Speaker Bios
Cheryl Smith
Strategic Plan Development Manager
Governor's Office of Consumer Health Services (OCHS)
Prior to working with the State of Utah, Cheryl was a Visiting Health Policy Fellow at The Heritage Foundation, a policy think tank in Washington, D.C. While at Heritage she primarily focused her writing and analysis on the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP), Medicare drug pricing, and state health system reform.
In her current position, Cheryl helps develop and coordinate the plans and policies, resources, and mission of OCHS. In addition, she coordinates projects and ensures adequate administrative controls, quality, and procedural efficiencies.
Cheryl has a B.A. in Political Science and a Master of Public Policy (with and emphasis in Health Policy), both from Brigham Young University. She is originally from Montgomery, Alabama.
Daniel Schuyler
Project Manager and Technical Advisor
Governor's Office of Consumer Health Services (OCHS)
As Project Manager and Technical Advisor, Dan helps define the technical goals, vision, and expectations of OCHS. He is responsible for providing technical support, preparing and updating plans and priorities, and acting as a technology resource for the Governor’s Special Advisor for Health System Reform.
Prior to his position with OCHS he took over the role as Project Manager for the Department of Environmental Qualities (DEQ) National Environmental Information Exchange Network. While at DEQ, he brought the State of Utah from the bottom third in environmental exchanges to the top ten percent. Dan received recognition from Governor Jon M. Huntsman, Jr. for his achievements while at DEQ.
Dan has his own successful ecommerce Web site, Internet consulting business and over twenty years of Information Technology experience. Dan is originally from Chicago, Illinois. He holds a degree from Lewis University and several IT certifications.
Marc Bennett
President and Chief Executive Officer
HealthInsight
Marc H. Bennett is President and Chief Executive Officer at HealthInsight, a private, non-profit healthcare improvement company. HealthInsight holds the Medicare quality improvement organization (QIO) contracts for Nevada and Utah and sponsors the AHRQ-designated Chartered Value Exchanges (CVEs) in both states as well. HealthInsight is a recognized leader in the QIO industry in Transparency & Public Reporting, in HIT initiatives, Payment Reform efforts, Human Factors Science research and application, and for innovation in the Beneficiary Protection program. The company employs a staff of approximately 60 FTEs and more than 100 physician consultants.
Nationally, Mr. Bennett has just concluded his service as President and Board Chair of the American Health Quality Association (AHQA), the trade association for QIOs. He began his term in February 2007. He continues to serve as a member of the Board and Executive Committee of AHQA. Additionally, Mr. Bennett currently serves on the Quality Alliance Steering Committee (QASC), a body that coordinates federal and private sector quality initiatives in the United States. He is also a member of the National Advisory Board for the Center for Healthcare Quality & Payment Reform and serves as a Board member for the Network for Regional Health Improvement (NRHI).
In Nevada, Marc has been appointed as a member of the Governor’s Health Information Technology Blue Ribbon Task Force. Marc has served previously as a non-voting public member of the Nevada State Legislature's Interim Healthcare Committee. He also served previously as Board Chair for the Shared Health Information Network of Nevada and as a member of the Nevada Patient Safety Committee.
In Utah, Marc is currently Chair of the Utah Patient Safety Steering Committee, the coordinating committee for statewide quality and safety initiatives in the state. In addition, he is a member of the State-sponsored Governance Consortium for Health Information Technology in Utah. And he also serves on the Board and Executive Committee of the Utah Health Information Network, the community-based health information network and clinical health information exchange (cHIE).
Douglas Younker
Director of Human Resources
ICON Health & Fitness
Mr. Douglas Younker has a Bachelor of Science in Human Resources from Utah State University and has worked in the HR field for the past 28 years. Currently Doug is the Director of Human Resources for ICON Health & Fitness, a role he has held for the past 19 years. ICON is a world leader in the manufacture and distribution of home and commercial exercise equipment. ICON brands include: Nordic Track, Weider, Pro Form, Weslo, IMAGE, Gold’s Gym, and Free Motion Fitness. Previously he was the Corporate Human Resource Manager for Woodgrain Millwork in Idaho, and the Training Manager for Pyke Manufacturing in Salt Lake City, Utah.
In 1994 ICON created their first “Wellness Program” and incorporated it into ICON’s medical plan, which has reduced plan expenses, while improving the quality of life for employees. Regence Blue Cross and Humana who have administered the ICON medical plans have both stated that ICON has the lowest PMPM of any RX plan it manages in the Country. Doug has presented on the ICON Wellness Plan in: Los Angeles, Nashville, Salt Lake City, Phoenix, Chicago, Boston, and Atlanta.
