HTNYS brought trustees and senior leaders together in person to deliver important and timely educational programming at the 2022 Annual Trustee Conference

Hospital and health system trustees and chief executives from across the state gathered in Syracuse for Healthcare Trustees of New York State’s 42nd Annual Conference, Strategy for a New Normal, Sept. 29 - Oct. 1. 

While the last two years of virtual HTNYS events have enabled trustees to access valuable educational programs, attendees at this in-person event clearly enjoyed connecting with their peers, subject matter experts and industry leaders to network and discuss shared challenges and best practices.

The conference sessions helped prepare trustees to participate in strategic conversations to map out a path forward in this environment of great uncertainty. 

In opening the conference, Robert Spolzino, HTNYS Immediate Past Chair, said the conference theme, “Strategy for a New Normal,” speaks to the work that all hospitals and health systems are doing to establish a viable pathway through the chaos and forge a “new normal.”

He showed a video of local hospitals and health systems coming together and using creativity to advance a common purpose in very difficult times and recognized the work of all frontline workers, administrators and trustees who navigated their organizations through the pandemic.

HTNYS Executive Director Nicholas Henley welcomed members to the conference by discussing HTNYS’ goals of education, advocacy and representation. That message was reinforced by HANYS President Bea Grause, RN, JD, who urged trustees to add their important voices to our collective advocacy. Grause distributed talking points for trustees to use when speaking with lawmakers.

The importance of advocacy was also a key part of a presentation by retiring congressman, John M. Katko, who has represented the Syracuse area since 2015. He shared his views on the current healthcare landscape, working in a bipartisan fashion and how best to influence public policy in Washington. 

Conference presentation highlights:

• Keynote speaker and futurist Nick Webb discussed the current chaotic state of healthcare, emerging trends and how trustees and leaders who understand the nature and trajectory of change will be able to drive superstar organizations. 

• Governance expert Kimberly Russel, CEO of Russel Advisors, covered what trustees should focus on in the next three years and how to address competing priorities. 

• Nationally renowned businessman, visionary, entrepreneur and mentor Quint Studer asserted that we need to get intentional about creating places people want to be — places that replenish them and tap into their calling. He said viewing human capital holistically results in engaged leaders and employees.

The conference also covered: applying lessons learned from COVID-19 to health equity strategic planning, the importance of proactively addressing cybersecurity in the boardroom, the role trustees can play in reaffirming public trust during and after a crisis, how to be more proactive ambassadors in their communities, and more.

We’d like to thank all of those who attended this year’s Conference and hope you gained takeaways to bring to your next board meeting.

Mark your calendar for next year’s conference in Saratoga, Sept. 21-23, 2023.

We look forward to seeing you next year!