Employee Health Care Conference

07:15 AM - 08:00 AM ET

Continental Breakfast

08:00 AM - 08:40 AM ET

Welcome and Opening Remarks

Join us as we open the 2026 Health Care Conference with a bold call to action. Ignite Change. This energizing welcome session will set the tone for two days of breakthrough thinking, candid dialogue, and actionable insights. As the health care landscape continues to evolve – shaped by innovation, affordability pressures, and shifting workforce expectations – employers are uniquely positioned to lead transformation.

John Bremen, Chief Innovation & Acceleration Officer, WTW

Sheila Nordquist, North America Health & Benefits Leader, WTW

08:40 AM - 09:40 AM ET

Balancing the Spend: Reclaiming Value in Employee Benefits

In today’s cost-contained environment, employers are under increasing pressure to do more with less – without compromising the impact of their benefits strategy. This session explores how organizations are reallocating benefit spend (shifting from expansion to strategic rebalancing) and enhancing impact through smarter vendor partnerships, analytics, and employee experience design.

Stacye Furmanek, Vice President, Total Rewards, Advocate Health

Melissa Rinker, Director, HR - Benefits Design & Planning, Allstate

10:00 AM - 10:40 AM ET

Measuring what Matters: Determining the Value of your Benefits Portfolio

Employers must ensure every dollar spent delivers measurable value. But what does “value” really mean in today’s environment – and how can you capture it? We’ll share real-world examples and tools to help you evaluate your current portfolio, identify gaps and make confident, evidence-based decisions about where to invest next.

Derick W. Adams, Vice President, Total Rewards, Henry Ford Health

Katelyn Elie, VP, Sr. Manager Health & Wellbeing, TD Bank

10:00 AM - 10:40 AM ET

Reallocating for Impact: Unlocking Value through Virtual Care, Vendor Accountability and Plan Design

Employers are shifting away from expansion to optimization – reallocating benefit spend to drive greater value. This session explores how virtual care, vendor accountability and modernized plan design can work together to improve outcomes, reduce waste, and enhance employee experience.

Julie Bell, Chief Human Resources Officer, Roush

Meredyth Brown, Director, Global Benefits, Geosyntec Consultants, Inc.

10:00 AM - 10:40 AM ET

The Benefits Experience Revolution: Designing Programs Through an Employee-Centric Lens

As employee expectations rise and budgets tighten, flexible benefits offer a scalable, future-ready solution. This session will show you how to overcome common design and implementation challenges to create benefits strategies that truly resonate.
You’ll see how flexibility boosts perceived value—making your existing budget work harder by giving employees more choice. Through real-world examples and peer discussion, you’ll leave with a practical framework to rethink, redesign, and reinvest in your benefits experience.

Jaclyn Chen, CEO & Co-founder, Benepass

Kristen Jacob, Associate Director of Wellbeing, EY

10:00 AM - 10:40 AM ET

Kids Are in Crisis: Are Your Benefits Ready?

Between Zoom calls and school drop-offs, working parents are facing an unprecedented surge in youth mental health challenges. Rising rates of complex issues like eating disorders, suicidality, ADHD, and autism have pushed many families to a breaking point—and most benefit programs weren’t designed for this level of need.
In this fireside chat, a leading global employer and a top psychologist will share how forward-thinking companies are building benefits that support families across every age and stage—from early intervention to crisis care. You’ll discover how connected, proactive support not only improves outcomes for kids but also reduces long-term costs and helps parents stay engaged and resilient at work. Key Takeaways:

• How to close critical gaps in care with early intervention and crisis support
• Approaches to addressing high-acuity needs such as suicidality, eating disorders, and neurodivergence
• Shifting from reactive benefits to a proactive, whole-family care model
• Designing mental health support that resonates with next generation workers

Nicole Hernandez, Sr Director, Benefits, Workday

Alethea Varra, Chief Clinical Officer, Lyra Health

10:00 AM - 10:40 AM ET

From Episodic to Enduring: Reinventing Women’s Health with AI and Empathy

Women’s health is a lifelong journey, yet most benefits treat it as a series of isolated events—overlooking early risk signals and long-term outcomes. AI can surface risks sooner, but can it capture the lived experience of a hot flash, miscarriage, or IVF anxiety? This session explores a new model: integrated, predictive care that combines data-driven intelligence with human empathy. You’ll learn how employers are moving beyond fragmented point solutions to deliver connected programs that span menstruation through menopause, address comorbidities, close care gaps, and reduce high-cost events. The future of women’s health is both intelligent—and deeply human.

Dr. Janet Choi, EVP, Chief Medical Officer, Progyny

Dene Sparrman, Head of Global Benefits, Zscaler

Julie Stadlbauer, Chief Business Development Officer, Progyny

Lisa Wywoda, Director, Rewards, Unilever

10:00 AM - 10:40 AM ET

A Major Shift in Health Care Delivery

Health care is at a turning point. Digital and in-person care can no longer operate in silos—and AI is already embedded in most care journeys. In this session, benefits leaders will share how integrating digital and in-person care is simplifying MSK journeys, improving outcomes, and delivering higher-value, lower-cost care. You’ll also learn how AI enables smarter triage, easier navigation, and frees care teams to focus on what matters most—providing skilled, compassionate support.