Douglas served on the Utah SHRM Crossroads conference committee for three years, the Utah Council for Worksite Health Promotion for five years, and Doug is currently serving on the Utah State Health and Wellness Advisory Committee. In addition, he has served on three higher education Steering Committees, Oregon State University, Utah State University, and Stevens-Henager College. When Doug has nothing else to do you will find him spending time with his family, his mountain bike or backcountry skiing.
Scott D. Barlow, M.B.A.
CEO Central Utah Clinic
Mr. Barlow serves as the CEO of Central Utah Clinic, the largest independent physician group in the State of Utah. Central Utah Clinic employs 96 physicians and 40 Nurse Practioners/Physicians Assistants, practicing at 31 urban and rural locations throughout the State of Utah. Central Utah Clinic has received numerous national awards for the successful implementation of an Electronic Health Record becoming paperless in early 2003 and recognition for the attractive building design used at their main location in Provo Utah. The practice model, effective technology deployment and strong leadership has resulted in a sustained growth rate in excess of 25% per year for the past six years. Central Utah Clinic now provides over 280,000 patient visits annually and has been a Medical Group Management Association top performing practice for the past 6 years.
Scott has been in the healthcare industry for 21 years, with 17 years in group practice management. He originally was the Associate Director for the non-profit community health centers located in Salt Lake County and has spent the past 12 years in private group practice management. Mr. Barlow holds a Bachelor degree in Accounting and an MBA in Health Care Administration. He is an active member of Medical Group Management Association and Utah Medical Group Management Association. He also serves on various community task forces and boards, including the Nebo Education Foundation, Provo/Orem Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors & Government Review Committee, Governor’s appointed commissioner on the Utah Digital Health Service Commission, Regence Blue Cross & Blue Shield Community board and more. He has a keen sense of the health needs of the community and actively pursues programs to improve health services to patients.
Bill Barnes
Federal Government Relations Manager
Intermountain Healthcare
Bill Barnes manages federal government relations for Intermountain Healthcare.
Prior to his current assignment, Bill was Director of Community and Government relations for Primary Children’s Medical Center, Intermountain’s children’s hospital.
Bill was the director of Community and Government relations for the Utah Transit Authority before going to Primary Children’s.
Senator Wayne Niederhauser
Senator Wayne Niederhauser was elected to the Utah State Senate in 2006. The Senator is a Certified Public Accountant. He owns and operates CW Management Corp., a real estate development company.
Senator Niederhauser was educated at Utah State University where he earned a Masters Degree in Accounting. While attending the University, he met and married his wife Melissa. They have been married for twenty six years and have five children. The Senator enjoys spending time with his family. They enjoy many outdoor hobbies together including cycling, skiing and hiking. The Niederhauser’s have made Sandy, Utah their residence for twenty two years. They take pleasure in serving and improving their community.
Senator Niederhauser was recently elected to Senate Leadership. He now serves as the Majority Assistant Whip. His immediate past assignments include: chair of the Senate Revenue and Tax Committee and the Co-Chair the Capital Facilities and Government Operations Sub-Appropriation Committee. He also serves on the Business Labor and Health System Reform Task Force.
Dr. Norman Thurston
Health Policy & Reform Initiatives Coordinator
Utah Department of Health
Dr. Thurston has been a policy analyst and health economist for the Utah Department of Health for the past six years. In his current role, he serves as a policy advisor and executive staff for health system reform efforts in the State of Utah.
Before joining the state, Dr. Thurston worked for eight years as an assistant professor of economics at Brigham Young University. He has published several articles on health care markets in nationally recognized economics journals. He is a life-long resident of Utah, growing up in Morgan County. He has native-level fluency in Spanish and was a Fulbright Scholar teaching economics in Argentina in 2001.
Dr. Thurston has a Masters and Ph.D. in economics from Princeton University, and an undergraduate degree in Spanish and Agribusiness Management from Brigham Young University. His areas of specialty include insurance markets, health care provider markets, labor markets, and public finance/economics.
Stephen Neeleman
Chief Executive Officer
HealthEquity, Inc.
Dr. Stephen Neeleman is the CEO and founder of HealthEquity, Inc. He founded HealthEquity in 2002 to repair the fractured relationship between the patient and provider and to help more people obtain health insurance by re-introducing consumerism into health care. As a board certified physician, Dr. Neeleman brings to HealthEquity a passion for and firsthand knowledge of the medical industry. Dr. Neeleman is also co-author of The Complete HSA Guidebook—How to Make Health Savings Accounts Work for You.
Prior to his medical training, Dr. Neeleman worked as the General Manager for the Morris Air hub in Salt Lake City. Dr. Neeleman combined efficiency, technology and excellent customer service to succeed in a rocky industry. This innovative business model allowed Morris Air, later acquired by Southwest Airlines, to rise above financially struggling competitors. Dr. Neeleman’s goal is to use efficiency, technology, and high-touch service to help save another struggling industry: America’s health care system.
