Thursday, June 12 – Pre-Conference

8 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
THT Golf Tournament

7 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
Registration

7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
Exhibit Hall Open

7:30-8:30 a.m.
Networking Breakfast in the Exhibit Hall

8:30 a.m.-Noon
New Board Member Orientation & Refresher*

• 8:30-9:30 a.m.
  Board Member Orientation
  Fletcher Brown, J.D., Phelps Dunbar LLP, Austin; additional panelist coming
  Are you a newly appointed hospital board member or simply need a governance refresher? This session will equip you with the fundamental knowledge and skills needed to navigate your role effectively. Gain insights into the key responsibilities of hospital board members, the traits of high-performing boards, and practical strategies for strong governance. Join us to build a solid foundation for your leadership and contribute to your hospital’s success.
  
• 9:30-10:30 a.m.
  Quality 101 for Health Care Boards
  Sheila Dolbow, MSN, RN, CFN, CPHQ, Project Improvement Manager, Texas Hospital Association Foundation, Austin
  This session is essential for board members looking to strengthen their understanding of quality oversight and seeking to ensure the highest standards of patient care. Learn how to interpret key quality metrics, ask the right questions, and implement effective oversight practices to drive continuous improvement. Gain the knowledge and tools needed to support your organization’s commitment to excellence in care delivery.
• 10:30-11 a.m.
  Morning Break
  
• 11 a.m.-Noon
  Introduction to Hospital Finance
  Deborah Whitley, Partner, Healthcare, FORVIS, Waco
  Health care finance is complex, and a strong foundational understanding is essential for hospital board members to make informed decisions. This session will break down the unique financial aspects of hospitals, including how they are reimbursed for services, key cost drivers, and key financial statement metrics. Gain the knowledge needed to navigate financial reports with confidence and provide effective oversight in today’s rapidly evolving health care landscape.
  

Noon-1 p.m.
Pre-Conference Luncheon

1-4:30 p.m.
AdminLeadership Workshop
*Requires separate registration

1-5 p.m.
Advanced Board Strategies Workshop*

• 1-2:30 p.m.
  Legal Hot Topics: Outcomes of the 89th Texas Legislature
  Heather De La Garza-Barone, J.D., Associate General Counsel; and Nicole Lusardi, J.D., Associate General Counsel, Texas Hospital Association, Austin
  This session will provide key insights into the most impactful legislative changes emerging from the 89th Texas Legislature, with a focus on new laws and revisions that could reshape hospital operations. Speakers will highlight high-risk areas, compliance implications, and what board members need to know to ensure their hospitals remain in compliance and prepared for regulatory changes.
  
• 2:30-3 p.m.
  Afternoon Break
  
• 3-4 p.m.
  Advanced Hospital Finance
  Anna Stelter, Vice President of Policy, and Matt Turner, Ph.D., Senior Director of Quality and Payments, Texas Hospital Association, Austin
  This session takes a deeper dive into hospital reimbursement, including Medicare, Medicaid and other key payment structures. Additionally, speakers will provide insight on state and federal updates and their impact on hospital financial operations. Attendees will gain the insights needed to navigate the evolving financial landscape and support the long-term stability of your hospital.
  
• 4-5 p.m.
  AI in Health Care
  Darren Skyles, J.D., Partner, Nelson Mullins, Houston; and Sara Thomas, J.D., Chief Legal Officer/Division Director, Harris Health System, Houston
  As AI continues to transform health care, hospital board members must understand its opportunities—and its risks. This session will explore the evolving legal and regulatory landscape surrounding AI in health care, from historical trends to emerging technologies. Speakers will highlight key laws, executive orders and enforcement actions shaping AI development, as well as the potential liability risks hospitals may face. Attendees will gain insights into building a strong AI governance framework to ensure ethical, responsible, and compliant AI use in their organizations.
  

5-6 p.m.
Welcome to Arlington Reception

*Separate registration fee applies

Friday, June 13 – Main Conference Day One

7 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
Registration

7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
Exhibit Hall Open 

7:30-8:30 a.m.
Networking Breakfast

8:30-10 a.m.
Opening General Session
What’s on the Horizon for Health Care Governance
Jamie Orlikoff, President of Orlikoff & Associates, Inc.

10-10:45 a.m.
Morning Break in the Exhibit Hall

10:45-11:45 a.m.
Concurrent Breakout Sessions

• Rural Hospital Strategy that Actually Works
  Doug Morse, MBA, MHA, Principal, ExecHQ
  Yesterday’s strategies won’t solve today’s staffing and financial challenges. So how do you think about strategy in a changing world? Consider strategy as deliberately choosing a different set of activities to deliver unique value. This highly interactive session will guide you through the steps to determine if it’s time for a strategy refresh at your organization, where to look for strategies that actually work and steps to get started. Session participants will leave with a toolkit to take back to their hospitals providing strategy exercises for hospital Boards and CEO’s.
  
