2025 Healthcare Human Resources Spring Conference

Thursday, April 3 

8 a.m. – Registration/Continental Breakfast 

9 a.m. – Welcome and Introduction  

9:15 a.m. – Keeping Jerks Out 

Overview 
In today’s dynamic business landscape, selecting and retaining top talent is of utmost importance for most leaders. In this session, Amer Kaissi argues that existing selection and retention practices are inadequate for attracting “humbitious” applicants and for keeping narcissists, jerks and toxic personalities out of teams and organizations.  

Building on the latest research evidence and his experience as a coach with high-level executives and teams, he makes a convincing argument that hiring leaders should not overly rely on the interview process with its traditional questions. Instead, they have to create ample opportunities to be able to observe the true nature of their applicants. When hiring leaders acquire the needed skills required to identify team members who are able to collaborate and work well with others, they can start building and maintaining teams that balance humility with ambition, i.e., “humbitious” teams. 

Objectives 
Upon completion of this session, participants will be able to: 

• identify narcissists, jerks and toxic personalities  
• develop skills to keep narcissists and jerks out of their teams and organizations   
• build “humbitious” teams where turnover is minimal, team members are highly engaged and innovation is sparked 

Amer Kaissi, Ph.D.
Professor and Executive Coach
Amer Kaissi Group
San Antonio 

10:15 a.m. – Energy Break  

10:30 a.m. – Trauma-informed Care Through the HR Lens 

Overview 
This presentation will discuss practical, solution-driven approaches to promote trauma-informed care practices and policies within organizations. Attendees also will learn about trauma-informed care and strategies to promote workforce wellness. 

Objectives 
Upon completion of this session, participants will be able to: 

• implement evidence-informed practices that enhance the health care team’s skills in providing trauma-informed care practices and policies to meet emerging workforce needs 
• increase collaboration and information exchanges to develop sustainable trauma-informed care policies and practices 

Kelly McKay-Gist
Vice President of Health Equity, Culture and Innovation
St. Louis Integrated Health Network
St. Louis 

Andrea Bibbs
Assistant Director of Operations
St. Louis Integrated Health Network
St. Louis  

11:30 a.m. – Team Member Engagement and Communication  

Overview 
According to the Gallup organization, employee engagement in the U.S. has reached an all-time low. The good news is that leaders can change that trend and create the environment where people want to work and contribute. It is clear in health care that success in our mission to care for others is directly proportional to the discretionary effort of our team members. We can create environments where such discretionary effort is the norm. 

This session, created for human resources leaders, will focus on five key areas: communicating, building effective teams, giving more meaningful feedback, strategies for supporting employee well-being and intentional recognition. Let’s work together to reduce turnover and increase retention of high-performing individuals. 

Objectives 
Upon completion of this session, participants will be able to: 

•  identify intentional tactics that may be used in your organization to reduce employee turnover 
• create next step opportunities for your organization to use communication, team building, feedback and recognition to increase retention 

Bob Murphy, J.D., R.N. 
Speaker and Coach
Bob Murphy R.N. Speaking
Gulf Breeze, Fla. 

12:30 p.m. – Networking Lunch  

1:30 p.m. – Federal and Missouri Labor and Employment Law Update 

Overview
This presentation will focus on new employment-related laws and regulations impacting the workplace, and the health care industry, in particular. The presentation also will utilize real-world hypotheticals to highlight litigation trends and best practices. 

Objectives
Upon completion of this session, participants will be able to: 

•  instruct on new employment-related laws or regulations impacting the health care industry/workplaces 
• highlight litigation/enforcement trends and employer best practices in these areas 

Kerri Reisdorff
Attorney at Law
Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak & Stewart, P.C. 
Kansas City, Mo.  

2:45 p.m. – Energy Break  

3 p.m. – AI Transforming Health Care Workforce Management  

Overview 
Dani Bowie and Anthony Catanese will present, “The Synergistic Power of Practice and Product: Real-life Examples of AI Transforming Health Care Workforce Management.” The emergence of artificial intelligence in health care has begun, and now is the perfect time to take advantage of it. This talk will explore how AI is transforming workforce management in health care organizations.  

