2026 Health Care Human Resources Spring Conference

Thursday, April 16 

8 a.m. – Registration/Continental Breakfast 

8:50 a.m. – Welcome and Introduction  

9 a.m. – From Gen X to Gen AI: Bridging Your Teams Across Time, Tech and TikTok 

Overview 
Ever wondered what avocado toast, The Who and TikTok dances have in common? They're all part of this laugh-out-loud, highly interactive session where Future of Work expert Luke Goetting takes you on a journey through today's generations in health care. Forget a dry, academic analysis — this is generational insight through favorite foods, pop culture touchstones, and "aha" moments that will change how you see your co-workers, direct reports and colleagues. 

But this isn't just entertainment. Attendees will vote on which topics we explore, so every session is tailored to what matters most: from AI-powered knowledge acceleration to cross-generational communication to digital native approaches to mentoring and more. Through generational guessing games and friendly banter, the result is part comedy show, part crowd-sourced masterclass, entirely actionable. 

Whether you're leading a multigenerational health care team, trying to engage early-career clinical staff, or looking to capture institutional knowledge before it walks out the door — come ready to laugh, participate and leave with strategies you can't wait to try. 

Objectives: 

• implement ready-to-use strategies for cross-generational knowledge sharing that work in health care environments
• design effective skill-swap initiatives and mentoring programs that engage all generations of health care workers
• learn how to thoughtfully integrate AI tools to enhance (not replace) human knowledge transfer in clinical and administrative settings
• create sustainable knowledge-sharing practices through innovative team structures and programs
• develop approaches for building psychological safety and trust across generational divides in high-pressure health care settings 

Luke Goetting 
Future of Work Expert and Global Keynote Speaker 
LTG Strategy 
Austin, Texas 

10 a.m. – Networking Break  

10:20 a.m. – From Decentralized to Centralized — BJC HealthCare’s Employee Relations Transformation 

Overview 
In 2022, BJC HealthCare began a journey to shift the organization from decentralized, location-based HR support to agile pools of HR experts specializing in employee relations. This effort led to the creation of the HR Advise & Counsel team, designed to deliver consistent, high-quality support to BJC’s workforce of more than 44,000 caregivers. Our team believes every employee at BJC HealthCare deserves to work in an environment that maximizes their talent and potential and allows them to provide exceptional care to the patients and communities we serve. 

In this presentation, leaders of BJC HealthCare’s HR A&C team will discuss the benefits of separating out employee relations from more strategic HR work and how the model for doing so can be scaled to support the needs of many health care organizations. Participants also will learn more about the tools and tactics HR A&C has put in place to better support the team and to develop BJC’s leaders. 

Micah Parker 
Director, HR Advise & Counsel 
BJC HealthCare 
St. Louis 

Lauren Schneider 
Senior Program Manager, HR Advise & Counsel 
BJC HealthCare 
St. Louis 

11:20 a.m. – Federal and Missouri Labor and Employment Law Update 

Overview 
This presentation will focus on new employment-related laws and regulations impacting the workplace, and the health care industry, in particular. The presentation also will utilize real-world hypotheticals to highlight litigation trends and best practices. 

Objectives 

• learn about new employment-related laws or regulations impacting the health care industry/workplaces
• highlight litigation/enforcement trends and employer best practices in these areas 

Courtney Steelman 
Senior Counsel 
Husch Blackwell  
Kansas City, Mo. 

12:45 p.m. – Networking Lunch  

Supported By: 

1:45 p.m. – Leading Through Change: Rebuilding Trust and Stability in Uncertain Times 

Overview 
In an era marked by rapid transformation, workforce pressures, and shifting care delivery demands, nurse leaders are being called to guide their teams through uncertainty with clarity, purpose and compassion. Join Patti Artley, chief nursing officer of Medical Solutions, as she shares practical strategies for rebuilding trust, strengthening team stability, and leading with resilience during times of organizational and industry-wide change. 

Objectives 

• understand core leadership behaviors that cultivate trust and psychological safety amid change
• explore strategies to support stability, communication and engagement across nursing teams
• identify actionable approaches for leading through uncertainty with confidence and authenticity 

Patti Artley, DNP, R.N., CPN, NEA-BS
 
Chief Nursing Officer 
Medical Solutions 
Charleston, S.C.  

2:45 p.m. – Networking Break 

3:05 p.m. – The Right Call: Upgrading Workplace Decision-Making Skills 

Overview 
Every decision, big or small, sets off a chain reaction. It’s not the decision itself, but rather the thought process that guides the decision-making process that’s the difference maker. AI can sharpen decision-making skills, but emotional intelligence trumps human judgment and common sense. Learning when to quit and walk away is a critical part of decision making. Who is influencing the decision-maker? Some decisions need fast thinking. Others demand slow thinking. Fatigued leaders make costly calls. Calm, clear minds make wise ones. Make more right than wrong decisions, and you will spend more time preparing and less time repairing. 

