the Vice President, Strategic Initiatives at Partners in Care Foundation, overseeing contracting, Partners at Home Network, HomeMeds dissemination, consulting, evaluation, IT strategy, and initiative development. Prior to joining Partners in Care, her past experience includes directing the Center for Long Term Care Integration, a state-funded effort to help counties integrate Medicare and Medicaid systems (both medical and long term care services) for the aged, blind and disabled population. Before that, she was administrator of several California continuing care retirement communities, including food service and the Meals on Wheels program for Altadena, CA. Sandy has an MPA in Long Term Care Administration, with a certificate in gerontology, from the University of Arizona, and a BA in Spanish from SUNY Buffalo.

Prevention-Building Service Lines on your Home Visits: Medication, Psychosocial & Fall Risk Assessments and Follow-Up on Wednesday, August 31 from 1:15 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Pricing Your Packages and Demonstrating the ROI of Your Services on Friday, September 2 from 8:30 a.m. – 9:45 a.m.

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HEIDI ARTHUR

Heidi is a Senior Vice President, Group Campaign Director, at the Ad Council. In her position, she works with federal government agencies, leading nonprofits and advertising industry partners to guide the strategic and creative development of all programs based in the Ad Council’s New York City office.  Heidi oversees the development of over 25 public service programs including initiatives for UNCF, Autism Speaks, Feeding America, Goodwill, the American Heart Association and USDA. She has lead the development of award winning campaigns for numerous nonprofits and federal government agencies that made a measurable difference on the most pressing issues facing America.  She serves as a longstanding industry judge for Effie GoodWorks and AICP Creative Awards for Public Service. A graduate of Union College, Heidi joined the Ad Council in 2000 after spending 10 years in the ad industry at Grey and Wells, Rich, Greene.  She is a published author, having written a guidebook for New York City parents, served on boards focused on cancer research and is currently involved in Let’s Get Ready and Leukemia Lymphoma Society’s Team in Training. 

Keynote by the Ad Council and creative agency Anomaly on Thursday, September 1 from 8:00 a.m. – 8:45 a.m.

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KEITH BARNES, MEd

Keith believes that food and a sense belonging are basic rights.  He has worked in the anti-hunger and community-building arenas from the grassroots to government.  He started that path as a VISTA in the Penobscot Nation serving tribal elders through programs funded under the Older Americans Act and has come full circle by administering the Older Americans Act-funded Aging Nutrition Program for his home state of Tennessee.  Stops along the way have included the Ohio Association of Foodbanks and Community Food Advocates.  He holds a Master's in Community Development and Action and serves on the boards of the Tennessee Federation for the Aging, the Tennessee Food Policy Council, Neighborhoods Resource Center, and The Little Pantry That Could. He hasn't been at this long, but he knows that too often we get more invested in programs and policies than in people and their needs.

National and State Perspectives on Food Insecurity on Wednesday, August 31 from 2:45 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

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JENNIFER BENNETT

With over 15 years of nonprofit management experience, Jennifer joined VolunteerMatch to formalize and manage the organization’s volunteer engagement program. With her breadth of experience she is well qualified to help VolunteerMatch’s community of Nonprofits better recruit and engage volunteers. Jennifer shares her knowledge with volunteer managers through the webinars found on the Learning Center, in newsletters and blog entries, and in person at conferences around the country. She serves on the Planning Committee for the Volunteer Engagement and Capacity Building tracks for the Points of Light Conference on Volunteering and Service. An active volunteer all her life, Jennifer currently volunteers with Project Homeless Connect in San Francisco, and sits on the Steering Committee of the Friends of the California Academy of Sciences. She holds a BA from Randolph-Macon Woman's College in Lynchburg, VA.

Innovations in Volunteer Engagement: Creating a New Life Cycle for Today’s Volunteers - Part 1 on Friday, September 2 from 8:30 a.m. – 9:45 a.m.

Innovations in Volunteer Engagement: Creating a New Life Cycle for Today’s Volunteers - Part 2 on Friday, September 2 from 10:00 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.

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BOB BLOOM

Bob is a Senior Audit Manager at Raffa, and has more than 35 years of financial advisory experience serving a variety of not-for-profit organizations. He assists in the training of audit staff and directs many of the firm’s audit engagements, particularly with community-based organizations, private schools, foundations, health-related industries and membership organizations. Bob has over 12 years with PricewaterhouseCoopers, where he was one of the industry leaders in the not-for-profit practice in Washington, DC, serving nonprofit organizations, health care, and federal, state and local governments. He was responsible for the audits of many of their largest nonprofit clients, including Georgetown University Hospital, the Smithsonian Institution and the District of Columbia. Bob holds a Certified Public Accountant license in the District of Columbia and is a member of the American Institute of CPAs. He graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration from George Washington University.

CONVERGENCE – Board Governance, Accounting Systems and Cyber Security on Thursday, September 1 from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

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PAT BOHSE

What do you get when you combine the insightfulness of a seasoned consultant, the leadership skills of an executive director, the organizational skills of an association manager, the commitment of a board of directors member, the confidence of a nationally recognized public speaker, and the savviness of a TV show host? You get Pat Bohse. Pat is the President of Bohse & Associates, Inc., a nonprofit management and training consulting firm based in New Jersey. Her dedication to “Helping Organizations Change Their Worlds” is exemplified by her ongoing work with not-for-profit and government organizations. This experience includes providing consulting and training services related to board development, team building, fundraising, grant writing, marketing, and volunteerism. Pat has a BS in Sociology and Business from New Jersey City University, NJ.

Everything You Do is Marketing (Messaging, Branding, Social Media) on Thursday, September 1 from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Grant Writing Made Easy on Friday, September 2 from 10:00 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.

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BOB BURDENSKI

Bob is an internationally recognized expert in membership and annual giving program strategies. He has nearly 30 years in fundraising serving a variety of not-for-profit organizations. He has served as director of annual giving and then director of university development at Cleveland State University, and as vice president for development at Catholic Charities Corporation. Bob has served as an annual giving consultant since 1996, and has worked as a member of several internationally known consulting firms, including six years as managing associate with Bentz Whaley Flessner. In 2003, he established his own practice, Robert Burdenski Annual Giving, and he’s assisted more than 200 institutions in 11 countries since that time. Bob has a BS from Miami University in Oxford, OH. 