We’ll cover the history of AI in health care, why it’s becoming essential today, and showcase real-life examples of how AI-driven workflows are improving efficiency, cutting costs, and enhancing patient care. Receive practical next step recommendations on how to begin the journey to reach the AI North Star Vision.  

Objectives 
Upon completion of this session, participants will be able to: 

•  learn about AI, what it is and how AI can help front-line leaders achieve strategic workforce management 
• identify practical steps and actions to vet technology and implement AI into practice 

Dani Bowie, DNP, R.N., NE-BC
SVP, Solutions Design – Workforce AI 
Aya Healthcare
Cincinnati, Ohio 

Anthony Catanese
Director, Product Management
LotusOne
Jacksonville Beach, Fla. 

4 p.m. – Open Forum Roundtable Discussion 

5 p.m. – Adjournment 

5:30 – 7 p.m. – Networking Social  

Friday, April 4 

7:30 a.m. – Breakfast/Membership Meeting (all welcome to attend) 

8:15 a.m. – Health Care Compensation  

Overview 
An overview of the results from the 2025 MHA Compensation Survey and larger trends in the health care compensation market will be shared during this session. 

Objectives 
Upon completion of this session, participants will be able to: 

•  learn how fast health care salaries are rising in Missouri 
• get a better understanding of the overall direction of the labor market and what to look out for in the coming year 

Thomas Cummins
Managing Director
Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. 
Quincy, Mass. 

Tom Wardrip
Managing Director
Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. 
Rolling Meadows, Ill. 

9:15 a.m. – Energy Break  

9:30 a.m. – Impact of AI in HR 

Overview 
Explore the transformative impact of artificial intelligence on human resources, focusing on practical applications and strategic considerations for HR leaders. Participants will learn how AI accelerates the development and deployment of custom HR applications, enhances recruitment processes through conversational AI, and improves employee support via AI-driven tools. Additionally, the session will highlight the critical importance of AI governance in implementing an effective AI strategy, ensuring ethical, secure and impactful integration of AI into HR operations. 

Objectives 
Upon completion of this session, participants will be able to: 

• identify three key ways AI can accelerate the development and deployment of custom HR applications, improving workforce productivity and engagement 
• demonstrate an understanding of how conversational AI enhances recruitment by streamlining candidate interactions and providing responsive, scalable staff support through tools like Phenom 
• develop a foundational approach to data governance for AI, including strategies to ensure data accuracy, security and ethical application in HR processes 

David Gaus
Senior Director, Human Resources
MU Health Care
Columbia, Mo. 

10:30 a.m. – Emotional Intelligence and Restorative Chair Yoga 

Overview 
Have you ever had someone know just what buttons to push? We all have — that’s why Candy Whirley loves to teach folks how to get their emotions under control. In this interactive keynote, you will laugh and learn about your emotions and how to calm down without someone saying, “Calm down!” We will analyze your emotions by exploring what aggravates you and by knowing exactly what ticks you off.  

Then, we will discuss how to manage the obstacles, so you can choose your emotions by being proactive, not reactive. By the end of this keynote, you will be able to recognize the emotions in people who are not like you. Simple, right? I truly believe that “it takes four to tango.” We will go through an interactive exercise that teaches the four personality styles without a test. Once you learn the “tango” of your employees, employers or peers, you will learn their emotions. Then, you can dance your way through any problem! 

Objectives 
Upon completion of this session, participants will be able to: 

•  know your emotions so you can be proactive, not reactive  
• manage your emotions with Candy’s three-step process that you can use in any situation the second you leave the conference 
• learn to choose your emotions in unpredictable situations  
• handle emotional obstacles in four easy ways  
• recognize the personality differences and the emotional characteristics so you can effectively work with people who are not like you 

Candy Whirley, M.M., CSP
Owner
SBG Services, LLC
Waverly, Mo. 