Dr. Neeleman is a former assistant professor of surgery at the University of Arizona and he currently remains active in the medical community in Utah. Dr. Neeleman chairs the HSA Working Group for the Council for Affordable Health Insurance HSA Working Group. He also serves on the American Health Insurance Plan’s (AHIP) HSA Leadership Council and on the National Health Care Reform Coalition.
Dr. Neeleman completed his surgical training at the University of Arizona and received a doctorate in medicine from the University of Utah. Dr. Neeleman is married to Christine Lamb Neeleman and they have five children.
Earl F. Hurst
President
Humana of Utah
A native of Utah and veteran health care executive, Earl F. Hurst is the President of Humana of Utah. Appointed to the position in the spring of 2007, Hurst is responsible for the overall management and strategic planning for Humana's commercial, consumer-choice and self-insured health benefit products in Utah.
Humana Inc. (NYSE: HUM), headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky, is one of the nation’s largest publicly traded health benefits companies, with approximately 10.6 million medical members. Humana offers a diversified portfolio of health insurance products and related services – through traditional and consumer-choice plans – to employer groups, government-sponsored plans, and individuals.
Hurst has over 23 years of health care management experience in Sales, Marketing, Account and Operations Management. With an understanding of the dynamics of the health care delivery system, Hurst possesses a comprehensive health care background in health plan administration, pharmacy benefit management, radiology management, third-party administration, inpatient hospital management and end of life care services.
Hurst was born in Utah and has lived and worked in Utah for more than 28 years. He has been married 27 years and is the father of five children. He is a graduate of Brigham Young University.
Robert F. Beauchamp, M.D.
Medical Director
UnitedHealthcare of Arizona
Dr. Beauchamp joined UnitedHealthcare in Arizona in 1999 as Senior Medical Director, Western States. He provides clinical leadership to the health plan and is accountable for establishing utilization and quality outcomes of the plan membership. He is a member of the Western States Strategy Council. Dr. Beauchamp was previously the Strategic Medical Director for the CIGNA Private Practice Plan. A native of Phoenix, Dr. Beauchamp received a B.S. in Zoology, graduating with distinction from ASU in 1969. He received his MD from the University of Arizona School of Medicine in 1973, where he was a member of the Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honorary and received the University’s Foundation Outstanding Senior Award. He served his internship and pediatric residency at the University of Colorado Medical Center. He is board certified in Pediatrics and a Certified Physician Executive. Dr. Beauchamp is the former Chairman of the Board for the Arizona Chapter of the March of Dimes.
Judi Hilman
Executive Director/Co-Founder
Utah Health Policy Project
Judi is Executive Director and co-founder of the Utah Health Policy Project, a 501-C-3 nonprofit organization dedicated to creating quality, comprehensive, affordable health care coverage for all Utah residents. Prior to starting the UHPP, Judi served as Health Policy Director and Research Director for Utah Issues, Center for Poverty Research and Action. Judi was born in Los Angeles and raised there and in Israel. She has her MA from Cornell University in History and BA (magna cum laude) from the University of California, Berkeley. Judi has authored numerous publications, including Utah's Poor: Solutions for Today's Economy, Making Sense of Utah Medicaid, an article for Virtual Mentor, ethics journal of the American Medical Association, and others. Her work covers a broad range of policy issues impacting the uninsured, low-income medically underserved, people with disabilities, and ethnic minorities. Judi is happiest when working on solvable problems, and this is why she has dedicated a good portion of her career to comprehensive, ‘post-partisan’ solutions to the health care crisis. In 2008 Judi was selected as 1 of 10 Community Health Leaders by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. This and other awards were given in recognition of her leadership in community organizing.
Christie North
Christie North began working with HealthInsight in 2001 on small grants and gradually became involved in HealthInsight internal quality improvement. As the Vice President of Programs in Utah she leads the efforts around transparency and value based decision making.
Christie earned a bachelor’s degree from Westminster College in Behavioral Science, with an emphasis in interpersonal communication and an MBA from the David Eccles Graduate School of Business at the University of Utah. She holds fellowship in the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE), and is certified as a Professional Facilitator by the International Association of Facilitators (IAF).
Michael Hales
Michael Hales is a Deputy Director in the Utah Department of Health and oversees the Division of Medicaid and Health Financing. He is also the State’s Medicaid director and has worked in that capacity for the past four years. Prior to his work with the Department of Health, Michael performed consulting work for healthcare and financial services companies in the New York City metropolitan area as a member of the firm Princeton Consultants. Michael holds a Master in Public Administration degree, with a focus in health care policy, from Harvard University. He also graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management from Brigham Young University, where he was presented the Wall Street Journal Student Achievement Award.
