Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from leading communicators, gain practical strategies and connect with peers from across Michigan. Register by Oct. 2 to reserve your spot.
Michigan healthcare communications professionals will gather Oct. 21 at MSU Federal Credit Union Headquarters Building 2 in East Lansing for the 2026 MHA Communications Retreat.
Sessions will examine how communicators can build trust, strengthen organizational reputation and respond to a rapidly changing communications environment. Robert Moll of People Results will moderate a panel featuring Fred Woodhams of General Motors, Hannan Deep of Henry Ford Health and Catherine Dewey of Munson Healthcare. The panelists will share approaches to transparent communication, employee engagement and stronger relationships with community stakeholders.
A second panel will focus on branding and strategic communications in an increasingly challenging public environment. Mark Geary of Corewell Health, Melissa Meitz of Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation, Clark Ramsey of Scheurer Health and Christine Woolsey of Michigan Medicine will discuss ways to address misconceptions, reinforce reputation and communicate the value hospitals provide.
Michelle Kamrath Fields, co-founder and CEO of AI Mentors, will lead an interactive session on AI and Microsoft Copilot for communicators and marketers. Drawing on more than 20 years of experience leading marketing, growth and digital transformation initiatives for global brands, Fields will demonstrate practical applications, explore strategic considerations and offer guidance for implementing AI effectively and responsibly.
Additional discussions will address public affairs and advocacy communications, with opportunities throughout the day for attendees to exchange ideas and expand their professional networks.
The registration fee is $75 per person and includes breakfast, refreshments and lunch. MHA member organizations registering five or more attendees receive a 10% group discount; to register a group, contact Ellie Droste at the MHA. Questions regarding the retreat should be directed to John Karasinski at the MHA.
Phone: (517) 703-8601
Fax: (517) 703-0628
