Taking The Market's Temperature

How is The Healthcare Sector Performing?

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  Michael Garcia

  COO

  Houston Methodist Hospital

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  Stephen Glazier

  Stephen Glazier is a hospital administrator with over 40 years of senior level administrative experience and is currently the Vice President of Business Development and Government Relations for the UTHealth Behavioral Sciences Campus. A Fellow in the American College of Healthcare Executives, he has held the position of CEO or COO in a number of hospital settings including freestanding psychiatric, general acute care and long term acute care hospitals. He has been responsible for 3 new hospital construction/development projects and one major hospital renovation. He has held leadership positions in several large academic medical centers. In his various positions he has been responsible for overseeing all of the clinical and quality programs for the hospitals he has led. In addition to oversight of hospital operations, Mr. Glazier’s responsibilities have included the integration of private physician practices into a hospital based multi-specialty clinic. Mr. Glazier is the current past Chair of the Joint Committee on Access and Forensic Services and serves as a member of the Texas Statewide Behavioral Health Coordinating Council, the Mental Health Needs Council and the Network of Behavioral Health Professionals.

  UTHealth Behavioral Sciences Campus

  VP, Business Development and Government Relations

  Stephen Glazier

  VP, Business Development and Government Relations

  UTHealth Behavioral Sciences Campus

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  Jill Pearsall

  An architectural graduate of the University of Southern California, Jill spent the majority of her career in healthcare facility planning, the final 22 years at Texas Children’s Hospital guiding the development of over $2B of work and adding over 5M square feet. Jill is a licensed architect in Texas and California and holds a certificate from the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB).

  Texas Children's Hospital

  Former SVP, Facilities Planning; Dev. and Real Estate

  Jill Pearsall

  Former SVP, Facilities Planning; Dev. and Real Estate

  Texas Children's Hospital

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  Armando Colombo

  President & CEO

  The Menninger Clinic

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  Joan Albert

  Joan is a very experienced designer who has led the planning and design of many complex projects, including academic, corporate, healthcare, multi-family and government facilities. She is highly skilled in developing innovative and thoughtful design solutions for complicated building programs using comprehensive understanding of the client’s goals and objectives. Joan believes in a holistic approach to building design, paying close attention to the interior building program components while balancing the regional and contextual issues of the building architecture.

  Page

  Principal/Design

  Joan Albert

  Principal/Design

  Page

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  Shawn Cloonan

  Shawn W. Cloonan serves as Life Science Lead & General Counsel of McCord Development, Inc., where he oversees all legal aspects of the firm, advises on strategic development projects, and leads McCord’s efforts in developing assets to serve the life science and biotechnology industry. Prior to joining McCord in 2020, Cloonan served as Chief Operating Officer, Executive Vice President & General Counsel of Texas Medical Center since 2013. In his role at TMC, Cloonan was responsible for all operations, planning and development as well as all legal aspects of the corporation including compliance with the TMC covenants. Before joining the Texas Medical Center, Cloonan was a public finance attorney representing health care, governmental and higher education clients for Vinson & Elkins LLP and Bracewell LLP. In addition to representation on bond financing, Cloonan represented clients on general counsel matters and real estate and development. Cloonan holds a Bachelor of Arts – Magna Cum Laude in government from the University of Texas at Austin and earned his Doctor of Jurisprudence with Honors from The University of Texas School of Law. He currently serves as Chairman Emeritus of the Buffalo Bayou Partnership and is active on its Executive Committee and Board of Directors. Cloonan was honored to receive the Houston Business Journal 40 Under 40 Award in 2013 and was named to the Top 100 Irish Lawyers in America List in 2015.

