Employee Health Care Conference

07:15 AM - 08:00 AM ET

Continental Breakfast

Hosted by:
CVS Caremark
CVS Healthspire

08:00 AM - 08:30 AM ET

Welcome and Opening Remarks

In the current environment of rising costs, rapid technology advancements, and an increasingly complex benefits ecosystem, breakthroughs are required for employers to deliver effective and affordable benefits offerings. WTW leaders will discuss how you can discover breakthroughs that matter to your organization.

08:30 AM - 09:30 AM ET

Embrace Change

Embracing change is at the heart of discovering breakthroughs. The key to unlocking value is to disrupt the status quo by identifying win-win opportunities. Learn how leading employers uncover hidden arbitrage strategies to change employee behavior, improve program designs, and advance the marketplace.

Brian Athow, MD, Human Resources, Fedex

Andrew Gregg, VP, Employee Benefits, Prudential

09:50 AM - 10:30 AM ET

Design for Affordability – New Approaches, New Thinking

Plan sponsors are tapping into new payment models, network strategies, and innovative designs to lower the total cost of care. Hear how employers are taking breakthrough approaches to mitigate cost increases and spend health care dollars differently.

Alhassan Elbarasse, Senior VP - Human Resources, Maximus, LLC

Monica Ward, Senior Manager, Wellness and Health Equity, United Airlines

09:50 AM - 10:30 AM ET

Breakthroughs in Obesity & Weight Management

Obesity causes many problems. GLP-1 medications are highly effective but costly. Learn how employers have addressed comprehensive treatment through a mix of prescription drugs, personalized medical management, and food as medicine.

Jason Tzau, Head of US Health Plan Benefit Strategy and Program Management, Amazon

Stevi Evans, Director, Benefits Design and Delivery, WeightWatchers

09:50 AM - 10:30 AM ET

Understanding Connected Women’s Care Through the Eyes of Your Member

As employers expand support for women’s health, it’s important to understand the variety of conditions and care one may experience during a lifetime – a concept best understood from both the employee and physician perspective. You will actively participate in this session to explore your employees’ needs and learn how to deliver impactful health benefits that boost productivity and overall health and deliver cost-savings.

Julie Stadlbauer, Chief Business Development Officer, Progyny

Dr. Janet Choi, Chief Medical Officer, Progyny

Terri Wood, Director of Benefits, Internal Communication & HR Operations, Northside Hospital

09:50 AM - 10:30 AM ET

Lead with Your Values: Better Experiences, Lower Costs, Higher Engagement

Strong benefits programs are built around a company’s culture and values. Learn how Raymond James and DeVry University implemented healthcare strategies that drive engagement and lower costs. Discover how to leverage navigation, virtual primary care, second opinions, and ecosystem partners to deliver a better experience for your people.

Liz Ferega, SVP, Customer Success, Accolade

Vicki Mazur, SVP, Head of Total Rewards, Raymond James

Dave Barnett, Chief Administrative Officer, DeVry University

09:50 AM - 10:30 AM ET

Managing and Mitigating the Economic and Emotional Impact of Life Events and Challenges on Your Workforce

The personal life events of employees, such as caregiving, relationship breakdown and bereavement can have a significant negative economic impact on your business and cause a heavy toll of emotional, physical and financial disruption for employees. Join this session to gain valuable knowledge and insights about the disruption and cost associated with employee life events and how employer-provided support can have positive benefits for individuals and a positive financial return for employers.

Matt Jahansouz, Chief People Officer, Quince

Katie Lynch, CEO/Founder, ApiaryLife

Sandy Zornek, Vice President, Global Benefits, Nasdaq

09:50 AM - 10:30 AM ET

Improving Workplace Mental Health: Layered Care and Engagement Strategies That Support Employee Wellbeing

Ensuring that employees not only have access to mental health resources but also actively engage with them is crucial. Discover strategies to enhance utilization and deliver outcomes from HR leaders. We will address the drivers of low EAP engagement rates, discuss the significance of an innovative layered care model, explore effective enrollment strategies, and share impactful outcomes. Attendees will leave knowing how to reduce organizational health care costs and foster a resilient workforce.

Jeanne Hermes, Benefits Consultant, Medtronic

Sandra Kuhn, VP, Workforce Employer Strategy, Headspace

Sherri Toney, Assistant Vice President, Employee Relations and Support, UT Southwestern Medical Center

09:50 AM - 10:30 AM ET

Why Is Cancer So Expensive, and What Can HR Managers Do About It?

Despite the crucial role of cancer screenings in early detection and treatment, low adherence rates pose significant challenges. In addition, the US Preventive Services Task Force currently recommends only four single-cancer screenings, while cancers without recommended screenings represent ~70% of cancer deaths. This limitation leaves many cancers undetected until later stages when outcomes are worse. Additionally, late-stage cancer costs employers over $90,000 per employee annually, compared to when caught at earlier stages.

