29TH ANNUAL LEARNING SYMPOSIUM
April 23-25, 2025
McMenamin's Kennedy School, Portland, Oregon

President and CEO 

Communities of Excellence 2026

San Diego, California

Stephanie Norling, MBA

Keynote Presentation: "Collaborating to Improve Complex Challenges in Your Community"

Despite individual efforts, no single organization can address the complex health challenges communities face. This presentation will explore how healthcare systems can lead collaborative efforts to tackle systemic issues by aligning community resources and addressing root causes. Drawing on effective strategies from communities across the nation, attendees will learn how to maximize the impact of Community Health Needs Assessments, value-based care, and social determinants of health initiatives, while leveraging the Baldrige-based Communities of Excellence Framework to drive meaningful collaboration and measurable results.

Chief Medical Officer/Chief Quality Officer

Chickasaw Nation Department of Health  Ada, Oklahoma

John Krueger, MD

Keynote Presentation: "Hardwiring Daily Operations: The Chickasaw Nation Quality Management Journey

Dr. John Krueger, has played a pivotal role in building a high-performing quality management system. Dr. Krueger led the implementation and refinment of a quality management system across the health system, focusing on leadership, innovation, and commitment to performance excellence. His work has resulted in CNDH achieving a five-star rating from CMS, placing it among the top 10% of healthcare organizations nationwide. Dr. Krueger's dedication to data-driven decision-making and continuous improvement has been instrumental in CNDH's success. His efforts culminated in CNDH receiving the prestigious Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award in 2024.

Executive Director of Quality

Chickasaw Nation Department of Health

Ada, Oklahoma

Amber Wilson, MBA, MSHR

Keynote Presentation:
"Building the Culture of Improvement Through Workforce Engagement"

In this presentation, Amber will explore the role of leadership to create focus on the organization's most important goals, then develop a culture of trust and accountability to drive higher levels of performance. Noted as a best practice during their recent site visit, Chickasaw has built a culture of improvement through a formal quality council structure supported by informal process improvements implement at the front-line. Departments use a common tool set and propose their own projects for improvement by staff who best know the work. In addition. Chickasaw has a formal bonus program that promotes and rewards professional development to develop work skills and capabilities. ​

Network State Director

Oregon Small Business Development Ctr.

Eugene, Oregon​

Mark Gregory

Regional Best Practice:
"Aligning Strategically Within a Business Ecosystem"

Strategic alignment with public or private partnerships ensures efficiency and effectiveness toward a common strategic purpose.  The Oregon Small Business Development Center Network will share their strategic assessment process across multiple stakeholders and processes in timing and recalibrating annually across their three year strategic plan. Mark Gregory, Oregon SBDC State Director will share his 26 year experience supporting business communities through SBDCs, and now as a national board member with America's SBDC he will reflect on the lessons learned across local, state and national partnerships in communicating strategic priorities using multiple platforms.  A breakout session and facilitated group discussion will be incorporated toward shared best practices in aligning and communicating strategic priorities and focused progress reports.