  McCord Development

  Life Sciences Lead & General Counsel

  Moderator

  Shawn Cloonan

  Life Sciences Lead & General Counsel

  McCord Development

Hot Topic: Weatherization and The Role It Plays in Houston Healthcare

How To Plan For The Unexpected

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  Todd Price

  VP, National Customer Solutions

  Enchanted Rock

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  Mark Sloan

  Mark Sloan is the Homeland Security & Emergency Management Coordinator for Harris County, serving over 4.8 million incredibly diverse residents covering more than 1,770 square miles. Because of Harris County’s large population, port operations, transportation infrastructure, and concentration of petrochemical plants, the Department of Homeland Security has identified Harris County as a Tier 1 region. To meet the growing expectations of emergency management, Sloan is streamlining regional emergency response coordination through the integration of automated flood warning systems, traffic management systems, broadcast media capabilities, first responder and community alerting, GIS mapping systems and regional interoperable communications. As the director of Harris County Citizen Corps, an innovative, award-winning public preparedness initiative, recognized as a National Best Practice, he coordinates all aspects of the program. Working with a team of county technology experts, he developed one of the first websites devoted to the sharing of community preparedness volunteer opportunities and tracking of volunteer hours. Since 2002, over 25 million individuals have visited the website (www.harriscountycitizencorps.com) and over 50,000 have completed the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training course. During the Katrina relief effort at the Astrodome, Sloan was assigned to the Unified Command to coordinate volunteers. During the 21 days more than 60,000 volunteers received various assignments that helped over 65,000 evacuees from New Orleans. On September 9, 2005, Sloan was recognized for his efforts by ABC Nightly News as the Person of the Week, and at the 2006 National Hurricane Conference in Orlando, he received the Special Award; Texas’ Response to Katrina Evacuees, for leadership and coordination. Mark received “The President’s Call to Service Award” in September of 2007 recognizing the accomplishments of the Harris County Citizen Corps and for coordinating the volunteer response during the Katrina relief effort. In the fall of 2008, Sloan was also recognized by the Houston Texans football team on Reliant Stadium’s 50- yard line and later received the John C. Freeman Weather Museum’s Hurricane Hero Award for his exemplary leadership during Hurricane Ike. In November of 2010 the Department of Homeland Security appointed Mark to serve on the State, Local, Tribal, and Territorial Government Coordinating Council that coordinates critical infrastructure protection guidance and strategies across all levels of government. In 2018, the Emergency Management Association of Texas (EMAT) named Sloan the recipient of the “Lou Harrell” Emergency Management Coordinator of the Year award. In 2022, Mark was asked to serve on the Department of Homeland Security First Responder Resource Group representing the national Emergency Management discipline discussing potential needs of Emergency Managers and the other first responder disciplines. He is a member of the San Jacinto Type III All-Hazards Incident Management Team. Sloan is a board member of both the Southeast Texas Regional Advisory Council, Big City Emergency Managers and serves as the County representative to TranStar’s Executive Committee.

  Harris County

  Homeland Security & Emergency Management Coordinator

  Mark Sloan

  Homeland Security & Emergency Management Coordinator

  Harris County

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  Brent Kaziny

  Medical Director of Emergency Management

  Texas Children's Hospital

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  Lori Upton

  Lori Upton is the Vice President of Preparedness and Response, and currently serves as Interim CEO, for the Southeast Texas Regional Advisory Council (SETRAC). In that capacity, she coordinates and prioritizes planning objectives to meet Federal preparedness and response grant requirements for 25 counties, state EMS and trauma requirements for 9 counties, organizational vision, and leadership for financial growth through SETRAC’s subsidiary Maestro Services, and philanthropic activities through The SETRAC Foundation. With over 40 years’ experience in the healthcare field, Ms. Upton has an extensive background in clinical operations and progressive leadership roles in both urban academic centers and suburban healthcare facilities, including 14 years’ experience in a major urban Level 1 Trauma Center. Ms. Upton was responsible for the development of the Regional Healthcare Preparedness Coalition and authored the regional medical response plan that has now been adopted by all jurisdictional officials in the region served. Actual disaster response experience includes World Trade Center (2001), Hurricane Katrina (2005), Hurricane Rita (2005), Hurricane Gustav (2008), Hurricane Ike (2008), H1N1 Outbreak (2009), West, Texas Explosion (2013), the SE Texas flooding (2016), Hurricane Harvey (2017) and COVID 19 Pandemic. A strong believer in education and training, Ms. Upton developed curriculum that includes hospital incident command systems, decontamination, COOP training, and pediatric-specific disaster response. Ms. Upton has several peer-reviewed papers published in journals such as the Annals of Emergency Medicine and the Society for Disaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness, as well as authored the Emergency Nurse Pediatric Course 4th Edition - Disaster Chapter. Lori Upton is a Certified Emergency Manager through the International Association of Emergency Managers (IAEM) and holds a bachelor’s degree in Nursing from the University of Texas and a master’s degree in Emergency Management from Touro University. She has completed advanced Incident Management trainings through FEMA, leadership training through The Studer Group, and effective communication strategies through Crucial Conversations, and Crisis Communication training.