Ailene Bui, Senior Director and Head of Employer and Labor Partnerships, GRAIL

Mark Coffin, Partner, Seyfarth Shaw LLP

Benjamin Conley, Partner, Seyfarth Shaw LLP

09:50 AM - 10:30 AM ET

Step Away from the Medicine Cabinet: Embracing Movement as Medicine

Chronic pain affects more than the body. It takes a toll on mental health, overall wellbeing, and workplace productivity. Traditional treatments can lead to costly medical interventions such as medication or surgery that can result in more pain, depression and anxiety. New clinical research finds that conservative care, which focuses on non-invasive treatments and lifestyle changes, significantly shifts how pain is treated. Hear how PG&E and Allstate are embracing conservative care to reduce costs and improve employee wellbeing.

Melissa Rinker, Director, Benefits, Allstate

Meredith Touchstone, AVP, Benefits, CarMax

10:30 AM - 11:00 AM ET

Refreshment Break

Hosted by:
Metlife
Rightway

11:00 AM - 11:40 AM ET

Pharmacy Innovation – Pushing the Transparency, Technology & Clinical Outcome Boundaries

The growth in pharmacy expenses far outpaces inflation and consumes more of every dollar spent on health care. Yet an effective response has been elusive. Evolution in pricing models and improvements in the patient experience are the new mandates. Hear from employers who are sponsoring these changes and adopting new models for their employees.

Margaret Fairbairn, Director, Global Benefits, Instacart

Melissa Hubler, Vice President, Human Resources & Corporate Affairs, Subaru

Peter Kneedler, System Executive Director, Total Rewards, City of Hope

11:00 AM - 11:40 AM ET

Rethinking Benefits Design – Emerging Solutions

In today’s rapidly evolving health care landscape, traditional health plan design often falls short. This session will explore new innovations in value-based benefit design, whole-person care, and advanced health management programs. Join us to discover how these cutting-edge approaches can transform your organization’s health benefits, enhance employee wellbeing and support sustainable health care programs.

Dr. Michelle Greene, Principal – Behavioral Health Innovation, Amazon

Debra Tierney, Sr. Manager North America Benefits, IDEXX

Russell Niswander, VP Finance – Treasury, Risk & Investments, Nestle

11:00 AM - 11:40 AM ET

Fertility and Family-building Benefits Programs in Uncertain Times: The New Benchmarks

Modern employers are implementing benefits programs that support their workforce across their lifetime fertility journey from preconception to postpartum through menopause. However, today’s uncertain regulatory environment surrounding access to reproductive health care necessitates additional benchmarks to address the family-building needs of your employees. Leading employers will share how they implemented a global end-to-end reproductive health care benefits program that ensures quality of care, excellent patient experience, as well as evidenced-based outcomes. Attendees will walk away with actionable tips on how they can support their employees in today’s uncertain, and evolving, reproductive health care regulatory environment.

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

11:00 AM - 11:40 AM ET

Elevating Care: How Delta Air Lines Innovates for Excellence

Learn about Delta Air Lines' journey to improve their employees' health care experience while keeping costs under control. Explore how they focus on ongoing innovation and excellence, simplifying benefits through a combination of technology and human support to redefine the employee experience and drive transformative results.

Janet Brunk, Director – Global Benefits, Delta Air Lines

Steven Knight, Chief Operations Officer, Quantum Health

11:00 AM - 11:40 AM ET

The Great Debate: Which GLP-1 Strategies Are Built to Last?

Skyrocketing use of GLP-1s for weight loss and diabetes has left employers scrambling to contain costs and balance access. With 50% of the US population predicted to have obesity by 2030 and new indications for cardiovascular and liver diseases expected, there’s no end in sight. During this session, senior benefits leaders will use real-world examples to debate which strategies are poised to survive the evolving GLP-1 landscape, and which approaches you should leave behind.

Niki Bourque, Wellbeing Program Manager, Regions

Nicole Cody, Vice President of Total Rewards, International Paper

Jonathan Pearlstein, VP, Market Strategy and Development, Virta Health

11:00 AM - 11:40 AM ET

Improving Employee Wellbeing AND the Bottom Line

As organizations increasingly recognize the importance of mental health, many still face obstacles such as high implementation and unpredictable costs, inconsistent access across regions, and a lack of tailored solutions. This session will showcase how leading companies are streamlining their global mental health strategies to enhance employee wellbeing while driving significant cost savings. Discover actionable insights that HR and Benefits leaders can leverage to overcome these challenges, reduce health care expenses, and boost overall ROI.