Christina Kumbsky, Sr Manager, Benefits, ADT

Dr. Bijal Toprani, PT, DPT, Sr. Clinical Solutions Lead, Hinge Health

10:00 AM - 10:40 AM ET

Embedded Advocacy: Driving Engagement, Quality, and Cost Outcomes

In this three-year case study, discover how JetBlue successfully reintegrated advocacy services with its medical carrier. Learn about the journey and strategy that delivered:

• Higher employee engagement
• Greater satisfaction
• Better outcomes in both quality and cost

Sam Ambewadikar, MD, MBA, RVP & Medical Director, Anthem BCBS

Kristen Brown, Director, Total Rewards, JetBlue

10:00 AM - 10:40 AM ET

The New PBM Fiduciary: What Transparency Really Requires in 2026

Selecting a pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) isn’t just a business decision—it’s a fiduciary responsibility. Yet hidden fees, misaligned incentives, and opaque pricing still trap many employers in costly, noncompliant arrangements. In this session, hear how one employer exposed these pitfalls, restructured their PBM strategy, and put employee care and cost savings first. Walk away with a practical roadmap to cut waste, improve transparency, and meet your fiduciary obligations with confidence in today’s complex pharmacy benefits landscape.

Rhonda Kovach, Manager, Health and Welfare, Xcel Energy

10:40 AM - 11:10 AM ET

Refreshment Break

Hosted by:
MetLife
Omada

11:10 AM - 11:50 AM ET

Creating More Value in Retirement Plans through Pooled Employer Plans (PEPs)

We will hear from clients about their experiences transitioning retirement plans governance and administration to a PEP. They’ll share lessons learned and most importantly, the keys to maximizing the value of retirement programs through this model – from freeing up strategic bandwidth, to enhancing participant outcomes, to unlocking efficiencies that allow more investment in the benefits employees value most.

Krystal Reid, Director, Total Rewards, BlueLinx

11:10 AM - 11:50 AM ET

Rewriting the Script: Pharmacy Pricing Models and Rx Care Delivery

As pharmacy costs surge and transparency expectations rise, employers are rethinking how they contract for pharmacy benefits. This session explores the evolving landscape of PBM pricing models – from traditional spread and rebate structures to cost-plus and pass-through arrangements – and how employers are using these strategies to manage risk and improve outcomes.

James Garvie, SVP Total Rewards & HR Technology, Southern Company

Megan Marshall, Director, H&B, WTW

11:10 AM - 11:50 AM ET

The ROI You Can’t Ignore: Transforming Cardio Risk into Cost Control

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains one of the biggest drivers of employer health care costs—with overall costs projected to rise up to 10% through 2026. To spark meaningful change, benefits leaders must take a proactive approach to heart health with scalable, clinically proven strategies. This session will explore how a digital-first approach can reduce cardiovascular risk, drive lasting behavior change, and deliver measurable savings—helping employers protect both their people and their budgets.

Liz Hill, Director, Benefits, Advance Auto Parts

Dr. Jayne Morgan, Vice President of Medical Affairs, Hello Heart

11:10 AM - 11:50 AM ET

Course Correction: How Lifepoint Health Redesigned Benefits to Align Care Decisions with Quality Outcomes

What would it look like if a benefits plan helped employees stay on the path to high-quality care the same way lane-assist technology helps drivers stay on the road? Lifepoint Health is exploring this idea by unifying its benefits into a single plan that uses behavioral cues rather than penalties to guide people toward better in-system care without restricting choice. This session will show how intuitive plan design, aligned incentives, and a clear gold, silver, and bronze provider structure can simplify decisions and strengthen clinical quality across a complex workforce.

Charlie Toney, VP, Benefits & Health Plan Strategy, Lifepoint Health

Matt Resnick, Chief Medical Officer, SVP Health Plans and Partners, Embold Health

11:10 AM - 11:50 AM ET

Inside Kohler’s Strategy for High-impact, Inclusive Family Health Benefits

Facing an estimated 9% increase in health care costs and evolving employee expectations, Kohler’s benefits team responded with a bold, unified care strategy that redefined how organizations support working families. Their team reimagined care delivery to meet employees where they are with solutions that are both clinically impactful and culturally resonant. In this session, you’ll learn how Kohler designed inclusive, high-touch women’s and family health programs that resonate across global workforces. You will gain insights into strategies to manage costs through better care, drive engagement through consistent communication, and embed benefits into the employee experience to strengthen loyalty and productivity.

Stephanie Glenn, Chief Commercial Officer, Maven Clinic

Courtney Lindstrom, Manager - Health & Welfare Benefits, Kohler Co.

11:10 AM - 11:50 AM ET

Omnicom's Digital Onboarding: Launching Members Into a Seamless Start

Plan sponsors struggle with how to maximize member engagement with their health plan. During this session, you’ll learn about a program that helps plan sponsors digitally onboard employees with omni-channel, personalized communications at the member-level. The program has been shown to increase engagement in both initial enrollment and ongoing connections with their plan.

