The MHA Communications Retreat brings together professionals responsible for communications, marketing, media relations, public affairs, community engagement and brand strategy at hospitals and health systems across Michigan to learn, collaborate and connect with peers.
Join hospital communicators from across Michigan for a dynamic day of connection, fresh ideas and practical takeaways designed to energize both emerging and experienced professionals.
The 2026 MHA Communications Retreat will provide opportunities to learn from peers and industry leaders while exploring timely topics impacting healthcare communications. Programming will include public affairs strategies, peer learning and networking, professional development for communications leaders, and updates from MHA leaders on state and federal healthcare priorities. A detailed agenda will be available closer to the event.
Designed specifically for professionals working in public relations, communications, media relations, marketing and community relations within Michigan hospitals, the retreat will offer attendees new perspectives, stronger peer connections and actionable ideas to bring back to their teams.
A 10% group discount is available to any MHA member organization registering five or more attendees. To register a group, contact Ellie Droste at the MHA.
During this session, Peters will provide an update on state and federal healthcare priorities. He will detail how hospital leaders and communications teams can navigate new obstacles in the evolving healthcare landscape and uplift messaging that tells the hospital story.
Fostering trust among employees and community stakeholders is crucial for large employers, including hospitals. This panel discussion will bring together speakers from both outside healthcare and within health systems to share how they effectively communicate and maintain positive relationships with their staff and local communities. Speakers include:
Presenters will share one of their most recent or best successes over the past year. Each presentation is limited to three minutes, providing a quick, rapid-fire peer-to-peering sharing session.
The MHA will provide attendees with an overview of the recently launched statewide Always Caring, Always Advancing campaign, bringing attendees up to speed on campaign strategy, upcoming developments and ways to get involved.
This interactive workshop combines strategic context with practical demonstrations. Attendees will learn real-world use cases, adoption strategies, and immediately applicable Copilot 365 tips tailored to healthcare communications and marketing workflows.
Communications leaders from several MHA hospitals and health systems will participate in a facilitated panel discussion focused on efforts to reinforce the positive impact hospitals have within their local communities. Participants will provide specific examples of strategies and tactics deployed to address and combat misconceptions, as well as to improve the thoughts and feelings of their organizations with key stakeholders. The facilitated discussion will be accompanied by Q&A from attendees. Speakers include:
Hannan Deep is a seasoned communications and marketing executive whose experience spans healthcare, automotive finance, nonprofit and insurance industries. As AVP of Strategic Communications Operations at Henry Ford Health, Hannan oversees internal communications operations, community engagement and team member engagement strategy. Her work focuses on keeping the workforce informed and engaged while strengthening connections with the communities Henry Ford Health serves. In partnership with her team and leaders across the organization, she is building an enterprise-wide, high-impact communications operation that elevates awareness, visibility and integration across all sites; advances organizational culture; delivers transformative communications and engagement solutions; and expands executive visibility through innovative events.
Catherine Dewey serves as system director of public relations for Munson Healthcare, where she oversees media relations and strategic communications for an eight-hospital health system serving Northern Michigan. With more than 10 years of experience in healthcare communications, Catherine specializes in executive communications, crisis communications, community engagement and storytelling that connects patients and communities to healthcare. Before joining healthcare, she held communications roles in the tourism and software industries. She earned a bachelor's degree in communications from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point and a master's degree in communication from Eastern New Mexico University and completed an internship with a public relations firm in London, England.
Mark Geary, MA, APR, is the Senior Director of Communications at Corewell Health®, where he leads statewide teams specialized in issues management and media relations. His issues management team oversees strategic communications related to legal matters, financial operations, government affairs, mergers and acquisitions. His media relations team focuses on proactively working with journalists on compelling stories. Mark also serves on the Corewell Health East Executive Leadership Team, contributing to key decision-making and organizational growth.
Michelle Kamrath Fields is Co-Founder & CEO of AI Mentors, a women-owned AI strategy, training and development consultancy focused on helping organizations adopt AI responsibly and profitably. With more than 20 years of experience spanning Fortune 500 brands and private equity–backed companies, Michelle specializes in translating AI from hype into practical business impact, especially in regulated industries like healthcare, finance, insurance and education. She advises executives on AI strategy, governance and real-world deployment, and is known for her direct, no-nonsense approach to topics like shadow AI, compliance and operational scale. Michelle is a frequent speaker and trusted advisor to leaders navigating what AI actually means for their business today.
Melissa Meitz, MPH, vice president, marketing and referral development, Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital, brings more than a decade of experience leading marketing, communications and growth initiatives that connect people to high-quality care. Since joining the organization in 2012, she has worked across marketing, business development and operations, helping drive brand awareness, strengthen strategic partnerships and support access to care. Meitz is passionate about using strategy, data and storytelling to build trust, inspire action and deliver meaningful results.
Robert Moll is a managing director at People Results and has been with the firm for more than 15 years. He specializes in labor consulting, strategic communications, issues management and executive counsel. During his career, Robert has worked with companies and nonprofits in healthcare, chemicals, energy/utilities, environmental services, manufacturing/production, meatpacking, higher education, real estate, and retail, as well as clients in financial and legal services. Robert has guided management through crises and developed strategic messaging to inform and engage internal and external stakeholders on sensitive topics such as organizational changes, workforce reductions, mergers and acquisitions, union organizing efforts, contract negotiations, informational picketing, labor strikes, criminal cases, civil litigation, industrial spills, environmental cleanups and anti-corporate campaigns.