Paul J. Muench
Paul J. Muench has been employed by Molina Healthcare for 13 years. He was the Chief Financial Officer of Molina Healthcare of Utah for ten years and in 2006 was named President of the Utah plan. He is responsible for Utah health plan operations, as well as the implementation and execution of various strategic initiatives. He is also responsible for the plan’s financial efficiency, regulatory compliance and NCQA excellence. Molina Healthcare of Utah has approximately 60,000 members enrolled in its health plan.
Mr. Muench has over 19 years of experience in the healthcare industry and has held numerous senior leadership positions in Health Plans such as Intergroup Select, Intergroup of Arizona, and Regional Health Plan of Arizona.
Mr. Muench currently resides in Sandy, Utah with his wife, daughter and son.
Joseph M. Krella
Joseph M. Krella is president and CEO of UHA, Utah Hospitals and Health Systems Association. In this capacity, he oversees the administration of the 47-member hospital association, which represents hospitals and health systems operating throughout the state of Utah.
Prior to accepting his current position in September 2003, Krella served 12 years as president of the Greater Dayton (Ohio) Area Hospital Association (GDAHA). In this capacity, he oversaw the operations of 32 staff members and represented 19 hospitals and healthcare providers in the Greater Dayton area. A health care administrator for more than 20 years, Krella served as director of planning and business development at Mercy Hospital in Scranton, PA, and held director positions at the Hospital Association of Pennsylvania and Hospital Council of Northeast Pennsylvania.
Krella holds a bachelor’s degree in human services from the University of Scranton, and a master’s of public administration degree in health services administration from Marywood College. He has served as an adjunct professor in the health administration graduate programs at both the University of Scranton and George Washington University.
Krella is a frequent lecturer and author on health care issues and is a Fellow in the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE), the highest level of achievement in the professional organization.
Krella is a recipient of the American Hospital Association’s Nova Award and the Ernest A. Codman Award, sponsored by the Joint Commission on the Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO). He also serves on the Utah Council of HealthInsight, the state’s quality improvement organization, and is a member of the Utah Patient Safety Steering Committee. Other appointments include serving on the Utah Health Information Network board and executive committee, and the ACHE Committee on Allied Hospital Associations. He also serves on the Regulatory Relief Task Force and the Medical Task Force of the American Hospital Association.
Jack Towsley
Regional Vice President, Managed Care
MountainStar (HCA Mountain Division)
Mr. Towsley is a 17-year veteran of the managed health care industry. He started his career in California where he held positions in network management with Prudential and then PHCS. Next, he moved into health plan general management as he served four years as the CEO of United Healthcare of Arizona. Following a successful turnaround and expansion of the United plan, Mr. Towsley became President and General Manger for CIGNA HealthCare of Georgia. After CIGNA, Mr. Towsley returned to Arizona to become Senior Vice President for Health Net of Arizona, leading the effort to improve the company’s relationships with physicians and hospitals. Prior to joining HCA, Mr. Towsley was the President and CEO of the Scottsdale PHO – a 440 physician-owned IPA.
During his seven years as Regional Vice President for HCA’s managed care department, Mr. Towsley has overseen the company’s managed care contracting, sales, and government relations activities for the HCA facilities in Utah, Idaho, and Alaska. He is also responsible for HCA’s national relationship with several multi-state health insurers.
Mr. Towsley did his undergraduate studies at Johns Hopkins University and received his Masters of Public Policy and Masters of Public Health from the University of California, Berkeley.
Bill Crim
Vice President, Community Impact & Public Policy
United Way of Salt Lake
Bill Crim has worked in the non-profit sector for more than 18 years. He is currently the Vice President of Community Impact and Public Policy for United Way of Salt Lake, where he leads the organization’s grant making, community change and legislative work in the areas of income, education, health and safety-net.
Prior to joining United Way, Bill worked for 13 years as a community organizer, policy analyst, lobbyist and then executive director of Utah Issues, a state-level research and public policy advocacy organization focused on health care, housing, education, poverty and economic opportunity.
Bill is also an adjunct faculty member at the University of Utah, teaching a course on the role of non-profit organizations in communities, and he provides frequent strategic planning consultation to non-profit organizations. He is a national trainer for the Center for Lobbying in the Public interest and has been appointed by the Governor to serve on the Utah State Council on Workforce Services, the Utah Health Data Committee, and the Utah State Homeless Coordinating Committee.
Bill graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Utah with a degree in Political Science.
Bruce T. Reese
Bruce Reese is President and Chief Executive Officer of Bonneville International Corporation, headquartered in Salt Lake City. Bonneville operates 28 radio stations in seven national markets from Washington, D.C., to Los Angeles.