The Front Door of Philanthropy – Establishing a Donor Base of Support on Thursday, September 1 from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

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ELAINE CLARK

Since 2012, Elaine has been the Chief Executive Officer of Meals on Wheels and Senior Outreach Services (MOWSOS), a six-program organization serving seniors throughout Contra Costa County in California. Since joining MOWSOS, Elaine has spearheaded efforts to create multiple partnerships with various community based organizations, hospitals and clinics, funders and coalitions in order to bring a wider and deeper scope of services to seniors in Contra Costa County. Elaine sits on three boards, including the National Association of Nutrition and Aging Service Providers (NANASP), Meals on Wheels Association of California, and Meals on Wheels of Contra Costa. Elaine is a founding member of the Meals on Wheels Association of California and is a recent graduate of Leadership Contra Costa. Elaine also participates in the Access to Care county-wide workgroup focusing on low-income healthcare initiatives. Elaine has a BA in Communications from Park University in Parkville, MO.

Healthcare Integration Institute – Part 1 on Thursday, September 1 from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

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RHODA COHEN, MS

Rhoda is a senior survey researcher at Mathematica Policy Research in Princeton, NJ specializing in nutrition assistance programs and dietary behavior of low-income populations.  During the past 25 years, she has had leadership roles in evaluations for the Administration for Community Living, the United States Department of Agriculture, the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Defense (Health Affairs) and studies of community-based emergency food programs. She currently serves as the Project Director of the National Evaluation of the Title III-C Nutrition Services Program funded by the Administration on Aging in the Administration for Community Living of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Rhoda received her MS in food and Nutrition from Cornell University.

Meeting the Needs of Older Americans: National Evaluation of the Title III-C Nutrition Services Program on Friday, September 2 from 8:30 a.m. – 9:45 a.m.

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ROSE ANN Di MARIA-GHALILI, PhD, RN, CNSC, FASPEN

Rose Ann blends her passion for nursing, the older adult, and nutrition into a strong body of research which impacts practice. Her efforts are recognized nationally across disciplines (nutrition, nursing, medicine, and engineering) and contexts (research, practice, and policy). Her research focuses on malnutrition and health outcomes in older adults recovering from surgery, and nutrition during care transitions. Recognizing the need to improve the measurement of nutritional intake, Rose Ann led a team of engineers on the research and development of a patent pending device to measure nutritional intake in vulnerable populations. She works tirelessly on the issue of malnutrition in older adults across nutrition and geriatric societies. Her efforts are moving the needle in policy as well, from being part of the author group to petition the Joint Commission to consider optimal nutrition as a national patient safety goal, to her contributions to the national Malnutrition Awareness Week. She and her Drexel colleagues are collaborating with the Philadelphia Metropolitan Area Neighborhood Nutrition Alliance (MANNA) to explore the impact of home-delivered meals on health outcomes. Rose Ann earned her MSN from the Hunter-Bellevue School of Nursing at the City University of New York and her PhD from Meyers College of Nursing, New York University. She did post-doc training at the School of Nursing, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA.

Nutrition During Care Transitions on Wednesday, August 31 from 2:45 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

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BRIAN DUKE

Brian is System Director, Senior Services with Main Line Health. In this role, Brian works to ensure that older people in the western suburbs of Philadelphia have access to necessary resources and are provided with coordinated care in the appropriate setting across the entire continuum. He also coordinates efforts to establish partnerships and services as change evolves with value based contracting, managed long-term services and supports and other integrated care initiatives. Prior to this, he completed a four-year term of service as Secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Aging, which during this term crossed the threshold of serving over one million Pennsylvanians annually, decreased a statewide waiting list by 94% through the largest single investment in state funded home and community based services, increased access to family caregiver support services, led efforts to create a State Plan for Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders and co-led the completion of a report from the Pennsylvania Long Term Care Commission. Brian’s background includes a deep experience in administrative and leadership roles in the field of aging and healthcare. He holds a B.S. in Business Administration from the University of Scranton, an MHA (Health Administration) from George Washington University and an MBE (Bioethics) from the University of Pennsylvania, and is an Associate Fellow of the Institute on Aging of the University of Pennsylvania.

Healthcare Integration Institute – Part 1 on Thursday, September 1 from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

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THESSIA EVERHART

Thessia is the Director of the Davidson County Department of Senior Services where she has been employed for 24 years. She is a 2003 graduate of Gardner-Webb University where she earned her B.S. in Human Services and a 2005 graduate of The University of North Carolina, Greensboro where she earned her Masters of Arts in Liberal Studies. At The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, Thessia completed studies in Municipal and County Administration in 2010 and Leading for Results as a Local Government Federal Credit Union Fellow in 2012. Thessia serves on a number of state and local boards and committees. Notable involvement includes Chair of the North Carolina Senior Center Alliance; North Carolina Association on Aging Board of Directors; The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Government, Municipal and County Administration Alumni Board of Directors; Chair of the Davidson County Nursing Home Community Advisory Committee and Vice-Chair to the Davidson County Transportation Advisory Board.

Healthcare Integration 101: Payers, Players and Opportunities on Tuesday, August 30 from 12:45 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. [Event Registration is Now Closed]

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KATIE GARFIELD, JD

Katie is a Staff Attorney at the Center for Health Law and Policy Innovation (CHLPI) of Harvard Law School. Katie joined CHLPI in 2014 and currently works in a variety of subject areas, including CHLPI’s diabetes (Providing Access to Healthy Solutions) and Food Is Medicine initiatives. In her work on the Food Is Medicine initiative, she has partnered with food and nutrition service providers to develop resources such as The Food Is Medicine Advocacy Toolkit and to educate healthcare providers, insurers, and policymakers on the role that medically tailored food can play in our local, state, and federal healthcare systems. Prior to joining CHLPI, Katie was an associate at Ropes & Gray LLP. She is a licensed member of the Massachusetts Bar.