Elizabeth Brickman, Vice President Client Strategy, Aetna National Accounts

Jay Krishnaswamy, Executive Director of Consumer Engagement & Analytics, CVS Health

Deb Macchia, VP, Health & Welfare, Omnicom Group

11:10 AM - 11:50 AM ET

GLP-1s Changed the Math: How Employers Are Responding

As GLP-1 prescriptions surged, employers faced tough questions about rising costs and long-term sustainability. In this session, senior benefits leaders will share how they responded to the evolving weight loss landscape and demand for GLP-1s, including missteps, lessons learned, and which sustainable strategies helped them rebalance cost and care. From responsible prescribing practices to effective drug-free alternatives, you’ll hear what’s working to manage spend without compromising outcomes.

Cimone Diggs, Manager of Health and WellBeing, Marriott International

Jeff Stanley, MD, Medical Director, Virta Health

Meredith Touchstone, AVP, Benefits, CarMax

11:10 AM - 11:50 AM ET

From One-Size-Fits-None to Personalized Support: Building a Scalable Mental Health System

Too often, employees struggle in silence because mental health support arrives late—or not at all. Traditional EAPs weren’t designed for today’s diverse, multigenerational workforce. Instead of forcing employees into outdated models, what if we built something people actually use? Join Qualtrics for a forward-looking conversation on the future of workplace mental health. Explore how leading organizations are moving beyond static EAPs to stratified care models, supported by AI, that guide employees to the right level of support—from everyday well-being practices to specialized clinical care. You’ll walk away with strategies to:

• Strengthen workforce well-being and resilience
• Boost engagement while lowering benefit waste
• Deliver scalable, personalized mental health support that grows with your organization

Kristen Chan, Global Benefits Analyst, Qualtrics

Lisa Gross, Chief People Officer, Headspace

11:50 AM - 01:00 PM ET

Luncheon

Hosted by:
Vida

01:00 PM - 02:00 PM ET

De-risking your Plan: Strategies for a More Resilient Benefits Portfolio

As rising costs and regulatory pressures mount, organizations are rethinking how to protect their benefits investment while maintaining value for their workforce. Explore how employers are reducing financial and operational risk in their benefits strategy through smarter plan design, vendor oversight and governance.

Kristen Strobel, Senior Director, Global Benefits, BD

Dan Roalkvam, Executive Director, McDonald's Licensees & RMHC Health & Welfare Plan

02:20 PM - 03:00 PM ET

Shifting the Risk: Strategic Levers with ICHRA, Captives and Beyond

As cost volatility becomes the norm, employers are rethinking how they finance and manage benefit risk. This session explores how organizations are using Individual Coverage HRAs (ICHRA), medical stop-loss captives and other innovative structures to shift risk off the plan – without sacrificing employee value.

Alan Silver, President of Ambetter Health Solutions, Centene

Cheryl Soper, Sr Director, Benefits, National Veterinary Associates (NVA)

02:20 PM - 03:00 PM ET

Managing Pharmacy Risk: GLP-1s, Gene Therapies and the Future of High-Cost Care

Pharmacy costs are now the fastest-growing component of employer health spend – driven by the explosive demand for GLP-1s and the emergence of million-dollar gene and cell therapies. This session explores how employers are navigating this new frontier of pharmacy risk with smarter plan design, vendor strategies, and financial protections.

Jen Kuehl, VP, Compensation & Benefits, Maritz, LLC

Danny Mathew, Director, H&B, WTW

02:20 PM - 03:00 PM ET

The Employee Health Iceberg: When Financial Stress Hides Below the Surface

Financial stress is often invisible—yet it drives burnout, absenteeism, and turnover. In this session, leading employers share how they uncovered the hidden costs of financial strain and built strategies to address it head-on. You’ll learn:

• How to spot early warning signs of financial fragility
• Ways to engage employees who don’t self-identify as “stressed”
• Scalable approaches to reduce presenteeism and disengagement

Rebecca Liebman, CEO and Co-Founder, LearnLux

Cindy Silva, Global Benefits Director, New Balance

Mark Smrecek, Senior Director, WTW

Aimee Snyder, Senior Manager of U.S. Benefits, Toast

02:20 PM - 03:00 PM ET

Beyond the Leave: Build a Culture of Wellbeing to Prevent and Better Manage Mental Health LOAs

Mental health LOAs aren’t the starting line. They’re a signal. Join Spring Health and MongoDB for a candid, employee-first conversation on treating leave as a continuum: The culture and access that prevent avoidable LOAs, the touchpoints that support people while they’re out, and what enables a sustainable return.

J-Young Kim, Director, Benefits, MongoDB

Kelsey Witmer, VP, Total Rewards and People Operations, Spring Health

02:20 PM - 03:00 PM ET

Better Health With Lower Costs: A Human + AI Approach

Employers face increasing pressure to deliver better health outcomes without increasing costs. In this case study, Boston Children’s Hospital demonstrates how an AI-powered wellbeing and benefits model drove measurable improvements in nutrition, mood, focus, and weight—while optimizing spend.