Mr. Reese joined Bonneville International Corporation in 1984 and became general counsel in 1985. In 1991, he was named executive vice president of Bonneville. He was appointed to his current position in 1996.
Prior to joining Bonneville, Mr. Reese practiced law with firms in Washington, D.C., and Denver. He began his legal career with the Antitrust Division of the Justice Department in Washington, D.C.
His community activities include the United Way of Salt Lake Board of Directors and Intermountain Healthcare Board of Trustees. He also has served as Chair of the Joint Radio and Television Boards of the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) and as a director of the Associated Press.
Mr. Reese was raised in West Lafayette, Indiana. He attended Brigham Young University, receiving his Bachelor of Arts in 1973 and Juris Doctor in 1976. He and his wife, Lu Anne, live in Sandy, Utah, and are the parents of seven children. They also have four daughters-in-law, two sons-in-law, and eight grandchildren.
Tomi Jean Ossana
More than twenty two years experience in the health care industry with a background and education in Health Services Administration and Health Education.
Executive Director of the Utah Comprehensive Health Insurance Pool, also known as HIPUtah, since 2001. The purpose of HIPUtah is to provide reasonable access to health insurance for Utahns who are uninsurable.
Ms. Ossana is directly responsible for managing all aspects of HIPUtah, under the direction of the HIPUtah Board of Directors. Her position requires independent judgment in program planning and coordination of complex strategies involved in the delivery of quality health-care coverage to Utah’s most chronically ill citizens. Additional responsibilities include monitoring all operational and financial aspects of HIPUtah and working with the Utah Legislature to secure appropriate funding to keep HIPUtah financially sound.
Thomas M. Love
President/Founding Partner
Love Communications
Definitely “hands on” when it comes to nearly every major Love Communications account, Tom is particularly involved with developing long-term strategies, media and promotional partnerships for our clients as well as growing new business for the agency overall. An adept and skillful leader, Tom also oversees Love Communications’ administrative side, and his motivational style guarantees an atmosphere of creativity, productivity and collaboration at the growing agency.
One of the agency’s founding partners, Tom’s background was in television sales – for more than a decade, he was General Sales Manager of KTVX-Channel 4 in Utah (the ABC affiliate). He’s brought those contacts, associations and his own charismatic approach and dynamic personality to Love Communications, giving the agency unparalleled success in creating “win-win” business relationships for its entire client base.
Love Communications has been honored several times by the business community: The firm was selected as Salt Lake Chamber "Small Business of the Year" in 2003; United Way of Salt Lake "Outstanding Partner for Community Change” in 2006 and as one of Utah Business’ “Best Companies to Work For” three consecutive years 2006-2008.
Prior to his Channel 4 career, Tom worked in sales for AT&T and KUTV-Channel 2 (CBS affiliate), as well as TCI Cablevision. He was also president of the Utah Advertising Federation (in 1993) and held a national post on the ABC Television Network Sales Advisory Board, representing the eight-state Intermountain Region.
As the primary “face” of Love Communications, Tom remains highly visible and involved in the community. He currently serves as Board Chair of United Way of Salt Lake. Tom has also formerly served on the boards of the Pioneer Theater Company, the Alta Club, the Utah Heart Association and the Cottonwood Country Club. Married with two children, Tom attended both Pomona College and the University of Utah, receiving a bachelor’s degree in Political Science.
In 2002, the Utah Advertising Federation selected Tom as its Professional of the Year.
Sheila Walsh-McDonald
Health Care Advocate
Salt Lake Community Action Program
Sheila Walsh-McDonald, MSW, has spent most of her professional career working on behalf of low-income populations, to improve and strengthen public and private programs that are intended to make a difference in their well being. She has worked on and off for the last 26 years for the Salt Lake Community Action Program in a variety of capacities: organizing low-income residents to remove the sales tax on food, as State Director of the Community Food and Nutrition program, and currently for the last 10 years as a health care, welfare reform, and homeless advocate. She chaired the Salt Lake County Homeless Coordinating Council from 2000- 2002. From 1981 to 1986, Sheila worked for the Utah Department of Health as the State Director of the Utah WIC Program. Sheila also worked for two years (1993-1995) as a Constituent Services Case Manager in the district office of Congresswoman Karen Shepherd. In this role, she helped constituents link with public and private resources for health and human services and represented the district office on issues of welfare reform. Her civic involvement has included being a member of the Children’s Center Board, United Way allocation panels, Title XX Advisory Council Member and currently a member of the Bennion Center Advisory Board. She is married with two children.
Jan Root, Ph.D.
