Executive Dialogue: AI in Action: Separating the Hype from Real Value in Strategy and Planning
Health care organizations are emerging from a period marked by financial strain, workforce disruption, and operational volatility. As leaders look ahead, many are turning toward artificial intelligence (AI) as a potential stabilizer in order to improve efficiency, support staff, enhance the patient experience, and reshape care delivery models.
Executive Dialogue Report 2026
To better understand the practical realities of AI adoption, the American Hospital Association’s Society for Health Care Strategy & Market Development (SHSMD) hosted the executive dialogue, “AI in Action: Separating the Hype from Real Value in Strategy and Planning” at its SHSMD Connections 2025 Annual Conference in Dallas, Texas.
- AI’s rapid expansion and the need for coordinated, risk aware governance.
- Ambient documentation improving clinician experience while requiring strong workflow alignment.
- EHR and third party AI shifts complicating vendor decisions and collaboration.
- Evolving definitions of AI value focused on workforce, operations, and clinical impact.
Participants
- Scott Christensen, Managing Director, Kaufman Hall
- Evan Williams, Executive Director, SHSMD
- Andrew Rebhan, Senior Director, Intelligence, Vizient
- Erin Riley, Regional Director, Marketing and Strategy, CHRISTUS Health
- Andrea Chewning, AVP, Strategy & Innovation, Hope Health
- Melania Turgelsky, Associate Vice President, Strategic Planning, MaineHealth
- Rebecca Smith, Vice President, Strategy and Communications, LMH Health
- Zachary Jones, Vice President, Kaufman Hall
- Dennis Jolley, System Vice President, Strategy and Planning, UW Health
- Tara Trower, Deputy CEO and Chief Strategy Officer, CommUnityCare Health Centers
- Terri Flood, Vice President, Business Development and Marketing, Wayne HealthCare
