Microsoft MVP Alumni, SAFe PO/PM certified, passionate about mobile apps and AI, joined the 'Xamarin' dev world more than seven years ago, and now onboarding into MAUI.
Passionate about UX and UI, with an eye on cross-platform solutions, mostly for Xamarin.Forms. In recent years, has focused on UI testing, best practices, continuous integration, and optimization for Xamarin apps. Also curious about AI and ML.
Recently, have become more interested in product management and its capabilities.

Microsoft MVP Alumni, SAFe PO/PM certified, passionate about mobile apps and AI, joined the 'Xamarin' dev world more than seven years ago, and now onboarding into MAUI. Passionate about UX and UI, with an eye on cross-platform solutions, mostly for ... Show more

A solutions architect , Microsoft Certified Trainer with a passion for the Power Platform, M365 Copilot, GenAI, Azure technology.

Empowering enterprises to thrive with Microsoft Copilot & Modern Workplace AI solution frameworks to solve challenges and to drive impactful change across Health & Public Sector. I have an intense enthusiasm for technology and innovation along with its governance and security aspects. An advocate of women empowerment through Information Technology.

A solutions architect , Microsoft Certified Trainer with a passion for the Power Platform, M365 Copilot, GenAI, Azure technology. Empowering enterprises to thrive with Microsoft Copilot & Modern Workplace AI solution frameworks to solve challenges... Show more

30 years building tools that add hours back to a clinician's day
Chief AI Officer at RealActivity | openEHR Pioneer | BOSHUG Founder | Microsoft Keynoter

Signature Technical Achievements:
1998 – Y2K Bedside-System Safeguards: Prevented Y2K rollover failures in mission-critical hospital devices
2001 – Symbolic AI Triage Engine (Same-Day Surgery): Eliminated pre-op anesthesia visits, accelerating care pathways. Established decision tree based on real age research and patent by Dr. Roizen, Chicago. AI: Classification and Regression Trees
2001-2007 – .NET Instructor & Mentor: Trained 3,000+ GE, IDX, and Microsoft engineers in enterprise-grade software patterns
2003 – HL7 Interoperability Clinical Trials: Delivered the first Winsock stack integrated with HL7
2007 – Enterprise EHR Architect (Ivy-League AMC): Supported annual encounters on the Microsoft stack
2008 – Medication-Safety Program (AHFS-Driven): Cut prescription overuse with classification algorithms
2008 – CMS Activity Reporting Platform: Built compliance platform for regulatory reporting
2009 – Spine-Center Pain-Management Platform: Improved patient SF-x scores and satisfaction
2010-2020 – Azure and M365 Migration Lead: Moved 50+ HIPAA workloads to the cloud
2011 – Shared-Decision Support (End-of-Life): Enhanced clinician–family engagement at critical moments
2012-Present – Global Community Builder: Founded BOSHUG; lead OSS/FHIR & "AI for the Rest of Us" forums across 50+ countries
2019/2020 – Microsoft MVP & Azure Most Influential: Recognized for outstanding impact on the Microsoft ecosystem
2022 – Microsoft Cloud for Healthcare Curriculum Consultant: Architect-level training with Microsoft Healthcare & HLS corp teams
2023/2025 – Provider Support Copilot and Agent Suite (RAPS): Trained on PeopleSoft operations data and prompts from healthcare executives
2023 – Copilot Prompt Engineering Suite for Healthcare Execs: Hardened GenAI prompts for AI safety
2024 – Wheelhouse AI Center of Excellence (Co-Founder): Established radical AI governance model for hospitals
2024 – Graduated from Microsoft Startups, Level 4: Currently in growth phase
2024 – AI Safety & Governance Brief: Influenced hospital AI frameworks nationwide
2025 – Wheelhouse Frontier: World's first frontier model fine-tuned on PeopleSoft data and executive prompt data
Ongoing – Global Speaker: Microsoft Ignite, Cloud Wars, and more (top 3% speaker globally)

Global citizen based in Boston. I love Sicilian bakeries, lemon cakes, sailing, snowboarding, diving, adventure travel, and spending time with family and friends.

30 years building tools that add hours back to a clinician's day Chief AI Officer at RealActivity | openEHR Pioneer | BOSHUG Founder | Microsoft Keynoter Signature Technical Achievements: 1998 – Y2K Bedside-System Safeguards: Prevented Y2K rollo... Show more

AI Engineer & Cloud Solutions Architect| MVP & MCT |

Samantha is a passionate and dynamic Cloud and AI Solutions, with a mission to make AI and cloud technologies accessible and impactful for real-world applications. Leveraging a rich background in healthcare and education, Samantha specializes in designing scalable, AI-driven cloud solutions tailored to the unique challenges of businesses, particularly in the healthcare sector.

As a technology trainer Samantha combines technical expertise with a gift for clear, engaging communication. Her sessions are known for their practicality, empowering participants with actionable insights they can apply immediately.

A strong advocate for women in tech, Samantha's personal journey of carving her path into the tech industry and build fulfilling careers.

When she's not demystifying technology, Samantha dedicates herself to supporting mothers and families through her parenting consulting business, BeBaby, proving that the intersection of tech and life can be as empowering as it is innovative.

Session Topics Include:

Promp-A-Thon: Unlocking the Power of AI Tools for Everyday Use
Cloud Solutions for Healthcare: Bridging Tech and Care
AI for Beginners: Making Artificial Intelligence Understandable and Accessible
Women Who Carve Their Own Path: Empowering Women to Succeed in Tech
Certifications: Azure AI Enginneer, Python AI Developer, Azure Fundamentals, Azure AI Fundamentals, Power Platform Fundamentals, Microsoft 365 Fundamentals, and more.