Food is Medicine on Wednesday, August 31 from 1:15 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

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ALISON GERBER, MS, RD , LDN

Alison is a Registered Dietitian at Community Servings, a nonprofit organization that provides nutritious meals and nutrition education to critically ill individuals and their families in Massachusetts. In her role, Alison assesses applicants for program eligibility and guides nutrition interventions and medically tailored meals provided to clients. In addition to completing comprehensive client nutrition assessments, Alison collaborates with the chef to ensure appropriate therapeutic diets and leads nutrition education classes for the local community. She has more than seven years of nutrition experience in both the clinical and community setting. Alison has a BS from Penn State University and a Master’s Degree in Nutrition from Long Island University. 

Staying Alive and Thriving! Facing New Competition and Challenges on Thursday, September 1 from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

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TOM GIBSON

After studying Chemistry at Oxford University, Tom decided to forego the periodic table for analysis and understanding of consumer behavior and brand building. Before joining Anomaly as Group Planning Director, Tom spent five years at Saatchi & Saatchi London working across HSBC, Kerry Foods and T-Mobile. At Anomaly, Tom has worked across multiple brands including Johnnie Walker, Google, Squarespace and Meals on Wheels. When not immersed in the world of advertising he spends his free time surfing, running and exploring the US. Originally from the North of England, Tom now lives in Manhattan.

Keynote by the Ad Council and creative agency Anomaly on Thursday, September 1 from 8:00 a.m. – 8:45 a.m.

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HOLLY KELLNER GREULING, RDN

Holly Kellner Greuling is the National Nutritionist for the Administration on Aging at the Department of Health and Human Services, within the Administration for Community Living. She has been in this position since August 2012. Prior to ACL, she worked more than a decade as the Florida State Unit on Aging Nutritionist for Older American Act Programs at the Florida Department of Elder Affairs. She administered the following programs: ACFP (the adult portion of CACFP), Senior Farmers Market and during 2009-2012 She was the grantee of an USDA participation grant for an innovative method of accepting SNAP applications from low-income elders. Earlier in her career, Holly practiced in many different health care settings, to include military, acute, long-term and home and community based care settings.  Her experiences also include institutional, corporate and military institutional food service and clinical dietetics management.

Healthcare Integration 101: Payers, Players and Opportunities on Tuesday, August 30 from 12:45 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. [Event Registration is Now Closed]

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MOLLY HAROZ, MFA

Molly has over 12 years’ experience in program development and management. Molly currently oversees strategy and operations for LifeCare Alliance in Columbus, OH’s home-delivered meal, congregate dining, and Senior Farmers Market programs. Prior to joining LifeCare Alliance, Molly worked at CJE SeniorLife in Chicago, IL, in the Leonard Schanfield Research Institute, managing web-based service development and research initiatives for older adults and family caregivers. Molly has a BA from Bowling Green State University and an MFA from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago.

Healthcare Integration Institute – Part 1 on Thursday, September 1 from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

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SALLY HEINZ, MA

Sally came to MIFA (Metropolitan Inter-Faith Association) in 2007 as Vice President of Development. She became Executive Director in 2011, only the sixth person to hold that position in MIFA’s 48-year history. She has since led MIFA through a three-year strategic plan process, including refining its mission, adapting to the emerging needs of the community, and establishing a sound financial model that responds to the current environment. Implementation of a new three-year plan has begun in 2016.  Sally holds a B.A. in History from Rhodes College and an M.A. in American Studies from The University of Texas in Austin.

Panel of Peers on Innovative Models on Projects, Practices or Processes on Friday, September 2 from 10:00 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.

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BOB HERBOLSHEIMER

Bob has been working with Meals on Wheels America for almost 20 years, having served in various capacities. Currently, he is the Executive Vice President of Healthcare Integration, working closly with the healthcare industry to build relationships and guide the broader engagement of Meals on Wheels in the nation’s healthcare system, a top priority for Meals on Wheels America.  In addition, Bob continues to serve as General Counsel, a role he has undertaken during his entire tenure at Meals on Wheels America. Prior, Bob was a partner in the Illinois law firm of Herbolsheimer, Lannon, Henson, Duncan and Reagan, P.C. from 1993 to 1999. Prior to that, he was a partner of the national law firm of Manatt, Phelps & Phillips in Washington, DC, which he joined in 1985. In 1992, Bob was a nominee for U.S. Congress in the 11th District of Illinois. He graduated from Carleton College in Minnesota with a major in geology and a minor in political science, and from Hamline University School of Law in St. Paul, MN, where he was editor of the Journal of Minnesota Public Law.

The Importance of Performance Measurement, Star Ratings, Compliance Issues in Healthcare on Friday, September 2 from 8:30 a.m. – 9:45 a.m.

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BERT ELIZABETH IJAMS

Bert began her tenure at Prescott Meals On Wheels on July 1, 2013.  She came to Prescott Meals On Wheels after a national search with over thirty years of nonprofit experience in both the operational and development side of nonprofit business as well as experience as a nonprofit manager. She has been part of, and engaged with, the Prescott community since 1998.  In addition to her role as executive director for Prescott Meals On Wheels she is an independent consultant working with small to medium nonprofits.

Everything You Always Wanted to Know about Adopting the Meals on Wheels Brand on Thursday, September 1 from 1:45 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

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SUSAN JENKINS, PhD

Susan is currently the Director of the Office of Performance and Evaluation with the US Department of Health and Human Services’ Administration for Community Living. The office coordinates the collection, analysis, and dissemination of national and program data on older individuals and individuals with disabilities. The office provides data, statistical reports, and resources; measures and evaluates the impact of ACL programs; and supports a high functioning performance management system across ACL that uses performance data to lead, learn, and improve outcomes as well as communicate program performance coherently and concisely for better results and transparency. She is the Federal Contract Officer for the Evaluation of ACL’s Title III-C Nutrition Services Program. She began her career with the Law School Admissions Council assessing test takers' readiness to move from the traditional paper Law School Admissions Test (LSAT) to a computerized version. Susan received a BA from Yale University and a PhD from the University of Michigan.

Meeting the Needs of Older Americans: National Evaluation of the Title III-C Nutrition Services Program on Friday, September 2 from 8:30 a.m. – 9:45 a.m.

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WENDY JONES, MEd, MSW

Wendy is a research instructor in the Department of Pediatrics, Georgetown University Medical Center in Washington, D.C.  She has been associated with the Georgetown University Center for Child and Human Development (GUCCHD), University Centers of Excellence, and the National Center for Cultural Competence (NCCC) for the past 14 years and has served in various capacities. Her areas of focus include advocacy, support, and training for providers serving individuals and families with limited English proficiency, the elderly, as well as individuals and families with chronic health conditions, special health care needs, and developmental, educational, and emotional disabilities. Wendy received her BS and MEd from State University College at Buffalo, NY and her MSW from the University of Maryland School of Social Work, Baltimore, MD.

