Speakers

Donna Bailer, J.D.
UAB Department of Neurosurgery
Building Effective Leadership Partnerships Through Dyad Leadership
May 1, 2026 | 8:30 AM - 9:30 AM
Donna is originally from Marion, Indiana, and graduated from Indiana University in Bloomington with an AS in Audio Technology and a BA in Telecommunications (with Distinction). She first worked in financial software, then moved to the recording studio & music business for several years.  Donna then earned her J.D. from the University of Alabama (summa cum laude, Order of the Coif) and her LL.M. in Taxation from University of Florida in Gainesville. Prior to joining UAB, Donna spent 10 years as a business attorney-shareholder in Birmingham at Dominick Feld Hyde, PC with a concentration in mergers and acquisitions, as well as tax law.

Donna has been the Executive Administrator of the UAB Department of Neurosurgery since its inception in 2013. The Department has 20 neurosurgeons, 1 interventional radiologist, 1 pediatric psychologist, 6 PhD faculty wet and dry lab researchers, 4 education MD/PhD faculty, 21 advanced practice providers, several fellows and 21 residents. Four of the 20 neurosurgeons and 1 APP specialize in pediatric neurosurgery at Children’s of Alabama. The Department has neurosurgery practices at 4 hospitals in the Birmingham area, with its main facility having over 1,200 beds, making it one of the largest in the nation. The Department has substantial NIH funding, an extensive clinical trials program, and a highly-published group of residents.

Donna has been a member of Neurosurgery Executives’ Resource, Value & Education Society (“NERVES”) since 2013, having served in multiple roles including Board Member at Large, Secretary, Treasurer, Vice President, President and immediate Past President, as well as Chair or Co-Chair of multiple NERVES committees. Supporting the networking, education, and best-practice resources of neurosurgery administrators across the US including private, hybrid, hospital and academic practices has provided Donna with national leadership opportunities and has been a worthwhile effort creating long-lasting friendships, support, and opportunities.

Donna and her husband, Rex, have been married 32 years and have two daughters, Crispin (18) who is in college at UAB and Jinx (16), a high-school sophomore.  Donna is active in road cycling and running and participates in many worthy charitable causes. She is a forever learner, has a talent for designing and improving processes, loves business and finance, enjoys music -- fondly recalling her college rock-band singer days--, and tries to find humor in all things.

Rich Braken
Keynote Speaker on Emotional Intelligence
Founder and CEO, Unstoppable Solutions
EQ + Music | Soundtrack for Success
April 30, 2026 | 8:30 AM - 9:45 AM
Breakout: EQ | Boosting Culture & Performance Through EI
April 30, 2026 | 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Rich Bracken is an engaging keynote speaker and executive coach known for his dynamic storytelling and entertaining style. He seamlessly blends data, research, and emotion to deliver powerful insights that inspire sustainable positive change.

Rich is also the Brand Ambassador for TalentSmartEQ, the #1 emotional intelligence research and training company in the world. This allows him to bring a differentiated level of emotional intelligence insights and strategies for his audience.

Leveraging his expertise in emotional intelligence, executive presence, and leadership, Rich infuses his presentations with the energy and creativity honed from his experience as a national touring DJ. His keynotes are not just informative but also captivating performances that resonate on both personal and professional levels.

Rich has partnered with numerous Fortune 100 companies and global organizations, offering keynote speeches and consulting services that leave a lasting impact. A familiar face on national media, he is also a trusted presentation and public speaking coach to executives and celebrities nationwide.

Recognized by Smart Meetings as a National Top Speaker, Rich’s creative, empathetic, and performative keynotes have set him apart in the world of professional speaking.

Cameron Cox, MHA, FACMPE
President and CEO
e3cs Consulting
Harnessing Healthcare Transparency: Tools, Trends, and Opportunities for Physician Practices
April 29, 2026 | 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Breakout - Surviving Chaos: Private Practices Facing New Realities
April 30, 2026 | 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Cameron Cox is the President and CEO of e3c3 consulting. Called the MacGyver of healthcare business management, he’s a man with a mission: to help medical practices thrive. With a history of being a practice administrator and founding a successful medical billing and consulting firm, Cam brings unique views and perspectives on today’s practice management. Over the course of the last 25 plus years, Cam has worked with more than 500 medical practices and health systems across virtually every medical specialty in the spectrum.