Connect with Samantha to explore how technology can transform industries, careers, and lives!

AI Engineer & Cloud Solutions Architect| MVP & MCT | Samantha is a passionate and dynamic Cloud and AI Solutions, with a mission to make AI and cloud technologies accessible and impactful for real-world applications. Leveraging a rich background i... Show more

Dr. Aaron N. Cutshall is a proven leader in Healthcare Informatics with nearly 40 years of experience in application and database analysis, design, and development. He focuses on clinical quality and massive databases. He actively speaks nationwide at conferences and user group sessions on data architecture, analytics, and professional development topics.

Dr. Aaron N. Cutshall is a proven leader in Healthcare Informatics with nearly 40 years of experience in application and database analysis, design, and development. He focuses on clinical quality and massive databases. He actively speaks nationwide a... Show more

Vincent Koc is a distinguished and lead AI Research Engineer at Comet, working on open-source evaluation, optimization, and agentic AI systems used by teams across industry. Founding team of Build Club the words fastest growing AI community and prior advocate for Deeplearning AI he shares a passion for community. He is a Forbes Technology Council member and a Fellow of the Institute of Managers and Leaders (Australia), with research and teaching affiliations including the University of Queensland, Oxford University, MIT, and UT Austin.

His work focuses on AI agent evaluation, multimodal systems, automatic prompt and agent optimization, and the reliability and ethics of AI in production. Vincent has delivered 100+ keynotes globally, including TEDx and SXSW, and has led AI initiatives across finance, telecom, travel, FMCG, healthcare, and government spanning from startups to global enterprises. Vincent has held prominent positions as an ex-researcher at Microsoft, ex-head of AI at Qantas Airways, and various other senior board appointments and clients including AT&T, Coke Cola, Expedia, Federal Goverment, LVMH, Macdonalds, Vodafone, Volkswagen.

He specializes in translating research-grade depth into a universal language that resonates with both technical and non-technical audiences, across formats from lightning talks to full-day workshops and is open to travel.

Vincent Koc is a distinguished and lead AI Research Engineer at Comet, working on open-source evaluation, optimization, and agentic AI systems used by teams across industry. Founding team of Build Club the words fastest growing AI community and prior... Show more

Yug Mallik is an AI & Digital Strategy Leader and Microsoft Certified Trainer (MCT) who helps organizations turn data into decisions and AI into real, measurable impact. With 17+ years of industry experience, he has led AI-driven initiatives across Healthcare, Oil & Gas, and enterprise platforms, bridging the gap between emerging technologies and practical business outcomes.

His expertise spans Generative AI, Large Language Models (LLMs), RAG architectures, Agentic AI, Copilot frameworks, AI automation, and Responsible AI governance—enabling teams to design scalable, ethical, and production-ready AI systems.

As a speaker, trainer, and mentor, Yug blends strategic perspective with hands-on execution, helping audiences move beyond hype to focus on real-world adoption, governance, and sustainable value creation in enterprise AI.

Yug Mallik is an AI & Digital Strategy Leader and Microsoft Certified Trainer (MCT) who helps organizations turn data into decisions and AI into real, measurable impact. With 17+ years of industry experience, he has led AI-driven initiatives across H... Show more

Sónia is a Portuguese/German BI Specialist that has been working @DevScope, a Gold Data Analytics Microsoft Partner, for the last 6 years.

Sónia's academic journey began in Biomedical Engineering, where she honed her analytical and problem-solving skills. Her passion for leveraging data to improve healthcare and decision-making led her to her current role. At DevScope, she harnesses her knowledge to drive data-driven solutions, ensuring that insights are not only powerful but also tailored to specific business needs.

She is enthusiastic about anything data related - from programming to data visualization.

Sónia is a Portuguese/German BI Specialist that has been working @DevScope, a Gold Data Analytics Microsoft Partner, for the last 6 years. Sónia's academic journey began in Biomedical Engineering, where she honed her analytical and problem-solving... Show more

Krishnendu Dasgupta is an engineer with 15+ years in applied Machine Learning . His interests span across healthcare, generative AI, and decentralized AI. He is currently applying AI innovation in clinical trials, graph ML, NLP, and privacy-preserving AI. A Stanford Code in Place mentor and MIT Bootcamp alum, he’s contributed to NIST, MIT Hacking Medicine, and won the Molypix AI award (MIT, 2025). Krishnendu focuses on ethical, scalable AI with global impact. He spoke at The Linux Foundation AI Dev Summit in 2025, and recently at NODES 2025.He has contributed to more than 12 books published globally on Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, published by Springer Nature.

Krishnendu Dasgupta is an engineer with 15+ years in applied Machine Learning . His interests span across healthcare, generative AI, and decentralized AI. He is currently applying AI innovation in clinical trials, graph ML, NLP, and privacy-preservin... Show more

Azure, Check! Power Platform, Check! Not only am I a geek on technology, helping others is what thrives me!
From low-code and fusion-dev to process management and more. My background is in technology for healthcare and that is what excites me the most!

Azure, Check! Power Platform, Check! Not only am I a geek on technology, helping others is what thrives me! From low-code and fusion-dev to process management and more. My background is in technology for healthcare and that is what excites me the mo... Show more

Dr. Tarek Hussein, PharmD, MBA, is a pharmacist-entrepreneur advancing sustainable, equitable, and tech-enabled care. He is co-founder of Ontario's first sustainability-certified pharmacy, co-founder of Medaki, an e-commerce platform for pharmacies, and Founder and CEO of sociaLink Rx, a digital health company pioneering precision social prescribing in Canada.