Brian Peters, CEO, MHA, leads one of the nation's largest state hospital associations and serves as a leading advocate for Michigan hospitals, health systems and the patients they serve. During his 35-year career with the MHA, he has helped shape healthcare policy at the state and federal levels, championing initiatives that strengthen access to care and elevate the voice of Michigan's healthcare community. A frequent spokesperson on healthcare issues, Peters serves on numerous state and national boards and is recognized for his leadership in advancing the future of healthcare.
Clark Ramsey has been actively engaged in healthcare marketing since 2015 at Scheurer Health in Pigeon, Michigan. From radio news, insurance sales, game shows, the funeral industry, NHL hockey, sports broadcasting to healthcare marketing, his expertise and career has taken him though many unique scenarios, blending previous industries and experiences together for a project's success. At Scheurer Health, Clark leads a massive department of three people (including himself) and is responsible for the organization's communication, brand management and marketing strategies. Outside of healthcare, he is the voice of the WLEW Sports Network and can be heard at select Detroit Red Wings games. In a previous life while attending Michigan State University, he had the honor of portraying the world's most famous mascot, Sparty.
Fred Woodhams, regional plant communications lead, General Motors (GM), supports manufacturing communications for the company’s Lansing sites and operations across its U.S. footprint. With more than 20 years of experience, Woodhams specializes in strategic communications, media relations, public affairs and stakeholder engagement. He helps leaders and employees address operational, workforce and community issues through employee engagement, executive communications, crisis communications and change planning. Before joining GM, Woodhams led communications for Michigan State University’s Infrastructure Planning and Facilities unit and held communications leadership roles with the Michigan Department of State. He holds a master’s degree in strategic communication from Michigan State University.
Christine Woolsey, chief communications and marketing officer, Michigan Medicine, leads enterprise communications, brand strategy, marketing, creative services and digital experience across University of Michigan Health, the University of Michigan Medical School and Michigan Medicine’s research operations. A former healthcare journalist, Woolsey reported on healthcare and health policy for several Chicago news organizations before transitioning to strategic communications. Her experience includes advising organizations on media relations, reputation management, brand strategy, crisis communications and stakeholder engagement. Woolsey has also led integrated marketing and communications functions for multistate health systems and advised healthcare organizations and executives through periods of significant change.Â
The registration fee is $75 per person and includes breakfast, refreshments and lunch. Members are encouraged to register by Oct. 2.
This event may be photographed and/or videotaped. Your attendance will indicate your consent for the use of such photographs or videotapes for educational and/or promotional purposes.
Attendees traveling to East Lansing may wish to consider the following nearby hotel options. Room availability, rates and transportation are the responsibility of each attendee.
By attending the MHA Annual Membership Meeting offered by the Michigan Health & Hospital Association, participants may earn up to 3.25 ACHE Qualifying Education Hours toward initial certification or recertification of the Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives (FACHE) designation.
The MHA Annual Membership Meeting is a private membership meeting. Attendance is open to MHA members, meeting sponsors and invited guests of the MHA. Please contact Sam R. Watson, senior vice president, field engagement, with questions regarding membership.
You may register for the MHA Annual Membership Meeting online at www.mhaannual.org. All registration materials and appropriate fees must be returned to the MHA on or before May 23. Credit card payment is required when registering.
The MHA will not send a Lodging Form until a paid registration for the MHA Annual Membership Meeting is received and processed.
Important information about your lodging request:
The MHA follows local, state and federal guidelines and determines safety protocols and requirements for all face-to-face events based upon these recommendations.
Registration fees less a $150 per-person cancellation fee are refundable if notice is given by June 11. No refund can be issued after this time. Registrants may send an alternate at no additional cost.
All spouses, guests and children must pay the registration fee to receive a nametag that permits entrance to receptions and events. This fee also includes attendance at any or all of the general sessions. Guests include children ages 18 and older and others who are not employees, governing board members or medical staff of registering organizations.
You are encouraged to register children for the full meeting. Children are welcome at the networking receptions and the MHA Annual Banquet. If children are not registered prior to arrival on the island, they may do so Wednesday and Thursday in the Welcome Area in the Grand Hotel.
The children’s evening programs provided as part of the MHA Annual Meeting are discontinued.
The Grand Hotel does not offer babysitting services.
Discounted ferry rates to and from Mackinac Island are available to Annual Meeting attendees via the MHA’s preferred service, Shepler’s Ferry. The special rates are $28 for ages 13 and older and $19 for children ages 5 through 12. There is no charge for children ages 4 and under to ride the ferry.
To receive the discounted rates, indicate you will be attending the MHA Annual Membership Meeting when purchasing your tickets at the Shepler’s Ferry dock. If purchasing tickets online, the promotion code is HEALTH25. For more information, visit Shepler’s website at www.sheplersferry.com or call (800) 828-6157.
Casual dress is encouraged during the day, with business or semiformal attire reserved for after 6 p.m. Dresses, skirts, blouses, dress sweaters and dress slacks for ladies are required, while gentlemen are required to wear a suit or sport coat, necktie and dress pants; no denim or shorts. This applies to all areas inside the hotel, with the exception of the Cupola Bar, guest room hallways and the retail corridor. Children 12 years and older are expected to be in dress similar to the adults.
If you have questions about the 2025 MHA Annual Membership Meeting, email the MHA at annualmeeting@mha.org, visit www.mhaannual.org or call (517) 323-3443. Questions on room reservations for the meeting should be submitted to the Grand Hotel.
This event may be photographed and/or videotaped. Your attendance will indicate your consent for the use of such photographs or videotapes for educational and/or promotional purposes.Â
Questions regarding the retreat should be directed to John Karasinski at the MHA.
Phone: (517) 703-8601
Fax: (517) 703-0628
