Strategic Planning in Health Care Credential Series
Strategic Planning in Health Care Credential Series
January 20 to February 17, 2026
Live online series with on demand access and a digital badge credential.
Format
Weekly live webinars, pre recorded modules, homework, and assessments.
Audience
Strategy, planning, business development, marketing, and finance professionals.
Credential
Earn the SHSMD Strategic Planning in Health Care digital badge.
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 recognized 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.
For groups of 3 or more, a 10% discount is available. Please contact shsmd@aha.org.
Program format and access
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.
Agenda
Week 1: Laying the Foundation for Strategic Planning
Session title: Designing a Strategic Planning Process
Part 1: Tuesday, January 20, 12–1 p.m. CT
Part 2: Thursday, January 22, 12–1 p.m. CT
Description:
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 2: From Plan to Action
Session title: Executing and Communicating Strategy
Date: Monday, January 26, 12–1 p.m. CT
Description:
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.
Week 2: Measuring Success
Session title: Monitoring and Sustaining Strategic Results
Date: Thursday, January 29, 12–1 p.m. CT
Description:
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 3: Elements of a Strategic Plan
Instructor: Ruth Portacci
Date: Monday, February 2, 1–2 p.m. CT
Description:
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.
Homework: Gather information for your own potential strategic plan.
Week 4: Understanding Context and Being Future Focused
Format: Pre recorded content
Description:
Learn how to interpret external forces and trends that shape health care strategy. This module focuses on environmental scanning, synthesizing data, and using storytelling to build a shared vision for change.
Learning objectives:
- Identify and assess internal and external forces shaping health care.
- Translate data into strategic insights.
- Apply future focused thinking to planning efforts.
Communicating the Strategic Plan to Different Stakeholders
Format: Pre recorded content
Description:
Explore practical approaches to tailoring and delivering strategic messages to different audiences. Learn how to use communication channels and collateral to support engagement and execution.
Learning objectives:
- Identify key audiences and tailor strategic messaging.
- Select appropriate venues and platforms for communication.
- Evaluate communication effectiveness using feedback tools.
Week 5: Integrating and Aligning the Strategic Plan with Financial Planning
Live Session
Date: Tuesday, February 17, 12–1 p.m. CT
Description:
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.
Homework: Create a strategic plan for one specific goal or service line.
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
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.
REGISTER
* Includes one year of SHSMD membership.
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
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 .