He serves as Adjunct Professor at the University of Ottawa's Faculty of Medicine and Climate Health Fellow at Harvard Medical School. Through leadership roles, especially with the Canadian Association of Pharmacy for the Environment (CAPhE), he advocates for health equity and climate-resilient pharmacy practice. His research on social prescribing is published in peer-reviewed journals, and he regularly speaks at national and international conferences.

A Chartered Manager, Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, and Agile Coach, Tarek helps healthcare organizations design evidence-based systems that are faster, safer, and measurably more impactful at the intersection of pharmacy, technology, and social health.

Dr. Tarek Hussein, PharmD, MBA, is a pharmacist-entrepreneur advancing sustainable, equitable, and tech-enabled care. He is co-founder of Ontario's first sustainability-certified pharmacy, co-founder of Medaki, an e-commerce platform for pharmacies, ... Show more

George Walters has worked with Databases since the 90s, and has been at Microsoft since 2006, helping customers adopt and understand data in a changing world. George currently is an all-up Cloud and AI Platform Specialist aligned to strategic healthcare and life sciences accounts. He helps customers get value out of their data, and to enable modern ways with AI to build business value.

George Walters has worked with Databases since the 90s, and has been at Microsoft since 2006, helping customers adopt and understand data in a changing world. George currently is an all-up Cloud and AI Platform Specialist aligned to strategic healthc... Show more

Asha Holla is a data engineer turned AI engineer at Bloom Value with experience spanning across the Azure data and AI ecosystem. She works at the intersection of data platforms, analytics, and applied AI, with a strong focus on building scalable, governed solutions in the US healthcare space. An active contributor to the local tech community, Asha has spoken at 10+ events in 2025 alone. She enjoys making AI feel less intimidating and more usable through community advocacy and practical, real-world examples.

Asha Holla is a data engineer turned AI engineer at Bloom Value with experience spanning across the Azure data and AI ecosystem. She works at the intersection of data platforms, analytics, and applied AI, with a strong focus on building scalable, gov... Show more

Eli has been in tech since being released back into the wild from studying maths at university 9 years ago. They've spent their time working in industries ranging from telecoms to biotech to analog circuit design to developer advocacy, continually getting nerd-sniped along the way. These days, they work at the Bennett Institute as a Research Software Advocate, helping to build the next generation of healthcare research tooling. In their spare time, they like to go bouldering, knit and sew, and hang out with their cat.

Eli has been in tech since being released back into the wild from studying maths at university 9 years ago. They've spent their time working in industries ranging from telecoms to biotech to analog circuit design to developer advocacy, continually ge... Show more

Dr. James C. Rodríguez, MSW, CADC
President & Chief Executive Officer, Fathers & Families Coalition of America
International Trainer • Clinical Social Worker • Veteran • Advocate for Equity, Fatherhood, and Mental Health

“I am a Boricua. A dad. A soldier. A professional social worker. An advocate. A teacher. A professor. A counselor. And a friend. And with every role, I lead with love and serve with purpose.”

Dr. James C. Rodríguez, MSW, CADC, is a globally acclaimed leader, author, and advocate for the well-being of children and families—renowned for his ability to inspire transformative change through expertise, faith, and service. A proud father, soldier, social worker, and visionary educator, he has devoted more than four decades to helping people rediscover hope, dignity, and purpose. His reach spans early childhood education, public health, child welfare, mental health, leadership development, and fatherhood advocacy—fields that, in his hands, become pathways toward healing and equity.

A Legacy of Service

James's journey of service began at just seventeen when he raised his hand to serve as a combat medic in the United States Army. By twenty-two, he was one of the youngest Substance Abuse Counselors in the Department of Defense, already guiding others toward recovery. Over two decades of military service in behavioral health, law enforcement, and crisis response forged his lifelong devotion to discipline and compassion.

His dedication to serving at-risk youth and families earned him the Points of Light Award from President George H. W. Bush and the Presidential Lifetime Call to Service Award from President Barack H. Obama—each a testament to his extraordinary commitment to public service and to humanity itself. He was later honored with a Meritorious Service Medal from the U.S. Department of Defense and Congressional Certificates of Honor from Members of Congress, including Congresswoman Maxine Waters, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, Congresswoman Barbara Lee, and Congresswoman Diane E. Watson, each recognizing his unwavering commitment to social justice, equity, and family strengthening. He has also been commended by the California State Senate and Legislature and deeply humbled by his Ceremonial Elder Proclamation from the Qutekcak Native Tribe of Alaska.

Building Movements and Securing Hope

After retiring from military service, Dr. Rodríguez channeled his experience into fatherhood and family policy. In Arizona, he founded one of the nation's first TANF-funded fatherhood programs, demonstrating that collaboration and compassion could reshape entire systems. That single program became a national model, generating over $75 million in resources for community initiatives and impacting tens of thousands of families and professionals.

From that vision emerged the Fathers and Families Coalition of America (FFCA), which Dr. Rodríguez developed from a grassroots network into an international nonprofit with offices in California and Puerto Rico, as well as collaborations spanning Australia, the United Kingdom, and Pakistan. Under his leadership, the Coalition's annual International Families and Fathers Conference—now approaching its 27th year—has become one of the world's premier gatherings for educators, policymakers, clinicians, and faith leaders dedicated to advancing equity and family well-being.

Educator Across Borders

Teaching is James's true calling. He has served as a professor at the University of Southern California's School of Social Work and Arizona State University's College of Public Service and Community Solutions. Earlier, he developed curricula for Mesa Community College and Central Arizona College, designing courses in human development and family preservation that remain in use today. He has directed the statewide Cornell University Family Development Credential Program and lectured at Morehouse College, Clark Atlanta University, Howard University, Columbia University, Yale University, Universidad Interamericana de Puerto Rico, the University of the West Indies, Guelph University in Canada, and with tribal partners such as the Navajo Nation and the Qutekcak Native Tribe of Alaska. Wherever he teaches—from Ivy League classrooms to community halls—he reminds students that purpose is born from perseverance.