11:30 a.m. – Adjournment 

Dani Bowie, DNP, R.N., NE-BC, has more than 15 years of experience driving operational excellence in health care systems through leading innovative staffing and scheduling technology initiatives that increase employee engagement and reduce labor costs. She also has independently consulted for several health systems to design and build centralized staffing and scheduling offices, while simultaneously deploying staffing and scheduling technology platforms.  

Bowie specializes in technology, project and people management; leveraging knowledge of the health care environment; and bold leadership strategies/methods to meet regulatory requirements and organizational goals, values, and deadlines. She received her Master of Science in nursing from Vanderbilt University and her doctorate in nursing from Yale University, where she built a predictive nurse scheduling model. She has conducted research and published extensively about the health care workforce in many journals including Nursing Economic$, Nurse Leader and American Nurse Journal. 

Anthony Catanese is a seasoned HR product leader and community builder with more than 16 years of experience driving the development of innovative Software as a Service products from inception to scale. He co-founded Ignite, the global innovation lab for Adecco Group, one of the world’s largest HR solutions providers, where he spearheaded groundbreaking initiatives.  

At Cognizant, Catanese guided life sciences product teams through the Accelerator program, delivering impactful solutions to market. Currently, as director of product management at Aya Healthcare, he leads the development of Aya’s core client-focused software solutions, powering the nation’s largest health care talent management platform. 

Thomas Cummins oversees Gallagher’s Research and Insights survey team, one of the leading compensation and benefits surveying practices in the country. He brings expertise in the fields of research, design, data modeling, and survey techniques to the production of numerous national, regional, and local reports. 

David Gaus, Senior Director of Human Resources at MU Health Care, leads the HR operations team overseeing talent acquisition, HRIS, shared services, compensation, project management and CED technology. With more than 15 years of experience in HR leadership, Gaus is passionate about implementing HR technology and innovative solutions that align to strategic organizational goals.  

Gaus is deeply focused on how advancements in artificial intelligence will transform HR operations, enhance workforce productivity and create more meaningful employee experiences. He believes AI has the potential to revolutionize talent acquisition, streamline administrative processes and empower data-driven decision-making. 

Amer Kaissi, Ph.D., is an award-winning professor of leadership. He is an executive coach who has worked with hundreds of leaders and teams all over the world. Kaissi is the author of three books, including his most recent, “Humbitious: The Power of Low-ego, High-drive Leadership.” He has been featured on the “Harvard Business Review” podcast and numerous other media outlets. He has spoken on leadership topics at more than 250 organizations and professional conferences. He lives in San Antonio with his wife and two teenagers.  

Kelly McKay-Gist received her Master of Social Work from Washington University in St. Louis and is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Missouri. She has more than 10 years of experience managing and coordinating community-led efforts focused on mental health treatment for children, adults and young families. She has advanced education and experience delivering and training in trauma-informed care, behavioral health modalities and advancement of health and racial equity.  

In her current role, she oversees the employee experiences and works with internal and external partners to develop and implement professional advancement opportunities, leadership effectiveness and resource development across the organization to promote cultural humility, psychological safety, belonging, and inclusive practices for staff and volunteers. 

Bob Murphy, J.D., R.N., is a leadership coach and speaker who has presented to thousands of leaders in the U.S., Canada and Australia on performance excellence, service, engagement and other leadership topics. His storytelling style combines passion, humor and straight talk as he shares how to become a high-performing leader. 

When teaching, Murphy relies on his 45-year career in emergency services, nursing, hospital administration and ministry for examples and role model behavior. One of those role models was Quint Studer at Baptist Health Care. After serving together with Studer on the leadership team at Baptist, Murphy later joined Studer Group as a speaker and coach for 14 years. Murphy is a registered nurse, licensed attorney and ordained minister. He is passionate about the pursuit of excellence, teaching and serving others. 

