Session Descriptions
8:15 - 9:15, Monday
Presenters:
Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves
Brent Layton, Healthcare Executive
Moderator:
Clare Hester, Capitol Resources, LLC
Governor Tate Reeves will join Brent Layton, a former Fortune 25 C-Suite health care industry executive with extensive experience in large and emerging provider and payer organizations to discuss their perspective on health care delivery in Mississippi. They will examine innovation in health care, when government should be an encourager versus an obstacle, keys to effective advocacy, reforms out of Washington, and the steps Mississippi policymakers and providers need to take to foster a dynamic health care ecosystem moving forward.
Session 1
Big Picture Policy Update
Session 2
Industry Perspectives Panel
9:15 – 10:00, Monday
Panelists:
Tara Clark, Associate VP of State Government Affairs, Molina Healthcare Inc.
Jeff Cook, CEO, Forrest Health System
Wally Davis, Vice President, North Mississippi Health Services
Jay Shehi, Group Chief Executive Officer, UHS
Aaron Sisk, CEO, Magnolia Health Plan
Moderator:
Blake Bell, Senior VP and General Counsel, Government Relations, Gainwell Technologies
Executives from leading health insurance payers and the representatives of collaborative member hospitals will have a candid discussion on the new and anticipated changes within the industry and on efforts to recalibrate the traditional payer-provider relationship. The panel aims to highlight opportunities for non-adversarial, meaningful partnerships that drive better results for both parties and the patients they serve.
Session 3
Legislative Outlook 2026
10:30 – 11:15, Monday
Panelists:
Senator Kevin Blackwell, District 19
Senator Nicole Boyd, District 9
Senator Briggs Hopson, District 23
Senator Chris Johnson, District 45
Senator Chad McMahan, District 6
Senator Brice Wiggins, District 52
Representative Shane Aguirre, District 17
Representative Otis Anthony, District 31
Representative Chris Bell, District 65
Representative Kevin Ford, District 54
Representative Trey Lamar, District 8
Representative Sam Mims, District 97
Representative Hank Zuber, District 113
Moderator:
Matthew Majure, Capitol Resources, LLC
Join Mississippi legislative leaders for an insightful discussion of health care policy. Find out what proposals lawmakers may be considering for next session and what it all means for hospitals and the health care industry.
Session 4
Conversation with Mississippi Division of Medicaid Leaders
11:15 – 12:00, Monday
Panelists:
Cindy Bradshaw, Executive Director, Mississippi Medicaid
Jennifer Wentworth, Chief of Staff, Mississippi Medicaid
Moderator:
Will Crump, Assistant VP, Government Affairs, Ochsner Health System Inc.
Join the Mississippi Division of Medicaid senior leadership team as they share their perspectives on the impact of the OBBBA Bill, on fostering strong stakeholder relationships, the upcoming 2026 legislative session, and on balancing competing interests (and a state budget) across a complex $8 billion dollar health care enterprise.
Session 5
Lunch and Learn: Bridging Policy & Practice
12:00pm – 12:45pm, Monday
Presenter:
Former HHS Secretary Dr. Tom Price, Dr. Brian Erkkila, US Senior Advisor for Scientific Engagement at Philip Morris International
Introduction:
Matthew Majure, Capitol Resources, LLC
This session explores the practical application of policy to improve public health outcomes. Focusing on harm reduction strategies, former Secretary Tom Price will discuss approaches to bridging policy intent with real-world implementation.
Session 6
Adapting to Financing & Payment Changes After OBBBA
8:15 – 9:00, Tuesday
Presenters:
W. Shane Hariel, Partner, CRI Advisors, LLC
David Williams, Partner, CRI Advisors, LLC
Moderator:
Parks McNabb, Capitol Resources, LLC
Two of Mississippi’s long-time leading health care finance experts discuss the One Big Beautiful Bill’s implications for the health care industry and offer approaches to prepare for the changes ahead.
Session 7
The Future of Medicaid & Publicly Sponsored Health Programs
10:30am – 11:00am, Tuesday
Panelists:
Ryan Hales, Chief Financial Officer, Adelanto Health Care Ventures
Drew Snyder, Former CMS Deputy Administrator
Moderator:
John Simpson, Capitol Resources, LLC
Federal legislation has reshaped Medicaid financing and eligibility requirements. Drawing on lessons from their past experiences with substantial Medicaid reforms both inside and outside the State of Mississippi, these panelists will explore the path Medicaid and publicly sponsored health programs could be headed in the next 10 years.
Session 8
Hot-Button Health Care Issues
10:30am – 11:00am, Tuesday
Panelists:
Dr. Daniel Edney, State Health Officer, Mississippi State Department of Health
Jason McNeil, Chief Financial Officer, Singing River Health System
Mike Todaro, Chief Operating Officer, Magnolia Health PlanBob Williams, Director of the Life and Health Actuarial Division, MS Dept. of Insurance
Moderator:
Reed Branson, Capitol Resources, LLC
This insightful health care panel features the state's chief health officer and other subject matter experts as they explore critical issues shaping the industry. This discussion will cover potential reforms and the possible pitfalls of various policy changes, including CONs, the 340B drug pricing program, PBMs, and ACA marketplace plans and paths forward. Attendees will gain helpful perspectives on navigating these challenges affecting health care delivery in Mississippi.
Session 9
Lunch and Learn: Transformation through Rural Health Initiatives
11:00 – 12:00
Panelists:
Lorie Till, CEO, Northwest Mississippi Regional Medical Center
Jeff Ross, SVP, Homeward HealthAndrew Burnett, Vice President, Workforce and Rural Health, TN Hospital Association
Moderator:
Anne Hall Brashier, Chief of Staff, Governor Tate Reeves
In this working lunch, a panel of multidisciplinary leaders in government, hospital administration, and technology will explore how recent federal policy shifts are creating new opportunities for rural health transformation. This session promises a robust exchange of ideas for advancing sustainable, efficient, and high-quality health care in rural communities.