  Southeast Texas Regional Advisory Council (SETRAC)

  CEO

  Lori Upton

  CEO

  Southeast Texas Regional Advisory Council (SETRAC)

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  Leonard Deonarine

  Leonard Deonarine currently serves as Senior Director of Risk Management with Jensen Hughes, a global leader in safety, security and risk-based engineering and consulting. Leonard has extensive experience in the emergency preparedness field as the former senior emergency management executive Tenet Healthcare, a U.S.-based, Fortune 200, publicly traded Healthcare Corporation. He is specifically adept with hazard analysis, planning, program management, regulatory compliance, business continuity, incident command, curriculum development and disaster simulation design, planning and evaluation. For eleven years, Leonard served as the National Director for Emergency Management at the Tenet Healthcare Corporation in Dallas, Texas, where he oversaw the plans, programs and incident command responsibilities for 65 hospitals.

  Jensen Hughes

  Senior Director, Risk Management

  Leonard Deonarine

  Senior Director, Risk Management

  Jensen Hughes

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  Andy Brown

  Andy leads Arista’s field engineering team covering Houston and Louisiana as well as leading Arista's Healthcare team where he is responsible for strategy, alliances, messaging, demand generation, communications, and related activities for Arista's security, datacenter, and campus products. He came to Arista 7 years ago after serving in consultative roles in other organizations. Prior to Arista, Andy was a champion within various service providers for the early adoption and deployment of multiple communication technologies (such as MPLS and LTE) that are foundational for modern communications. His passion is helping companies translate technologies to strategic alignment and goals focusing on practical applicable use. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Management of Information Systems from the University of Oklahoma and a Masters of Business Administration from Rice University.

  Arista

  SE Team Lead

  Andy Brown

  SE Team Lead

  Arista

• Moderator

  Dan Haupt

  Practice Leader, Healthcare Services

  AG|CM

Enhancing The Patient Experience

Thoughtful Construction, Development & Design

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  Karen Mooney

  Karen Mooney is the Associate Vice President of Facilities Planning, Design and Construction department at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas. Her team manages strategic facilities planning for the organization as well as the implementation of the capital construction program. Karen graduated from Texas A&M University with a degree in Construction Management and received her Master of Business Administration from the University of Texas at Tyler. Karen is a certified coach by the International Coach Federation and a Professional Member of the National Speakers Association. While at MD Anderson she has been awarded “Best Boss” and has been a two-time finalist for the institutional mentoring award.

  MD Anderson Cancer Center

  AVP, Facilities Planning, Design & Construction

  Karen Mooney

  AVP, Facilities Planning, Design & Construction

  MD Anderson Cancer Center

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  Sunita Ganjoo

  Sunita Ganjoo is a Sr. Project Manager for the Project Management Office of Harris Health System in Houston TX . Sunita has over 20 years of experience in an AE industry serving several Hospital clients such as Houston Methodist, Texas Children’s hospital, and Hackensack-Meridian Health in New Jersey where she managed the design of over half a million square feet of addition before joining the Harris Health System PMO Team. Sunita holds a Bachelor of Architecture degree from the University of Mumbai and was a Certified Architect with the Council of Architecture in India. She transferred her skills to the United States in 1997 and became a US citizen. Sunita received her Masters in Business Administration with concentration in Finance from CT Bauer College of Business, University of Houston. She is also a Certified Project Management Professional (PMP), and a member of Women in Healthcare organization, Houston Chapter.

  Harris Health

  Sr. Project Manager

  Sunita Ganjoo

  Sr. Project Manager

  Harris Health

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  Fernando Rodrigues

  Fernando is a health planning principal based out of our Houston architecture studio. He brings 19 years of experience in healthcare-focused planning and design on a wide range of projects in both the U.S. and abroad. He strives to help create the most advanced built environments for the promotion of healthcare discovery and exceptional patient care and design places that support the highest sustainable and operational standards. He is also a board member of the American Institute of Architects - Academy of Architecture for Health, serving as a mentor for a new generation of medical planners.