Lorna Borenstein, Founder & CEO, Grokker

Greg Salgueiro, MS, RD, LDN, Director Wellbeing, Boston Children's Hospital

02:20 PM - 03:00 PM ET

Supporting Your Workforce Through Death in Service

A death in service can send shockwaves through an organization, affecting productivity, morale, and wellbeing. This session explores the practical and emotional impact of employee loss, how leading employers manage crisis response, and the strategies that ensure compassionate, effective support for both teams and families. Learn how to build a resilient culture and safeguard your business when the unthinkable happens.

Michelle Gregor, Global Head of Talent Experience, DRW

Katie Lynch, Founder and CEO, ApiaryLife

Katie Scheininger, Director of Benefits, Apollo Global Management

02:20 PM - 03:00 PM ET

From Cafeteria to Clinical: How Food as Medicine Is Redefining Workplace Well-being

As chronic disease costs soar, employers are turning to food-as-medicine strategies that deliver measurable ROI. This session explores how nutrition-first programs improve productivity, reduce attrition, and advance health equity through access to produce prescriptions, tailored meals, and daily behavior-change supports. Learn how forward-thinking employers are transforming the cafeteria into a clinical tool for workforce health.

Jennifer Jones, Clinical Solutions Director, Noom Health

Anna Threadcraft, MS, RDN, LD, Food Policy and Wellness Manager, Delta Air Lines

02:20 PM - 03:00 PM ET

Policy as Catalyst: H.R. 1 and the Rise of Advanced Primary Care Strategies

With H.R. 1 reshaping health care incentives, employers have a unique opportunity to align benefit design with policy shifts while expanding access to comprehensive care. Beyond Virtual-First Health Plans (VFHPs), strategies like first-dollar coverage and $0 copays for virtual primary care and digital health are gaining traction. This session provides practical guidance on plan design, member engagement, and regulatory compliance—positioning orchestrated virtual care as a powerful lever for cost control, access, and better health outcomes.
What Benefit Leaders Will Learn:

• How to align benefit strategies with H.R. 1 policy changes
• The impact of $0 copays and first-dollar coverage on access and affordability
• Ways to integrate virtual primary care and digital health into plan design
• Practical steps for engagement and compliance that improve outcomes

Kimberly Csan, CEBS, Corporate Director, Benefits Strategy & Engagement, HII

Stacey DeWeerdt, Vice President, Client Management, Teladoc Health

03:00 PM - 03:30 PM ET

Refreshment Break

Hosted by:
MetLife
Omada

03:30 PM - 04:10 PM ET

Guarding the Plan: De-risking through Governance and Fiduciary Excellence

Scrutiny is rising on ERISA fiduciary standards for employer health benefit plans. Employers face mounting pressure to demonstrate fiduciary responsibility and embed governance into their benefits strategy. This session explores how organizations can proactively de-risk their health and welfare plans by establishing robust fiduciary governance frameworks.

Kate Scherkenbach, CEBS, SVP, Total Rewards Manager – Benefits, Baird

Emily Maher, Director, Total Rewards, Land O'Lakes

03:30 PM - 04:10 PM ET

Seeing Clearly: Managing Benefit Risk through Price Transparency

As fiduciary scrutiny intensifies and cost pressures mount, employers are turning to price transparency as a strategic lever to manage benefit cost. This session explores how greater visibility into provider pricing and plan performance can help employers identify inefficiencies, reduce overpayment exposure, and strengthen governance.

Heather Denkert, Sr. Manager, Health & Wellness Programs, United Airlines

03:30 PM - 04:10 PM ET

How 3 Employers are Separating Hype from Impact

Health care is overflowing with buzzwords and flashy promises — “AI-powered,” “consumer-centric,” “personalized care"...the list goes on. When it comes to finding digital health solutions that actually work, how do you separate substance from sales pitch? In this session, we’ll get down to brass tacks:

• How to use data to identify what your workforce actually needs (and avoid investing in what it doesn’t)
• How to vet vendors based on the evidence, not the marketing material
• How to build data-centric partnerships that continuously track meaningful metrics and hold vendors accountable

Danielle Barrieau, Director - Analytic Consulting, Artemis by Nomi Health

Matthew Hall, Benefits Strategy Manager, Koch

David Roth, Sr. Benefits Manager, Wayfair

John Senay, Manager - Benefits, Wellness, and Leaves, Holman

03:30 PM - 04:10 PM ET

From Nice-to-Have to Business Critical: The Rise of Personalized Spending Accounts

“Personalized” is no longer a buzzword—it’s a business imperative. Employees want flexibility and choice, while CFOs demand cost-effectiveness and ROI. Customizable spending accounts bridge that gap, turning Lifestyle Spending Accounts, Rewards & Recognition, education assistance, and workspace reimbursements into core pillars of modern total rewards. In this session, benefits leaders will share how they’ve designed personalized programs, the outcomes they’ve seen, and the lessons they’ve learned along the way. Walk away with real-world strategies and data-driven insights to scale personalized benefits across your organization.

