WellLink Unveils Speaker Lineup and Expanded Sessions for ConnectNEO

Posted On Mar 27, 2026 | Cleveland, OH

This year, ConnectNEO is raising the bar with its largest lineup of speakers and sessions in its four-year history. On May 14, professionals, changemakers and leaders will gather in Northeast Ohio for the annual conference to share ideas, spark innovation, and shape the future of care in a day full of conversations, collaboration and connection.

Following record attendance last year, ConnectNEO 2026 builds on that momentum with the introduction of breakout sessions, allowing attendees the ability to customize their experience.

Participants can choose from a diverse range of breakout discussions exploring critical healthcare topics, including cybersecurity, behavioral health, and patient-centered strategies.

With more voices, twice as many sessions as last year, and expanded opportunities to connect, the conference reflects WellLink’s mission to bring the region’s healthcare community together in ways that inspire action, build relationships, and drive meaningful change.

The day will begin with breakfast and networking, followed by a plenary session featuring a keynote panel of healthcare and community leaders, moderated by WellLink President & CEO Brian Lane.

Opening Session: Stronger Together: Linking People, Lifting Communities

Christine Alexander-Rager, MD, President & CEO, The MetroHealth System
Dr. Paul Hinchey, Chief Operating Officer, University Hospitals
Domonic Hopson, President & CEO, Neighborhood Family Practice
Leonard Stepp, CEO and President, Ashtabula Regional Medical Center

Feeding Ohio: Building a More Equitable and Sustainable Food System

Kevin Gowan, Cuyahoga Job and Family Services
Emma Messett, Hunger Network
Andy Trares, May Dugan
Kristin Warzocha, Greater Cleveland Food Bank

Meeting the Moment: How Our Region Is Responding to Behavioral Health Needs

Pam Budak, Bluestone Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Hospital
Jason Joyce, ADAMHS Board of Cuyahoga County
Daniel Lettenberger-Klein, WellLink
Eric Morse, The Centers
Christine Robinson, Stella Maris

Protecting Patients and Data: Practical Cybersecurity Strategies for Healthcare

Nitin Agarwal, Wayne Memorial Hospital
Kevin Goodman, BlueBridge
Ali Pabrai, ecfirst
Lacy Rex, Oswald

The Power of Buying Together: Creating Savings for Your Organization

Jason Ferri, Premier Inc.
Mike Jones, The MetroHealth System
Dawn Motiejunas, WellLink Group Purchasing

AI That Works: Guidance, Compliance, and Best Practices for Healthcare Organizations

Dr. Kristin Shelley, Workforce AI
Christopher Kunney, iotech
Chris Mashburn, Jorie AI
Jennifer Owens, Cleveland Clinic
John Paganini, Paguar Informatics and NOHIMSS AI Center for Excellence

Health Disparities Across Our Community: A Data-Driven Perspective

Dr. Andre Brown, Cuyahoga County Board of Health
Dr. Robert Eick, Better Health Partnership
Dr. David Margolius, Cleveland Department of Public Health

Aging Well Together: Reimagining Care, Housing, and Community Services

Orion Bell, Benjamin Rose
Natasha Pietrocola, Cuyahoga County Division of Senior and Adult Services

What’s Next for Value-Based Care: Leadership Lessons and Future Directions

Joe Damore, CEO Advisory Network
Cindy Hundorfean, CEO Advisory Network
Tom Strauss, CEO Advisory Network

The conference will include interactive discussions designed to foster connection and drive impact, along with a session highlighting the key developments shaping healthcare today, Inside Washington: The Federal Health Policy Landscape Today and What’s Ahead, led by Carlos Jackson of Cornerstone.

The day will culminate with a fireside chat between Cuyahoga County Executive Chris Ronayne and WellLink Ceo & President Brian Lane, followed by a closing reception on the terrace of the Crowne Plaza.

Attendees will enjoy coffee and breakfast, a lunch buffet, and ample time throughout the day to network and connect with exhibitors.

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