Tag: Erica Leyko

Hospital HR Professionals Gather at MHA Human Resources Conference

Member News
Conference attendees seated at round tables listen to speakers at the front of the room during the MHA Human Resources Conference.
Attendees during the 2026 MHA Human Resources Conference.

The MHA welcomed human resources leaders from across the state for the 2026 MHA Human Resources Conference March 24 in Lansing. Attendees gathered for a day of learning, networking and discussions focused on the workforce challenges facing healthcare organizations.

As hospitals and health systems continue to navigate a complex workforce environment, the conference highlighted practical, actionable strategies HR leaders can bring back to their teams.

Throughout the day, speakers emphasized several key themes, including the importance of measuring what matters through data-driven decision-making, vendor evaluation and workforce metrics. Sessions also highlighted approachable leadership as a driver of trust and engagement, the growing urgency of workplace violence prevention and staff safety and the value of strong community partnerships to support employees and patients.

Attendees explored ways to engage and recognize employees, elevate authentic staff voices and use video storytelling to strengthen recruitment, culture and community trust.

Thank you to event sponsors and exhibitors:

  • AgencySync
  • HPS
  • Medical Solutions
  • Michigan Health Council
  • Northwood University
  • People Results
  • Pine Rest Employee Assistance Programs
  • Prolink
  • Salary.com

Members with questions should contact Erica Leyko at the MHA.

Healthcare Leadership Award Nominations Due March 27

Member News

The MHA is now accepting nominations for the annual Healthcare Leadership Award, which recognizes individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership within their healthcare organization and community. Trustees, executives, physicians, nurses and other outstanding leaders are eligible for consideration.

Members are encouraged to submit individuals for consideration by completing the electronic nomination form by 5 p.m. on March 27.

Nominees must represent an MHA-member organization in good standing and have been actively involved with their healthcare organization within the past three years. Award recipients will be honored during the MHA Annual Membership Meeting in June and nominators will be asked to submit video recognition to be played during the award presentation.

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

Register by March 13 to Attend MHA HR Conference

Member News

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

Member News
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

Member News
  • 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

Member News
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

Member News

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

Member News
  • 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

Member News

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

Member News, Monday Report

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 …