Maureen Calabrese, CPO, Modern Health

Lauren Figueroa, Director, Global Enterprise Services and Share Services Operations, West Monroe Partners

11:00 AM - 11:40 AM ET

Cancer Is Different: Comprehensive, Compassionate Care for Addressing Oncology

Cancer is not an episodic health event, but a life-long journey that requires comprehensive, compassionate care for people living with it and caregivers alike. In this session, you will take away data-driven results and the key benefits of implementing a comprehensive cancer care experience, inclusive of screenings and early detection, surgery, and Oncology Nurse Navigation to support your employees and their families as they navigate the physical and mental journey that is a cancer diagnosis.

Randy Hawkins, Chief Medical Officer, Transcarent

Heather Leibert, Benefits Manager, AbbVie

11:00 AM - 11:40 AM ET

Delivering Better Outcomes, Improving Access and Cutting Costs with AI Care

AI has the potential to solve the trifecta of competing concerns: improving access, reducing costs, and driving better patient outcomes. Join this engaging session to learn how human-centric, natural language AI Care can bring a world-class clinician into every home with convenient, anytime-anywhere care – while saving your company millions in unnecessary medical spend.

John Dorey, Manager of Benefits, Ropes & Gray LLP

Vijay Yanamadala, Chief Medical Officer, Sword Health

11:40 AM - 12:40 PM ET

Luncheon

Hosted by: Evernorth Health Services

12:40 PM - 01:40 PM ET

A Strong Offense is the Best Defense: Become a Guardian for your Plan

Recent lawsuits are challenging the scope of an employer’s fiduciary responsibilities. Due diligence is no longer enough, with broadened expectations for employers in protecting members as guardians of their plans. Expanded oversight requires focus on payment review, employee guidance, and plan performance. Learn what it means to be a guardian.

McCain Johnson, Director, Employee Benefits, Allina Health

Kati Stratos, Executive Director of Data Services, Total Rewards, Comcast NBCUniversal

Kellee Garcia, Director, Total Rewards, Omni Hotels

02:00 PM - 02:40 PM ET

Informed Benefit Delivery: The Power of Integrating Strategy and Administration

Deliver benefits with strategic design and communication, powered by integrated benefits delivery. Evolve benefits and communication designs and inform strategy through effective administration. Learn how personalized decision support, data-driven insights, and communication best practices boost engagement and utilization to optimize benefits investments.

Laurie Falkenstein, Senior Director Benefits, North America, Avolta

02:00 PM - 02:40 PM ET

Expanded Governance – How to Ramp up Your Benefit Program Management

Scrutiny is rising on ERISA fiduciary standards for employer health benefit plans. What additional actions can be taken? Hear from two employers as they discuss new oversight strategies to include AI-driven payment integrity claim reviews targeting inaccuracies in provider discounts/billing, medical coding, and PBM spread pricing. Hear about new pharmacy interventions like alternative drug channels, PBM overlay support and drug formulary customizations.

Danielle Cook, Senior Manager of Benefits, Vanguard

Andrew Gregg, VP, Employee Benefits, Prudential

02:00 PM - 02:40 PM ET

The Fertility Care Revolution: Steering Employees to Success

Imagine a world where your employees always receive the best possible fertility care, exactly when they need it all while your company saves on health care costs. Too good to be true? Not anymore. In this dynamic session, we'll crack the code on using data-driven provider steerage to optimize fertility benefits and hormonal health journeys. Learn how to navigate the maze of provider quality, uncover hidden gems in your network, and empower employees on their family-building journeys. We'll showcase Carrot's innovative approach to personalizing care pathways, resulting in happier employees and a healthier bottom line. Don't miss this chance to revolutionize your fertility benefits and become a magnet for top talent.

Jeni Chih, Sr. Director, Global Health & Wellness, PepsiCo

Linda Demarest, US Benefits Leader, National Basketball Association

Kathleen O'Driscoll, VP Global Benefits, Wellbeing, HR Policy & Recognition, Cognizant

Brooke Bartholomay Quinn, Chief Operating Officer, Carrot Fertility

02:00 PM - 02:40 PM ET

Conquering Costs by Controlling Cardiovascular Risk

As benefits leaders face the highest medical cost growth in 13 years, heart health should be a key focus. CVD is not only the leading cause of death, but also the most expensive chronic disease. Reducing CVD risk – and related costs – requires clinically validated efforts to engage members and enable lasting lifestyle change. This session will explore how digital health can empower members to improve their outcomes, while also lowering the related costs for employers.