Objectives 

• make the right call (best decision) during crisis, uncertainty and organizational change
• make course corrections and reverse a decision in a short period of time
• use artificial intelligence as a guide in the decision-making process
• identify if a decision requires slow thinking or fast thinking
• decide who should be included for input and facts, and who should definitely be left out
• refine the thought process that guides decision making
• minimize damage control, make course corrections or walk away from a situation altogether, when a wrong decision has been made 

Preethi Fernando 
Author/Speaker 
Kelum 
Denver

4:10 p.m. – Open Forum Roundtable Discussion 

5:15 p.m. – Adjournment 

5:30 - 7 p.m. – Networking Social 
All are welcome!  

Supported by:

Friday, April 17 

7:15 a.m. – Breakfast/Membership Meeting (all welcome to attend) 
*Membership Meeting will begin at 7:30 a.m.  

8:15 a.m. – AI Agent Orchestration for HR: Transforming Workforce Operations Through Intelligent Automation 

Overview 
This workshop equips HR leaders with a practical, execution-ready blueprint for integrating AI agents into core workforce operations. Participants will explore how autonomous and semiautonomous AI agents can streamline high-volume, rule-based, and decision-support processes across talent acquisition, compensation, onboarding, learning, employee relations and workforce analytics. 

The session demystifies the emerging discipline of AI Agent Orchestration by showing HR professionals how to design, deploy and govern coordinated AI systems that work together to perform complex workflows. Participants will learn how to combine large language models, automations, APIs and HRIS data to create multiagent ecosystems that increase throughput, elevate decision quality and eliminate operational friction. 

Attendees will leave with a clear understanding of where AI agents materially move the needle in health care HR, how to assess readiness, how to implement a responsible governance model, and how to build an adoption road map that strengthens workforce performance and enhances service reliability for leaders and employees. 

Objectives 

• define AI Agent Orchestration and articulate its role in modern HR service delivery
• identify high-value use cases across HR where AI agents create measurable efficiency and accuracy gains
• map an AI-enabled workflow, demonstrating how multiple agents collaborate to automate end-to-end HR processes
• assess AI readiness using a structured diagnostic covering data quality, process maturity, technology stack alignment, risk and workforce capability
• apply a governance framework for ethical, compliant and sustainable AI deployment within health care HR environments
• build an adoption road map that integrates change enablement, capability uplift and technology integration into a six- to 12-month implementation plan
• evaluate vendor, build-versus-buy and internal development options for scaling AI automation within health care HR 

David Gaus 
Senior Director, Human Resources 
MU Health Care 
Columbia, Mo. 

9:15 a.m. – Networking Break  

9:40 a.m. – Radically Human Talent: The 5 Moments That Transform Candidate Experience 

Overview 
Organizations continue to invest heavily in recruiting technology — applicant tracking systems, AI screening tools and automated communications — yet candidate experience continues to decline. The result? Higher ghosting rates, lower offer acceptance, extended time-to-fill, and damaged employer brands that make every subsequent hire harder and more expensive. The problem isn't technology itself. The problem is that we've automated the process while losing the human connection that actually drives talent decisions. 

This session introduces the “Radically Human Talent” framework: a practical, approach to being strategically human at five critical moments in the candidate journey. This framework shows how seven to eight minutes of intentional human connection per candidate creates measurable competitive advantage — without additional budget, technology or head count. 

Attendees will learn why “people over paper” isn't just philosophy — it's strategy. They'll discover where automation helps and where it hurts, how to design touchpoints that differentiate their employer brand, and how to calculate the specific ROI for their organization. This is an interactive, no-fluff session with immediately actionable takeaways. Attendees leave with templates, tools, a diagnostic framework and a challenge to audit their own candidate experience before implementing changes. 

Objectives 

• calculate the true cost of poor candidate experience using a provided framework, including extended time-to-fill, offer decline restarts, early turnover and employer brand damage
• understand why candidate experience is a revenue issue, not just an HR metric
• learn specific touchpoints where strategic human intervention creates measurable impact: 24-hour acknowledgment, interview preparation, 48-hour follow-up, thoughtful decisions (yes AND no) and Day 1 experience
• receive templates, time-investment data and expected outcomes
• use the “Radically Human Challenge” diagnostic framework to audit candidate experience and identify the highest-impact opportunity
• receive adaptable templates requiring no new technology or budget
• learn a decision framework for determining where AI enhances experience (scheduling, data) versus where it damages it (screening, communications, rejections)
• receive an ROI framework showing how to quantify improvements in engagement, offer acceptance, time-to-fill and retention — translating “soft skills” into hard metrics for executive buy-in 

Molly B. Weaver
Founder, Lead Consultant 
Sunflower Talent Strategies LLC 
Kansas City, Mo. 