Utah Health Information Network (UHIN)
President, CEO
Dr. Root’s career has focused on the business aspects of bringing electronic commerce practices into regional health care communities in ways that reduce costs for the entire community. Dr. Root has worked at the Utah Health Information Network (UHIN) since 1994 and now serves as the President and CEO. Through her work at UHIN, she has developed an in-depth understanding of the importance of creating a sustainable business model for a successful community regional health care network. Dr. Root was deeply involved in the development and implementation of many aspects of HIPAA at both national and local levels. Under her leadership, UHIN is focused on integrating ‘administrative’ and ‘clinical’ exchanges to create a compelling business model for all Health Information Exchanges.
Korey Capozza
Korey Capozza is a senior health policy analyst with Voices for Utah Children, where she works on improving access to health care for kids and low-income families. Prior to joining Voices, she was a principal analyst with UC Berkeley where she conducted applied research related to California’s health care reform effort. She has also worked with the UC Berkeley Center for Public Health Practice on health disparities research, the Pacific Business Group on Health on several value-based purchasing initiatives, and BlueShield of California on coverage expansion proposals. A Pew International Scholar and Knight Fellow, Korey received her Master’s Degree in Health Policy and Management (MPH) from University of California, Berkeley, and Bachelor’s Degree in American History from the University of Pennsylvania.
Nate Checketts
Nate Checketts is an Assistant Division Director in the Utah Department of Health, Division of Medicaid and Health Financing. Nate is responsible for overseeing the work of the Bureau of Access, Bureau of Financial Services, Bureau of Long Term Care, and the Bureau of Managed Health Care. He is also the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) Director.
Previously, Nate was the director of the Bureau of Access where he directly oversaw the CHIP and PCN programs. During his time in that position, Nate was instrumental in the creation of Utah’s Premium Partnership for Health Insurance (UPP), the restructuring of CHIP coverage benefits and premiums to match private benchmarks, and increasing CHIP enrolment to over 35,000 children.
Prior to his work in the Department, Nate worked in the Governor’s Office of Planning and Budget as an assistant budget manager and the budget analyst responsible for the Department. Nate has also worked as a senior auditor for the California State Auditor’s Office.
Nate has both a bachelor’s degree and a Master’s of Public Administration from Brigham Young University.
Linda C. Leckman, M.D.
LINDA C. LECKMAN, M.D., is Vice President of Intermountain Healthcare and the Chief Executive Officer of the Intermountain Medical Group. Prior to accepting this position in 1996, Dr. Leckman was in private practice as a general surgeon for 14 years. Raised in Oklahoma, Dr. Leckman is a graduate of Texas Christian University, with a bachelor’s degree in History. She received her medical degree from the University of New Mexico. As a board certified general surgeon, Dr. Leckman has held medical staff leadership positions at Alta View and Cottonwood hospitals, as well as the Utah Medical Association. She served on the Physicians Licensing Board for the State of Utah for nine years and is a member of the Board of Trustees of Intermountain Healthcare and the Board of Directors of the American Medical Group Association.
Outside activities include two medical missions to Guatemala and involvement with the United Way Women’s Philanthropic Network, chairing the Advocacy Committee.
Dr. Leckman lives in Salt Lake City, Utah, and is the mother of two boys, Matthew (23) and Eric (20).
Michael 'J' Stapley
Michael 'J' Stapley is President and Chief Executive Officer of Deseret Mutual which company provides a broad range of benefits to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and its affiliated organizations. These benefits include medical, dental, disability, life, pension, retirement, and savings plans. Previously, Michael served as the Acting Executive Director and Deputy Director of the Utah Department of Health where he worked extensively in the development of health care policy. Mr. Stapley has served as a member of the Advisory Committee on Employee Welfare and Pension Plans, more commonly known as the ERISA Advisory Council, in the U.S. Department of Labor and, during 2001, served as Chairman of that council. Currently, Michael serves as Vice Chairman of the Health Policy Committee and Board of Directors for the ERISA Industry Council (ERIC) which is a membership organization representing the employee benefit interests of America’s largest employers. He recently chaired a taskforce for ERIC that published “A New Benefit Platform for Life Security” containing comprehensive recommendations for retirement and health care reform in the United States.
Mr. Stapley is the founder and Chairman of the Board of the Utah Health Information Network and is Vice Chairman of the Graduate Medical Education Council for the State of Utah. He is also a member of the Scott Matheson Healthcare Studies Advisory Committee at the University of Utah and a member of the Romney Institute Advisory Council at Brigham Young University. He was recently appointed to the Board of Directors of Health Insight which has responsibility for community initiatives to improve the quality and effectiveness of health care in Utah and Nevada. Michael has served as Chairman of the Utah Health Access Steering Committee, as a member of the Utah Health Data Committee, Chairman of the Governor's Task Force on Catastrophic Health Expenses, and the Governor's Task Force on Financial Barriers to Quality Health Care.