Derek Butts, Manager, Benefits, Phillips 66

Misi Holmberg, CEBS, CPSP, Director, Benefits, Panera, LLC

Edo Paz, MD, SVP, Medical Affairs, Hello Heart

02:00 PM - 02:40 PM ET

Helping Employees Make Healthy Commitments Through Wellness Communications

At Costco it's our promise and responsibility to provide our employees with exceptional health care benefits, and it's our employee's role to be familiar with and use their benefits. Our annual “We’re in This Together” (WITT) wellbeing pledge campaign equips our employees to discover, understand, and wisely use their benefits. As part of the WITT campaign employees receive support for their physical, emotional, and financial wellbeing, plus new for 2025: social wellbeing. Learn more about the WITT campaign and other initiatives that Costco has implemented to promote and improve employee's wellbeing.

Tim Burnett, Vice President, Client Management, Aetna

Celeste Parker, Director of Employee Benefits, Costco

02:00 PM - 02:40 PM ET

Evolving Your Mental Health Strategy: Six Dimensions for Success

In today’s dynamic work environment, offering basic mental health benefits is no longer enough. To stay ahead of health care trends, you’ll need a future-proof approach. Our experts will reveal six key dimensions essential for a modern mental health strategy. Learn how to integrate whole-person care, personalize the member experience, support families, address complex needs, enhance organizational wellbeing, and drive value.

Sean McBride, Chief Customer Officer, Lyra Health

Christie Witzig, Senior Manager, Benefits, Hilton

02:00 PM - 02:40 PM ET

Do Onsite Clinics Really Work? Optimizing Utilization, Placement, and Health Outcomes

Onsite clinics can be a powerful tool for improving employee health and reducing health care costs, but success depends on strategic planning and data-driven decision-making. In this session, we’ll cover how to analyze the utilization and placement of onsite clinics to maximize their effectiveness. Learn how to use data to identify the best locations, tailor services to meet employee needs, and measure the impact on health outcomes. This session will provide practical guidance for employer benefits teams looking to enhance the value of their onsite clinic programs and improve overall population health.

Michele Clark, Primary Care and Clinical Programs Senior Manager & Global WellWithin Leader, GE Appliances, a Haier company

Rani Aravamudhan, MD, Sr. Medical Director, Artemis

02:00 PM - 02:40 PM ET

Virtual Care: Revolutionizing Disease Prevention and Cost Savings for Employers

This session will explore how virtual care, including primary care and caring for people with cardiometabolic conditions, is transforming employer healthcare strategies. We'll emphasize the importance of early intervention, proactive health management, and preventing disease progression including the importance of addressing obesity to enhance overall health. Attendees will learn about the significant impact of virtual care on health outcomes, absenteeism, and overall cost efficiency from employers who are adopting preventive care strategies.

April Bettencourt, VP, Global Employee Benefits, VSP Vision

Jessy Rosales, Head of North America Total Rewards, SAP America

Laurie Mitchell, AVP Global Wellbeing & Health Management, Unum

Stacey DeWeerdt, Vice President, Client Management, Teladoc Health

02:40 PM - 03:10 PM ET

Refreshment Break

Hosted by:
Metlife
Rightway

03:10 PM - 03:50 PM ET

Personalizing the Employee Experience – New Insights, Technology and Innovation

Attracting and retaining talent hinges on providing an exceptional employee experience. Explore how organizations can leverage technology and innovation to create a seamless benefits journey, from education to enrollment. Discover best practices for gaining employee insight, engaging employees, delivering personalized experiences, optimizing enrollment, and ensuring employee satisfaction.

Terri Wood, Director of Benefits, Internal Communication & HR Operations, Northside Hospital

Jane Zhang, Sr. Manager, Health & Well-Being Programs, Liberty Mutual

03:10 PM - 03:50 PM ET

Driving Financial Resilience through Retirement Plan Design

In the wake of the cost of living crisis, financial wellbeing is the top area where U.S. employees are looking to their employer for support. Learn how two leading organizations have re-evaluated their retirement program designs to develop innovative approaches that enhance employee financial resilience in cost effective ways.

Sara Ferrell, Director, Global Retirement Plans, Emerson

Courtney Turney, Benefits Director, JM Family Enterprises

03:10 PM - 03:50 PM ET

Elevating Care for Working Parents

The mental and financial stress of balancing work and raising children can be overwhelming for many parents – the cost of two kids in childcare exceeds the average rent payment by over 50% in the U.S. With limited long-term support and no social safety net, it’s no surprise that working parents are leaving the workforce in record numbers. In this session, learn how leading companies develop top-tier family benefits programs that address the unique challenges facing working parents and parents-to-be. Gain actionable insights on how your organization can better support these employees, ensuring they receive the care and resources they need to thrive at work and at home.

Kate Ryder, Founder and CEO, Maven Clinic

Sally Krick, Director of Benefits, Santander

03:10 PM - 03:50 PM ET

Ignite Interest: Boost Benefit Awareness and Engagement

Discover groundbreaking tactics to captivate even the most disengaged employees. This session unveils actionable insights and proven strategies to elevate benefit awareness and utilization. Learn how to turn apathy into action, ensuring a healthier, more engaged workforce. Join us to revolutionize your benefits strategy and unlock the full potential of your employee offerings.