  HDR Architecture

  Health Planning Principal

  Fernando Rodrigues

  Health Planning Principal

  HDR Architecture

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  Pam Brink

  Pam has thirty years of experience in construction and facilities project management, with the majority of her career spent in the healthcare industry. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration from Elmhurst College. Pam has recently joined MD Anderson Cancer Center as the Director, Capital Projects and is responsible for major capital clinical projects. She provides the leadership to ensure projects have the operational strategies and systems in place to achieve the desired expectations, promote a continuous improvement culture, identify ways to manage risk to achieve project goals and motivate a high performing team. Leadership positions previously held include: · Area Manager for Austin Commercial for a Design Build healthcare project in Houston. · Project Executive for The Boldt Company for healthcare projects in the Greater Sacramento area. · Assistant Director for Universal Health Services for behavioral health in the Western United States. · Various advancing positions with Sutter Health for their Master Plan for the Sutter Medical Center, Sacramento campus.

  MD Anderson Cancer Center

  Director, Capital Projects

  Pam Brink

  Director, Capital Projects

  MD Anderson Cancer Center

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  Julie Holder

  Architect, and Medical Planner, Julie Holder received her Master's in Architecture from the University of Houston and a Bachelor of Environmental Design from Texas A&M University. Throughout her life, she found joy in the details, organization, and creating more efficient spaces. This joy, coupled with her desire to give back to the community and her studies on how architecture can positively affect patients' health through evidence-based design, led her to a career in health-focused architecture. Julie is driven by each project's challenge and strives to create a space that meets not only the Owner’s goals but aids in the clinician's daily work schedule while enhancing the patient’s experience. Her emphasis on clear communication and transparency ensures that all options are explored. You can find Julie running marathons in her spare time and playing with her dog, Brinkley.

  PhiloWilke

  Associate Partner, Medical Planner

  Julie Holder

  Associate Partner, Medical Planner

  PhiloWilke

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  Hyde Griffith

  Hyde Griffith has more than 30 years of program management experience in the construction and AEC industry. With a focus in healthcare and life sciences, higher education, technology, and government, he executes strategic business solutions that deliver an exceptional client experience. As the Houston Office Leader, Hyde leads efforts to collaborate with design engineers, architects, trade partners, and clients throughout a project’s lifecycle to ensure transparency and collaboration among all parties. His professional experience also includes Building Information Modeling, P&L Management, Data Strategy Management, and contract administration.

  JE Dunn Construction

  Vice President, Houston Office Leader

  Moderator

  Hyde Griffith

  Vice President, Houston Office Leader

  JE Dunn Construction

Show Me The $$$

Analyzing The Deals That Are Being Done and Where Money Can Be Made

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  Kristen Kupperman

  Kristen Kupperman, Vice President of Design, Construction, and Facilities at Texas Medical Center (TMC). With a 15-year track record in construction, Kristen has worked in major cities such as New York City, Chicago, Iowa City, San Diego, and Houston. As VP of design, construction, and facilities for TMC, Kristen recently completed TMC Helix Park—a groundbreaking 37-acre campus that redefines collaborative research spaces. This innovative project features shared and proprietary research centers, multidisciplinary labs, and a distinctive double-helix green space accessible to the public. Drawing upon a wealth of experience, Kristen has honed their skills in project management by directly engaging with employees, clients, subcontractors, vendors, and the medical community. Kristen’s approach involves creating synergies among diverse stakeholders, ensuring that projects not only meet the highest standards but also contribute positively to the surrounding community. Kristen’s expertise extends beyond the realms of traditional construction, as they bring a unique blend of creativity and practicality to every project. Their commitment to sustainable and inclusive design is evident in the transformative impact of TMC Helix Park, reflecting Kristen's dedication to creating spaces that harmonize with both the scientific and social aspects of the medical community. As Vice President of Design, Construction, and Facilities, Kristen continues to drive TMC towards new horizons, combining a rich background in construction with a passion for pushing boundaries in healthcare facility development. Their journey from major metropolises to the heart of Texas exemplifies a career devoted to shaping the future of healthcare infrastructure.

  Texas Medical Center (TMC

  Vice President of Design, Construction + Facilities

  Kristen Kupperman

  Vice President of Design, Construction + Facilities

  Texas Medical Center (TMC

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  Coy Davidson

  Coy Davidson has more than 30 years of experience in commercial real estate specializing in corporate real estate services, tenant representation, office leasing and investment sales. Mr. Davidson joined Colliers in June 2000 as Vice President in the Office Services Group. Prior to joining Colliers, Mr. Davidson served eleven years with two local commercial real estate brokerage firms. Specializing primarily in office properties and healthcare properties, Mr. Davidson has completed over seven million square feet of lease and sales transactions and the brokerage of more than 1,000 acres of land development sites throughout the Greater Houston area and has assisted clients in multiple cities throughout the United States. Mr. Davidson has vast experience with Healthcare related entities including major hospital systems and private physicians in the Texas Medical Center and throughout Greater Houston and is a member of Colliers International National Healthcare Service Group. His focus on the healthcare sector has resulted in more than $250 million in healthcare real estate related transactions.