Toni Fritz, VP Total Rewards, Technology & People Services, Chobani

Amanda Giglio, Benefits Analyst, SeatGeek

Kathleen Harris, Head of Consultant Relations and Strategic Programs, Forma

Tracey Larios, Director of Benefits, Instacart

03:30 PM - 04:10 PM ET

The Employee Experience People Trust in Complex Moments

Having benefits is not the same as having support. When employees face something stressful, confusing, or time-sensitive, what really matters is whether they know where to turn and whether they trust what happens next. From everyday questions to moments that are genuinely life-changing, panelists will share how employee expectations, workplace culture, and the realities of high-pressure roles shape the way people actually engage with their benefits. Panelists will discuss how employee behavior and feedback, not just benefit design, continue to influence how their approach evolves over time.

Alisa Beckman, Director of Benefits & Operations, Bridgewater Associates

Paul Mele, Global Head of Benefits, The D. E. Shaw Group

Jessica Spiegel, Chief Client Officer, Summus Global

03:30 PM - 04:10 PM ET

The ROI of Empathy: How Bread Financial Maximizes Benefits Through Human-Centered Personalization

The pressure on benefits leaders is immense: control rising healthcare costs while maximizing employee well-being and driving real engagement. Relying on passive, one-size-fits-all benefits communication is no longer an option. This session unpacks a case study on how Bread Financial created an all-in-one, highly personalized benefits experience for their members — seamlessly integrating virtual care, AI-powered guidance, and wraparound clinical support. By blending algorithmic efficiency with emotional intelligence (EQ), they’re delivering the right care, at the right time, via the right human connection. Discover how this integrated approach to personalization drives tangible impact:

• Cost Management: Directing employees to high-quality, high-value care options for virtual and in-person settings
• Actionable Engagement: Moving beyond awareness to measurable behavior change, with over 80% of households engaged
• Proactive Support: Personalized, goal-driven support for members with complex health needs, with over 80% of high-cost members engaged
• Maximized Value: Ensuring every dollar spent on benefits is optimized for impact

Eileen Brown, Sr Manager, Benefits, Bread Financial

Trish King, Director, Benefits, Bread Financial

03:30 PM - 04:10 PM ET

Rooted in Results: How Treating Obesity Changes Everything

The conversation around obesity care has been dominated by the rising cost of GLP-1s. But there’s more to the story. By addressing obesity—the root cause of costly cardiometabolic conditions—employers can improve health outcomes and reduce long-term costs more effectively than with traditional programs.
This session will share how a Fortune 100 company saved millions through an obesity-centered approach that drove weight loss, improved cardiometabolic health, and reduced future disease risk. You’ll walk away with a playbook for implementing a proven obesity care strategy—and a reframed view of condition management and prevention.

Dr. Florencia Halperin, Chief Medical Officer, Form Health

Nicole Hernandez, Sr Director, Benefits, Workday

Barb Flitsch, Founder & Principal, AMP, LLC

03:30 PM - 04:10 PM ET

Building Recovery-Friendly Workplaces in the Face of a Quiet Crisis

Substance use often goes unseen at work—but its impact on health costs, safety, and productivity is undeniable. Forward-looking employers are moving from reactive policies to proactive, recovery-friendly cultures that give employees a clear path to help and hope. In this session, hear from leaders who are tackling stigma, aligning leadership, launching peer-led initiatives, and reshaping workplace policies. Whether you’re beginning the journey or refining your approach, you’ll walk away with practical strategies and lessons learned from the field.

Tammy Fennessy, Sr. Director of Benefits, DICK'S Sporting Goods, Inc.

Sara Richards, Director of Benefits, Red Bull North America

Yusuf Sherwani, MD, CEO & Co-founder, Pelago

James Garvie, SVP Total Rewards & HR Technology, Southern Company

03:30 PM - 04:10 PM ET

When ‘Fine’ Isn’t Fine: Spotting and Addressing Employee Distress Early and the Cost of Overlooking Early Warning Signs

Burnout, absenteeism, and disengagement are no longer exceptions, they’re becoming the norm. For employers, this means supporting well-being must go beyond crisis response to understanding how employees truly feel day-to-day and intervening earlier. This session will explore how organizations can recognize early warning signs, address the full spectrum of mental health needs, and create cultures where proactive care is the standard, unlocking stronger engagement and measurable cost savings.

Dena Andre, Head of Global Benefits, Zelis Healthcare

Lori Janjigian, VP of Client Success, Modern Health

Steve Lensing, SVP, HR Technology, Total Rewards, & Analytics, Zelis Healthcare

04:25 PM - 05:15 PM ET

Washington Update

From Capitol Hill to the courts, the policy landscape for employer-sponsored benefits is shifting rapidly. This session will unpack the latest legislative, regulatory, and judicial developments affecting health care and compliance.

Katy Johnson, President, American Benefits Council

05:15 PM - 06:15 PM ET

Cocktail Reception

Hosted by:
Firefly Health
MedImpact
Verily
WIN

07:15 AM - 08:00 AM ET

Continental Breakfast

08:00 AM - 09:00 AM ET

Navigating the New Health Care Frontier: Emerging Trends in Supporting the Member Journey

As health care continues to evolve, so does the member journey – from initial engagement to long-term wellbeing. This session explores the latest trends shaping how members interact with health care systems, benefit platforms, and support services to create a seamless, integrated, and intuitive member journey.