• Leading with Impact: Best Practices for High-Performing Board Leaders
  Chris Benson, Executive Director, Juniper Advisory; and Todd Linden, Partner, Linden Consulting
  This interactive session equips board leaders—Chairs, Chair-Elects, Past Chairs, and aspiring leaders—with strategies to enhance governance and foster strong board-CEO relationships. Participants will explore best practices for conducting executive sessions, delivering meaningful CEO feedback, and navigating board-management dynamics. Through a hands-on role-play exercise, attendees will gain practical experience they can immediately apply to strengthen leadership effectiveness and organizational success.
  
• The Board’s Role in Compliance Oversight
  Kenya Woodruff, J.D., Partner, Katten, Dallas
  Hospital board members play an important role in ensuring their organization meets legal, regulatory and ethical standards. This session will provide an overview of board responsibilities in compliance oversight, including key regulations and risk management techniques. Attendees will learn how to effectively ask the right questions, identify potential compliance risks, and support leadership in maintaining transparency and integrity.
• Ask the Expert with Jamie Orlikoff
  Jamie Orlikoff, President of Orlikoff & Associates, Inc.
  

Noon-1:30 p.m.
Trustee Awards Luncheon

1:30-2:30 p.m.
Concurrent Breakout Sessions

• Real-World Board Governance: Expert Insights & Open Q&A
  Chris Benson, Executive Director, Juniper Advisory; and Todd Linden, Partner, Linden Consulting
  Join health care governance experts and fellow board leaders in this interactive, solutions-focused session designed to address your toughest governance challenges. Designed as a collaborative forum, the attendees to this session will engage in open dialogue, exchange best practices, and explore innovative strategies to enhance board effectiveness and performance. Come prepared to ask tough questions, share experiences, and gain actionable insights to strengthen your leadership and decision-making.
• Cybersecurity: Lessons Learned from a Cyber Attack
  Panelist information coming soon
  With cyberattacks on the rise, it is imperative for hospitals to have policies and procedures designed to mitigate risk in the event of a cyberattack. This session will explore key lessons learned from real-world cyber events, providing insights into proactive strategies such as strengthening backup systems and enhancing employee training. Hear from industry experts and hospital leaders on what to expect during a cyber incident and the essential questions board members should ask to protect their organizations from growing cyber threats.
• Community Relations
  Panel moderated by Barry Couch, Couch Healthcare Consulting, LLC, Austin
  
• How to Navigate Conflicts of Interest
  Craig Carter, J.D., Co-Founding Partner; and Brian Jackson, J.D., Co-Founding Partner, Jackson & Carter, PLLC, Austin
  Hospital board members must make decisions that prioritize the best interests of their organization and community. This session will explore how to identify, disclose, and manage conflicts of interest while upholding transparency and trust. Learn best practices for ethical decision-making, legal considerations, and strategies to navigate complex situations that may arise in governance.
  

2:30-3:15 p.m.
Afternoon Break in the Exhibit Hall

3:15-4:30 p.m.
Afternoon General Session
Megan Cundari, Senior Director, Federal Relations, American Hospital Association, Washington D.C.; Carrie Kroll, Senior Vice President of Advocacy and Public Policy, Texas Hospital Association; additional panelists coming soon

4:30-5:30 p.m.
Noble Allen Silent Auction and Reception
Attendees, guests and sponsors alike are welcome to attend this special reception and silent auction. Enjoy food and beverages while browsing a variety of items and experiences available at the auction. THT uses funds raised from this auction to continue to provide high-quality governance programs for our members.

Saturday, June 14 – Main Conference Day Two

7:30-11 a.m.
Registration

7:30-8:30 a.m.
Certified Healthcare Trustee Breakfast

7:30-8:30 a.m.
General Attendee Breakfast

8:30-9:30 a.m.
Concurrent Breakout Sessions

• Cybersecurity Landscape: What Hospital Boards Should Know
  Panelist information coming soon
  Cyber threats continue to evolve, posing significant risks to hospital operations and patient care. This session provides hospital leaders and trustees with the latest insights on the cybersecurity landscape, including incident response planning and effective communication strategies. Learn from industry experts about proven methods to safeguard digital infrastructure, mitigate disruptions and ensure continuity of critical health care services.
  
• The Board’s Role in Health Equity
  
• Open Meeting Do’s and Don’ts
  Craig Carter, J.D., Co-Founding Partner; and Brian Jackson, J.D., Co-Founding Partner, Jackson & Carter, PLLC, Austin
  Open board meetings are essential for transparency, accountability, and public trust, but navigating the complex rules and regulations can be challenging and overwhelming. This session will equip hospital trustees and leaders with crucial insights on proper documentation, compliance with the Freedom of Information Act, and best practices for open meeting protocols. Learn exactly what to do—and what to avoid—to ensure smooth, legally sound and highly effective board meetings.
• From Hiring to Oversight: Navigating Physician Challenges
  Cesar Lopez, J.D., Attorney and Counsel, Cesar J. Lopez Healthcare Law, Austin
  

9:45-11 a.m.
Closing General Session
Healing, Hope and the Game-Changing Power of Your Rope Team
Command Sergeant Major Gretchen Evans, Wounded Veteran, Bestselling Author, and Adventurer

11 a.m.
Adjourn