  Colliers

  SVP

  Coy Davidson

  SVP

  Colliers

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  Irfan Abji

  Irfan is a serial entrepreneur who manages multiple businesses, including Egrets Group, a privately held, vertically integrated real estate development company that pursues building and management of unique buildings that are prized destinations within the community they serve. Irfan has over 30 years of business management experience that spans the globe, with 22 years of it being in real estate development, finance and construction. Prior to venturing into construction and development, Irfan was a sought-after consultant by multiple business owners globally. His unique approach to business growth has made him an advisor to many companies and parastatals in the former Soviet Union, Sub-Saharan Africa, Central and North America on matters including infrastructure development, housing, real estate, manufacturing, and telecommunications. He gives credit to his unique ability of creating award-winning rapid growth to any company through the understanding and practicing of integrity. These management principals are used by all his businesses which have had tremendous growth that has been recognized by various magazines. Egrets Group endeavor in the medical office space has led to various partnerships with physicians and medical personnel to build facilities to support the community in which they are located. Led by a team of seasoned professionals who craft with a close attention to detail and design excellence, Egret Group focuses on creating captivating places that use design as a means to enhance user experience.

  Egrets Group

  Principal & Owner

  Irfan Abji

  Principal & Owner

  Egrets Group

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  Judah Auld

  Judah Auld delivers over 20 years of construction industry experience. For the past 16 years, he has worked for McCarthy Building Companies where he currently serves as Vice President of Preconstruction in Houston. Judah oversees McCarthy’s preconstruction efforts in a variety of markets, but he has a heavy focus on healthcare where he has worked with clients such as Houston Methodist Hospital, Texas Children’s Hospital, and MD Anderson.

  McCarthy Building Companies

  VP of Preconstruction

  Judah Auld

  VP of Preconstruction

  McCarthy Building Companies

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  Ashley Cassel Byrd

  Ashley has been a leader on the Transwestern Healthcare Advisory services group since 2012. Serving as Senior Vice President, she is responsible for leasing over 2.1 million square feet of a medical office building portfolio in the greater Houston area. Her portfolio includes properties in The Medical Center, Downtown, the Heights, Museum District, Upper Kirby, Bellaire, Cy-Fair, Clearlake, Pearland, Friendswood, Sugar Land, Wharton, and the Westchase area. Her deep roots in the Houston medical community allows her the opportunity to execute direct deals with some of Houston?s largest healthcare providers. Ashley is an innovator in marketing and several of her creative ideas have become national marketing standards within Transwestern. She also specializes in Tenant Representation for hospitals, healthcare groups, and individual physicians leveraging her vast knowledge of medical real estate to accommodate the specific needs of her clients. Ashley joined Transwestern in 2012 with six years of prior healthcare and office leasing experience.

  Transwestern

  SVP, Healthcare Advisory Services

  Ashley Cassel Byrd

  SVP, Healthcare Advisory Services

  Transwestern

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  Cory Porter

  Cory’s focus is two-fold: building a business with enduring value and creating lifelong clients through superior project design, seamless project delivery and exceptional client service. His deliberate approach and expert guidance result in the successful projects and satisfied clients for which Browne McGregor is widely known. Cory is a registered architect who particularly enjoys the design of technically complex projects for select commercial real estate owners and developers.

  Browne McGregor Architects

  President

  Cory Porter

  President

  Browne McGregor Architects

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  Adolfo Carrasco

  Adolfo is the Director of Business Development in Healthcare for TEAL Systems. Adolfo has 23 years of experience in the healthcare sector leading strategy, product development, technology integration, and customer success by leveraging a demonstrated passion for innovation and generating growth in competitive markets.