03:10 PM - 03:50 PM ET

The Heart of Cardiometabolic Care has Always Been Obesity

Cardiometabolic conditions drive significant health care spending. What do these conditions have in common? Obesity as a root cause. 90% of patients with type 2 diabetes and 80% with heart disease are also obese or overweight. Research shows that treating these conditions not only result in weight loss, but also improvement – or even resolution – of weight-related comorbidities. Learn how U. S. Steel has addressed cardiometabolic conditions with a science-based comprehensive obesity program.

Melani S. Cheers, MD, MPH, FACEP, Corporate Medical Director, United States Steel Corporation

Dr. Florencia Halperin, Chief Medical Officer, Form Health

Barb Flitsch, Founder & Principal, AMP, LLC

03:10 PM - 03:50 PM ET

An Insider's Look at How Travelers Ensures Mental Health Support for All Employees

With mental health being one of the defining challenges of our time, traditional EAPs often aren't meeting the moment. Don't miss this unique opportunity to learn how Travelers is experiencing improved employee wellness and increased productivity by removing all barriers to better care. In this session, you'll learn:
• How Travelers identified the need to do more.
• What better mental healthcare has meant for their people and their organization.
• What's next on the minds of their leadership as they look to 2025 and beyond.

Greg Landmark, Sr. Vice President, Total Rewards & People Analytics, Travelers

Sarah Bowe, SVP of Customer Success, Spring Health

03:10 PM - 03:50 PM ET

Planes, Trains & Workforce Gains: Transforming Employee Benefits with Southwest Airlines and Amtrak

Southwest and Amtrak excel at customer experience – now, they're transforming employee benefits too. Join benefit leaders as they share how they’ve made bold investments, chosen the right solutions, and streamlined benefits for a simpler, more effective employee experience.

Nathan Counts, Vice President of Total Rewards, Amtrak

Robin Glass, President, Included Health

Jerald Prince, Director, Head of Benefits, Southwest Airlines

03:10 PM - 03:50 PM ET

Future Trends in Cancer Care: Predictions and Preparations

This session will highlight changes in cancer care and how patient-centered care will offer better experiences, more personalized support, and improved outcomes for patients.

Matt Eurey, Chief Commercial Officer, Carrum Health

Bernadette Long, Senior Director of Benefits, Peraton

Carly Winokur, Vice President, Solutions & Strategy, Carrum Health

04:05 PM - 05:00 PM ET

Washington Update

With a new presidential administration and a new Congress, this is a time of change and uncertainty in Washington, and there are many policies under consideration with significant ramifications for health care policy. Get the inside scoop from the ultimate Washington insider on what all these changes mean from a legislative, regulatory and judicial perspective.

Katy Johnson, President, American Benefits Council

05:00 PM - 06:00 PM ET

Cocktail Reception

Hosted by:
Airvet
Carelon
Embold Health
EyeMed
Homethrive
Inspira Financial
Kaiser Permanente
Quest Diagnostics
Rula
Telus Health
Verily

07:15 AM - 08:00 AM ET

Continental Breakfast

Hosted by:
CVS Caremark
CVS Healthspire

08:00 AM - 09:00 AM ET

Know the Road Ahead – Emerging Trends Panel

In the current environment of rising costs, rapid technology advancements, and an increasingly complex benefits ecosystem, tightly focused breakthroughs are required for employers to deliver effective and affordable benefits. In this panel, we’ll focus on the disruptive trends and opportunities to improve healthcare, and the impact employers can make by leaning into provider quality. The panel will conclude with an award for the Top emerging vendor, as voted on by the attendees at the conference.

Marco Diaz, SVP, Global Head of Benefits, NewsCorp

Lindsay Lange, Actuary, Health Care Delivery Leader, WTW

Chirag Shah, Partner, Define Ventures

Adam Stavisky, Advisor, Stavisky LLC

09:15 AM - 09:55 AM ET

Improving the Future of Decision-Making – Using Predictive Analytics in Health Care

Health care data science can inform employer plan management, identify gaps in care, and transform the patient experience. The advent of machine learning now offers employer plan sponsors an ability to act earlier with improved precision. Learn how leading employers are harnessing the power of predictive analytics to improve decision making.

Matthew Hall, Benefits Strategy Manager, Koch Industries

09:15 AM - 09:55 AM ET

Going Beyond – Global Benefits Breakthroughs

You have governance and infrastructure to manage your global benefits. What next? How do you keep up with constantly evolving benefits environment? How do you further your total rewards strategies? Hear from leading multinational corporations on how they leverage global scale to future proof their benefits strategy.

