Laura Freedy is a visionary healthcare executive with more than three decades of experience leading innovation at the intersection of clinical operations, regulatory compliance, and payer-provider collaboration. Known for her integrity, strategic foresight, and commitment to driving meaningful change, Laura has held senior leadership roles across major healthcare organizations, including UnitedHealth Group, Optum, and HTC Global Services. Her ability to align business objectives with clinical and technological solutions has consistently delivered improved health outcomes and operational performance. Passionate about service and mentorship, Laura is now focused on board service where she can share her expertise and guide organizations toward impactful, sustainable growth.

Matthew C. Hedberg is a seasoned State Government Affairs and Health Policy Executive with 27 years of experience shaping legislative and regulatory landscapes across consumer brands, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, manufacturing, and technology. A trusted strategist and corporate advocate, he has successfully led high-stakes negotiations, influenced critical policy decisions, and built lasting relationships with policymakers, executives, and industry leaders. His expertise spans state and federal healthcare policies, market access, economic development, and corporate governance, making him a vital asset for organizations navigating complex regulatory environments. Known for his integrity, strategic foresight, and ability to drive consensus, Matthew leverages his deep knowledge and communication skills to align business objectives with policy initiatives, ensuring sustainable growth and industry leadership.

Rudy Pearce is a seasoned pharmaceutical executive with a proven track record in managed markets, government accounts, and sales leadership. With over three decades of experience, he has successfully led teams, negotiated high-impact contracts, and expanded market access for critical therapies. His expertise spans commercial and government healthcare sectors, where he has driven formulary wins, launched new products, and strengthened partnerships across PBMs, Medicare, Medicaid, and the Department of Defense. Recognized nationally for his leadership and strategic vision, Rudy is a results-driven professional dedicated to enhancing healthcare access and driving organizational success.

Nancy Hess is a highly accomplished senior healthcare executive and strategic consultant with over 25 years of experience driving innovation and growth across the healthcare sector. As Chief Commercial Officer at Spiras Health, she leads transformative strategies for Medicare Advantage plans, Medicaid, ACOs, and value-based care organizations, fostering market leadership through innovative solutions and C-Suite engagement. Known for her expertise in value-based care, consumer engagement, and provider optimization, Nancy has consistently delivered exceptional results, including managing portfolios exceeding $1.5 billion and achieving 40% annual revenue growth at Optum. A dedicated leader and community advocate, she also serves as Vice President of Membership for the Chicago Symphony Orchestra Women’s Board, championing arts and education initiatives.

Thomas Tutaj, MBA, CHC, CHPC, is a seasoned compliance and business operations leader with over 30 years of experience in healthcare, insurance, and financial management. Known for his integrity and commitment to fostering ethical practices, Thomas has a proven track record of designing and implementing effective compliance programs across Medicare, Medicaid, and managed care environments. His strategic vision, combined with deep regulatory expertise, enables him to align compliance initiatives with organizational goals, ensuring both operational excellence and regulatory adherence. A skilled communicator and relationship builder, Thomas leverages his leadership to drive business success while maintaining the highest standards of accountability and transparency.

Dr. Von A. Grubbs, PsyD, is a distinguished clinical psychologist and healthcare management executive with extensive experience in optimizing Medicaid and Medicare programs. Specializing in substance use disorder treatment, behavioral health integration, and value-based care models, Dr. Grubbs has a proven track record of driving quality improvements and cost reductions across the healthcare spectrum. Throughout his career, he has successfully led cross-functional teams, developed innovative healthcare programs, and managed multi-million dollar budgets, consistently delivering results that enhance patient outcomes and healthcare affordability.

I’m excited to share a bit about my journey as a healthcare executive with over forty years of experience in the field. My career has been dedicated to driving transformation in healthcare management, focusing on provider relations, network development, and strategic planning. In my current role as an Account Executive at Aspire Partners USA, I’m passionate about enhancing business efficiency and profitability through tailored B2B solutions. My previous positions at Aetna and Coventry Health Care have allowed me to lead impactful initiatives in managed care, Medicare/Medicaid reimbursement, and strategic partnerships. My deep knowledge of healthcare systems and my strategic approach to problem-solving continue to guide my work, and I’m committed to advancing healthcare delivery and improving outcomes.

Happy to share my journey in healthcare financial management! With a foundation built on integrity and deep expertise in Medicare/Medicaid reimbursement, I strive to drive excellence and optimize financial outcomes for healthcare facilities. I excel in strategic planning and effective communication, translating complex insights into actionable strategies that foster operational efficiency and growth. Connect with me to explore how we can navigate healthcare's financial landscape together.