Dr. Rodríguez also serves on the Editorial Board of PHYLON: The Clark Atlanta University Review of Race and Culture, appointed by Dr. Obie Clayton Jr., to advance scholarship on race, family, and social policy.

Groundbreaking Curricula and Leadership Training

Throughout his career, Dr. Rodríguez has developed a family of curricula and training institutes that bridge the gap between science and spirituality. His Advanced Practitioner Credential™ Course, OAR Leadership Institute™ (Ownership • Accountability • Responsibility), and the SAMHSA-approved curriculum, including Elevating Fathers in Family Mental Health Support, have trained more than 30,000 professionals nationwide. He is also the creator of the FFCA DiSC Model, as well as Ikigai & The Power of Kintsugi (金継ぎ). This program invites participants to build bridges of destiny through self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and purpose-driven leadership.

Certified as an Executive Coach and DiSC® (TTI Model) Trainer, he is also a Master Trainer for The John R. Wooden Course™ in Executive Coaching and Leadership, a Certified Advanced Life Coach, Life Coach Therapist, Ikigai Coach, and holds a Specialized Schema Therapy Certification. Under his direction, FFCA's training programs uphold the highest national standards in behavioral-health education. The Advanced Practitioner Credential Course is an NASW Arizona-approved continuing education provider, and all FFCA programs adhere to evidence-based, recovery-oriented practice standards that reflect its commitment to ethical, transformative education.

Research and Public Health Innovation

As a Principal Investigator and Senior Researcher, Dr. Rodríguez has led projects funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the National Institute of Mental Health, and the U.S. Office of Refugee Resettlement. His research with the Somali Association of Arizona, the Hispanic/Latino and African American Parent Depression Research Project, and the Arizona State University Hispanic Family Research Project has advanced culturally responsive care and mental-health equity for communities of color nationwide.

Policy and Public Service Impact

Dr. Rodríguez has been instrumental in advancing fatherhood and family policy at every level of government. He was a key contributor to the establishment of the Fatherhood Research and Practice Network (FRPN)—a collaboration of scholars and advocates dedicated to building the national evidence base for fatherhood services. He has worked closely with Congressman Danny K. Davis on legislation addressing fatherhood and trauma-informed care. He has served as advisor to the Connecticut Fatherhood Initiative and to state legislative task forces in Arizona and California on TANF transition and family-strengthening policy.

In New York City, he has served as a keynote speaker and policy advisor to the Office of the Mayor's Fatherhood Advisory Council, working in partnership with the Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD) and the Administration for Children's Services (ACS) to advance responsible fatherhood, workforce development, and equitable family systems. His policy influence extends to federal and state agencies, including SAMHSA, the Region II Head Start Association, the State of Maryland, and the National Federation of Families for Children's Mental Health.

Recognition and Honors

Throughout his career, Dr. Rodríguez has received numerous recognitions for his professional service and social impact. Among the most notable are the Presidential Lifetime Call to Service Award from President Barack H. Obama; the Points of Light Award from President George H. W. Bush; Congressional Certificates of Recognition from Congresswoman Maxine Waters, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, Congresswoman Barbara Lee, and Congresswoman Diane E. Watson; California State Senate and Legislature Commendations; the Meritorious Service Medal from the U.S. Department of Defense; the Ceremonial Elder Proclamation from the Qutekcak Native Tribe of Alaska; and the National Social Worker Leadership Resolution awarded by FFCA. Each recognition stands as a symbol of his lifelong dedication to service, equity, and the power of human connection.

Author and Storyteller

Dr. Rodríguez is the author of the forthcoming book The Purpose Within — Like the Phoenix Out of the Ashes, to be released in April 2026. The book interweaves memoir, leadership philosophy, and spiritual reflection, inviting readers to discover their own purpose within adversity and emerge renewed, like the phoenix from its flame.

Personal Values and Legacy

At the core of Dr. Rodríguez's mission lies faith, humility, and love for family. He draws daily inspiration from his children—Antonio, (Cassandra), Amber Rodríguez-Young, LMSW (Daric), and Jazmín Rodríguez—and his beloved grandchildren Ariston and Adalena. Whether mentoring emerging leaders, advising lawmakers, or speaking to communities in need of hope, he lives by the principle that leadership is service and service is love in motion. Dr. Rodríguez's personal values—rooted in love, empathy, and a deep respect for humanity—are the driving force behind every facet of his work. Above all, he treasures his role as a father and draws inspiration from his own children to create initiatives that support families and strengthen communities. His unwavering dedication to fostering wellness, equity, and opportunity continues to make a profound impact, earning him global recognition as one of the most influential social work, mental health, and child welfare figures.

"Leadership is not about titles. It is about being water—shaping, flowing, and giving life wherever you go." — Bruce Lee.

Today, Dr. James C. Rodríguez continues to guide the Fathers & Families Coalition of America with the same devotion that marked his first day as a combat medic: with courage, compassion, and the conviction that every life can be repaired and made whole. His legacy shines across continents, reminding the world that true strength, like gold in kintsugi, is found in our cracks—and in how we choose to heal them.

Dr. James C. Rodríguez, MSW, CADC President & Chief Executive Officer, Fathers & Families Coalition of America International Trainer • Clinical Social Worker • Veteran • Advocate for Equity, Fatherhood, and Mental Health “I am a Boricua. A dad. ... Show more

Riz Vazir wants you to never lose focus, time, or health to doomscrolling and digital distractions. With over 20 years in organizational change and transformation including leadership roles at Microsoft and Aon he founded Scroll By Choice to address the health and productivity crisis created by attention-hijacking technologies. A Prosci-certified Change Management Practitioner and MBA from the Kellogg School of Management, Riz helps organizations and families build digital wellness that strengthens focus, performance, and connection in an AI-driven world. He lives in the Seattle area with his wife and son, who inspires his work.