Deb Macchia, VP, Health & Welfare, Omnicom Group

Celina Przybysz, Global Benefits Lead, Fluor

09:15 AM - 09:55 AM ET

Lifestyle Spending Accounts (LSA): Consolidating Budgets to Maximize Total Rewards and Employee Wellbeing

Join a panel of HR leaders from large organizations to explore the transformative power of Lifestyle Spending Accounts (LSA) while consolidating budgets. Join this session and:
• Gain actionable insights on maximizing total rewards frameworks, enhancing employee engagement, and fostering wellbeing through innovative benefits solutions
• Learn how LSAs align with current workplace trends, enabling you to elevate your organization as a top employer
• Dive into real-world case studies and unlock new employee satisfaction and retention possibilities

Laura Barlow, Manager, Health & Group Benefits, JM Family Enterprises

Beth Barrett, Associate Director of Benefits, Teva Pharmaceuticals

Alex Shubat, CEO and Co-Founder, Espresa

Jackie Good, Global Wellbeing Manager, Nielsen

09:15 AM - 09:55 AM ET

Elevating Whole Health Engagement: Integrated Strategies and Trusted Partnerships

Integrated medical, advocacy and pharmacy strategies can transform employee engagement. Learn the value of selecting a trusted benefits partner to centralize and optimize your health programs, reduce vendor complexity, and build organizational trust. We'll share DaVita’s journey, highlighting how digital and telephonic solutions empower associates beyond traditional support. See how a consumer-centric approach to whole health engagement can drive better health outcomes and elevate your wellbeing strategy with the right partner every step of the way.

Alex Bolorchi, PharmD, Vice President, Clinical Pharmacy Services, CarelonRx

Nihar Shah, Group Vice President, People Services, DaVita

09:15 AM - 09:55 AM ET

Gen Z: Reimagining Health Benefits for a Next-gen Workforce

As employers engage workers from four distinct generations, the group they have the least experience with is Generation Z. While ample research exists about how Gen Z views work-related topics like career goals, purpose and fulfillment, and work-life balance, fewer studies have focused on how employers can support this generation’s health and productivity. Our research revealed one major reason employers should refashion their health benefits for the next generation: Many Gen Z workers don’t feel “well.” Across all key aspects of wellbeing, Gen Z employees appear to struggle more than employees of other generations, with the most significant gaps in mental health and work life. This session will explore how employers can support Gen Z’s health benefit needs through a reimagined annual enrollment process, new entry points into the health system, and abandoning the stereotype that this generation only wants digital communication.

Sarah Haflett, Vice President, Health Care Thought Leadership and Research, Fidelity Health®

Jennifer Gunter, CEBS, CCP, SHRM-CP, PHR, VP, Total Rewards, Premier Health

09:15 AM - 09:55 AM ET

Enhancing Chronic Care: The Case for Mental Health Integration

When a mental health condition is comorbid with a chronic health condition, the total cost of care can be 2-8x higher. Unfortunately, the physical symptoms often receive more attention than the mental ones. Tailored programs specific for chronic conditions is showing promising results. Join this discussion as we explore the nuances of managing mental health and chronic conditions and how payors can be part of the solution.

Matty Qualls, Director of Total Rewards, Tanner Health

Jon Shimp, Head of Sales, Calm

Laura Martin, Senior Manager, Global Benefits, Yext, Inc.

09:15 AM - 09:55 AM ET

Elevating Member Engagement Across the Health Care Continuum

Join us for an engaging session on enhancing member engagement in everyday and critical health care moments. Members need reliable, user-friendly tools to manage their health, along with exceptional support during challenges. This discussion will highlight how leading employers integrate human interaction with technology to optimize benefits and improve employee experiences. Discover insights from industry innovators and learn effective strategies to drive better health outcomes for your members.

Amy Flaster, MD, Senior Vice President, Chief Medical Officer, Cigna Healthcare

Jared Lewis, Vice President, Total Rewards, Curtiss-Wright

Kurt Loring, Vice President – Chief Human Resource Officer, Applied Industrial Technologies (AIT)

09:15 AM - 09:55 AM ET

Winning Strategies in Wellbeing: Innovation & the Future of Workforce Health

MGM Resorts International is redefining employee well-being with a strategy that blends cutting-edge technology, data-driven insights, and holistic health solutions. As AI and business transformation reshape the workforce, MGM is leveraging HR technology innovation and people analytics to enhance engagement, measure impact, and build a culture of well-being. This session explores how MGM’s well-being strategy integrates AI-driven personalization and digital health solutions – including its approach to weight management – to support employees, optimize costs, and drive sustainable health outcomes. Gain insights into how MGM is future-proofing its benefits strategy while fostering a resilient and high-performing workforce.

