2025 Annual Meeting Speaker Information

2025 Annual Meeting Speakers

Opening Session:

Medicaid Trends and Transformations

Bill Hanna, Wisconsin Medicaid Director

Bill Hanna was appointed as Wisconsin’s Medicaid Director in January 2024. Most recently Bill served as Wisconsin’s Deputy Medicaid Director. He has 15 years of Medicaid expertise at both the state and local levels, including previous work at the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, Dane County and Portage County Human Service agencies, and the DC Department of Health Care Finance. Bill was a Regional Director of Growth and Strategy at UnitedHealthcare supporting Medicaid HMOs in Virginia, Maryland, North Carolina, and Florida. He holds a Master of Public Administration from the University of Georgia and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Government from Lawrence University.

Breakout Sessions:

Tech Transformations: New Considerations and Opportunities for Controlling Costs and Improving Health Outcomes

Moderator: Justin Barnes, Dean Health Plan by Medica

Justin Barnes is the Senior Director of Enterprise Architecture at Medica, where he leads the organization’s enterprise-wide technical strategy and planning. His health plan technology experiences span software engineering, data architecture, technical operations, and cybersecurity. With extensive technical experience and a deep understanding of integrated provider-payer organizations, Justin plays a critical role in shaping the long-term technology roadmap for Medica and its Wisconsin based plans — Dean Health Plan by Medica and Prevea360 Health Plan.

Panelist: Will Israel, Zelis

Will Israel has driven many cross-product projects at Zelis, including leading an effort to look for quick wins and automation opportunities, partnering with many cross-functional teams to help build out portal strategy, working with the enterprise team on defining robotic process automation (RPA) opportunities, and developing a product portfolio approach to Artificial Intelligence. His role today has evolved into managing all enterprise applications and solutions.

Panelist: Martin Dunn, Gaine Technologies

Gaine CEO Martin Dunn is a leading figure in data management for healthcare. Alongside partner Jean Paquet, he pioneered master data management with the launch of Delos Technology in 2001, creating the world’s first Enterprise Master Data Management software platform. After merging into Siperian and its acquisition by Informatica, Martin and Jean founded Gaine Technology in 2007 to tackle specific data challenges faced by health plans, providers, and life sciences organizations.

Addressing Complex Member Needs with Integrated Strategies

Moderator: Kiva Gittings Graves, iCare

Kiva Gittings Graves is a passionate healthcare advocate with more than 25 years of experience. She began her career as a nurse, working in both hospital and community settings, before transitioning to leadership roles in quality assurance and compliance. She served in Medicaid operational leadership positions at the Wisconsin Department of Health Services for nearly a decade and currently holds the role of Regional Vice President of Operations for Humana's Wisconsin Market, overseeing iCare and Inclusa.

Panelist: Jessica Gross, WI Department of Health Services

Jessica has a master’s degree in social work and is licensed as an Advanced Practice Social Worker. She has 20 years of experience working with adults across all target groups participating in long term care services and programs including Family Care, home health care and hospice care. In 2014 she took a position with the Wisconsin Department of Health Services as a Member Care Quality Specialist providing oversight and quality monitoring for Managed Care Organizations. She currently holds two roles within DHS as Relocation Coordinator and as the Project Lead for Wisconsin’s Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities and Mental Health System Improvement Project. Jessica strives to uphold DHS’ mission to protect and promote the health and safety of the people of Wisconsin while working with partners to stress the importance of system improvement for the State’s most vulnerable populations.

Panelist: Teresa Garate, HMA/Wakely

Dr. Teresa Garate, has over 30 years of experience leading systems change, innovation and growth in the complex environments of public health, healthcare, public education, higher education, and government. She is currently the Managing Director for HMA’s BH practice and has experience in strategic planning, program development, program evaluation, and operational design in behavioral health, substance use disorders and addiction treatment, school-based health services, hospital and health systems, and public health. Before joining HMA, Teresa was a C-Suite executive for large national substance use disorder and behavioral health systems, including Gateway Foundation and Rogers Behavioral.

Workplace Wellness: Building a Healthier, Happier, More Productive Work Environment

Moderator: Sara Muhlbauer, Lakeland Care

Sara Muhlbauer serves as Chief Executive Officer of Lakeland Care, Inc. and President of Lakeland Care Plus, where she leads the organization’s strategic direction, growth, and overall performance. Since joining Lakeland Care in 2008, Sara has held key leadership roles. Her contributions include implementing a new authorization and claims system, guiding Lakeland Care’s transition to a nonprofit entity, and fostering partnerships with the Menominee Indian Tribe and Oneida Nation to expand Family Care services.

Panelist: David Kinsey, HPS/PayMedix

David Kinsey is a 30-year veteran executive in the healthcare and employee benefits industries. In his current role as Vice President of Partnerships at PayMedix and TempoPay, he is focused on supporting employers and health plan partners in the strategic delivery of innovative healthcare payments solutions that provides interest-free financing to all employees and patients. Prior to his current role, David was an Executive Director at Aetna where he led the Healthcare Industry Business Solutions team. He was awarded Aetna's Chairman's Leadership Award for his leadership and collaboration. David’s prior roles at Aetna included working with employer groups and consultants on innovative employee benefits strategies and plan administration. Prior to Aetna, he held roles in sales, account management and leadership at Cigna Healthcare. He earned his BBA in Finance from Stetson University.

Panelist: Emily Roberts, Lakeland Care Plus

Emily Roberts is a seasoned corporate professional turned well-being advocate with over 20 years of experience in team management, strategic planning, and leadership development. As a Certified Professional Coach and Emotional & Mental Wellness Coach, Emily specializes in helping over-thinkers, over-achievers, and perfectionists overcome burnout and embrace balance. Her passion lies in empowering professionals to harmonize personal well-being with professional demands for a more fulfilling life. Through practical strategies and compassionate guidance, she inspires individuals to unlock their true potential and achieve lasting wellness.

Prior Authorization: Proven Approaches and Policy Applications

Moderator: Dr. Mark Huth, GHC of South Central Wisconsin

Mark Huth, MD, is President and Chief Executive Officer for Group Health Cooperative of South Central Wisconsin (GHC-SCW), a position he has held since January 2016. Mark has worked with GHC-SCW since 2007 and has served in leadership roles, including Chief Medical Officer, Chief of Staff, Clinic Site Chief and a member of the Board of Directors.

Panelist: April Gill, Smart Data Solutions

April is the Chief Commercial Officer at Smart Data Solutions. She oversees the integrated commercial team that combines sales, solutions, and marketing to optimize our go-to-market approach. April has dedicated her 20+ year career to advancing healthcare efficiency, access, and outcomes with a focus on driving strategic and accelerated growth at scale. She leads the efforts to drive revenue growth, enhance client experience, and streamline our strategies

Panelist: Andy Arends, ZeOmega

Andy Arends serves as ZeOmega's Chief Growth Officer, bringing with him more than two decades of experience in the healthcare sphere and is responsible for growing engagement, revenue, and ROI throughout the company. With a focus on collaboration and outcomes, his goal is simple: Make healthcare better for our clients and their members and patients.

Closing Session:

Legislative Landscape: Politics, Policy, and the Future of Health Care in Wisconsin

Moderators: John Nygren, WAHP CEO; and Kyle Caudill, WAHP Director of Government Affairs

Legislator Panelists (L-R): Senator Pat Testin (R-Stevens Point), Rep. Alex Dallman (R-Markesan), Senator Kelda Roys (D-Madison), Representative Mike Bare (D-Verona)