Michelle Acciavatti, NA Health, Wealth & Career Leader, WTW

Myoung Cha, Chief Product Officer, Verily

Dr. Jeff Levin-Scherz, Managing Director, H&B, WTW

09:15 AM - 09:55 AM ET

Form Meets Function: Blending Access, Experience and Value in Modern Benefits

As the health care landscape evolves, employers are reimagining how benefits are designed and delivered to meet the moment. This session explores how organizations are expanding access to care – through virtual first models, advanced primary care, and navigation tools – while ensuring the experience is intuitive and aligned with employee needs.

Nicole Cody, Vice President, Total Rewards, International Paper

Jessica Denshaw, Consultant, Global Benefits, Dell

09:15 AM - 09:55 AM ET

Cracking the Global Benefits Cost Code

Global benefits costs continue to rise, driven by evolving medical trends, claims experience, and market dynamics. This session will explore strategic approaches, emerging cost drivers, and practical levers that organizations can use to navigate today’s complex benefits landscape and effectively manage their global costs.

Lauren DeClue, Manager, Total Rewards, Accenture

James Sharpe, Vice President, Global Benefits and Wellbeing, BMS

09:15 AM - 09:55 AM ET

Beyond Wellbeing: LSAs that Power Life, Work, and Everything In Between

Employees want benefits that fit real life—not legacy perks. Lifestyle Spending Accounts (LSA) simplify everything by combining wellbeing, recognition, and specialty allowances into one flexible platform. Learn how leading employers cut complexity, boost engagement, and turn fragmented programs into a strategic advantage that supports people and business goals alike.

Kim Duck, VP, Global Benefits, News Corp

Laura Robbins, Manager of Well-being & Recognition Programs, MaineHealth

Ryan Ramsey, SVP, Growth & Strategic Alliances, Espresa

David Liu, Senior Manager, Global Benefits, Applied Materials

09:15 AM - 09:55 AM ET

Moving Beyond Navigation for Better Health and Care

Employees often have questions about their benefits but little clarity on where to start. Traditional navigation tools require people to know their destination first, leaving many unsure and underserved. In this session, learn how one employer went beyond navigation using AI to personalize outreach and encourage preventive care. Discover how turning data into clinically informed actions and personalized recommendations leads to better outcomes and reduced costs.

Beth Barrett, Associate Director of Benefits, Teva Pharmaceuticals

Janine Gianfredi, Chief Marketing Officer, Transcarent

09:15 AM - 09:55 AM ET

The Health Cost Albatross: Tackling Rising Costs While Improving Employee Health

Eight in ten benefits leaders say rising health care costs are hurting business operations—and the trend shows no signs of slowing. The problem? Most strategies focus on utilization, not the underlying price of drugs and services.
In this session, you’ll hear fresh insights from doctors, benefit leaders, and employees on how to curb specialty drug costs, manage high-cost claims, and meet the evolving health needs of today’s workforce. You’ll leave with actionable strategies that reduce spend while improving employee outcomes.
Key Takeaways:

• What’s really driving health care costs—and why specialty drugs and common high-cost claims matter most
• How to maximize value from vendors and partners to keep costs in check
• Practical solutions for high-cost conditions that also improve employee experience

Sarah Haflett, VP, Fidelity Health Thought Leadership, Fidelity Health (Fidelity Investments)

Sari Kalin, Director, Health and Benefits Strategy, Thermo Fisher Scientific

09:15 AM - 09:55 AM ET

Commitment to Better: Transforming the Employee Experience

Forward-thinking employers are reimagining health benefits to create a smoother, more supportive experience for their people. This panel explores how organizations are reducing friction in the system, ensuring equitable and accessible care pathways, and providing robust navigation resources to help employees manage complex health needs with confidence. Learn how a focus on customer experience can drive better outcomes, foster trust, and create an empowering workplace culture.

Princess Little, Director, Benefits and Welfare, Marriott International

Colin McDonald, Chief Human Resources Officer, Cross Country Healthcare

Gerry Stanley, M.D., P-CEO, Chief Medical Officer, Express Scripts PBM by Evernorth, the health services business for The Cigna Group

09:15 AM - 09:55 AM ET

Transforming the Employee Experience Through Value-Based Specialty Care

Traditional fee-for-service models often increase costs without improving outcomes. In this session, you’ll hear how leading employers are adopting value-based specialty care to protect both their workforce and their bottom line. Discover how an outcomes-focused approach can:

• Reduce spend while improving access to high-quality care
• Strengthen fiduciary responsibility
• Enhance the employee experience through better results

Matt Eurey, Chief Commercial Officer, Carrum Health

Leah Fulwood, Senior Benefits Analyst, US Benefits Team, Global Payments Inc.

09:15 AM - 09:55 AM ET

Turning Inoperability into Opportunity: Real-Time Insights That Cut Pharmacy Spend

As pharmacy costs climb and complexity grows, members need smarter support to make affordable choices. Leading employers are leveraging connected platforms that unify data across physicians, pharmacies, benefits, and point solutions— guiding members to the right prescription at the right price, in real time. In this session, learn how expanded transparency and timely decision support can lower out-of-pocket costs, reduce plan spend, and create a seamless medication journey that empowers both members and care teams.