Lorna Borenstein, CEO & Founder, Grokker

Patrice Johnson, Director, Wellbeing Benefits, MGM Resorts International

10:10 AM - 10:50 AM ET

The Future of Benefits: How Artificial Intelligence is Reshaping the Landscape

Join us for an insightful session exploring the revolutionary impact of artificial intelligence on the health care landscape and employee benefits. It is reshaping how health care is accessed, delivered, and managed. It is changing the workforce and the role of HR. From administration to the provider/patient experience, AI is influencing it all. In this session, you will see real examples of how AI is transforming the landscape.

Beata Kashani, VP of Talent Management & Total Rewards, Brightspeed

Devon Arent, Senior Manager, Health & Welfare, HR, Allstate

10:10 AM - 10:50 AM ET

How to Build a Compassionate Culture on a Budget

An exploration of compassion and purpose in fostering a thriving workplace in today’s competitive business landscape. This session examines how organizations can cultivate a culture of compassion, enhancing performance and nurturing a profound sense of belonging among employees. Learn from industry trailblazers as they create holistic employee journeys that help people live their best lives, sharing best practices for a whole-person approach that yields health outcomes, cost savings, and passionate employees.

Katelyn Elie, VP, Senior Manager of US Health and Well-being Benefits, TD

10:10 AM - 10:50 AM ET

LSA Masterclass: Why Total Rewards Leaders Say Personalized Benefits Are a Win-Win-Win

A 2024 WTW survey shows that 38% of employers plan to offer or are considering LSAs by 2025. Leading organizations are adopting LSAs to elevate global employee health and wellness. This session will explore the trends driving this shift, with real-world case studies, the latest benchmarking, and fresh ideas for strategizing, repurposing budgets, and enhancing engagement through these personalized benefits.

Jason Fan, CEO & Co-Founder, Forma

Patti Petrella, Sr. Director Global Benefits, Tripadvisor

10:10 AM - 10:50 AM ET

Leveraging Technology and Transparency as a Pathway to More Efficient Care

Removing barriers to care, such as high-deductibles, and providing actionable information regarding cost, quality and alternative treatment pathways empowers members to choose more efficient care options in ways that traditional plans have failed to do in the past. Please join this session to learn how a true consumer focused strategy plan can make a measurable impact on member choice and outcomes.

Charles Montreuil, Senior Vice President, Total Rewards, Best Buy

10:10 AM - 10:50 AM ET

A 360° Approach to Mental Health and Wellbeing

Explore the evolution of EAPs and their ability to enable organizations to provide compassionate, mental health care support that impacts whole person care, all areas of health and well-being, and an organization’s bottom line through reduced absenteeism and higher retention. Hear from a large employer and discuss how AI-enabled analytics and integration with other benefits offerings amplifies the impact of effective mental health support.

Amy Coleman, Director, Employee Assistance Program, BNSF Railway

Jeff Cordell, President and CEO, Health Advocate

10:10 AM - 10:50 AM ET

Empowering Health Care Consumers: How Transparency Tools and Member Engagement Can Revolutionize Pharmacy Benefits

In today's health care landscape, rising pharmacy costs and increased plan expenditures pose significant challenges for employers and plan sponsors. To address these issues, it is crucial to adopt innovative strategies that provide education and empower members to become proactive health care consumers. Join Medtronic to explore how they have successfully implemented pharmacy transparency and how it has enabled them to identify cost-saving opportunities, educate members about their prescription options, and ultimately reduce overall pharmacy spend – for members and the plan.

Kristin James, Director of Engagement Marketing, Rx Savings Solutions

Jeanne Hermes, Benefits Consultant, Medtronic

10:10 AM - 10:50 AM ET

Creating a Recovery Enabled Workplace: How Amazon Delivers Substance Use Management Using Today’s Technology

Supporting employees in recovery leads to a healthier, more engaged workforce and promotes lower healthcare costs, reduced absenteeism, and increased employee retention. Promoting effective substance use management is an essential element of strategically managing benefit costs and a top priority for employers and benefits managers. In this session, we walk through Amazon’s strategies for creating a recovery enabled workplace and the employee experience.

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

David Thomas, Benefits Manager, Global Behavioral Health, Amazon

10:10 AM - 10:50 AM ET

The Future Price Tag of Specialty Care

Specialty care is rapidly becoming one of the largest expenses for employers, accounting for upwards of 40% of all health care costs. As chronic diseases – such as cancer, obesity, and autoimmune conditions – continue to rise, so does the demand for specialty services. Discover how large employers are staying ahead of the curve by implementing innovative and affordable solutions that connect their employees with top doctors and treatment options close to home.

