Patrick Kennedy II
Former US Congressman
Patrick J. Kennedy served 16 years in the U.S. House of Representatives representing Rhode Island’s First Congressional District, where he became a leading advocate for mental health and addiction equity. He is best known as the lead sponsor of the bipartisan Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act, signed into law in 2008, which expanded access to mental health and substance use treatment for millions of Americans by requiring insurance coverage equal to that for physical illnesses. During his time in Congress, Kennedy authored and co-sponsored numerous bills addressing neurological, psychiatric, and public health challenges. In 2013, he founded The Kennedy Forum, a nonprofit dedicated to transforming mental health and addiction care and advancing health equity nationwide.
Arthur Evans, PhD
American Psychological Assn.
Described as a visionary and transformational leader, policymaker and health care innovator Arthur C. Evans Jr., PhD, is CEO of the American Psychological Association, the leading scientific and professional organization representing psychology in the United States. With over 189,000 researchers, educators, clinicians, consultants and students as APA members, a top priority of Evans’ current work is applying psychological science and knowledge to a wide range of complex societal issues. Previously, for over two decades, Evans served in public policy positions in Philadelphia and Connecticut, where he led the transformation of their behavioral health systems and their approaches to serving a wide range of individuals with complex needs. Evans has employed science, research, community activism, spirituality, traditional clinical care, policy, and cross-system collaborations to change the status quo around behavioral health. Over the years he has received national and international recognition, including prestigious awards in government, healthcare service, visionary leadership, actionable advocacy, equity and social justice.
Brad Lerner
Carelon Health & Elevance Health
Brad Lerner, JD Director, Public Policy, Behavioral Health, Elevance Health; Chair, Association for Behavioral Health and Wellness (ABHW). Brad Lerner is a Director of Public Policy of Behavioral Health for Elevance and formerly served as Vice President Government Affairs/Associate General Counsel for Beacon health Options. He is a government relations professional with more than 30 years of public and private sector experience analyzing and addressing regulatory issues, including complex legal and policy issues in health care. He is a leading expert on Mental Health parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008 (MHPAEA) analysis and compliance and works with federal and state policymakers on ways to improve mental health and substance used disorder system of care. He is currently serving as chair for the association for Behavioral Health and Wellness. Previously, he worked as a regulatory attorney at the Federal Communications Commission and as in-house counsel at Cavalier Telephone, LLC. He holds a bachelor’s degree in English from University of Michigan and a Juris Doctor from Wayne State University Law School.
Cara McNulty, DPA
Vibrant
Cara A. McNulty, DPA is a highly regarded, national leader and health scientist whose success in driving population well-being outcomes spans the employer, government, payer, provider, start-up and education sectors. As the CEO of Vibrant Emotional Health, she influences the national conversation on breaking the stigma around mental health and improving access to behavioral health care for individuals, families and communities across the country. A passionate advocate for democratizing mental health care, Cara supports Vibrant’s mission and strategy, helping build a society where emotional wellness is accessible for all. Previously, Cara served as President of Behavioral Health and Mental well-being at CVS Health, North American Leader of Wellbeing for Willis Towers Watson, and lead Population Health and Team Member Wellness at Target. Cara holds a DPA from Hamline University, a MS in applied health science from Indiana University, and a BS in community health education from the University of Minnesota-Duluth.
Carlos Lindo
Lucet
Carlos Lindo serves as General Counsel, providing strategic legal guidance and oversight across all aspects of corporate governance, compliance, and risk management. With extensive experience in regulatory matters and contract negotiations, Carlos ensures that organizational operations align with legal standards while supporting business objectives. Carlos collaborates closely with leadership and cross-functional teams to address complex legal challenges, mitigate risk, and drive ethical practices.
Caroline Carney, MD, MSc, FAPA, FAPM, CPHQ
Magellan Health
Dr. Caroline Carney is the chief executive officer of Magellan Health, a leader in managing the fastest-growing, most complex areas of health, including special populations, and offering an insightful portfolio of broad solutions focused on population health, condition management and meeting the specific needs of our clients. She is responsible for Magellan’s strategic direction and overall growth, as well as the development and operational execution of the Company’s business strategy.
Chuck Ingoglia, MSW
Nat. Council of Mental Wellbeing
Chuck Ingoglia is the president and CEO of the National Council for Mental Wellbeing where he leads the national charge to ensure people have access to quality, affordable mental health and addiction services. To accomplish this, he harnesses the voices and support of the more than 3,000 National Council members who serve over 10 million individuals nationwide. Chuck previously lead the organization’s policy and practice improvement work, directing the organization’s federal and state policy efforts and overseeing trainings and programs offered to more than 500,000 behavioral health professionals across the U.S.