Elaine Murphy, Sr. Vice President, General Manager, Rx Savings Solutions

Candace Shaffer, Associate Vice President, Benefits & Payroll, Purdue University

10:10 AM - 10:50 AM ET

Improving the Benefits Experience with Powerful and Personalized Technology

Navigating and optimizing a wide array of benefits programs and point solutions is a persistent challenge for health care consumers. At the same time, expectations of a simple and intuitive experience have never been greater. This session explores how organizations are leveraging AI-forward technology to inform their program design and deliver a more proactive, personalized and supportive benefits experience for participants.

Martinique Smith, Senior Director, Benefits, Global Payments

10:10 AM - 10:50 AM ET

Beyond Claims: Connecting Data for a Complete View of Employee Health

What if the key to reducing health care costs and improving employee well-being lies beyond medical claims? By integrating data from multiple sources, benefit professionals can uncover the underlying factors – from financial stress to lifestyle choices – that influence employee health and health care costs. Discover how to create a comprehensive risk profile for your population, identify trends, and implement strategies to mitigate risk.

Chris DeStasio, Senior Analytic Advisor, Truven by Merative

Sattara Lenz, Vice President, Benefits Design and Strategy, JPMorganChase

10:10 AM - 10:50 AM ET

Workplace Determinants of Health™: A New Blueprint for Employee Wellbeing and Performance

What happens inside the workplace can impact health as much as food, housing, or access to care. This session explores Workplace Determinants of Health™—the cultural, environmental, and managerial factors that drive wellbeing, burnout, and productivity. Learn how MGM Resorts International is embedding wellbeing into the design of work to reduce risks, strengthen culture, and unlock performance.

Heather Hatchett, Sr. Manager, Wellbeing Benefits, MGM Resorts International

David Pawlowski, Chief Operating Officer, CuraLinc Healthcare

10:10 AM - 10:50 AM ET

Managing Costs Through an Integrated Benefits Approach

An effective benefits ecosystem should be seamless, intuitive, and engaging. Today, that means combining high-touch support with high-tech solutions to deliver access, guidance, and personalized information for every type of employee. In this session, you’ll hear how one large employer built an interconnected benefits strategy that improved member satisfaction while effectively managing costs and trend.

Jennifer Dowd, Regional Vice President, UHC National Accounts

Cynthia Williamson, Head of Total Rewards, North America, Ralph Lauren

10:10 AM - 10:50 AM ET

Under Pressure: Refining Reproductive Health Benefits for Impact and Affordability

With health care costs climbing and employee demand increasing, employers are taking a hard look at their reproductive health benefits. This session explores how benefits leaders are rethinking coverage—from fertility treatments to the full spectrum of reproductive health for women and men—to balance meaningful impact with long-term affordability.
We’ll dive into emerging trends, cost-containment strategies, and real-world examples of high-value program design. Learn how leading employers are making tough choices under pressure—and what those decisions signal for the future of reproductive health benefits.

Mindy Christopher, Benefits Manager, The RealReal

Dr. Fahimeh Sasan, Founding Physician and Chief Innovation Officer, Kindbody

10:10 AM - 10:50 AM ET

The Primary Care Pivot: Strategic Purchasing to Maximize Access and Value

Primary care is the backbone of a high-performing health system—but traditional health plan options often limit its potential. Today, employers have more purchasing strategies than ever to enhance access, engagement, quality, and cost management, even within HDHPs. In this session, hear how employers of different sizes and structures reimagined their approach to primary care, leveraging innovative purchasing models to meet their goals for clinical quality and access while managing spend. Key Takeaways:

• Expanded purchasing options to strengthen primary care within health plans
• How plan design, financing, and employer size shape purchasing strategy
• Real-world results: better access, higher quality, and improved cost control

Josh Dunsby, Enterprise Partnerships Leader, Amazon One Medical

Ted Barrall, Director of Compensation and Benefits, The Friedkin Group

Mandy Maxwell, Health Management Consultant, WTW

10:10 AM - 10:50 AM ET

The Well-Being Multiplier: How Local Champions Fueled Systemwide Change

What does it take to embed well-being into the DNA of a 50-hospital health system—without adding headcount? At AdventHealth, it began with data, intention, and a bold shift to an enterprise-wide model. By aligning leadership, activating local champions, and leveraging a grassroots partnership approach, the organization transformed scattered efforts into a scalable, champion-led well-being culture. In this session, you’ll learn how AdventHealth empowered HR teams and frontline leaders to drive meaningful engagement—even in regions without dedicated well-being staff.

Sarah Hawkins, Senior Manager, Employee Well-being, AdventHealth

Christine Muldoon, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Strategy, WebMD Health Services

10:10 AM - 10:50 AM ET

The New Specialty COE: High-Touch, Low-Friction Care for Complex Conditions

Specialty conditions such as Crohn’s, MS, and rheumatoid arthritis affect fewer than 2% of employees—but can drive more than 20% of total plan costs. The reasons: delayed treatment starts, fragmented care, and costly hospital-based infusions. Learn how a large employer partnered with a decentralized, high-touch infusion solution to improve patient experience, accelerate access to therapy, and reduce costs— backed by claims-validated savings. No PEPM. No implementation fees. Just proven ROI: clinically rigorous and financially risk-free.