  TEAL Systems

  Director of Business Development, Healthcare

  Moderator

  Adolfo Carrasco

  Director of Business Development, Healthcare

  TEAL Systems

Building & Designing Today For Facilities of Tomorrow

Construction, Development & Design Trends

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  Dr. Ryan Walsh

  Chief Medical Information Officer

  Memorial Hermann

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  Jeff Mosely

  As the Senior Vice President, Chief Facilities Officer for the Memorial Hermann Health System, Jeff provides strategic leadership to a comprehensive facilities management program inclusive of Capital Construction, Real Estate, System Engineering and Security. Jeff has more than 30 years of healthcare experience beginning as a licensed electrical engineer within an architectural engineering firm to leading facilities management with renown institutions including Mayo Clinic and the University of Miami. Based on this experience, he brings a unique perspective to both healthcare planning/design and owner’s representation to the construction and real estate projects he leads.

  Memorial Hermann Health System

  Chief Facilities Officer

  Jeff Mosely

  Chief Facilities Officer

  Memorial Hermann Health System

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  Diana Davis

  As Managing Director of the Houston studio, Diana provides strategic, executive, and financial leadership while supporting excellence in design. She has over 25 years of experience working with academic medical center and community hospital clients and an extensive background in the design, planning, and delivery of healthcare projects. She brings a special interest in Lean planning and evidence-based design to her work, paired with a commitment to improving the healthcare environment for caregivers, patients, and families. As Principal and Healthcare market sector leader for the Houston practice, Diana has planned projects for all healthcare market sectors, including academic medical centers, community hospitals, and regional health delivery systems. Her experience includes all aspects of project delivery, from conceptual planning and programming to project management and contract documentation.

  Perkins&Will

  Managing Director, Principal

  Diana Davis

  Managing Director, Principal

  Perkins&Will

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  Gaurav Khadse

  Gaurav Khadse (GK) is a Registered Architect with 18 years’ experience in design and construction of healthcare facilities. Gaurav holds the position of Assistant Vice President, Facilities Planning and Development at Texas Children’s Hospital (TCH). In his position, he leads the facilities project management, program management and planning team responsible for expansion of strategic facilities expansion projects, capital projects and renovations at Texas Children’s. His team is currently handling projects in various stages of design and construction with project costs over a billion dollars including the expansion of Texas Children’s new campus in Austin. Gaurav has an MBA from the University of Texas at Austin and a Masters in Architecture from Texas A&M University with a specialization in Health Systems and Design. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Architecture in India. He is licensed in Texas and also a LEED accredited professional.

  Facilities Planning and Development, Texas Children's Hospital

  Assistant VP

  Gaurav Khadse

  Assistant VP

  Facilities Planning and Development, Texas Children's Hospital

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  Brendon Buckley

  Brendon F Buckley is a Healthcare systems subject matter expert focused on leveraging technology to improve the delivery of care and operational efficiency. His involvement spans throughout the project starting from the very early stages such as the planning, design & bidding through to commissioning and testing of the Healthcare systems. Brendon is also a key contributor to the JCI’s patented “Navigator” process and has successfully utilized it on numerous successful projects. His experience in technology integration and related IT systems is extensive. Brendon is proficient in HL7, DICOM, SQL Databases, .NET, Webservices and has worked with numerous EMR, PACS systems including GE, Siemens, Cerner, Epic and Meditech. He also has experience working with integration platforms including Intelligent Insites, Connexall, Cloverleaf, Openlink, and Mirth. Brendon also specializes in Internal IT Infrastructure, Wireless Network Technology and Open Network Environments. His current responsibilities include developing offerings that help Johnson Controls’ Healthcare clients reduce costs; improve both patient care and satisfaction.

  Johnson Controls

  Healthcare Technology Director

  Brendon Buckley

  Healthcare Technology Director

  Johnson Controls

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  Corey Gaarde, FHIMSS, CPHIMS

  Corey is an Associate Principal and Project Executive for IMEG’s Healthcare Information Technology (HIT) Advisory Services Team. His role strategically aligns healthcare information technology to the collaborative design process. As a biomedical engineer with more than 20 years of healthcare experience, he fosters client and vendor relationships while developing and implementing complex healthcare IT projects. His technical expertise, clinical aptitude, and innovative approach bridges the gap between technology, architecture/engineering, and clinical operations to drive an owner’s mission and create service-oriented design. Corey focuses on technology innovation to improve patient and caregiver experience, while ensuring a connected care interoperability model. His consultative ability to collaboratively challenge the current state offers unique perspectives while encouraging innovative solutions that balance cutting edge results, realistic expectations and favorable outcomes.