Debbie Witchey
ABHW
Debbie Witchey became President and CEO of the Association for Behavioral Health and Wellness (ABHW) in 2024. ABHW member companies provide coverage to more than 200 million people for mental health and substance use disorder care. Previously, Debbie spent over 20 years at the Healthcare Leadership Council as executive vice president, chief operating officer, and chief government affairs officer, helping advance the Medicare prescription drug benefit, the CARES Act, and other major health legislation. Her career also includes senior leadership roles at the U.S. Treasury Department and building an award-winning community health program in Charleston, South Carolina. She chairs the URAC Health Standards Committee.
Deborah Fernandez-Turner, DO, DFAACAP, CHIE
Aetna, a CVS Health Company
Dr. Deborah Fernandez-Turner currently serves as the Associate Vice President and Deputy Chief Psychiatric Officer for Aetna and CVS Health. In this role, Dr. Fernandez-Turner supervises a multidisciplinary team focused on Utilization Management including appeals, quality assurance, policy and compliance, as well as fraud, waste and abuse for Aetna.
Dr. Fernandez-Turner is Board Certified both in General Psychiatry as well as Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. She graduated from New York University, then Nova Southeastern College of Osteopathic Medicine, and completed a psychiatric residency at Long Island Jewish Medical Center–Hillside Hospital and a child psychiatry fellowship at the University of Arizona. Prior to her work for Aetna, she has held administrative and clinical positions in both private and public sectors in Arizona and Minnesota. She is a fellow of the American Psychiatric Association, a Distinguished Fellow of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and is a Certified Health Insurance Executive through the AHIP, ELP program.
Hannah Maniates
Nat. Assn. of Medicaid Directors
Hannah Maniates is the Director of Medicaid Programming at the National Association of Medicaid Directors. In this role, she leads NAMD’s state-to-state learning program, which connects Medicaid agencies to share strategies and address common challenges. Before joining NAMD, Hannah worked in substance use and mental health policy, holding roles at the City of Boston’s Office of Recovery Services, the National Center for PTSD at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, and the Bloomberg American Health Initiative’s addiction and overdose team. She holds an MPH from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and a B.A. in neuroscience from Wesleyan University.
James Gelfand
The ERISA Industry Committee
James Gelfand is president and CEO of The ERISA Industry Committee (ERIC), having previously served as its senior and then executive vice president. James oversees all aspects of the association’s activities, which focus on programs that shape federal and state health and retirement benefit policies, and that impact ERIC member companies’ ability to operate under federal ERISA protection from a patchwork of conflicting state and local laws. He has brought prominence to ERIC among federal and state lawmakers, thought leaders, and major companies in the U.S. and globally. James provides strategic leadership to ERIC’s legislative, regulatory and legal advocacy; membership and partnerships; and communications and operations, to achieve ERIC’s mission. James has been recognized as a top industry lobbyist by both the National Institute for Lobbying & Ethics and The Hill. He has served on the Board of Directors and Executive Committee of nonprofits and charities with a focus on policy and advocacy, including the National Alliance of Healthcare Purchaser Coalitions, and the Maternal Mental Health Leadership Alliance.
James Laughman, MSW, LSW
ABHW
James Laughman earned a master’s degree in social work from Temple University. He is President of AmeriHealth Caritas’ full-service behavioral health managed care organization (MCO) as well as President of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities for AmeriHealth Caritas. Mr. Laughman is Chairman of the Board for Special Olympics Pennsylvania and serves on the boards of Norristown State Hospital and Association for Behavioral Health and Wellness. He has been a featured panelist at national conferences offering insights on the future of telemedicine for behavioral health, the Substance Use Disorder Prevention that Promotes Opioid Recovery and Treatment for Patients and Communities (SUPPORT) Act.
Mary Giliberti
Mental Health America
Mary Giliberti serves as Chief Public Policy Officer for Mental Health America, a community-based nonprofit dedicated to addressing the needs of those living with mental illness and promoting the overall mental health of all Americans. During her 20+ years in the mental health field, Ms. Giliberti has served as Chief Executive Officer of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, Section Chief at the Office for Civil Rights at the Department of Health and Human Services, Disability Counsel for the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions and as a senior attorney at the Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law. She has also served on the Interagency Serious Mental Illness Coordinating Committee and as a member of the technical expert panel for the Center for Excellence on Social Media and Youth Mental Health. Mary earned her B.A. at Harvard College and her J.D. at Yale Law School.
Megan Hauck Marshall
Red + Blue Strategies
Megan Hauck Marshall currently serves as a partner at Red+Blue Strategies, where she leverages her expertise in health policy, Senate procedure, and the federal budget process to guide clients through the complexities of the national policy landscape. Her extensive political and policy career includes serving as the Health Policy Advisor to Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell and as a Special Assistant for Legislative Affairs to President George W. Bush. With prior experience as the Deputy Policy Director for the Bush-Cheney 2004 campaign and Health Policy Director of the Senate Budget Committee, she has navigated the complexities of the executive and legislative branches for almost three decades. Megan is a graduate of James Madison University.