Cultural Competencies - Managing People from Diverse Backgrounds on Thursday, September 1 from 1:45 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

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BARBARA KALLENBACH

Barbara has been with Direction Home Akron Canton Area Agency on Aging since 1985 and became CFO in 1988. During her tenure as CFO, annual revenue has increased from over $5 million to nearly $100 million, during which time the Agency has had 100% “clean audits.” Under her direction the Agency has implemented the latest state-of-the-art accounting and financial analysis software system to provide decision support and accountability. She serves on the Ohio Association of Area Agencies on Aging Cost Model Work Group that developed cost/pricing models in preparation for the MyCare Ohio Managed Care Duals Integration Program. She is the Chair of the Northeast Ohio Coalition of Area Agencies on Aging Retirement Plans Committee which has co-fiduciary responsibilities for the regional coalition. She is also a member of the Healthcare Financial Management Association, NEO Chapter. Barbara is a graduate of the University of Akron with a BS in Industrial Management with a Concentration in Personnel and a BS in Accounting. She has a Lean Mastery Certification from the University of Akron.

A Balanced Approach to Business Analytics – Integrating Performance and Financial Data for Future Success on Thursday, September 1 from 1:45 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

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BRIDGETTE KEEFE

Bridgette is the Public Affairs Specialist at the USDA. She is on a mission to bring food safety information to seniors and help them mitigate their risk of foodborne illness. As a public affairs specialist with USDA for 10+ years, Keefe has an active interest in developing new ways of sharing food safety information with those at higher risk for foodborne illness. She has been collaborating with Meals on Wheels to promote food safety information to seniors across the nation. She also manages USDA’s Food Safety Ambassador Program and is responsible for mobilizing local FSIS personnel to local community events, workshops and conferences. Bridget earned her BA in Communications from Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C.

Food Safety Resources and News You Can Use on Wednesday, August 31 from 1:15 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

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COLLEEN KELLER, RDN

Colleen is a registered dietitian with more than 20 years of experience in the nutrition field working with seniors at nutritional risk.  She is the Community Nutrition Specialist for Senior Connections, The Capital Area Agency on Aging, and a former consultant for the Crater District Area Agency on Aging. Prior to joining Senior Connections in 2014, Colleen worked for 15 years providing nutritional expertise for FeedMore, the Richmond based merged entity of Meals on Wheels, the Foodbank and the Community Kitchen.  In her role as Vice President of Programs for FeedMore, Colleen was responsible for leading programmatic strategy, development, implementation, and evaluation for the Food Bank and Meals on Wheels.   Colleen holds a Bachelor’s of Science in Dietetics from James Madison University and completed her post-graduate dietetic internship at VCU Medical Center. 

Healthcare Integration 101: Payers, Players and Opportunities on Tuesday, August 30 from 12:45 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. [Event Registration is Now Closed]

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ERIKA KELLY

As Chief Advocacy and Government Affairs Officer at Meals on Wheels America, Erika is responsible for developing the organization’s public policy initiatives and legislative strategies supporting Senior Nutrition Programs and the individuals they serve nationwide. She serves as the primary liaison to Members of Congress and their staffs, representatives of the Administration and other national anti-hunger and aging organizations. In short, Erika works each day to raise awareness about the issue of senior hunger in America. Prior to joining Meals on Wheels America, Erika worked as a Legislative Assistant for Congressman Ike Skelton of Missouri. Her legislative portfolio on Capitol Hill focused on hunger, poverty, welfare and human services, and education, among others. Erika graduated from Benedictine College in Atchison, KS, with a BA in Social Sciences and completed minors in politics, economics, and secondary education. Follow Erika on Twitter @NoSeniorHungry. 

When Federal Advocacy Isn’t Enough, Turn To Your State to Make Change on Friday, September 2 from 8:30 a.m. – 9:45 a.m.

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RUSS KOST

Russ started his development career at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) in 1985. As Director of Annual Giving, then Major and Planned Giving, then Gift Planning, and ultimately Principal Gifts, he established many of UNLV's fund raising programs. During his 25-year tenure at UNLV, he has raised over $43 million in outright gifts and $115 million in planned gifts. In 2008, Russ was recruited by the Desert Research Institute as their Vice President for Development. In 2014, he returned to his alma mater as UNLV’s Senior Director of Development. Russ currently leads a four-person team, focused on meeting, engaging and securing support from UNLV alumni residing outside of Nevada. Russ is accredited as a Certified Fund Raising Executive by AFP (1995 – current).

Basic Fundraising: Asking for Major Gifts on Wednesday, August 31 from 1:15 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

How to Incorporate Simple Gift Planning Techniques in All Your Asks on Wednesday, August 31 from 2:45 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

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LISA LABONTE

Lisa has worked for New Opportunities, Inc. in Waterbury, CT for 31 years. Twenty-six of those years have been as the Senior Nutrition Services Director. Elderly Nutrition, particularly Meals on Wheels, has been a part of Lisa’s life since the age of 15 when she volunteered as a Meals on Wheels deliverer. Quickly transitioning at 16 years old to a Meals on Wheels driver, only a few weeks after receiving her driver’s license. Lisa’s interest has always been in gerontology, graduating with an associate degree in Human Services from Naugatuck Valley Community College then from Southern CT State University with a Bachelor’s in Social Work. Innovation, improvement and inventions has always been Lisa’s driving force to advance Senior Nutrition Services to meet the growing diverse needs and wants of seniors with a limited pool of funds. She has previously spoken on her successful Title III funded restaurant program for seniors and the Buy A Wheel Program which is a low-labor money maker for Meals on Wheels programs.

