Agenda for 2026 New Orleans, LA

 1:30 - 4:30 pm CDT (UTC-5)

 Leadership Incubator
 Sponsored by:  Doxy.me

Leadership Incubator: Human Intelligence - The Leadership Advantage No Technology Can Replace 

Presenters: Scott Burgess, CEO, of David Lawrence Centers; Babette Hankey, President & CEO, of Aspire Health Partners; and Mike Oppedahl, Partner, of GiANT

This practical, execution-focused session equips leaders to build trust, strengthen influence, and increase relational capacity when the stakes are high. Designed for those  who don’t need more theory, participants will learn how to lead beyond title, foster real collaboration, and build stronger trust with clients and customers. Walk away with immediately applicable tools—not motivation that fades by Monday—and insights from executives who have successfully applied these principles inside their organizations with tangible results.

 5:00 - 6:30 pm CDT (UTC-5) 

 Welcome Reception
 Sponsored by:  MHRRG & Negley Associates   

 7:30 - 8:30 am CDT (UTC-5)

 8:30 - 10:00 am CDT (UTC-5)

 Welcome & Annual Meeting
 Sponsored by: LIO

You on Your Best Day 

Presenter: Michael Allosso, Nationally-Recognized Speaker & Self-Awareness Specialist

In an interactive romp of a conversation with the audience, Michael Allosso uses his performance skills to illustrate why we are all performers. He highlights that our role  is leaders is to bring out the best in others and he gives each participant a minimum of two ways to upgrade the way we presently lead and communicate.

 Morning Break
 Sponsorship Available!

 10:30 - Noon CDT (UTC-5)

 General Session
 Sponsored by:  Martyn Family Foundation

Behavioral Health Workforce Development in Louisiana – State and Local Initiatives

Presenters: Brad Farmer, Executive Director, of Acadiana Area Human Services District; Tanya McGee MS, Executive Director, of  Imperial Calcasieu Human Services Authority (ImCal HSA); and Holly Howat PhD, Assistant Secretary, of LA Office of Behavioral Health

Louisiana is investing in innovative workforce development models to address growing healthcare demands. Through strategic grant funding, healthcare education programs and industry partners are collaborating to strengthen pathways for nursing, allied health, and other high-demand healthcare professions. Learn about leveraging the CCBHC model to
recruit, hire, and train staff; opportunities available through the HRSA National Health Service Corps; and local and statewide initiatives supporting professional development, funding, and evidence-based practice training.

 Noon - 1:30 pm CDT (UTC-5)

 Grab Lunch with a Few of Your mhca Peers

 Noon - 1:30 pm CDT (UTC-5)

 Orientation Lunch for New & Prospective mhca Member CEOs (by invitation only)
 Sponsored by:  INCITE Consulting Solutions

 1:30 - 3:00 pm CDT (UTC-5)

 Breakout Sessions

You on Your Best Day- Part Two

Presenter: Michael Allosso, Nationally-Recognized Speaker & Self-Awareness Specialist

In a more intimate environment, Allosso gives more participants the opportunity to “do” so we can immerse ourselves more deeply in our roles as leader, life partner,  parent. The art of giving and receiving feedback will also be practiced.

Stop Recruiting, Start Growing: Starting Point’s Playbook for Building Leaders from Within

Presenters: by Laureen Pagel PhD, CEO, of Starting Point Behavioral Health; and Kara Guerriero MPH, Founder & CEO, of INCITE Consulting Solutions

Learn how Starting Point identified a critical gap in their talent pipeline and partnered with INCITE Consulting Solutions and the Kinschner Family Foundation to design, fund, and deliver the Aspiring Leaders Program, a four-month professional development initiative built specifically for promising new (and old!) talent. The session is designed as a peer-to-peer case study; attendees will walk away with a practical framework they can adapt to their own organizations.

 Afternoon Break
 Sponsored by: Genoa Healthcare

 3:30 - 5:00 pm CDT (UTC-5)

 Breakout Sessions

Making M&A work: Strategy, Structure and Cultural Integration

Presenters:  Carl Clark II MS, President & CEO, of Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health; CJ Davis PsyD, mhca Board Chair & CEO Elect, of Centerstone; and Tine Hansen-Turton MGA JD, President & CEO, of Woods System of Care

In this peer-driven conversation, 3 CEOs reflect on their M&A experiences, from the motivations that drove the partnerships to the organizational structures and  integration decisions that shaped long-term success. Panelists will share strategies for bringing cultures together, communicating through uncertainty, and models for affiliation that meet the objectives while also creating a cohesive, high-performing enterprise.

TBD

Presenter:  TBD

Please check back soon for more information!

 Mid-Way Mingle Reception
 Sponsored by:  Genoa Healthcare

All attendees and their travel companions are invited to join us for drinks and hors d’oeuvres.

 7:30 - 8:30 am CDT (UTC-5) 

 Registration & Continental Breakfast
 Sponsorship Available!

 General Session
 Sponsorship Available! 

Coffee & Conversation: Choose Your Own Adventure!

Facilitator TDB

Grab your breakfast or coffee and choose from 3 opportunities to dialogue with peers around some of the most pressing organizational issues: using AI tools to optimize impact, workforce recruitment and engagement strategies, CCBHC and other care delivery redesign in light of funding model changes.

 10:00 - 10:30 am CDT (UTC-5)

 Morning Break
 Sponsorship Available! 

 General Session
 Sponsorship Available!

The GenShift: From Tension to Teamwork

Presenter:  Katherine Jeffery PhD, Generational Strategist, Consultant & International Speaker

Explore what’s driving generational friction in today’s workplace and how leaders can turn those differences into strengths. Participants will uncover their own assumptions, gain insight into what each generation values, and learn communication approaches that build connection rather than conflict.They’ll walk away with meaningful insights that enhance collaboration, strengthen relationships, and foster more unified, effective teams.

 Noon - 1:30 pm CDT (UTC-5)

 Grab Lunch with a Few of Your mhca Peers

 Noon - 1:30 pm CDT (UTC-5)

 Networking Lunch
 Sponsored by:  Psyrin

 1:30 - 3:00 pm CDT (UTC-5)

 Breakout Sessions

Inside the GenShift: The 3 Cs that Strengthen Purpose-Driven Teams

Presenter:  Katherine Jeffery PhD, Generational Strategist, Consultant & International Speaker

An interactive session designed for environments where multiple generations work side by side. Participants will explore how Care, Curiosity, and Collaboration can ease day-to-day friction, support clearer communication, and strengthen teamwork in a mission-focused setting. They’ll leave with insights and practical approaches to build trust and improve cross-generational interactions.

Culture Reset: Rebuilding Engagement, Energy & Purpose 

Presenters:  Stacey Hoffmann MLR, Chief Human Capital Officer; Chris Porcher LCSW MBM MCPM, Chief Operating Officer; and Grace Cavallo LCSW, President & CEO, of Community Mental Health Affiliates

Learn how CMHA is revitalizing organizational culture by reconnecting people to purpose, empowering leaders to consistently model core values, amplifying employee voice, and fostering psychological safety. Leave with actionable approaches to aligning organizational systems with clearly defined values and culture goals.

 3:30 - 5:00 pm CDT (UTC-5)

 mhca Board of Directors Meeting
 Chair:  Kelly Phillips-Henry PsyD MBA

 5:00 - 6:30 pm CDT (UTC-5)

 Elite Event
 Sponsored by:  LIO 

Cap off the week with an unforgettable experience designed exclusively for those who stay until the end. This is your chance to connect and unwind with fellow leaders who are just as committed as you are. Join us for food, cocktails/mocktails, and some surprise entertainment!