Kristine Karnath, GVP, Total Rewards, Moog

Rob LaHayne, Chief Commercial Officer, Leap

10:50 AM - 11:20 AM ET

Refreshment Break

Hosted by:
MetLife
Omada

11:20 AM - 12:00 PM ET

Igniting the Employee Experience in the Age of AI

AI can be a powerful partner in elevating the employee benefits experience – by supporting efficiencies, providing sophisticated data to support decision making, and creating more personalized employee touchpoints. Join us to discover how organizations are using AI strategy to boost efficiency and deliver a more engaging, meaningful benefits experience.

Heather Dunn, VP, Global Total Rewards, HR Analytics & Operations, Brown-Forman

11:20 AM - 12:00 PM ET

Right Care, Right Place, Right Price: Sysco’s and Genentech's Modern COE Playbook

When it comes to Centers of Excellence (COEs), many employers think, been there, done that. Traditional facility-based models often deliver low utilization and limited savings. Sysco and Genentech took a different path—modernizing their approach to connect employees with the right care, at the right place, and at the right price. In this session, learn how both companies are tackling today’s challenges while getting ahead of tomorrow’s rising trends—improving outcomes, reducing costs, and elevating the member experience.

Cody Adams, Rewards Partner, Genentech

Haleigh Tebben, Chief Growth Officer, Lantern

Frankie Yazdian, Director, North American Health and Welfare, Sysco Corporation

11:20 AM - 12:00 PM ET

Addressing Hidden Costs That Derail Employee Financial Well-Being

Employees can’t focus on long-term goals like retirement or debt reduction when everyday expenses constantly knock them off track. An unexpected vet bill, medical charge, or car repair can drain savings in an instant, leading to stress, distraction, and lost productivity. In this session, hear how a large employer reshaped its financial wellness strategy to better support the real, day-to-day vulnerabilities most employees face. Learn how inclusive, practical benefits can create stability now—while empowering employees to invest confidently in their future.

Aaron Brown, Senior Vice President, Total Rewards, Synchrony

Brandon Werber, CEO & Founder, Airvet

11:20 AM - 12:00 PM ET

The Ripple Effect: The Overlooked Link Between Youth Mental Health and Workplace Performance

When a child struggles, the effects ripple through the household—often weighing heavily on working parents. These employees may physically show up to work, but the invisible stress affects their focus, productivity, and overall wellbeing.
Forward-thinking employers understand that supporting employee mental health means caring for the whole family. In this session, we’ll explore how companies are addressing youth and family mental health with innovative benefits strategies. A panel of experts will share real-world solutions that reduce parental stress, strengthen family support, and drive better outcomes both at home and in the workplace.

Chris Mosunic, Chief Clinical Officer, Calm

Dorothea Scattaglia, Sr. Director, Emotional Wellbeing, Comcast NBCU

11:20 AM - 12:00 PM ET

Leveraging Data and Evidence to Transform Care for Women and Children

Join Koch Industries’ benefits leader for an inside look at how evidence-based strategies are improving outcomes for women and children while reducing costs. This session will cover:

• Patient experience – how Koch is investing in care to support and retain top talent
• Care model – evidence-based protocols and team-based care that deliver measurable impact
• Savings – clinical results that drive unmatched value and cost control

Matthew Hall, Benefits Strategy Manager, Koch

Marta Bralic Kerns, CEO & Founder, Pomelo Care

11:20 AM - 12:00 PM ET

The Power of Personalization: From Fragmented to Force Multiplier

Many employers ask: “Our benefits strategy checks every box—so why aren’t we seeing the value?” The problem isn’t a lack of programs, it’s a lack of connection. Fragmented solutions dilute impact, while a unified, culture-driven wellbeing strategy—rooted in clinical guidance and readiness-to-change—can amplify results.
In this session, discover how leading employers are aligning navigation, culture, and care to:

• Boost employee engagement
• Reduce health risks
• Control rising costs

Stephanie John, MS, LMFT, LMFT-S, LAC, Director, Team Member Well-being, Prisma Health

Matt Percia, Strategic Advisor, Navigate Wellbeing

11:20 AM - 12:00 PM ET

From Burnout to Buy-In: Building a Flexible Caregiving Strategy That Engages Every Generation

The impacts of today’s caregiving crisis continues to cost businesses millions in turnover, absenteeism, and disengagement from employees in every generation. Hear how one employer reimagined their caregiving solution to address budget constraints, antiquated backup care models, and evolving employee needs. What you’ll learn:

• The true costs of the caregiving crisis for your people and your business
• Why traditional Backup Care models miss the mark — and how flexible, employee-first solutions drive engagement and retention
• How to show the ROI of caregiving programs and make a compelling case to leadership

Kelly Deutsch, Senior Manager, Benefits, Baker Tilly Vantagen

Michael Walsh, CEO, Cariloop

12:15 PM - 12:30 PM ET

Conference Wrap-up