10:40 a.m. – The Deliberate Disruptor: Why Elite Organizations Institutionalize Skepticism in 2026 

Overview 
In today's high-stakes business environment, conventional thinking may be your greatest vulnerability. While organizations value consensus and alignment, these same qualities often lead to costly blind spots, missed opportunities and avoidable mistakes. What if your organization's competitive edge lies in systematically challenging your own assumptions?  

Join Jim Benvie, “The History PM,” as he reveals why today’s elite organizations are deliberately institutionalizing skepticism as a strategic advantage. Drawing from historical case studies and contemporary business examples, Benvie demonstrates how structured challenge transforms decision quality and exposes hidden risks before they become costly missteps.  

The “Deliberate Disruptor” methodology isn't about creating conflict — it's about implementing a disciplined framework for critical thinking that achieves the following. 

• prevents groupthink and assumption-based errors that plague even the most experienced leadership teams
• reveals blind spots in strategy that competitors are waiting to exploit
• stress tests critical decisions before significant resources are committed
• creates psychological safety for authentic discussion without undermining team cohesion
• builds organizational resilience in today's volatile business landscape  

As businesses navigate increasingly complex challenges, from digital transformation to market disruption, the ability to systematically question assumptions provides an essential safeguard against failure. Discover how historical wisdom and contemporary leadership techniques combine to create a powerful framework for superior decision making that elite organizations already employ.  

Objectives 

• understand the concept of institutionalized skepticism and its proven value in high-performing organizations
• implement critical thinking frameworks that expose dangerous assumptions while maintaining team unity
• experience practical techniques for stress testing important decisions before resources are committed 

Jim Benvie 
Founder 
TyauvinOn Solutions 
Austin, Texas 

11:45 a.m. – Adjournment  

Patti Artley has more than 35 years of nursing experience and oversees Medical Solutions’ clinical, credentialing and performance management teams. She partners with chief nursing officers from existing and potential health care facilities to understand and address their clinical staffing needs.  

Before joining Medical Solutions, Artley served as the CNO at Medical University of South Carolina, where she also continues to serve as an affiliate assistant professor. She earned her bachelor’s and a Master of Science in nursing from Pennsylvania State University and her Doctorate in Nursing Practice-Nurse Executive from Old Dominion University. She maintains certification as an advanced nurse executive. 

Jim Benvie transforms historical wisdom and critical thinking techniques into powerful leadership tools for today's business professionals. With 40-plus years of managing multimillion-dollar projects across multiple continents, Benvie, known as “The History PM,” delivers thought-provoking presentations on pivotal historical events, structured skepticism for excellence and the evolving nature of leadership.  

A recognized industry leader, Benvie possesses exceptional expertise that earned him an L-1 visa — reserved for professionals with specialized skills. Throughout his career, he was specifically recruited for key leadership positions, including the Martin Decker Totco service manager (Europe) role, based on his outstanding reputation. Benvie served on the PMI Houston board for six years, maintained his PMP certification for more than 20 years and earned the Distinguished Toastmaster Award. 

As a speaker with TyauvinOn Solutions and dedicated PMI Houston volunteer for more than two decades, Benvie challenges conventional thinking by connecting historical insights with contemporary challenges. His philosophy of “some assembly required” encourages leaders to think deeply rather than seeking simplistic solutions.  

David Gaus is the senior director of HR operations and AI strategist, leading compensation, HR technology and shared services at MU Health Care. With 16-plus years of experience, he drives enterprise workforce modernization across platforms such as PeopleSoft, UKG, Phenom, and Team Dynamix, focusing on operational efficiency, strategic alignment and data-driven decision making. 

Gaus also is a builder of AI-powered HR applications. He develops custom HR AI agents that embed intelligent automation into HR workflows. Recognized for simplifying complex systems and enabling leaders through accessible technology, Gaus focuses on responsible AI adoption, governance discipline, and practical use cases that increase decision velocity and reduce operational friction. In 2026, Gaus is focused on AI-in-HR transformations, workforce readiness and the future of HR technology in health care. 

Luke Goetting is a globally recognized Future of Work keynote speaker and author of “Unlocking NextGen Talent: How to Connect, Engage, and Future-Proof Your Workforce in the Age of Digital Natives & AI.” He has captivated audiences at TEDx, DisruptHR, and events across four continents — including the Business Change & Transformation Conference in London, the Global Project Management Forum in Riyadh and the Nexus Workforce of the Future Conference in San Antonio. 

