AHF is thrilled to present a variety of industry experts from across the country set to speak at this year’s 2026 National Conference. AHF sources its speakers from our talented operator membership, wide base of business partner supporters, and paid professional speakers. This mix of talent provides our attendees with an exciting agenda that serves operators day to day needs while helping you to future-proof your operations for the challenges and opportunities to come.
Keynote Speakers
Dr. Michelle Rozen, PhD
The Change Doctor
Stowe Shoemaker, PhD
UNLVMainstage Speakers
Anthony Boggs, CDM, CFPP
Corewell Health
Michael Wolf
The Spoon
Dr. Uma Naidoo, MD
Harvard Medical School/Massachusetts General Hospital
Steve Gundrum
Mattson
Tucker Graves, MBA
Pineapple Academy
Michael Vetro
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
Andrew Shakman
Leanpath
Wil Salazar, MBA
Banner Health
David Reeves, MBA
Lee Health
Georgie Shockey
Ruck-Shockey Associates
Jason Alvarez, RD
Banner Health
Kevin Vos, MBA
Corewell Health
Mark Eggerding
US Foods
Mick Rickerd, CCMP, PCII
Corewell HealthConcurrent and Pre-Conference Session Speakers
Omar Humes, CDM, CFPP
Carolwoods
Robert Darrah, CDM, CFPP, CHC
Legacy Retirement Communities
Emiliano Romero
Texas Association for Home Care & Hospice
Joe Carbonara
FE&S Magazine
George Cranmer
Trinity Health
Molly Armstrong, MS, RD
Gordon Food Service
Joyce Lamilla, M.Ed, RD, LD, FAND
Ben E. Keith
Amanda Goldman, MS, RD, LD, FAND
CommonSpirit Health
Estevan Branscum, CDM, CFPP
Endeavor Health
Kevin Steffes
Carle Health
Joyce Hagen-Flint
Hagen Flint Collaborative
Brad Itzkowitz
UNC Health
Caroline Burum
Simplot Global Food
Ashley Craig
AdventHealth
Dan Henroid, CDM, CFPP
HumanGood
Daniel Ellnor, SNS, PCQI
Cres Cor
Erica Block, MS, RDN, LDN
RUSH System for Health
Erika Trotter, CDM, CFPP
Scottish Rite for Children's Hospital
Heather Kennedy, MBA, RDN, CD
UW Health
Heidi Fritz, MS, RDN
Greener by Default
Kip Hardy, MS, RDN, LD
Emory Healthcare
Nazim Khan, CEC, WCMC
Bryan Medical Center
Ryan Bennink, MBA
Gordon Food Service
Jennifer Wood, MBA
Touchwork
Santana Diaz
UC Davis Health
Johann Leitner
TouchworkCulinary Leadership Academy Speakers
The Culinary Leadership Academy is a high-impact, chef-focused workshop that bridges the gap between hospitality excellence and healthcare and senior dining realities. The Culinary Leadership Academy is a 2-day, fully integrated, specialized journey that weaves through the AHF National Conference, offering deep-dive intensives and hands-on collaborative sessions along with specialized networking and mentorship opportunities. It is the full AHF experience, shaped exclusively for the rising culinary leader.
Wes Lieberher
Endeavor Health
Tia Raiford
Hormel Foods
Ryan Conklin, CEC
UNC Health Rex
Jim McGrody
Orlando Health
Brianne George
Geisinger
Brian Dixson, MBA
GeisingerCaroline Burum
Simplot Global FoodDaniel Ellnor, SNS, PCQI
Cres Cor
Michael Salvatore, CEC
Ruck-Shockey Associates, Inc.Nazim Khan, CEC, WCMC
Bryan Medical Center