Senator Luz Robles
Holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Marketing and a Masters degree in Public Administration from the University of Utah.
She started her professional career as assistant to the marketing director for Pioneer Valley Hospital. This experience opened her eyes to the health care crisis our nation faces and started her passion towards finding solutions that will allow all Utahans to have access to affordable quality health care. She also worked as a State Coordinator for the Utah Domestic Violence Council creating structures to better serve all victims and families of domestic violence in the state of Utah.
She then worked for Utah Issues as a Health Policy Analyst, advocate/lobbyist, where she was able to work closely with state legislators and other policy- and decision-makers when dealing with issues impacting the low-income and the ethnic communities in the state of Utah.
Luz Robles was appointed by Governor Jon Huntsman on 2005, as the first Director for the State Office of Ethnic Affairs—an office that focuses on institutional change when dealing with state agencies and the services they provide to the ethnic community of the state of Utah. In this position she oversaw the Directors of the Asian, Black, Hispanic/Latino and Pacific Islander Affairs and five other staff members that as a team, worked in partnership with state agencies to help better their level of responsiveness to the needs of the ethnic communities in the state. This was achieved by setting goals and implementing policies that provide a greater quality of life for the ethnic community around the state.
As of September of 2007 Luz Robles joined Zions Bank as the new director for Zions Bank Business Resource Center were she focuses on assisting new and existing businesses.
She is committed to finding equity and justice for all people and has served in many capacities in different boards of non-profit organizations and other agencies. She currently serves on the boards of Guadalupe Schools, Primary Children’s Medical Center, Regence Caring Foundation, Utah Health Policy Project, and on the College of Social and Behavioral Science Advisory board for the University of Utah.
In November 4th 2008, Luz was elected to the Utah State Senate representing District 1 (Westside of Salt Lake City and parts of West Valley City) and is part of the Utah Senate leadership serving as the Senate Minority Caucus Manager.
Luz Robles lives with her husband Jorge and her daughter Aileen in Rose Park.
Luke McDermott
Luke McDermott, RHU, REBC, founded McDermott Company & Associates in 1988 with an office today of 11 employees and associates. Luke is a licensed Agent/Producer and Consultant. Luke has been involved in the underwriting, sales, and servicing of Small & Large Groups since 1983. Luke sits on, or has sat on, the Broker advisory boards of Altius Health Plans, Selecthealth, Regence Blue Cross Blue Shield of Utah, United HealthCare, and Dental Select. He has sat on the “Think Tank” committee at the State Insurance Department and has been a member of the Utah Association of Health Underwriters (UAHU) and National Association of Health Underwriters (NAHU) since 1987 actively participating for 10 years on its state board as a committee chairman over education and special events from 1988 to 1998. More recently Luke has served as an officer and Board of Director Member for UAHU as Vice President 2005-2006, President Elect 2006-2007, President 2007-2008, and Immediate Past President 2008-2009. He is also a member of the National Association of Insurance Financial Advisors (NAIFA) and its local association. Luke was born and raised in Salt Lake City, and he and his wife Bonnie have 5 children, and 6 grandchildren. Luke enjoys sports and has been involved in the community as a coach for sport teams of soccer, baseball, and basketball and has served in many other church related capacities.
Bette Vierra
Bette Vierra has been the Executive Director of the Association for Utah Community Health (AUCH) since July 1989. AUCH was established in 1985 as a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation, is the Federall-recognized Primary Care Association for the State of Utah.
AUCH members include 11 Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) organizations, the Title V Urban Indian Health Program, and the Title X Family Planning Organization. AUCH members provide comprehensive primary and preventive health care to more than 150,000 people annually in urban and rural areas throughout Utah. AUCH and its member organizations are part of a statewide and national movement to reduce barriers to health care by enhancing primary care service delivery through prevention, health promotion, and community participation.
Mark Bair
Dr. Mark Bair, a board certified emergency physician, is the past President of the Utah Medical Association (UMA). Dr. Bair graduated from the University of Utah College of Medicine and then pursued a residency in Emergency Medicine at the University of Illinois at Chicago where he was recognized as the nominee from his residency for the Emergency Medical Resident Association Award for Clinical Excellence. He currently practices at Mountain View Hospital in the Emergency Department.
Dr. Bair is a strong advocate for Health Care Reform in the state. He has worked on several committees with the state legislature and in the UMA, giving input on how to formulated health care reform in Utah. Currently he serves on the Transparency, Quality and Infrastructure committee for the state. He is the chair of the Physician Reporting Task Force under the auspices of the Chartered Value Exchange. In his spare time he serves as a medical director to several paramedic and ambulance services in Utah County.
Mitch Tibbitts
Chief Financial Officer
HCA Mountain Division
Mitch Tibbitts has financial oversight for HCA’s Mountain Division which is made up of hospitals, clinics and surgery centers in Utah, Idaho and Alaska.
