Strategic Planning in Health Care Credential Series

Strategic Planning in Health Care Credential Series

SHSMD Education online courses

Strategic Planning in Health Care Credential Series

January 26 - February 26, 2027 | Registration Open

Five-week online credential series with live sessions, on-demand content and a digital badge credential.

Format

Live webinars, elective sessions, final project, homework and assessments.

Audience

Strategy, planning, business development, marketing and finance professionals.

Credential

Earn the SHSMD Strategic Planning in Health Care digital badge.

Register Now 

Build the skills to design, execute and measure a strategic plan that drives real organizational results.

Strategic planning in health care calls for more than drafting a document. It requires a clear view of trends, a structured planning process and the ability to move from strategy to action. This series provides a step-by-step path to help you design a plan, engage stakeholders and monitor performance over time.

What you will gain

  • Design a performance-focused strategic planning framework for your organization.
  • Conduct internal and external assessments to inform planning decisions.
  • Define mission, vision, goals, strategies and metrics in one cohesive plan.
  • Translate strategy into actionable tactics and communication plans.
  • Align strategic and financial planning for sustainable execution.
  • Earn a SHSMD credential in strategic planning.

How this series supports your career

  • Increased earning potential
    In the SHSMD 2021 compensation survey, professionals with strategic planning skills reported significantly higher salaries.
  • Readiness for leadership roles
    The capabilities covered in this program are core requirements for many strategy and executive positions.
  • Greater impact and satisfaction
    Strategy professionals help shape organizational priorities and influence care delivery at scale.
  • Organizational advantage
    Organizations with clear, well-executed strategic plans are better positioned to navigate change.

Program format and access

Course dates: January 26 - February 26, 2027.

Live webinar time: 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. CT unless otherwise noted.

If you cannot attend a live session, all modules are recorded and available on demand.

The series includes core strategic planning sessions, elective sessions, a final project and opportunities to meet with faculty during the final week.

Agenda

Week 1: Strategic Planning Elements and Alignment

Instructor: Ruth Portacci, Vice President, Business Development, Ascension

Module 1: Elements of a Strategic Plan

Tuesday, January 26, 2027

Review the core components of a strategic plan and the role of strategic metrics. Learn how to connect mission, vision, goals, and strategies to measures that track progress in a dynamic health care environment.

Learning objectives:

  • Identify and define the core elements of a strategic plan.
  • Develop strategic metrics that align with organizational goals.
  • Link metrics to strategic objectives to support decision making.

Module 2: Integrating and Aligning the Strategic Plan with Financial Planning

Thursday, January 28, 2027

Examine the connection between strategic and financial planning. Learn why integration is essential for achieving goals and sustaining financial health, and review practical steps and common pitfalls.

Learning objectives:

  • Explain the relationship between strategic and financial planning.
  • Identify key elements of financial planning relevant to strategy.
  • Apply practices that align strategic priorities with financial realities.

Week 2: Laying the Foundation for Strategic Planning

Instructor: Holly Sullivan, Vice President of Brand, Marketing and Consumer Experience, Corewell Health

Module 1: Designing a Strategic Planning Process

Tuesday, February 2 and Thursday, February 4, 2027

Explore what strategy and strategic planning mean in practice. Learn how to design a collaborative, performance focused planning process that builds alignment across your organization.

Learning objectives:

  • Differentiate between strategy and strategic planning.
  • Conduct internal and external assessments that inform planning.
  • Design a stakeholder inclusive planning framework.

Week 3: Elective Sessions

Tuesday, February 9 and Thursday, February 11, 2027

Elective session details to be announced.

Week 4: From Plan to Action

Instructor: Jennifer Wilkerson, MHSA, FACHE, Senior Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer, Sheppard Pratt

Module 1: Executing and Communicating Strategy

Tuesday, February 16, 2027

Learn how to move from a written plan to coordinated action. This session covers prioritization, tactical planning, and communication approaches that keep strategy visible and moving forward.

Learning objectives:

  • Develop tactical plans that align with strategic priorities.
  • Communicate strategy across different organizational levels.
  • Apply change management techniques to support implementation.

Module 2: Monitoring and Sustaining Strategic Results

Thursday, February 18, 2027

Discover how to monitor and evaluate strategic performance. Learn how to select meaningful measures, use data to guide decisions, and embed continuous improvement into your planning cycle.

Learning objectives:

  • Define and track key performance indicators (KPIs).
  • Use dashboards and data to guide leadership conversations.
  • Integrate feedback and learning to refine strategic plans.

Week 5: Final Projects and Office Hours

February 22 - February 26, 2027

Final projects are due this week.

There will also be opportunities to meet with faculty to discuss your final projects and ask questions about the course.

Bonus Content

Includes pre-recorded content from past Strategic Planning Credential courses and relevant session recordings from the 2026 SHSMD Connections Conference.

Faculty

  • Ruth Portacci
    Vice President, Business Development, Ascension
  • Holly Sullivan
    Vice President of Brand, Marketing and Consumer Experience, Corewell Health
  • Jennifer Wilkerson, MHSA, FACHE
    Senior Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer, Sheppard Pratt
Strategic Planning Digital Badge

Upon completion of all program requirements, registrants will receive the SHSMD Strategic Planning in Health Care Credential . Requirements include homework, discussion board participation, assessments, and evaluations.

REGISTRATION OPEN

Registration is now open for the Strategic Planning in Health Care Credential Series, January 26 - February 26, 2027.

SHSMD members: $850

Nonmembers: $1,100 (includes one year of SHSMD membership)

Register Now

FACULTY

Ruth Portacci
Vice President, Business Development
Ascension

Holly Sullivan
Vice President of Brand, Marketing and Consumer Experience
Corewell Health

Jennifer Wilkerson, MHSA, FACHE
Senior Vice President & Chief Strategy Officer
Sheppard Pratt

BONUS

Publication Cover

All participants will receive a complimentary digital copy of A Practical Guide to Health Care Strategic Planning. To purchase additional copies of the publication, click here.