Kerri Reisdorff concentrates her law practice in the labor and employment arena in the exclusive representation of management. She advises and defends clients with regard to all aspects of the employer/employee relationship, including compliance with nondiscrimination statutes, FMLA, ADA, FLSA, NLRA, and state and local employment statutes. Reisdorff has assisted clients in proactively addressing issues involving the development of union-free operations and the preparation of employee handbooks and procedure manuals. Reisdorff represents clients before the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the Department of Labor, the National Labor Relations Board, and in federal and state court. 

Reisdorff also devotes a significant amount of her practice to preventive training and counseling for supervisors and management for firm clients on a whole host of employment law-related topics. Her corporate clients come in all shapes, sizes and industries, and she takes pleasure in working with each of these organizations to make their facility a rewarding place to work. She is a sought-after speaker and moderator throughout the Midwest on labor and employment matters. 

Reisdorff received her law degree, with distinction, from the University of Nebraska and was an executive editor of the Nebraska Law Review. For the last six years, she has been named a leader by Chambers USA and has been recognized by Best Lawyers in America. The Kansas City Business Journal named Reisdorff a 2014 NextGen Leader. She is admitted to practice in Missouri; Kansas; Nebraska; the U.S. District Court, District of Kansas; the U.S. District Court, Eastern and Western Districts of Missouri; the U.S. District Court, District of Nebraska; the U.S. District Court, Western District of New York; and the U.S. Court of Appeals, 8th and 10th Circuits. 

Tom Wardrip, Managing Director with Gallagher’s Human Resources & Compensation Consulting practice, has comprehensive management experience in the service and health care-managed services industries. He also has extensive experience working with complex system integrations and multihospital organizations. Wardrip specializes in compression analysis that focuses on equity in pay systems.  

Waldrip received his bachelor’s degree from Purdue University in hospitality management and his Master of Business Administration with a concentration in health sector and entrepreneurship from DePaul University. He is a Certified Compensation Professional by WorldatWork. 

Candy Whirley, M.M., CSP, brings “real-world” experience from many industries, including training, retail, customer service (certified by the International Customer Service Association), restaurant, entertainment, management, youth ministry and business owner. She has been speaking for more than 30 years and has owned SBG Services, LLC since 2001.  

She has spoken nationally and internationally with more than 50 industries and has written several books. Whirley graduated with cum laude honors from Missouri Western State University with a Bachelor of Science in speech communications, and human relations emphasis, and a master’s degree in management from the University of Phoenix. She also received her Certified Speaking Professional designation in 2016 and is a certified yoga instructor. 

Camden on the Lake Resort
2359 Bittersweet Road
Lake Ozark, MO 65049 

Request MHA Health Institute room rate of $142 + tax
To receive the group rate, please use this booking link or call 573-365-5620 and let them know you are with the MHA Healthcare Human Resources Conference.  

Hotel cutoff date: Monday, March 17 

The Missouri Hospital Association strongly encourages up-to-date COVID-19 vaccination and adherence to current CDC guidance on in-person gatherings. We will continue to monitor CDC guidelines and conduct meeting protocols accordingly. 

Please note that your registration request will be submitted to the organizer for approval. Upon approval, instructional materials will be sent to the email address indicated on the registration form. 

If you have special needs addressed by the Americans With Disabilities Act, please contact the Missouri Hospital Association.

MHA Health Institute
P.O. Box 60
Jefferson City, MO 65102
Phone: 573-893-3700
Fax: 573-893-2809

Cancellation requests received in writing before the deadline date will receive a full refund — minus a processing fee per registrant. The deadline date and refund amount vary by event and are specified in the event confirmation details. Registrants who cancel after the deadline or those who fail to attend are responsible for the full registration fee. Substitutions are encouraged.

MHA reserves the right to cancel this event due to low enrollment, public health concerns, natural disasters or unforeseen weather conditions, or any circumstance that makes it illegal, impossible or commercially impracticable for the event to be held. In the unlikely event this occurs, a full refund for any registration costs will be provided. MHA is not responsible for nonrefundable items such as airfare, hotel or other travel costs.

Contact the event planner with any questions.