Prior to his current assignment, Mitch was the Chief Financial Officer at St. Mark’s Hospital in Salt Lake City.
ROBERT WHEELER, M.D.
ROBERT WHEELER, M.D. serves as medical director based in Salt Lake City for Regence BlueCross BlueShield. He practiced primary care internal medicine for 12 years and served 15 years as Medical Director and Chief Medical Officer for provider organizations and insurance plans prior to joining Regence. With experience in quality improvement, health policy, and medical informatics, Dr. Wheeler has published research results in the scientific literature and has presented to regional, national, and international audiences. Board certified in Internal Medicine, Dr. Wheeler received his clinical training at the University of California at San Francisco Hospitals and Clinics after receiving his M.D. degree from the University of California at San Francisco.
Jessica Christopher
Senior Advisor
Office of Senator Bennett
Jessica Christopher is a Senior Advisor with Senator Bennett’s Office where she has worked for the past eight years. Her portfolio includes such issues as health care, Social Security, Medicare, the Department of Housing and Urban Development, and the U.S. Postal Service. In addition to these assignments, she plays an instrumental role in organizing Senator Bennett’s annual Rural Business Conference. Jessica is a graduate of Southern Utah University.
Stan Huff
Chief Medical Informatics Officer, Intermountain Healthcare
Professor (Clinical), Department of Medical Informatics
University of Utah, College of Medicine
Karen J. Warren
Karen J. Warren has been employed by Molina Healthcare of Utah for 9 years. She is currently the Director of Quality Improvement. She is responsible for overseeing Molina’s National Committee for Quality Accreditation (NCQA) and Molina’s Quality Plan. She is also responsible for HEDIS clinical research, disease management programs, health education outreach, and provider credentialing.
Molina Healthcare of Utah is currently ranked #23 in the US News and World Report Best Medicaid Health Plans edition. Molina Healthcare of Utah has an Excellent Accreditation with NCQA. Molina Healthcare of Utah has over 64,000 members enrolled in its health plan.
Ms. Warren is a Registered Nurse with over 23 years of experience in the healthcare industry. She has held numerous leadership positions in outpatient surgery, adult surgery, pediatric surgery, health promotion, and clinical research.
Ms. Warren currently resides in Lehi, Utah with her husband, and two sons.
Vaughn Holbrook
Vaughn Holbrook is Director of Health Information Collaboration at Regence Blue Cross Blue Shield. He is responsible for collaborative health information exchange efforts and related Regence strategies in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Utah.
Prior to joining Regence Mr. Holbrook managed the next generation EMR product development program for GE Healthcare. He also worked for Ford Motor Company leading the design and implementation of state of the art manufacturing quality and logistics systems. Mr. Holbrook participates as a Board member for the Utah Health Information Network (UHIN), Oregon Health Network (OHN), OneHealthPort Board, and Idaho Health Information Network(voting alternate).
Mr. Holbrook holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business from the University of Utah, a Masters of Science in Information Technology from the University of Pittsburgh, and a Masters of Business Administration from the University of Pittsburgh.
Barry L. Johnson, DDS, CDC, FAGD
President, HealthCare Insight
Dr. Johnson is a founding partner of HCI and has served as CEO/President since January 2001. During this time, the company has experienced extensive development of applications and services as well as rapid professional staff expansion to support its phenomenal growth. His leadership and vision has helped make HCI an industry and thought leader in health care fraud prevention and detection.
Before joining HCI, Dr. Johnson was Senior Vice President of Medicode, a health care software and database company. He is a coding and reimbursement expert and has over 22 years of experience in software and database development. He has authored 2 books and numerous articles on medical and dental coding as well as reimbursement issues and health care fraud prevention. Throughout his career at Medicode, Dr. Johnson held several senior management positions where he oversaw the development and delivery of both payor and provider products and services.
Prior to working for Medicode, Dr. Johnson practiced dentistry for 20 years and held a variety of leadership positions in organized dentistry at local, state and national levels, including chairmanship of the insurance committee of his state dental society. While practicing dentistry Dr. Johnson served as a dental consultant and was also an Assistant Professor of Operative Dentistry at Loyola University School of Dentistry. Dr. Johnson is a Certified Dental Consultant and a Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry. He earned his DDS from Northwestern University School of Dentistry and a B.S. from the University of Utah.
Richard J. Sperry, M.D., Ph.D.
Richard J. Sperry, M.D., Ph.D.
Governor Scott M. Matheson Presidential Endowed Chair in Health Policy and Management Associate Vice President for Health Sciences, Academic and Clinical Affairs Professor of Anesthesiology, Adjunct Professor of Political Science, Adjunct Professor of Economics
