Register by March 13 to Attend MHA HR Conference

The deadline to register for the 2026 MHA Human Resources Conference is March 13. The conference is scheduled for March 24 at the Crowne Plaza Lansing and will bring together human resources leaders navigating rapid change, competing priorities, and rising expectations to support both organizational performance and employee wellbeing.

Matt Elliott, the conference’s closing keynote speaker, will present “The Power of &™,” a framework designed to help leaders move beyond “either/or” thinking, a common response during periods of accelerated change.

His keynote will explore how binary decision-making can limit innovation, strain teams, and contribute to burnout and how adopting “both/and” approaches can open new possibilities for organizations.

Registration for the HR Conference is $259 and members can register online by March 11. Questions about registration should be directed to Ellie Droste at the MHA. Members with questions about the conference may contact Erica Leyko at the MHA

2026 MHA HR Conference to Feature Reputation Management Session

MHA Events

Human resources (HR) leaders do more than oversee policies. They guide pivotal moments — difficult conversations, high-pressure decisions and daily interactions that shape trust, culture and credibility across an organization.

At the 2026 MHA HR Conference, held March 24 at the Crowne Plaza Lansing, Jeff Gaunt, founder, Gaunt Strategies, will present a session designed for HR professionals navigating today’s complex workplace environment. The program will integrate practical reputation management strategies with real-world HR challenges, focusing on conversations related to performance management, organizational change, conflict resolution and leadership support during times of uncertainty.

Attendees will receive practical insights and strategies that can be applied immediately within their organizations.

Registration is $259. Members may register online through March 11.

Questions about registration should be directed to Ellie Droste at the MHA. Members with questions about the conference or sponsorship opportunities may contact Erica Leyko at the MHA.

News to Know – Feb. 9, 2026

  • MHNew to KnowA Endorsed Business Partner Wakely is hosting the webinar Summary and Impacts of the 2027 Medicare Advantage Advance Notice Feb. 12 from 1 – 2 p.m. ET. This session will provide an overview of the proposed changes, with an emphasis on the likely impact that the new rates and policies will have on Medicare Advantage bids, membership growth, quality and strategy. Members with questions may contact Rob Wood at the MHA.
  • The 2026 MHA Human Resources Conference, scheduled for March 24 at the Crowne Plaza Lansing, will convene human resources leaders and professionals who are shaping the future of the healthcare workforce. Registration is $259 and members are encouraged to register. Members with questions about registration should contact Ellie Droste at the MHA. Members with questions about the conference should contact Erica Leyko at the MHA.
  • MHA Endorsed Business Partner CyberForce |Q is hosting an in-person Coffee & Collab for Cybersecurity Leaders Feb. 10 from 8:30 – 10:00 a.m. ET at CyberForce|Q headquarters in Plymouth, MI. This session will include insights from Doug Copley, chief information security officer, AtlantiCare Health System, to explore how AI is affecting the operation of information security programs. Discussion topics include governance, risk management, compliance and enablement, with practical lessons on balancing innovation with protection against evolving threats. Members may register online or contact Rob Wood at the MHA with questions.

2026 MHA Human Resources Conference Registration Open

MHA Events

The 2026 MHA Human Resources Conference, scheduled for March 24 at the Crowne Plaza Lansing, will convene human resources leaders and professionals who are shaping the future of the healthcare workforce.

In an evolving healthcare environment, people remain hospitals’ most critical resource. From workforce shortages to employee engagement and leadership development, healthcare human resources professionals are navigating complex challenges that require practical strategies and strong peer collaboration. The conference will highlight Michigan hospitals that have taken unique approaches to recruitment and retention in their local communities that have deepened community trust and elevated organizational reputation.

Registration is $259 and members are encouraged to register. Members with questions about registration should contact Ellie Droste at the MHA. Members with questions about the conference should contact Erica Leyko at the MHA.

Deadline Approaching for MHA Healthcare Leadership Academy

The enrollment deadline for the MHA Healthcare Leadership Academy is Feb. 6. The cohort meets Feb. 25-27 and May 7-8 at the MHA headquarters in Okemos.

The Healthcare Leadership Academy, in partnership with Executive Core, has been a staple of the MHA, with more than 150 physicians, nurses and other healthcare professionals completing the academy. The two power-packed modules featured in the coursework provide participants with Leadership 360° feedback with personalized executive coaching, exploration of best practices balanced with patient outcomes, on-camera media and public relations training and intimate discussions with senior healthcare leaders.

Members with questions should contact Erica Leyko at the MHA.

News to Know – Jan. 26, 2026

  • New to KnowThe MHA Person & Family Engagement Advisory Council met virtually Jan. 15 to identify ways to support the MHA strategic action plan. Council members shared tactics for highlighting their hospital’s community impact and how to support patients navigating the healthcare system; examined the research from the Birth Experience Project, shared birth plan templates and pregnancy service literature to improve patient experience and outcomes, and discussed using patient journey mapping to identify where patients feel the most disconnected in their care process. Questions about the council can be directed to Erin Steward at the MHA.
  • MHA Endorsed Business Partner (EBP) CyberForce|Q is hosting the webinar Proactive Cyber Risk Measures from 11 a.m. to noon ET on Jan. 29. The session will feature speakers from Trinity Health, the Michigan State Cyber Command Center and other organizations. Members are encouraged to register for a first-hand look at what happens when a real cyber incident occurs, including proactive steps organizations can take to accelerate recovery and reduce impact. To learn more about CyberForce|Q, contact Midwest regional sales director, John Kelley. Members interested in solutions offered through the MHA EBP program may contact Rob Wood at the MHA.
  • The enrollment deadline for the MHA Healthcare Leadership Academy (HCLA) is Feb. 6. The cohort meets Feb. 25–27 and May 7–8 at the MHA headquarters in Okemos. HCLA, in partnership with Executive Core, has been a staple of the MHA, with more than 125 physicians, nurses and other healthcare professionals completing the academy. The two power-packed modules featured in the coursework provide participants with Leadership 360° feedback with personalized executive coaching, an exploration of best practices balanced with patient outcomes and valuable discussions with senior healthcare leaders. For more information, please contact Erica Leyko at the MHA.