Melanie Nathanson
Red + Blue Strategies
As a Partner at Red+Blue Strategies, Melanie Nathanson translates three decades of government, business, and advocacy experience into guidance for clients facing complex health policy challenges. Her work is rooted in a fundamental compassion for the people and businesses that health laws and regulations impact. Her commitment to clients results in unrivaled expertise that is equal parts creative and practical. Melanie has been a key part of major health legislation, serving senior roles in both House and Senate Democratic offices, as well as staff at the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, a respected non-partisan research and policy institute that analyzes the impact of federal budget policies on people. Melanie received an undergrad from Tulane University and a master’s in public administration from the University of Miami, where she also served as a lecturer in American politics.
Megan Lane
Kaiser Permanente
Megan Lane serves as Counsel in Kaiser Permanente’s Government Relations group in Oakland, California. As part of Kaiser Permanente’s health policy team, Megan focuses on policy related to health information technology and privacy. She provides legislative support and strategic advice to teams throughout Kaiser Permanente’s service area, with a focus on those located in California, Oregon and Washington. Prior to stepping into her current role with Kaiser Permanente, Megan led Government Affairs at Providence Health Plan and was a regulatory consultant in Kaiser Permanente’s Northwest region. In both positions, her work focused on the implementation of health care reform and commercial health insurance issues. Megan received a Bachelor of Science from the University of Arizona and a law degree from Lewis and Clark College of Law.
Dr. Mark Gwynne, DO, FAAFP
UNC Health Alliance
Dr. Mark Gwynne completed his residency and fellowship in Family Medicine and faculty development at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill where he remains on faculty. Dr. Gwynne is the Chief Value Officer of UNC Health and President of UNC Health Alliance, a Clinically Integrated Network of 5000 physicians across North Carolina, and Medicare Accountable Care Organization. Under Dr. Gwynne’s leadership, UNC Health has been nationally recognized for clinical quality outcomes, success in value based care across market segments and populations and leading innovation in designing care models and developing new alternative payment models that address key drivers of health outcomes.
Laura Lovett
Behavioral Health Business
Laura Lovett is the Senior Editor of Behavioral Health Business. In this role, she led the publication to win a gold AZBEE award. Prior to this, she served as the Executive Editor of MobiHealthNews, a HIMSS Media publication, where she won three bronze AZBEE awards, including one for impact reporting. In 2019, Lovett participated in the UMass Medical Media Fellowship. She was educated at the University of East Anglia, the University of Massachusetts, and Oxford University. When she isn’t reporting on healthcare, she’s probably kayaking on the Charles River or trying a new recipe.
Adam Easterday, J.D.
Optum
Mr. Easterday received his law degree from State University of New York at Buffalo School of Law. He currently serves as Vice President of Regulatory affairs for Optum Health at United Health Group. His current role encompasses regulatory affairs advocacy on behalf of the Optum Health division of UHG including Optum Behavioral Health Solutions, which administers mental health and substance use disorder benefits on behalf of over 22 million Americans in commercial, Medicare and Medicaid Plans. Mr. Easterday has been with the United Health Group in successive roles for the past 15 years.
Mike Rhoades
Alera Health
Mike Rhoades is the CEO of Alera Health, a national leader in population health management and integrated care, working closely with healthcare payers, providers, and community partners to assemble and manage high-performance ONEcare networks which deliver comprehensive, inclusive, and informed whole-person care for members diagnosed with a primary or secondary behavioral health condition. Mike has over 30 years of experience in clinical/executive leadership in behavioral health, primary care,
hospitals, and clinically integrated networks. Mike has subject matter expertise in network assemblage and governance, value-based contracting, population health technologies, data analysis, private equity, and public health/behavioral health policy. Mike has led over 20 M&A transactions and served in a variety of executive leadership roles with RHA Health Services, Community Care of North Carolina, AlixPartners Consulting, and NC Department of Health and Human Services.
David Schwartz
CareFirst
David Schwartz is the Vice President of Public Policy & Federal Affairs at CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield (CareFirst), the Mid-Atlantic’s largest not-for-profit healthcare company. In his role, David is responsible for leading the analysis of public policy issues and developing policy positioning for the company, as well as federal and industry outreach and engagement. Before joining CareFirst, David was the Head of Global Policy at Cigna, where he handled legislative and regulatory matters, developed policy positions and strategies, and positioned the company as a thought leader on emerging issues. Prior to the health insurance industry, he spent ten years on Capitol Hill. While on the Hill, David was a staff member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Finance, including serving as Chief Health and Human Services Counsel. David received a J.D. from The George Washington University Law School and a B.A. from the State University of New York, Albany.