Riz Vazir wants you to never lose focus, time, or health to doomscrolling and digital distractions. With over 20 years in organizational change and transformation including leadership roles at Microsoft and Aon he founded Scroll By Choice to address ... Show more

Craig Kent, MD, has spent the last 30 years dedicated to health system leadership, with a clear emphasis on expanding patient access, delivering high-quality care, and supporting treatment for medically complex cases. His career reflects a consistent commitment to academic advancement, research development, and organizational leadership across some of the nation's most respected healthcare institutions.

Dr. Craig Kent’s leadership experience began as Division Chief in Vascular Surgery at Columbia and Cornell, where he also oversaw the Vascular Service line at New York-Presbyterian Hospital. He later served as Chair of the Department of Surgery at The University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health. His responsibilities expanded at Ohio State University, where he was appointed Dean of the College of Medicine, Vice President for Health Sciences, and Co-Leader of the Health System. Most recently, he served as Executive Vice President of Health Affairs and CEO at the University of Virginia Health System.

In recognition of his work, Dr. Kent was inducted into the National Academy of Medicine. His national influence includes serving as President of the Society for Vascular Surgery, President of the Society of Surgical Chairs, and Chair of the American Board of Surgery. These roles highlight his contributions to clinical leadership and the education of future physicians.

The National Institutes of Health has continuously funded Craig Kent for over 30 years. He has chaired the NIH’s Surgery and Bioengineering study section and contributed to multiple grant review panels. His research spans molecular science and health system outcomes, with 360 peer-reviewed publications and 65 books and book chapters. His studies have appeared in leading journals, including the New England Journal of Medicine and the Journal of the American Medical Association.

His editorial work includes service as editor or associate editor for the Annals of Vascular Surgery, Contemporary Surgery, and Haimovici’s Vascular Surgery. He has also held positions on editorial boards for numerous peer-reviewed journals, contributing to scholarly discourse across a broad range of surgical topics.

Craig Kent, MD, has been invited to speak at over 120 academic medical centers as a Visiting Professor or Keynote Speaker. During his time as CEO of UVA Health, the organization experienced notable growth. Annual revenue increased from $2.5 billion to $4.7 billion, and patient care delivery nearly doubled. Quality performance reached its highest levels in a decade, and staff satisfaction increased by more than 15 percent despite the broader challenges facing the healthcare industry during the pandemic and staffing shortages.

Under his leadership, UVA Health expanded statewide, acquiring three hospitals and a physician group in Northern Virginia, purchasing a large multi-specialty practice, and becoming a minority owner in a five-hospital system in Eastern Virginia. The UVA School of Medicine saw a $60 million increase in research funding, and Dr. Kent led the launch of the Paul and Diane Manning Institute of Biotechnology, scheduled to open in 2026.

He also played a critical role in philanthropy, helping UVA Health raise over $650 million toward a $1 billion campaign and tripling overall fundraising during his tenure. At Ohio State, he oversaw 2,100 faculty members and more than 1,200 physicians. His leadership resulted in the recruitment of over 400 faculty members, significant growth in NIH funding, the implementation of a faculty compensation plan, the development of new facilities, and annual fundraising efforts that collectively reached $200 million.

At the University of Wisconsin, Craig Kent led efforts that doubled the size and surgical volume of the Department of Surgery and improved its NIH ranking from 26th to 5th in the country. Following the merger of NewYork-Presbyterian Hospitals, he unified the vascular surgery programs at Columbia and Cornell, helping to establish one of the nation’s leading academic vascular surgery programs.

Numerous honors have marked Dr. Kent’s academic and clinical career. He served as an associate professor at Harvard Medical School and held professorships at Cornell, Columbia, the University of Wisconsin, Ohio State, and the University of Virginia. His recognitions include induction into Alpha Omega Alpha at the University of California, San Francisco; the Fred and Ester Nusz Annual Achievement Award; the Harold Bengloff Award for Teaching; and the E. J. Wylie Traveling Fellowship. He has also received multiple Top Doctor and Best Doctor awards for his clinical contributions.

He earned a Bachelor of Science from the University of Nevada, Reno, and a Doctor of Medicine from the University of California, San Francisco. His postdoctoral training includes surgical residency at UCSF, a vascular research fellowship at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, an endovascular fellowship at the Cleveland Clinic, and leadership development at the Harvard School of Public Health. He has held medical licenses in Massachusetts, New York, Wisconsin, Ohio, and Virginia.

Dr. Kent is actively involved in numerous professional organizations, including the American College of Surgeons, the American Heart Association, the Society for Vascular Surgery, the American Surgical Association, the Society of Surgical Chairs, the International Surgical Group, the American Board of Surgery, the Blue Ridge Academic Health Group, and the Academy of Master Surgeon Educators.

Craig Kent, MD, has spent the last 30 years dedicated to health system leadership, with a clear emphasis on expanding patient access, delivering high-quality care, and supporting treatment for medically complex cases. His career reflects a consistent... Show more

Suzanne Rath: High-Performance Strategist, Endurance Athlete, Founder

Suzanne Rath is a keynote speaker and high-performance strategist who helps founders and leaders sustain peak performance without breaking. Her authority is forged through a rare combination of research, clinical expertise and lived experience.