Healthcare Integration 101: Payers, Players and Opportunities on Tuesday, August 30 from 12:45 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. [Event Registration is Now Closed]

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ERIC LETSINGER, MBA

Eric founded Quantified Ventures in 2012 to scale promising, evidence-based enterprises with strong potential for measurable social impact. Leveraging his performance management, data analytics, deal structuring and organizational transformation expertise to advance performance-based transactions (e.g., Social Impact Bonds, Pay For Success), he develops a series of impact investment projects across the healthcare, education, human services and environmental industries. Having spent much of his career driving government efficiencies through public-private initiatives, Eric finds Social Impact Bonds represent a natural progression of his life’s work, enabling the social and public sectors to price, buy and sell validated outcomes as a means to accelerate clients’ ability to meet mission. Eric has a BA in Urban Studies from Northwestern University, Evanston, IL and an MBA from Yale Scholl of Management, New Haven, CT. He brings 25+ years of senior leadership and direct management experience to the social impact industry.

Emerging Trends in Social Investing – Future Revenue Opportunities on Wednesday, August 31 from 2:45 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

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JAMES MABLI, PhD

James is the Associate Director of Human Services Research at Mathematica Policy Research in Cambridge, Massachusetts specializing in food and nutrition policy. For over 10 years, he has researched and evaluated Federal nutrition assistance programs including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Administration of Aging’s Title III-C Nutrition Services Program (NSP), as well as community-based emergency food programs. He currently serves as the Principal Investigator of the National Evaluation of the Title III-C NSP funded by the Administration on Aging in the Administration for Community Living of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. James received his PhD in economics from New York University.

Meeting the Needs of Older Americans: National Evaluation of the Title III-C Nutrition Services Program on Friday, September 2 from 8:30 a.m. – 9:45 a.m.

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SHERRY MARISHAK-SIMON, RDN, LD

Sherry is an innovative professional with 30 years of experience as a Dietitian in numerous areas of dietetics including: clinical nutrition, foodservice management, nutrition consulting for private clients and corporations, and senior nutrition programs. Currently, she is the Vice President of Nutrition and Health Programs at Meals On Wheels, Inc. of Tarrant County and has been with the organization for over 11 years. Since joining the Tarrant County program, the client satisfaction rating has significantly improved because of improved menus and product selection. Sherry spearheaded the implementation of Choice Menus, a breakfast meal program which has proven to be very popular among the agency’s clients. Sherry was a member of the DADS DRI task force and helped with determining the DRI standards for the state. Sherry is a graduate of the Coordinated Dietetics Program at the University of Texas at Austin. She is registered with the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and is licensed by the State of Texas. She has received the coveted awards of Recognized Young Dietitian of the Year from the American Dietetic Association and the Oklahoma Dietetic Association, as well as the Consultant Dietitian of Year for the state of Oklahoma. 

Nutrition Interventions as a Value Proposition (Nutrition Education, Counseling, Therapeutic Meals, Medication Monitoring) on Friday, September 2 from 10:00 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.

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AUDREY McCOOL, EdD, RDN, LD, FAND

Audrey is a consultant to non-profit nutrition programs. Previously, she spent more than 30 years in the management of healthcare foodservices and in teaching in the areas of food-service management and dietetics prior to retiring from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. She has written multiple publications concerning various aspects of foodservice management and nutritional care including a continuing education course regarding nutrition for older persons utilized by multiple allied health professionals for more than ten years. Audrey has conducted research regarding the structure and management of nutrition programs for older persons, and has continued to provide consultation, training, and program assessment for these programs. Audrey is a Registered Dietician/Nutritionist. She earned her EdD from Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX, and her MA from the University of Illinois, Champaign.

Staying Alive and Thriving! Facing New Competition and Challenges on Thursday, September 1 from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

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SIMIN MEYDANI, DVM, MS, PhD

Simin serves as the Director of the Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University. She is professor of nutrition and immunology at the Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy and the Tufts Sackler Graduate Program in Immunology.  Her scientific interests include the impact of nutrition on the aging process and age-associated diseases, the role of nutrition on immune and inflammatory responses and predisposition to infectious diseases in developed and less developed countries, on which she has published extensively. Her honors include the American Aging Association Denham Harman Lifetime Research Achievement Award, the American Society of Nutrition (ASN) Herman Award in clinical nutrition and the ASN Lederle Award in Human Nutrition Research. She was President of the American Society for Nutrition (June 2014-June 2015) and has served on a myriad of academic, government and corporate communities, among them multiple NIH Study Sections (Geriatric Rehabilitation Systems and Cellular Mechanism of Aging and Development), the USDA Human Nutrient Requirements for Optimal Health Program Grant Review Panel, the United Nations FAO/WHO Expert Panel on Nutritional Requirements of the Elderly and the Working Group of the Sackler Institute of Nutrition for Aging Populations. Simin earned her DVM in Veterinary Medicine from the University of Tehran in Iran, her MS in Nutrition from Colorado State University in Fort Collins, CO, and her PhD in Nutrition from Iowa State University in Ames, IA.

What is Healthy Aging? on Thursday, September 1 from 1:45 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

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ABBY MORGAN

Abby joined Direction Home Akron Canton in late 2013 where she leads a team responsible for managing the network of 250 service providers and the Agency’s planning functions. In this role, she collaborates across the Agency to identify new program needs and pursues new funding opportunities to support strategic initiatives. Abby is a trained facilitator for Organizing for Health and has received certification in Lean for Healthcare and is Yellow and Green Belt tested for Lean/Six Sigma. Before joining her present agency, Abby worked at n4a and the Administration on Aging (now the Administration for Community Living) within the US Department of Health & Human Services.  Abby has a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work from La Salle University in Chicago and a Masters in Social Service as well as a Masters in Law & Social Policy from Bryn Mawr College in Bryn Mawr, PA.

A Balanced Approach to Business Analytics – Integrating Performance and Financial Data for Future Success on Thursday, September 1 from 1:45 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

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LINDA NETTERVILLE, MA, RD, LD

Linda is Vice President of Grant Management for Meals on Wheels America and Director of the National Resource Center on Health and Aging. As a registered dietitian, she has more than 30 years of work experience focused on nutrition and older adults in nursing home and community-based settings. The vast majority of her career includes Older Americans Act-funded nutrition programs in which she has served in a variety of roles: as the State Nutritionist for the Texas Department on Aging; Executive Director of a Senior Nutrition Program; and Nutrition Program Manager for an Area Agency on Aging. Linda has held numerous volunteer leadership positions, including serving as Chair of the Meals on Wheels America Board of Directors and Chair of Healthy Aging, a practice group of The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. She received her B.S. Degree in Food and Nutrition from the University of Missouri and her M.A. in Adult Education/ Human Resource Development from the University of Texas-Austin. Linda completed her Dietetic Internship at the Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas, TX.