 

Registration is Now Open for the 2026 MHA Human Resources Conference

Registration is now open for the upcoming MHA Human Resources Conference scheduled from 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. March 24 at the Crowne Plaza, Lansing, a must-attend event for HR leaders, talent professionals and executives shaping the future of healthcare workforces. This dynamic conference will bring together experts from across the healthcare spectrum to explore timely challenges, share best practices and deliver actionable strategies for today’s rapidly evolving HR landscape.

Healthcare organizations continue to face unprecedented workforce pressures—from talent shortages and burnout to regulatory changes and the accelerating role of technology. This conference is designed to equip human resources professionals with the insights and tools needed to attract, retain and support a resilient healthcare workforce while advancing organizational goals.

Registration is $259 per person and members are encouraged to register by March 13.

Members with questions regarding registration should contact Ellie Droste and those with questions about the event should contact Erica Leyko at the MHA.

MHA Monday Report Dec. 15, 2025

Unemployment Benefit Waiver Bill Clears Senate; International Physician Legislation Advances

Legislation to waive the collection of improper unemployment benefits cleared the Michigan Senate in a unanimous vote, while bills creating a new pathway for internationally educated physicians advanced in the House during the week of …


2026 MHA Healthcare Leadership Academy Registration Now Open

The MHA is pleased to offer its popular Healthcare Leadership Academy in 2026. In partnership with Executive Core, two power-packed modules in February and May will feature leadership 360 feedback with personalized executive coaching, the …


Survey Seeks Insights on Rural Veterans’ Healthcare Needs

A needs assessment survey supported by the Michigan Center for Rural Health, the Improving Veterans Access to Healthcare and the Frontier Veterans program is seeking to identify the needs of veterans and their providers in …


MDHHS Launches 2025 Customer Satisfaction Survey for Public Health Laboratory Partners

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) Bureau of Laboratories is inviting public health partners to complete the 2025 Customer Satisfaction Survey by Dec. 31, 2025, to gather feedback that will help improve statewide …


Building Trust and Access to Key Services Addressed by MHA Health Access & Community Impact Council

The MHA Health Access & Community Impact Council held its second meeting of the program year Dec. 4, diving into priority areas outlined in the 2025-26 MHA Strategic Action Plan. Guided by co-chairs Jeremy Cannon, …


Members of the Henry Ford Health Doula Program team.

Hospitals Help: Henry Ford Health’s Hospital-Based Doula Program

To help address the alarming rate of maternal and infant mortality, Detroit-based Henry Ford Health established a hospital-based doula program in 2024 that makes a trained professional available to provide emotional, physical and educational support …


Keckley Report

Health system transformation: why outsiders want it and insiders resist

“Key Takeaways:

  • A challenging economic climate means continuing health industry profitability is unlikely.  
  • The majority of Americans want systemic changes the system’s insiders resist.
  • Longterm, inattention to structural flaws will result in an inadequate public utility that serves all but a few that can afford more. …

As a result, the health industry’s become an enemy to the population it’s pledged to serve. Institutional distrust for government, organized religion and big business now includes the health system, especially among young Americans. …”

Paul Keckley, Dec. 7, 2025


News to Know

MHA Endorsed Business Partner CorroHealth is offering an opportunity to help members get ahead of 2026 budget pressures in coding and clinical documentation improvement.


MHA in the News

Common Ground published a story Dec. 9 on the behavioral health collaborative that the MHA has launched to address postpartum depression and perinatal mood disorders. Lauren LaPine-Ray, vice president, policy and rural health, MHA, is …

2026 MHA Healthcare Leadership Academy Registration Now Open

The MHA is pleased to offer its popular Healthcare Leadership Academy in 2026. In partnership with Executive Core, two power-packed modules in February and May will feature leadership 360° feedback with personalized executive coaching, the development of advanced business acumen and the opportunity for intimate discussion with senior healthcare leaders.

The cohort meets Feb. 25-27 and May 7-8 at MHA Headquarters in Okemos. Organizations can recognize rising healthcare leaders and strengthen their teams by registering participants for the program. Class size is limited.

For more information, please contact Erica Leyko at the MHA.

Webinar to Review MHA 2025-26 Strategic Action Plan

The MHA will host a virtual member forum from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. Nov. 7 to outline the MHA 2025-26 Strategic Action Plan (SAP) approved by the MHA Board of Trustees.

The 2025-26 SAP maintains a focus on key priorities, including keeping community hospitals open to provide high-quality care for patients 24/7, supporting caregivers and continuing to grow the healthcare workforce, partnering with others to help communities stay healthy, and enhancing support for mental and behavioral healthcare.

The member webinar will share the elements of this year’s plan and help members learn effective ways to connect with thought leaders in their community to support hospitals and healthcare providers in these challenging times.

There is no cost to attend, but members are asked to register by Nov. 5. Access information for the virtual session will be sent Nov. 6. Questions about the member forum can be directed to Erica Leyko at the MHA.