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2025 NACHC Partner Conference Main banner

HGS1 - Opening General Session

Monday, November 17, 2025
9:00 AM - 10:30 AM CT
Location: Nicollet Grand Ballroom (Main Level)
Welcome and Introductions
  • Paloma Hernandez, MPH, MS, Chair, NACHC Board of Directors, and Chief Executive Officer, Urban Health Plan

PCA Panel: Leading Through Transition with Strength and Vision
Change is no longer an occasional event—it is the constant backdrop against which our health center partners operate. The last several years have tested leaders at every level: a pandemic that reshaped care delivery, workforce shortages that are straining operations, shifting reimbursement models, significant shifts in health policy and health center funding environment, and the ongoing need to integrate technology and data into everything we do. For Primary Care Associations (PCAs), Health Center Controlled Networks (HCCNs), and National Training and Technical Assistance Partners (NTTAPs), these systemic and organizational challenges require leaders to navigate complexity, manage competing priorities, and chart a clear path forward on behalf of health centers and the communities they serve. This session provides an honest, energizing, and practical conversation about what it takes to lead through times of significant change, challenge, crisis, or transition while staying grounded, maintaining organizational focus, and making courageous decisions—even when the road ahead feels uncertain.

Moderator:
  • Libby Thurman, Vice President, PCA and HCCN Relations, NACHC

Speakers:
  • Sara Barry, M.Ed, LBP, Chief Executive Officer, Oklahoma Primary Care Association
  • Ross Brooks, President and Chief Executive Officer, Colorado Community Health Network
  • Chris Shank, President and Chief Executive Officer, North Carolina Community Health Center Association

Partner Panel: Health Center Capacity Building–Demonstrating ROI
This panel will provide several ROI models used in the last year to demonstrate the impact and value of training and technical assistance services to health centers.

Moderator:
  • Peter Shin, PhD, MPH, Chief Science Officer, NACHC

Speakers:
  • Amanda Schiessl, MPP, Chief of Staff, Moses/Weitzman Health System
  • Becky Grando, LPN, MPH, Interim Co-CEO, CQCH Senior Director, Tennessee Primary Care Association
  • Ted Henson, MS, Director, Health Center Growth & Development, NACHC

HCCN Panel: HCCNs Moving Community Health into the Future – Digital Healthcare Solutions
Session will explore which digital solutions are the most helpful to CHCs, what are the barriers for adoption of new digital health tools, what should CHCs do to get ready for emerging new AI based technology, and cybersecurity strategies.

Moderator:
  • Diana Erani, MBA, Chief Operating Officer, NACHC

Speakers:
  • Chandra E. Beasley, MBA, MHRM, MNSA, MPA, CLSSGB, Director of Information Technology, South Carolina Primary Care Association
  • Louise McCarthy, MPP, President & CEO, Community Clinic Association of Los Angeles County
  • Lori Hooks, MS, CPHQ, PCMH CCE, Chief Technology & Data Officer, Texas Association of Community Health Centers