Healthcare Integration 101: Payers, Players and Opportunities on Tuesday, August 30 from 12:45 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. [Event Registration is Now Closed]

Nutrition Interventions as a Value Proposition (Nutrition Education, Counseling, Therapeutic Meals, Medication Monitoring) on Friday, September 2 from 10:00 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.

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STEPHEN ORTON, PhD

Steve is an educator, working primarily with leaders and managers in public health organizations to develop skills and lead organizational change. He is lead author of Public Health Business Planning: A Practical Guide (2008) and has contributed to a number of collaborative workforce development projects at the school since 1994, including the Executive Program for Developing Countries; the Management Academy for Public Health; Preventing Violence through Education, Networking and Training (PREVENT); the National Public Health Leadership Institute; the Caribbean Health Leadership Institute; Leadership Novant; and the National Maternal and Child Health Workforce Development Center. He teaches in the undergraduate degree program in Health Policy and Management, and he can often be found teaching or facilitating at AHEC-sponsored sessions for local public health groups across the state. Steve earned his BA in English from Colorado College in Colorado Springs, CO, and his MA and PhD from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Increasing Your Adaptive Capacity: Making Organizational Change Happen Effectively on Thursday, September 1 from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

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KEITH PAYET

Keith Payet has over 15 years of experience in the Healthcare Managed Care industry specializing in programs for the underserved and underprivileged. He has held leadership roles in both Compliance and health plan Operations. Currently Keith is the Executive Director for the Long Term Services and Supports (LTSS) for Tennessee Community and State. Prior to his current position, he was the Chief Operating Officer for Integra Managed Care LTSS and FIDA plans. Keith earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice with a minor in Political Science from Plattsburgh State University and a Graduate Certificate in Not-for-Profit Management from the College at St. Rose.

Healthcare Integration Institute – Part 1 on Thursday, September 1 from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Healthcare Integration Institute – Part 2 on Thursday, September 1 from 1:45 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

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MATT PIEPER

Matt is the Executive Director for Open Hand Atlanta, a community-driven nonprofit organization providing nutritious and medically appropriate meals, nutrition education and counseling to those challenged by chronic disease or disability. Open Hand’s clients include seniors, people living with cancer, renal failure, diabetes, HIV/AIDS and many other chronic conditions. Recently, Open Hand has extended the reach of the its mission to youth and families as well. Matt is a member of:  Food is Medicine Coalition; Fulton County HIV/AIDS Task Force; Meals on Wheels Association of Georgia Board of Directors; American Society on Aging; Atlanta Regional Collaborative for Health Improvement (ARCHI); Georgia Council on Aging; Association of Fundraising Professionals; Metropolitan Atlanta HIV Health Services Planning Council.

Panel of Peers on Innovative Models on Projects, Practices or Processes on Friday, September 2 from 10:00 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.

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JENNIFER RAYMOND, JD, MBA

Jennifer is the Director of the Healthy Living Center of Excellence, a partnership between Elder Services of the Merrimack Valley and Hebrew SeniorLife in Massachusetts. The HLCE is a multi-sector collaborative consisting of community based organizations, health care providers, health plans, governmental agencies, and academic centers across Massachusetts.  As director of the HLCE, Jennifer currently oversees a network of 90-plus community partners involved in the statewide implementation of a variety of evidence-based program.  She also leads the strategic planning and sustainability of programs, primarily through contracting with health care partners and others for program delivery, technical assistance, and training.  She has a particular interest in improving the integration of community resources in existing health delivery systems, using evidence-based programming as an entry point Massachusetts Healthy Living Center of Excellence She received her Master’s degree in business administration from Saint Joseph College of Maine and her Juris Doctorate from the University of Maine, School of Law.

Healthcare Integration Institute – Part 2 on Thursday, September 1 from 1:45 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

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JAMES L. ROBINSON III, PsyD

As Senior Vice President/Chief Executive Officer of Methodist South Hospital, James is responsible for 145 community-based Hospital in the Whitehaven community of Memphis. The facility enjoys a 40+ year history in the community and provides med-surge, orthopedics, OB/GYN and diabetic services to the community. In addition to his role as hospital CEO, he is also charged with developing Behavioral Health services for the system. Prior to joining Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare, James served as the CEO of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center in Memphis, TN. The medical center’s primary affiliation is with University of Tennessee, Memphis. James graduated from the University of Georgia in 1987 with a BA in Psychology. He obtained his Doctorate in Psychology from the Virginia Consortium for Professional Psychology in 1992. He is currently an adjunct associate professor with the University of Tennessee Health Services Center. James is a member of the America College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE) and the National Association of Health Services Executives (NAHSE).

Healthcare Integration Institute – Part 1 on Thursday, September 1 from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Healthcare Integration Institute – Part 2 on Thursday, September 1 from 1:45 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

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BRENDA SCHMITTHENNER

Brenda has a 30-year track record in leading, developing and implementing results-oriented programs in the field of aging, backed by more than 20 years of practice experience as a Geriatric Case Manager, Hospice and Skilled Nursing Facility Social Worker. She has extensive expertise in shaping policies to support national, statewide and local healthcare system integration and care coordination initiatives. Prior to the Foundation, Brenda worked for the County of San Diego’s Aging and Independence Services for more than 15 years, most recently as the Aging Program Administrator managing over $20 million in aging grants including the largest Community-Based Care Transitions Program (CCTP) in the country; TEAM SAN DIEGO, the Administration on Community Living Business Acumen Technical Assistance Award; and the NCQA Care Coordination Standards Pilot. Brenda earned her BA from Pennsylvania State University and a MPA from National University, San Diego.