For more than nine years she has led an award-winning multi-site Allied Health business, building resilient teams and pioneering innovative approaches to workplace wellbeing. As a physiotherapist with twenty years of experience across three continents, she brings a deep understanding of human performance, recovery and longevity.

Suzanne is also an endurance athlete of eighteen years, having completed marathons, ultras, and multi-day cycling expeditions across continents. After surviving a life-changing accident in Sydney, she rebuilt her health and career from the ground up- an experience that informs her work with leaders navigating pressure, uncertainty and burnout. This journey became the foundation of her signature framework, ENDURES, a system for sustainable high performance.

From the boardroom to the marathon trail, Suzanne understands what it takes to recover, reset and rise stronger, again and again.

How Suzanne Helps
Keynote Speaking

Beyond the Peak: Unlocking Sustainable High Performance
Suzanne blends endurance stories, leadership insight and evidence-based strategies to show audiences how to move from collapsing performance to sustained momentum. Participants gain:

the courage to set bold goals

the capacity to navigate challenge with clarity

practical tools to recover, reset and elevate to greater summits

Workshops & Extended Programs

Suzanne’s workshops transform insight into capability. Designed for real-world application, they help teams:

- reclaim energy and focus

- clarify priorities

- build daily rhythms and systems that drive consistent high performance

Coaching for Leaders & Founders

Suzanne works privately with leaders to apply the ENDURES framework to their own lives and organisations. Her coaching strengthens resilience, adaptability and sustainable performance — ensuring high achievers maintain their edge without burning out.
The ENDURES Membership Program launches in February 2026.

Suzanne Rath: High-Performance Strategist, Endurance Athlete, Founder Suzanne Rath is a keynote speaker and high-performance strategist who helps founders and leaders sustain peak performance without breaking. Her authority is forged through a rar... Show more

I am the Founder and CEO of GammaLex AI Inc and Co-Founder of Justice for All, both launched at Stanford Law School. At GammaLex, I build vertical AI solutions for complex, high-stakes domains—health and legal tech, sustainability, and engineering infrastructure by tackling tough challenges and delivering technology that benefits people and communities. Through J4All.org, we collaborate with Google Research to advance access to social justice by delivering tangible humanitarian impact.

I am the Founder and CEO of GammaLex AI Inc and Co-Founder of Justice for All, both launched at Stanford Law School. At GammaLex, I build vertical AI solutions for complex, high-stakes domains—health and legal tech, sustainability, and engineering in... Show more

Thomas Fricke has been working with containers and Kubernetes for 7 years, with Linux and networks for 30 and with computers for 40. His focus is on security in KRITIS environments (energy, health care) and the agile transformations that are necessary in these environments. He is a freelancer, founder (Endocode, Resility), and volunteers on various boards, including the IT Planning Council.

Thomas Fricke has been working with containers and Kubernetes for 7 years, with Linux and networks for 30 and with computers for 40. His focus is on security in KRITIS environments (energy, health care) and the agile transformations that are necessar... Show more

Josh Harr is a senior cybersecurity advisor, cybersecurity diplomat, and security executive with 17 years of experience spanning the U.S. federal government, critical infrastructure, healthcare, private industry, and international defense organizations. His work focuses on helping organizations and governments understand, prepare for, and respond to complex cyber risk shaped by geopolitical dynamics, operational constraints, and real-world consequences.

Josh currently serves as a Business Information Security Officer (BISO) within a large U.S. healthcare organization, where he aligns cybersecurity strategy with business growth, regulatory requirements, and patient care operations. In this role, he translates technical risk into executive-level decision-making, enables secure expansion, and embeds cybersecurity into enterprise transformation initiatives.

In parallel, Josh supports international cyber capacity-building efforts as a senior cybersecurity advisor to the Bulgarian Ministry of Defense and its Cyber Defense Center. His contributions include developing incident response frameworks, defining organizational structures, building sustainable cyber workforce pipelines, designing and delivering large-scale exercises, and advising senior leaders on governance, metrics, and long-term operational resilience aligned with NATO and EUCOM objectives.

Josh also serves as an officer in the U.S. Air National Guard, specializing in cyberspace operations and international security advising. In this capacity, he contributes to operational planning, training, and leadership development, with experience integrating cyber considerations into joint and multi-domain environments.

Across government, military, and private-sector roles, Josh has designed and delivered tabletop exercises, crisis simulations, and decision-focused training for executive leaders, technical teams, and policymakers. These engagements emphasize risk-based thinking, mission impact, and leadership decision-making under uncertainty rather than purely technical response.

His professional background includes leadership in incident response, security governance, vulnerability management, application security, regulatory compliance, and metrics-driven security programs. He has worked across frameworks such as NIST, CIS, and NATO-aligned models, with an emphasis on practicality, repeatability, and measurable outcomes.

Josh’s work consistently operates at the intersection of cybersecurity, geopolitics, and organizational leadership—helping leaders understand not only what could happen, but why it matters, when decisions must be made, and how to act effectively in complex environments.

Josh Harr is a senior cybersecurity advisor, cybersecurity diplomat, and security executive with 17 years of experience spanning the U.S. federal government, critical infrastructure, healthcare, private industry, and international defense organizatio... Show more

Marinka Natale works at the intersection of cloud, data, AI, and human decision-making, helping organizations question momentum before scaling complexity. Her work centers on asking the questions others avoid—examining not just what technology enables, but whether it is aligned with what people, organizations, and systems actually need.

With experience across healthcare, analytics, emerging technology, and applied research, Marinka brings a systems-level perspective that connects technical architecture with governance, incentives, and real-world outcomes. She is known for challenging default assumptions around innovation, particularly when new tools amplify noise rather than clarity.

