Tag: Erica Leyko

MHA Monday Report May 18, 2026

Member News, Monday Report

House Passes Multiple Healthcare Bills

The Michigan House passed legislation related to third-party litigation financing, Medicaid prescription requirements and surgical smoke plume evacuation during the week of May 11. Lawmakers also introduced legislation related to behavioral health transportation services and …

State House Minority Leader Addresses Legislative Policy Panel

State House Minority Leader Ranjeev Puri (D-Canton) addressed the MHA Legislative Policy Panel May 13 at the MHA Capitol Advocacy Center, providing the panel with a legislative and political update and sharing his commitment to …

2026 Healthcare Leadership Academy Cohort Completes Program

In partnership with Executive Core, the MHA recently celebrated the successful completion of the 2026 Healthcare Leadership Academy, which supports the development of emerging healthcare leaders across Michigan. Through two in-person modules, participants developed skills …

Keystone Quality and Safety Work Highlighted at MICAH QN Meeting

Kristy Shafer, senior manager, MHA Keystone Center, and senior lead quality improvement advisor for Superior Health, presented the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services quality improvement program at the Michigan Critical Access Hospital Quality …

MHA Keystone Center to Present During National Caregiver Webinar

The National Alliance for Caregiving will host the webinar “Practical Methods for Integrating Caregivers into Care Delivery” from 1 to 2 p.m. ET May 27, highlighting how hospitals and health systems are embedding caregivers into care models …

Hospitals Help: Memorial Healthcare Prioritizes Infection Control for Long-Term Care Residents

Michigan hospitals have long prioritized infection control and prevention, investing in resources that strengthen safety and quality measures for their patients and staff. The MHA Keystone Center is committed to supporting these efforts. Healthcare teams …

News to Know

  • The MHA Person & Family Engagement Advisory Council met May 14 to examine patient journey mapping, a method used to document and visualize the patient experience across healthcare touchpoints, from recognizing a health need through treatment and ongoing care.
  • Hospitals paid under the Medicare inpatient prospective payment system must submit a calendar year 2025 occupational mix survey to the Medicare Administrative Contractor by June 30.
  • Applicable laboratories, including hospital outreach laboratories, must report private payer data under the Protecting Access to Medicare Act from Jan. 1 through June 30, 2025, during the reporting window open through July 31, 2026.

MHA in the News

The MHA received coverage in a May 12 Crain’s Detroit Business story examining insurance contract negotiations with hospitals. In the article, MHA CEO Brian Peters emphasized that reimbursement contracts between hospitals and insurance companies often …

2026 Healthcare Leadership Academy Cohort Completes Program

Member News
2026 Healthcare Leadership Academy graduates.

In partnership with Executive Core, the MHA recently celebrated the successful completion of the 2026 Healthcare Leadership Academy, which supports the development of emerging healthcare leaders across Michigan.

Through two in-person modules, participants developed skills in healthcare finance, safety and quality, communication and team leadership. The program combined instruction with hands-on learning, including case projects and real-world applications.

Each participant received executive coaching and 360-degree feedback designed to strengthen leadership effectiveness.

The Healthcare Leadership Academy also fostered strong peer connections, creating a network of leaders committed to advancing care and improving outcomes. The MHA congratulates the 2026 cohort on completing the program.

Members with questions about the Healthcare Leadership Academy may contact Erica Leyko at the MHA.

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.