  IMEG

  Associate Principal, Project Executive

  Corey Gaarde, FHIMSS, CPHIMS

  Associate Principal, Project Executive

  IMEG

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  Robert Rogers

  A purpose-driven engineer and the driving force behind our Houston Structural Practice, Robert’s expertise spans a diverse range of industries, including healthcare, higher education and commercial sectors. He has considerable expertise in the design of new facilities and multi- phased renovations in the healthcare industry, where he has provided structural design for the MD Anderson Cancer Center’s South Campus Bioresearch Facility, numerous projects within the TexasHealth system and other prominent projects nationwide. At the core of Robert’s philosophy is the belief that every project is more than a series of technical challenges; it is an opportunity to make a significant impact on people’s lives. This belief drives his commitment to delivering not only high-quality work but also real value to the communities he serves.

  Thornton Tomasetti

  Vice President

  Moderator

  Robert Rogers

  Vice President

  Thornton Tomasetti

How Is The Medical Industry Evolving?

Merging Hospitality & Healthcare, Understanding Consumer Demands & Amenities

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  Liz Schmitz

  Liz Schmitz is the Director of Facilities Planning Services at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas. Her team is responsible for patient care and support projects ranging from small complex renovations to greenfield projects. Her teams’ portfolio currently includes over 6 million square feet of active projects in the TMC and regional locations. Prior to working on the owners’ side, she was a project manager and senior medical planner on national healthcare projects. With 18 years’ experience, Liz is a registered architect in Texas, EDAC certified, and holds a Master’s Degree in Architecture with a Certification in Health Systems and Design from Texas A&M University.

  MD Anderson Cancer Center

  Manager, Facilities Planning

  Liz Schmitz

  Manager, Facilities Planning

  MD Anderson Cancer Center

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  Noel Cárdenas

  Noel J. Cárdenas is the Senior Vice President and Chief Executive Officer of Memorial Hermann Southeast and Pearland Hospitals. Prior to assuming his current position, Noel serve as the Vice President Operations/Chief Operating Officer at Memorial Hermann Northeast Hospital in Humble Texas. Noel is a native of Weslaco, Texas. He is a retired combat veteran having served over 30 years in the Texas National Guard and the U.S. Army and retired at the rank of Colonel. He holds numerous military and civilian awards and recognition including Two Legion of Merits, Three Bronze Stars, and the Army Surgeon General’s “A” professional proficiency designator in Healthcare Administration. Throughout his military career, he has served in multiple healthcare leadership roles including Chief Executive Officer and Hospital Commander for Reynolds Army Community Hospital in Fort Sill, Oklahoma, Chief Operating Officer/Chief of Staff at the Brooke Army Medical Center in Fort Sam Houston, Texas; Chief Executive Officer/Commander of the 421st Multifunctional Medical Battalion in Wiesbaden, Germany; Chief Executive Officer/Commander of the 421st Multifunctional Medical Task Force in Balad, Iraq; Chief Operating Officer for Evans Army Community Hospital in Fort Carson, Colorado; and Chief Operating Officer for Raymond W. Bliss Army Health Center in Fort Huachuca, Arizona. Education Baylor University | Waco | Upsilon Phi Delta National Honor Society in Health Administration University of Texas | Austin | Biology | Distinguished Military Graduate Professional Affiliations American College of Healthcare Executives │ Fellow │ Former Regent ACHE Southeast Texas Chapter | Chapter President Personal Noel and his wife, Cristela “Cristi” R. Cárdenas, reside in Kingwood, Texas and they have been married for 30 years. They have three children Andrew C. Cárdenas, 26, attending Angelo State University’s Doctorate of Physical Therapy Program, Kristian N. Cárdenas, 24, graduate of the University of North Texas, and Noah T. Cárdenas, 22, a senior at Texas A&M University majoring in Construction Science. Noel has enjoyed his transition from military service as he continues his career in healthcare. He especially enjoys serving the people in the Southeast Houston and Pearland Communities. Noel feels his personal values are well aligned with those of Memorial Hermann as his primary focuses are on people, patient safety, high reliability and quality care.

  Memorial Hermann Southeast & Pearland Hospitals

  CEO

  Noel Cárdenas

  CEO

  Memorial Hermann Southeast & Pearland Hospitals

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  Santiago Mendoza, Jr.