Marinka is the Chair of the IEEE Cloud Summit and the founder of LynxIQ, where she advises organizations on designing cloud and AI systems with intention, accountability, and long-term value in mind. Her work emphasizes discernment, restraint, and responsibility as essential components of meaningful technological progress.

Marinka Natale works at the intersection of cloud, data, AI, and human decision-making, helping organizations question momentum before scaling complexity. Her work centers on asking the questions others avoid—examining not just what technology enable... Show more

Kimberly “Kim” Steffenhagen
About Kimberly “Kim” Steffenhagen
Kimberly “Kim” Steffenhagen is a dedicated and innovative professional with extensive experience in the field of medical coding and quality assurance. As the Coding QA and Compliance Manager at Align ENT & Allergy, Kim plays a pivotal role in ensuring the accuracy and efficiency of coding processes, contributing significantly to the company's continued success.
Professional Background
Kim holds several prestigious certifications, including CPC, CEMC, CPMA and CPCO from AAPC, as well as the COPM certification from ASCENT. Kim is honored to be a member of the inaugural class of AAPC's Emerging Leader Program. These certifications underscore her exceptional expertise in medical coding, auditing, and practice management. Throughout her career, Kim has demonstrated a strong commitment to excellence, consistently delivering outstanding results and earning a reputation for her meticulous attention to detail and thorough understanding of complex coding guidelines.
Achievements and Contributions
Under Kim's leadership, Align ENT & Allergy has achieved remarkable milestones in coding accuracy and compliance. Her strategic vision and innovative approach have been instrumental in streamlining coding processes, reducing errors, and enhancing overall operational efficiency. Kim's dedication to continuous improvement and her ability to adapt to evolving industry standards have cemented her status as a key figure in the company's growth and success.
Personal Interests
Outside of her professional life, Kim is passionate about spending time with her family, reading, camping, and hiking, which reflects her creativity and drive. Kim and her family organize an annual charity haunted house in Boyertown, PA.
Contact Information
Kim can be reached at kims@alignenta.com or through https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberly-steffenhagen-cpc-cemc-cpma-copm-3a6b2378/ where she welcomes connections and opportunities to collaborate.

Kimberly “Kim” Steffenhagen About Kimberly “Kim” Steffenhagen Kimberly “Kim” Steffenhagen is a dedicated and innovative professional with extensive experience in the field of medical coding and quality assurance. As the Coding QA and Compliance Man... Show more

Dr. Roderick Logan founded Making Space to Heal, where he provides trauma and resiliency life coaching, specializing in sacred path renewal. He holds a doctorate in Practical Theology and a master's in counseling, and is a Diplomate with the American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress. With over 40 years of experience in trauma-informed care and resilience building, Dr. Logan has been recognized with the Arizona Aging Services Star Award for Innovation by the Arizona Department of Economic Security. He is the author of "I Was Loved: 10 Statements I Hope My Child Can Say About Their Childhood" and "Finding Everland: Voyage Beyond Religious Trauma: A Psalm-Guided Journey to Resiliency." Dr. Logan and his wife, Melody, have been married for 46 years and share a family legacy of three children and eight grandchildren, alongside a professional legacy of empowering others through trauma recovery and resilience building.

Dr. Roderick Logan founded Making Space to Heal, where he provides trauma and resiliency life coaching, specializing in sacred path renewal. He holds a doctorate in Practical Theology and a master's in counseling, and is a Diplomate with the American... Show more

Dora Boussias is an award-winning thought leader in AI, Data, Leadership, CX, and Career Growth — an international keynote speaker, career & leadership coach, and strategic advisor with a passion for driving transformation and impact. With 30 years of experience at top firms including GE, Stryker, and Prudential, she has led complex transformations while mentoring and empowering leaders to accelerate success with clarity, confidence, and proven strategies.

Arriving in the US at 17 with limited English, Dora rose to executive leadership, gaining expertise across Financial Services, Insurance, Retail, Education, and Healthcare/MedTech. Recognized with numerous accolades, including Global Data Power Woman and AI100 Innovation Leader, she serves on multiple boards and has been featured in leading publications, NYC Times Square, and over 35 podcasts.

Today, Dora partners with organizations, leaders, and audiences worldwide to inspire action and deliver strategies that help them grow, lead with confidence, navigate change, and create lasting impact.

Quick speaker clip: https://vimeo.com/1099053330

(𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 clip 𝘪𝘴 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘈𝘱𝘳𝘪𝘭 29, 2025, 𝘤𝘭𝘰𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘬𝘦𝘺𝘯𝘰𝘵𝘦 𝘢𝘵 𝘎𝘋𝘚 𝘋𝘢𝘵𝘢 & 𝘈𝘯𝘢𝘭𝘺𝘵𝘪𝘤𝘴 𝘚𝘶𝘮𝘮𝘪𝘵 𝘪𝘯 𝘛𝘢𝘮𝘱𝘢, titled: "𝘓𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘗𝘶𝘳𝘱𝘰𝘴𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘈𝘐 𝘌𝘳𝘢: 𝘕𝘢𝘷𝘪𝘨𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 2025 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘉𝘦𝘺𝘰𝘯𝘥")

(Please check https://doraboussias.com for a comprehensive list of events, podcasts, and other resources)

Dora Boussias is an award-winning thought leader in AI, Data, Leadership, CX, and Career Growth — an international keynote speaker, career & leadership coach, and strategic advisor with a passion for driving transformation and impact. With 30 years o... Show more

Elle Provencher DTN, RDN-BC, BHN, FiFHI, RM, CH
Board Certified Doctor of Natural Medicine
Board Certified Doctor of Traditional Naturopathy
Bachelor of Science -Holistic Nutrition
Advanced Energy Medicine Practitioner
Fellow- Institute For Human Individuality
Certified Hypnotist
National Wellness Speaker
Award Winning Collaborative Author

DOCTOR OF NATURAL MEDICINE
I treat each one of my patients as if they were one of my family! My credo as a Traditional Natural Health Practitioner is, to do the body no harm. Wellspring will only offer solutions that have been science-driven with a heart-based focus.