Healthcare Integration 101: Payers, Players and Opportunities on Tuesday, August 30 from 12:45 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. [Event Registration is Now Closed]

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JOHN N. SKIRVEN, MSS

John has over 40 years of experience leading the delivery of community based long-term services and supports, and aging public policy. His agency – Senior Services of Southeastern Virginia – is a private, non-profit organization. It is one of the first Area Agencies on Aging in America and is the largest in Virginia today. Their agency reaches over 10,000 elderly people and family caregivers annually. Its headquarters and satellite offices offer a comprehensive range of services and products including care transitions, transit, nutrition, evidence based wellness, caregiver support and counseling for Medicare, Medicaid and long-term care insurance. He is a member of the leadership team for VAAACares, the statewide expansion of the Eastern Virginia Care Transitions Partnership. John holds a bachelors degree in Journalism and a MSS degree from Bryn Mawr Graduate School of Social Work and Social Research.

Healthcare Integration Institute – Part 2 on Thursday, September 1 from 1:45 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

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LYNN SMITH, MS

Lynn is currently the Chief Human Resources Officer at PANDORA Americas, a global jewelry brand founded on a pioneering spirit and the belief that jewelry should be personal, enduring and accessible to all. Lynn earned her MS in Organizational Development and Learning from Saint Joseph’s University in Philadelphia, PA. She is certified as a Senior Human Resources Professional through the Society of Human Resources Management. Lynn is presently serving as a board member for Meals on Wheels America and recently served as board member for the Make-A-Wish Foundation Mid-Atlantic chapter. 

Developing a Talent Pipeline on Wednesday, August 31 from 2:45 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

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MELISSA SMITH

Melissa is a Vice President with Gorman Health Group (GHG). She has more than 20 years of healthcare experience in a variety of organizations. Her experience includes leadership roles in Medicare Advantage and Part D health plans, academic medical centers, and professional service firms. Melissa has extensive experience developing strategic and tactical solutions to maximize performance within quality measurement programs. Melissa also has a strong background of building productive partnerships across internal teams and with external partners, and has successfully worked with independent providers, large health systems, vendors and PBM’s to improve performance on Part C and D quality measures. Melissa’s unique background of business process, regulatory compliance, and healthcare quality offers a unique opportunity to maximize quality performance and associated revenues. Melissa has a BA from Purdue University and is a Certified Public Accountant.

The Importance of Performance Measurement, Star Ratings and Compliance Issues in Healthcare on Friday, September 2 from 8:30 a.m. – 9:45 a.m.

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JIM SNYDER

Jim joined Meals on Wheels of San Antonio in 2015 after a career professional engineering. He has 35 years of experience in engineering and program management from federal agencies and private industry, and has a passion for process improvement and creating positive work places. Jim brings unique talents to Meals on Wheels, helping to expand the program’s reach and efficiency serving isolated seniors in Bexar County. Jim Snyder earned a Master’s in Public Affairs from the LBJ School at UT Austin.

Everything You Always Wanted to Know about Adopting the Meals on Wheels Brand on Thursday, September 1 from 1:45 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

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KRISTINE TEMPLIN

As Chief Development Officer with Meals on Wheels America, Kristine oversees the national fundraising strategy for corporate partnerships, major donors and special events. With more than 20 years of cross industry experience, Kristine has focused the last decade of her career on forging strategic partnerships, and developing highly creative and visible consumer/cause marketing campaigns. Drawing upon her keen business sense and passion for building scalable and sustainable cause programs, she has worked with leading national and global non-profit brands, including the American Red Cross, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and Special Olympics, and helped Fortune 500 corporations tell their partnership stories in ways that authentically connects with their stakeholders. Kristine most recently served as the Chief Development Officer at the Trust for the National Mall, an official nonprofit partner of the National Park Service, and led fundraising efforts in support of the Trust’s $350 million campaign goal.  Kristine holds a B.S. in Political Science from George Mason University.

The Front Door of Philanthropy – Establishing a Donor Base of Support on Thursday, September 1 from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

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BARBARA TESNER

Barbara has over 20 years of fundraising experience plus an accomplished career in the corporate sector in business management and financial sales. She is a senior philanthropic and nonprofit advisor with expertise in management, capital campaigns, developing major and planned giving programs, fundraising program assessment, board development, and volunteer and donor engagement strategies. After two decades as a skilled fundraising practitioner and senior executive, Barbara became a consultant and established BLT Philanthropy Services to expand her reach in helping nonprofit organizations achieve their goals through strategic fund development and management consultation. Barbara Tesner has a BA in English from Muhlenberg College in Allentown, PA, and Certificate in Fundraising Management from Goucher College in Baltimore, MD. Additionally, she taught in Goucher's Fundraising Management Certificate Program.

Turning Leadership Transitions into a Positive Opportunity on Thursday, September 1 from 1:45 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Developing an Organization Culture of Philanthropy for Boards, Volunteers and Non-Fundraising Staff on Friday, September 2 from 8:30 a.m. – 9:45 a.m.

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SHARI TISHMAN

Shari has spent the last nine years immersed in the world of online marketing and engagement. She led marketing and communications at several nonprofit organizations based in the San Francisco Bay Area. Shari has focused much of her work on developing strategies for engaging the Millennial generation, including a comprehensive research project on Millennial engagement in workplace social good initiatives. Being a particularly engaged Millennial herself, Shari devotes significant amounts of her free time to volunteer initiatives. Shari is a graduate of Stanford University with a BA in Psychology and a BS in Biological Sciences.

Turning Gen “Y” into Gen “V”: A Blueprint for Millennial Volunteer Success on Wednesday, August 31 from 1:15 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

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BUU-LINH TRAN

Buu-Linh is the Senior Financial Systems Manager with Raffa. Buu-Linh has over 20 years of public accounting and consulting experience. At Raffa, Buu-Ling is focused on ensuring that Dynamic GP, Intacct and Prophix engagements are properly planned, executed and delivered. Her specialty is project management implementations. Buu-Linh also works with clients on accounting outsourcing transitions, including accounting system reviews and implementations and ensuring that processes and procedures continue and work smoothly. In addition, Buu-Linh sometimes works as an interim CFO and assists clients with development and implementation of budgeting concepts, and works to ensure an efficient year-end audit process and successful implementation of business procedures. Buu-Linh earned her BS from the University of Maryland and her MA from George Washington University.

CONVERGENCE – Board Governance, Accounting Systems and Cyber Security on Thursday, September 1 from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

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KAREN TRIERWEILER, MS, CNM

Karen joined the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment (CDPHE) in 1990 as a nurse consultant for the Prenatal and Family Planning programs, working closely with local public health agencies across the state. She became the Director of the Women’s Health Section at CDPHE in 2000, and in 2006 became the Title V MCH Director for the State. She is currently the Deputy Division Director of the Prevention Services Division at the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. Karen has an MS in Parent-Child Nursing and a BS in Nursing from the University of Colorado, CO.

