Healthcare Summit - Navigating the Challenges and Opportunities in the Changing Landscape of Healthcare

The healthcare industry faces a myriad of challenges in today's world. From rising costs to workforce shortages and access to care, there is no shortage of issues that need to be addressed. As the world continues to grapple with the ripple effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, these challenges have only become more pressing.

To shed light on these critical issues and discuss potential solutions, Economic Alliance Snohomish County (EASC), in collaboration with Career Connect Washington Northwest (CCWNW), is hosting an expert panel discussion to provide unique insights into the current state of the healthcare industry.

Presented by The Everett Clinic, part of Optum, and moderated by Snohomish County Executive Dave Somers, this event is a must-attend for anyone interested in the future of healthcare. We will be discussing a range of pressing issues, including workforce shortages, rising healthcare costs, access to care, quality of care, chronic disease management, aging population, health disparities, mental health, and healthcare innovation.

Register now to secure your spot at this expert panel discussion on the state of the healthcare industry.

Click here for a full agenda. 

Imelda Dacones, MD, FACP, Market President, Optum Washington

Dr. Dacones is the Optum Washington market president and co-champion of the Optum Health Physician Executive Committee’s health equity strategy pillar. An internist/hospitalist, she is a recognized leader in driving value-based care models transformation and innovation. During her 22+ years in Kaiser Permanente (KP) Northwest, she served in various roles— primary care physician, hospitalist, Chief of Staff/Chief Medical Officer, and regional director of hospital operations.

While at KP, Dr. Dacones was also the president and CEO of Northwest Permanente P.C., co-chair of the national KP Program (enterprise strategy) Group, and chair of The Permanente Federation, representing the eight medical groups of KP with its more than 22,000 physicians. In these roles, Dr. Dacones helped shape enterprise and market strategy, modernize business functions, and grow the KPNW footprint, while improving margins, driving innovations such as hospital care at home, standing up digital and telehealth programs in the northwest region, and fostering clinician and team member engagement. In 2016, she became one of the directors of the founding board of the KP School of Medicine. Dr. Dacones has been recognized in her roles as a physician and leader.

In 2020, she was named one of Modern Healthcare’s Top 25 Minority Leaders. In 2019, she received Portland Business Journal’s (PBJ) Health Care Leadership Award and multi-year PBJ Top Docs recognition from peers. Dr. Dacones received her B.S. biochemistry and MD degrees from the University of Chicago, where she also completed her internship and residency training in internal medicine.

Kristy Carrington, MBA, BSN, RN, NEA-BC, Chief Executive, Providence Swedish

Kristy Carrington, MBA, BSN, RN, NEA-BC, is the chief executive of Providence Swedish North Puget Sound, which includes Providence Regional Medical Center Everett, Swedish Edmonds and the Swedish Mill Creek emergency department. Before being named chief executive, Carrington served as interim chief executive. During that time, Kristy implemented a strategic plan for workforce recovery, renewal and reimagination to set the North Puget Sound on a course for success.

As a nurse herself, Carrington began her career caring for neurology patients, trauma patients, cardiac patients, and more. Carrington holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Delaware and a Master of Business Administration from Pepperdine University. Previously, she was the chief nursing officer (CNO) for the Providence Swedish Puget Sound Region and, prior to that, was CNO of Swedish First Hill.

As interim North Puget Sound chief executive, Carrington laid a strong foundation for her plan to ensure the organization operates in a sustainable way to fulfill its mission to care for all. She also brought together the leadership, clinical and operational teams of Swedish Edmonds, Swedish Mill Creek and Providence Everett, to help the service area work as one unified entity. By eliminating silos and improving efficiency, Providence Swedish aims to provide the best care for patients in Snohomish County.

Bill Akers, Executive Vice President Sales and Marketing, Premera Blue Cross

Bill Akers is Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing. He leads the sales and marketing teams, responsible for growth and earnings across all markets and lines of business, and has oversight over advertising, brand development, product and market solutions throughout the Premera family of companies.

Akers joined Premera in January 2004 as Regional Director for Eastern Washington and served as Vice President for Health Care Delivery Systems until 2014, then served as Vice President & General Manager of the Washington market. He was mostly recently Senior Vice President of the Washington market before moving into his current position in September 2021.

Prior to joining Premera, Akers was District Administrator with Group Health Cooperative in Spokane. He oversaw all of Group Health’s Eastern Washington staff and facilities, as well as its regional financial performance. In addition to network management, Akers was responsible for communications and community relations, legislative affairs, and foundation activities.

He has been active on many community boards including the American Heart Association, United Way, Project Access, Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce, Economic Alliance of Snohomish County, the Association of Washington Business as well as Greater Spokane Incorporated’s Health Industry Leadership Group.

Jose Reyes, MSN, Associate Dean of Nursing, EVCC

José Reyes is a dedicated professional in the field of nursing. With a passion for nursing education and a commitment to advancing the nursing profession, he has made significant contributions throughout his career. Jose is a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) at the University of Washington student pursuing advanced knowledge and skills to become a leader in the healthcare industry.

With nine years of experience as a nurse, Jose has a strong foundation in clinical practice. He has spent much of his career working in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and nursing education.

In addition to his academic pursuits, Jose has also taken on leadership roles within the nursing community. He currently serves as the Associate Dean of Nursing at Everett Community College, where he plays a crucial role in supporting the development of the next generation of nurses.

Amy Barto, Healthcare Sector Leader Project Manager with SEIU Healthcare 1199NW Multi-Employer Training Fund (Training Fund)

Amy Barto is the Healthcare Sector Leader Project Manager with SEIU Healthcare 1199NW Multi-Employer Training Fund (Training Fund). The Training Fund is a nonprofit, labor-management partnership between fourteen hospital employers across seven healthcare systems and the largest healthcare union in Washington State. In addition to providing a range of educational and professional development services and benefits at no cost to eligible members, the Training Fund also sponsors multiple apprentice, pre-apprentice, and NA-C programs through the Health Care Apprenticeship Consortium (HCAC). In 2022, the Training Fund was appointed the statewide Healthcare Sector Intermediary for Career Connect Washington with the goal of expanding and strengthening career pathways to grow healthcare workforce opportunities throughout the state.

Prior to joining the Training Fund in January 2023, Amy was a Program Specialist at SEIU775 Training Fund, where she developed programs for home healthcare aides and nursing assistants seeking certification and job placement.

Amy’s work as Healthcare Sector Leader Project Manager aims to expand entry-level career pathways and opportunities for Washington youth, with an emphasis on remote, rural, and underserved communities.