  Santiago Mendoza, Jr. is a Senior Vice President over Business Development & Marketing at Medistar Corporation and Integrated Viral Protection Services (IVP). His leadership responsibilities include business development, strategic planning, healthcare service line development, hospital syndication, hospital administration, public relations, marketing, physician relations & recruiting, staff development in for-profit and not-for-profit markets. Known as the “Doc-Whisperer”, his strengths in organizational leadership, business development, creative visioning, and problem-solving has resulted in a consistent track record of exceeding goals and objectives. Santiago also served in the US Army during Desert Storm and still shares his time to help other Veterans transition from active service into the civilian sector by helping them find jobs. His extensive community service has also led him to serve as Chairman and on Board of Directors for YMCA Smith Family (League City), American Heart Association (Bay Area Galveston), (Founder) Men Go RED for Women (Galveston Bay Area), Pearland Chamber of Commerce, League City Chamber of Commerce, CAP of Clear Lake (Community Assistance Program), Clear Lake Education Foundation, and co-founder of the Rotary International Harris County Medical Center Club. He is currently writing his first children’s book that is dedicated to his daughter.

  Medistar Corporation

  SVP

  Santiago Mendoza, Jr.

  SVP

  Medistar Corporation

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  Craig Laher

  Craig Laher is SVP, Head of Healthcare & Life Sciences at The Signorelli Company. Craig has over 30 years of experience comprising over $2 billion in healthcare, life sciences and university public-private-partnerships featuring “placemaking” developments, delivering high interconnectivity among naturally vibrant, walkable green areas with the best-in-class places to live, work, learn, play and be healthy. Prior to joining The Signorelli Company, Craig was Senior Vice President in charge of the Texas A&M Innovation Plaza campus development, a 2-million-square-foot mixed-use public-private-partnership, located at the Texas Medical Center. The Signorelli Company (Est. 1994) is an accomplished leader delivering award-winning, master-planned communities featuring: High interconnectivity among naturally vibrant, walkable green areas Best-in-class places to live, work, learn, play and be healthy Wellness Districts, healthier lifestyles, and sense of community Mixed-use portfolio of more than 12,000 acres in SE Texas Operates multiple divisions based in The Woodlands, TX, including: Healthcare & Life Sciences Retail & Commercial Single-family Multi-family Land Development Notable master-planned Communities: Valley Ranch Wellness District at Valley Ranch (1,400 AC); Austin Point (4,700 AC) 3rd fastest growing company in Houston MSA (Source: HBJ 2022) 2018-2022 Houston Area Top Workplace (Source: Houston Chronicle) Founder & CEO, Danny Signorelli, listed among “Most Admired CEO’s” (Source: HBJ 2022)

  The Signorelli Company

  SVP & Head of Healthcare & Life Sciences

  Craig Laher

  SVP & Head of Healthcare & Life Sciences

  The Signorelli Company

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  Cisco Hobbs

  Since 1985, Cisco has brought a broad base of construction experience to our clients, holding positions in estimating, project management, field operations, and business development. He applies his deep understanding of process and project management to provide quality results and is an advocate for RO company initiatives, committed to building and maintaining relationships with our clients. A proud graduate of Texas Tech University, Cisco is actively involved with the American Council for Construction Education. He serves on the Texas State University advisory board and as a lecturer in the department of engineering technology. Additionally, Cisco has contributed his knowledge to organizations focused on quality healthcare environments, such as the Texas Association of Healthcare Facility Managers and the American Society of Healthcare Engineers.

  Rogers-O’Brien Construction

  President

  Cisco Hobbs

  President

  Rogers-O’Brien Construction

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  Alan Dash

  Alan Dash is the Healthcare Technology Lead at Burns Engineering. Alan specializes in information-communications strategies and solutions that enable providers and practitioners to overcome their unique operational challenges. With three decades of experience as an in-house hospital IT leader and as a technology consultant, Alan has advised several of the country’s largest hospital systems. Alan assists hospitals improve patient outcomes, enhance the hospital-stay experience, optimize operational workflows, avoid wasteful spending, and ensure compliance with relevant regulations and guiding principles. He is a member of the World Future Society (WFS) and the Health Information Management Systems Society (HIMSS). Burns Engineering brings highly technical, sought-after expertise to healthcare facility, critical infrastructure, and built environment projects.

  Burns Engineering

  Healthcare Technology Lead

  Alan Dash

  Healthcare Technology Lead

  Burns Engineering

• Moderator

  Jack Bellows

  President

  W.S. Bellows Construction Corporation