Maximizing Your Value by Introducing LEAN Thinking on Wednesday, August 31 from 2:45 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

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KATHRYN TUCKER, MS, RD, CSG, LD

Kathryn currently works for the State of Kentucky where she has oversight for the Nutrition Program through the Older Americans Act – in this capacity, she helps bridge the gap between hospitals and the community to better manage malnutrition among seniors. Kathryn started her professional career in nutrition while in college where she worked at Wayne County Hospital in Monticello, KY, as a kitchen supervisor. She eventually became Director of Food and Nutritional Services and served in that role for 18 years. As the only dietitian at the hospital, in addition to managing food services, she provided all the clinical dietitian duties as well, in addition to serving as the community liaison within the county and neighboring counties. During her tenure at Wayne County Hospital, Kathryn implemented a system for better identification of malnutrition and trained hospital staff regarding clinical and physical indicators of nutrition and coders on how to code for malnutrition. Three years ago, Kathryn was part of a planning group that started a soup kitchen in her community. Kathryn has a BS in Dietetics and an MA in Community Nutrition from Eastern Kentucky University in Richmond, KY.  

Improving Client Health Outcomes Through Healthcare Partnerships on Friday, September 2 from 10:00 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.

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SUSAN WALDMAN

As Meals on Wheels America’s Chief Marketing and Communications Officer, Susan brings deep experience in marketing and branding for both major corporations and national non-profits. Previously, Susan served as co-founder and Director of Strategic Services for FORGE Branding, where her clients included the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, the National Audubon Society and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. Susan also served as the branding columnist for the Washington Post, and Founder and President of SLW Strategic Services, serving clients that included Discovery Networks, CapitalOne, Department of Homeland Security and Verizon. Other positions included Director of Advertising for Northwest Airlines, Senior Marketing Planner heading up national advertising for Walt Disney World, and Assistant Vice President of Marketing for American Security Bank, now part of the Bank of America system. Susan graduated with a BA in Marketing from Michigan State University. She also served as a Senior Fellow for the University of Maryland's James MacGregor Burns Academy of Leadership.

Everything You Always Wanted to Know about Adopting the Meals on Wheels Brand on Thursday, September 1 from 1:45 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

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DAVID WATERS

David is CEO and President of Community Servings, Inc. in Jamaica Plain, MA. David has been involved with Community Servings as a board member, volunteer and staff person since its founding in 1989 and became the Executive Director/CEO in 1999. David is the former Board Chair of the Association of Nutrition Service Agencies, is a founding member of the national Food Is Medicine Coalition, and is an adjunct faculty member at Emerson College in nonprofit marketing.

Food is Medicine on Wednesday, August 31 from 1:15 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

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ELAINE WAXMAN, PhD, MPP

Elaine is a senior fellow in the Income and Benefits Policy Center at the Urban Institute. Her expertise includes food insecurity, nutrition and the food assistance safety net, the social determinants of health disparities, and other issues affecting low-income families and communities. Before joining Urban, Waxman was vice president of research and nutrition at Feeding America, where she oversaw research on food insecurity, the intersection of hunger and health, and the circumstances and experiences of individuals seeking charitable food assistance. She also helped develop community-based intervention models to address the needs of low-income, food-insecure families. From 1999 to 2009, Waxman worked on a series of linked research projects at the University of Chicago on low-wage work and the challenges facing low-income working families. Waxman has coauthored numerous research and policy reports and articles in scholarly journals, including Applied Economics Perspectives and Policy, Health Affairs, Social Science Review, Journal of Hunger and Environmental Nutrition, Journal of Family and Economic Issues, and Journal of Food Law and Policy. She holds an MPP and a PhD from the University of Chicago, where she is a lecturer.

National and State Perspectives on Food Insecurity on Wednesday, August 31 from 2:45 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

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LIZ WEAVER, MS, LSW

Liz is the Project Manager for the Alzheimer’s Disease Initiative (ADI) at Southern Maine Agency on Aging (SMAA). One component of this federally-funded initiative is to expand the capacity of the Agency’s Nutrition and Community-based Outreach Programs to identify and provide effective service to people with dementia who are living alone in the community. Prior roles include overseeing SMAA’s chronic disease self-management programs including A Matter of Balance, Chronic Disease Self-Management, Chronic Pain Self-Management and Tai Chi for Health and Falls Prevention. She also served as a hospital liaison for the Community Care Transitions Program.  In addition to her work at SMAA, Liz has worked for over thirty years as a social worker, educator, manager and program developer in a variety of aging-related settings including community-based health promotion, long term care, adult day services, and the Alzheimer’s Association, Maine Chapter. Liz earned a BA in Human Development from Colby College and an MS in Adult Education from the University of Southern Maine. She is a certified Master Trainer for several evidence-based programs and a national Lead Trainer for A Matter of Balance.

Panel of Peers on Innovative Models on Projects, Practices or Processes on Friday, September 2 from 10:00 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.

SHARON WILLIAMS

Sharon runs a business development and training firm that focuses on support for community organizations, government agencies and health organizations serving Medicare/Medicare consumers.  Sharon’s experience includes executive leadership in both the traditional healthcare and the community-based services arenas. She has served as COO for one of the nation’s leading Area Agencies on Aging. She was also at the helm of CareSource Michigan, a large health plan with Medicaid and Medicare product lines and has worked with Coventry, Amerigroup and OmniCare. Sharon has worked closely with numerous local/regional stakeholders to expand broader integration of health care and community-based services, emphasizing patient-centered planning. She has considerable experience at the state/national level with public policy development, assessment and strategic implementation. Sharon earned her BA in Organizational Communication from Michigan State University. She is a Certified Heath Care Executive, America’s Health Insurance Plans (AHIP).

Healthcare Integration 101: Payers, Players and Opportunities on Tuesday, August 30 from 12:45 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. [Event Registration is Now Closed]

Healthcare Integration Institute – Part 1 on Thursday, September 1 from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Healthcare Integration Institute – Part 2 on Thursday, September 1 from 1:45 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.