Dickon Waterfield, President, Lantern

Derek Butts, Manager, Benefits, Phillips 66

Darcy Sementi, Healthcare Benefits Manager, State Farm Insurance Companies

10:50 AM - 11:20 AM ET

Refreshment Break

Hosted by:
Metlife
Rightway

11:20 AM - 12:00 PM ET

Better Health Outcomes – Approaches to Population Health Management

The real mandate of our health care system is to maintain and improve health not just treat disease and sickness. How is this happening through the science of longevity? Cancer poses a growing obstacle to the world’s health, but advancements in treatment are allowing for improved prevention, early detection, and better care. Hear approaches employers are taking to improve population health.

Jonathan Liu, MD, FACP, Principal, Health Strategy, Amazon

11:20 AM - 12:00 PM ET

Bridging the Gap: Achieving Comprehensive Care in a Digital Age

Learn about the nuances of virtual vs. in-person care, focusing on boosting the effectiveness of digital health programs. This session will explore innovative strategies used by dedicated virtual care teams that offer holistic treatment, reduce diagnosis time, and minimize heavy medication reliance. You will hear about strategies that enable employers to integrate digital care seamlessly into existing health frameworks, ensuring a future where virtual care is not just an alternative but a formidable counterpart to in-person care.

Jessica Palacios, PHR, SHRM-CP, MSHRM, Associate Director, System Benefits Administration, Texas A&M System Office

11:20 AM - 12:00 PM ET

Prioritizing Financial Wellbeing as a Key Pillar of Employee Health: Strategies from Leading Employers

Financial wellbeing has quickly become a key pillar of holistic employee health. What do leading employers need to know? This session will feature insights from leading organizations sharing how they prioritize financial wellbeing and pillars of health that employees value most and respond to changes in the financial and health landscape. You’ll learn:
• How to respond to changes in the financial landscape
• The key elements in designing impactful financial wellbeing programs
• Effective program communication strategies to keep employees informed and engaged

Aaron Steele, Vice President, Employee Benefits Manager, Fifth Third Bank

Gregory Doane, Director, Health & Benefits, WTW

Kathryn Rider, AVP of Benefits & Well-being, The Campbell’s Company

11:20 AM - 12:00 PM ET

Optimizing Health Benefits Spend Starts with Data You Can Trust

In a climate of rising health care benefits costs, it can feel like every program decision carries an extra weight. That's why it's more important than ever for benefits leaders to feel that they can trust the data that underpins program decisions. In this session, you will learn what it takes to build a reliable foundation for health benefits program analytics, including original data and real-world examples of how employers can optimize program spend without sacrificing care quality or the value employees receive from their health benefits.

Jennifer Huyck, Vice President, Applied Analytics & Consulting, Truven by Merative

Rowana Ahmed, Vice President, Morgan Health, J.P. Morgan Chase & Co.

11:20 AM - 12:00 PM ET

Cancer’s New Reality: Designing Strategies for Gen X and Millennials in the Workplace

Cancer is typically associated with older adults, but diagnoses among adults aged 20-49 have risen by 30% in the last decade, impacting more working-age Americans. This younger demographic requires unique strategies for early detection and seamless care through survivorship. Learn about the changing cancer demographics in the workplace and how Universal Music Group optimizes outcomes for employees at every stage of their cancer journey.

Christopher Smith, Vice President, Benefits, Universal Music Group

Josh Sturm, Chief Revenue Officer, Color Health

11:20 AM - 12:00 PM ET

Achieving Organization Excellence with the Power of the Employee Voice

University of Pennsylvania Health System (UPHS), through its Wellfocused program, engages nearly 40,000 users in a mission to enhance wellbeing and organizational excellence. Recently, UPHS launched a survey strategy to amplify employee voices, aiming to create a more inclusive and wellbeing-centered workplace. Join us to explore how wellbeing and organizational change management intersect, driving meaningful transformation.

Jennifer Brady, Director, Employee Benefits and Well-Being, University of Pennsylvania Health System

Erin Seaverson, MPH, Senior Director for the Center for Research, WebMD Health Services

11:20 AM - 12:00 PM ET

Advancing Health Equity with Primary Care

Health equity and primary care are linked, and this panel explores the connections and addresses implications for employers. In this session, we will discuss best practices on advancing LGBTQIA+ and women’s health equity strategy, inclusive patient and employee care, and use of Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) to build engagement.

Shira Berger, Vice President, National Accounts, Amazon One Medical

Charles DeSantis, Chief Benefits Officer and Associate Vice President for University Benefits and Wellness, Georgetown University

Danric Vargas, Sr. Benefits Program Manager, Lyft

12:15 PM - 12:30 PM ET

Conference Wrap-up

Recapping key conference topics and themes, this session will conclude our conference with a few surprises and recognitions.