As principal of LTG Strategy and host of the “Gen Z @ Work” podcast, Goetting’s talks, workshops, and resources help organizations maximize their multigenerational workforce and develop high-impact leaders in the AI era. Named 2024 Speaker of the Year by MPI Greater New York, Goetting delivers expertise that has benefited industry giants like Dell, IBM and AMD.  

Preethi Fernando is a speaker, consultant and author of 15 books including, “I Never Told You It was Easy…I Said ‘You Got This’” and “Emotional Intelligence in Business.” Known for the simplicity of her message and for creating highly engaged participants, Fernando touches her audience with her words of inspiration. She offers trainings and workshops for corporations and associations. 

Micah Parker is the enterprise Advise & Counsel and workplace accommodations director at BJC HealthCare (encompassing the St. Louis/Eastern region and the Kansas City/Western region). Parker joined BJC in 2009 and acquired his expertise in the health care HR industry via multiple HR positions, including talent acquisition and HR business partner roles.  

As a talent acquisition manager, Parker designed and implemented a successful recruitment strategy that is still in place today. He built and implemented a robust Advise & Counsel program that is currently a major HR branch at BJC HealthCare, supporting employees and leaders with their employee relations and workplace accommodation needs. 

Lauren Schneider is a HR Advise & Counsel program manager at BJC HealthCare, one of the largest nonprofit health care integrated service delivery organizations in the country, serving communities throughout Missouri, western Kansas and southern Illinois. In her current role, Schneider provides programmatic support to the enterprise employee relations, workplace accommodations and HR policy functions.  

Schneider is part of a cross-functional team that leads HR service delivery model transformation for the organization. Before joining the HR Advise & Counsel team, she spent 20 years in a variety of strategic human resources roles supporting several of BJC's community-based hospitals. 

Courtney Steelman represents clients in labor and employment law and public policy, drawing on her deep experience in Missouri state government. Her practice spans discrimination, harassment, retaliation and wage‑and‑hour matters — including FLSA and PAGA actions — and she advises employers on strategies to prevent litigation. She also defends clients in court, arbitration and mediation. 

In her government affairs work, Steelman counsels municipalities, public officials, candidates, and businesses on governmental issues, campaign finance and election law. Her earlier roles in the Missouri Senate, Missouri Attorney General’s Office, and externships with the Missouri Supreme Court and Court of Appeals give her a strong network and insider understanding of state politics. 

With a Master of Law in dispute resolution, Steelman excels at resolving matters efficiently while remaining fully prepared to try cases in state and federal courts. Known for her composure, strategic approach, and clear communication, she is committed to achieving the best outcomes and ensuring clients understand every step of the process. 

Molly Weaver is an innovative talent acquisition strategist with more than 20 years of experience helping organizations design and implement candidate-focused experiences that attract top talent. With a specialty in the health care industry earned during her tenure as the senior director of talent acquisition at Children's Mercy Kansas City, Weaver launched Sunflower Talent Strategies to help organizations navigate the new world of work by enhancing their recruiting processes and creating a pipeline to produce the talent they need for the future.   

Coming Soon!

Camden on the Lake Resort
2359 Bittersweet Road
Lake Ozark, MO 65049 

Request MHA Health Institute room rate of $146 + tax
To receive the group rate, please call 573-365-5620 and use Group Code MOHA0426 to let the hotel know you are with the MHA Health Care Human Resources Conference.

Hotel cutoff date: Wednesday, April 1 

The Missouri Hospital Association strongly encourages up-to-date COVID-19 vaccination and adherence to current CDC guidance on in-person gatherings. We will continue to monitor CDC guidelines and conduct meeting protocols accordingly.

Please note that your registration request will be submitted to the organizer for approval. Upon approval, instructional materials will be sent to the email address indicated on the registration form.

If you have special needs addressed by the Americans With Disabilities Act, please contact the Missouri Hospital Association.

MHA Health Institute
4712 Country Club Drive
Jefferson City, MO 65109
Phone: 573-893-3700
Fax: 573-893-2809

Cancellation requests received in writing before the deadline date will receive a full refund — minus a processing fee per registrant. The deadline date and refund amount vary by event and are specified in the event confirmation details. Registrants who cancel after the deadline or those who fail to attend are responsible for the full registration fee. Substitutions are encouraged.

MHA reserves the right to cancel this event due to low enrollment, public health concerns, natural disasters or unforeseen weather conditions, or any circumstance that makes it illegal, impossible or commercially impracticable for the event to be held. In the unlikely event this occurs, a full refund for any registration costs will be provided. MHA is not responsible for nonrefundable items such as airfare, hotel or other travel costs.

Contact the event planner with any questions.