Over the course of the years, I have had the opportunity to work with highly skilled medical and holistic practitioners. By being involved with these people, I have had the ability to create a pathway of successful healing for people using a mind-body connection. Using the healing arts for proper nutrition with balanced supplementation, vibrational energy medicine, hypnosis, stress management, and the use of aromatherapy, my patients have shown the better quality of life and optimized health.

Elle Provencher DTN, RDN-BC, BHN, FiFHI, RM, CH Board Certified Doctor of Natural Medicine Board Certified Doctor of Traditional Naturopathy Bachelor of Science -Holistic Nutrition Advanced Energy Medicine Practitioner Fellow- Institute For Huma... Show more

Dr. David Hardy is a chiropractor and functional neurologist who offers a holistic perspective on wellness, integrating brain health, chiropractic care, and lifestyle strategies. He believes in addressing the root causes of health issues, not just managing symptoms.
Dr. Hardy's presentations are engaging and informative, covering topics such as concussion recovery, migraine relief, stress management, and neurological rehabilitation. He empowers audiences with practical tools and insights to improve their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. He practices at Hope Chiropractic & Wellness Clinic and is the founder of The Hardy Brain, a platform dedicated to educating the public about brain health. He is a Fellow of the American College of Functional Neurology (ACFN) and a Diplomate of the American Chiropractic Neurology Board (ACNB). Connect with Dr. Hardy to bring his expertise to your next event.

Dr. David Hardy is a chiropractor and functional neurologist who offers a holistic perspective on wellness, integrating brain health, chiropractic care, and lifestyle strategies. He believes in addressing the root causes of health issues, not just ma... Show more

Bruce R. Krawisz, M.D.
Born: 1952 in Chicago, Illinois
Undergraduate: Macalester College, St. Paul, MN, biology/chemistry, BA 1974.
Graduate: Mayo Medical School, Rochester, MN, medicine, MD, 1978.
Postdoctoral: Mayo Graduate School of Medicine and Washington University in St. Louis, 1978 - 1984, Board Certifications in Anatomic Pathology (1982) and Molecular Genetic Pathology (2001).
Marshfield Clinic Research Institute, Emeritus Researcher, 2017 – present
Prevention Genetics, Clinical Laboratory Director, 2006 – 2016
Marshfield Clinic, Pathologist, 1989 – 2016
University of Vermont School of Medicine, Assistant Professor of Pathology, 1984 - 1989

Bruce R. Krawisz, M.D. Born: 1952 in Chicago, Illinois Undergraduate: Macalester College, St. Paul, MN, biology/chemistry, BA 1974. Graduate: Mayo Medical School, Rochester, MN, medicine, MD, 1978. Postdoctoral: Mayo Graduate School of Medicine a... Show more

I am a Sr. Consultant at Quantum Technology Inc, where I provide software consultancy services for Architecture, Design and Development of Enterprise-level applications and system integration solutions using Microsoft and open-source technologies. Master in Computer Science (MCS) and have over 24 years of experience in multiple domains of business, artificial intelligence, machine learning, data science, cloud, big data, and mixed reality.

My mission is to leverage my expertise in AI and ML to build cutting-edge solutions that solve real-world problems and create value for my clients. I am proficient in C#, Python, Unity, Azure, OpenAI, and other tools and frameworks that enable me to design and implement innovative and scalable solutions. I am also a certified programmer, developer, and AI specialist, as well as a speaker, trainer, and visiting faculty in the field of AI and ML.

Domains:
Business Application, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Image Processing, Finance, B2B, Operation Research, VoIP, Security Application Forensics, SSL VPN, e-commerce, Social, Content management, Cloud, Big Data, NoSQL, Medical - Health, Financial products including enterprise Framework as well as Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality, Mixed Reality and many more.

Specialties:
Azure, C#, Artificial Intelligence (AI) & Machine Learning (ML), Data Science, Python, Unity3D, C++/C, Mixed Reality, Virtual Reality (VR) Augmented Reality (AR), ASP.NET, .NET, OOP, ORM (Entity Framework), Architecture Pattern, OOAD, Design Pattern, UML, SOA, Web API, LINQ, TFS, GitHub, Visual Studio, SQL Server, Oracle, NoSQL (MongoDB, Cosmos DB), HoloLens, OpenAI, Azure ML, Azure OpenAI, Azure AI Services etc.

Education & Certifications:
Masters in computer science (MCS) along with many academic and commercial certificates.
For further details, please see LinkedIn section for Azure, Artificial Intelligence (AI) / Machine Learning (ML), Data Science, etc.

I am a Sr. Consultant at Quantum Technology Inc, where I provide software consultancy services for Architecture, Design and Development of Enterprise-level applications and system integration solutions using Microsoft and open-source technologies. Ma... Show more

Andy Waldrop is VP of Digital Experiences at WebMD Ignite. He leads the product and engineering teams focused on solutions that improve consumer experiences across the patient journey. Andy has been an innovator in the digital marketing space for over 15 years with leadership experience consulting with some of the largest health systems in the U.S. Prior to WebMD, Andy lead a full-service digital marketing agency from inception to successful acquisition leading all aspects of digital services.

Andy Waldrop is VP of Digital Experiences at WebMD Ignite. He leads the product and engineering teams focused on solutions that improve consumer experiences across the patient journey. Andy has been an innovator in the digital marketing space for ove... Show more