Cam is a Fellow of the American College of Medical Practice Executives, which is the most prestigious designation you can earn in the medical practice management profession. He also has undergraduate and graduate degrees in Healthcare Administration from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Antoine Curtis, MBA, MPA
University of Chicago
Building Effective Leadership Partnerships Through Dyad Leadership (Moderator)
May 1, 2026 | 8:30 AM - 9:30 AM
Antoine Curtis is the Executive Director of the Neuroscience Service Line at UChicago Medicine, where he leverages over 13 years of experience in healthcare leadership. Known for his strategic vision and commitment to enhancing patient care, Antoine excels in process improvement and team management.

He holds a Master of Business Administration and a Master of Public Administration with a concentration in Health Services from Keller Graduate School of Management, along with a Bachelor of Science in Business Technical Management from DeVry University. Antoine is also actively involved in professional organizations, serving on the boards of the Neurosurgery Executives' Resource Value and Education Society and Community Health.

With a passion for quality improvement and operational efficiency, he is dedicated to driving success in healthcare delivery.

Adam Garner
Vice President, Business Development
After Transparency
Harnessing Healthcare Transparency: Tools, Trends, and Opportunities for Physician Practices
April 29, 2026 | 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
A 15 year-veteran in healthcare (hospital, in-patient mental health, and hospice), Adam works with the After Transparency team to put payor price transparency data in the hands of providers — and providers only. They then offer the concierge-level support their clients need to interpret the story that data tells into actionable insights that drive impact through contract negotiations and market opportunities.

Jake Godzik
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Building Effective Leadership Partnerships Through Dyad Leadership
May 1, 2026 | 8:30 AM - 9:30 AM
Originally from San Diego, California, Dr. Godzik studied Molecular and Cellular Biology at the University of California, Berkeley before earning both his medical degree and a master’s in statistics and clinical study design at Washington University in St. Louis. There, he trained with some of the most respected names in spine surgery, including Dr. Lawrence Lenke and Dr. Michael Kelly, whose mentorship helped shape his foundation in evidence-based, patient-centered care.

Dr. Godzik went on to complete his neurosurgical residency at the Barrow Neurological Institute in Phoenix, Arizona — one of the nation’s leading training programs — where he had the opportunity to learn from world-renowned neurosurgeons Dr. Michael Lawton and Dr. Juan Uribe. During residency, he completed a combined orthopedic and neurosurgical fellowship in complex and minimally invasive spine surgery through the San Diego Spine Foundation, working closely with Dr. Greg Mundis and Dr. Robert Eastlack. This experience deepened his expertise in treating spinal deformities using both traditional and minimally invasive approaches. He also gained additional training at UCSD/Rady Children’s Hospital and participated in global outreach efforts through Global Spine Outreach, helping to care for children with complex spinal conditions.

Throughout his career, Dr. Godzik has remained committed to advancing the field of spine surgery. He has authored over 100 peer-reviewed publications and delivered more than 50 presentations at national and international conferences. He currently serves on the editorial boards of Journal of Neurosurgery: Spine and Operative Neurosurgery, helping shape the future of spine research and education.

At UAB, Dr. Godzik brings national-level involvement to patient care, staying at the forefront of innovation through active roles in organizations like the Scoliosis Research Society, the Congress of Neurological Surgeons, and the American Association of Neurological Surgeons. His goal is to ensure that patients benefit from the most current techniques and evidence-based practices in spine care.

In addition to his clinical and academic work, Dr. Godzik is passionate about education and mentorship. He enjoys working closely with residents and fellows and serves as the Ambulatory Medical Director for UAB Neurosurgery, as well as the Director of the UAB Neurosurgical Spine Fellowship, where he helps train the next generation of spine surgeons.

Outside of work, Dr. Godzik enjoys traveling, skiing, cycling, and exploring ways to bring new and innovative solutions to healthcare.

Dean Otto
Keynote Speaker
Finish the Ride: The Power of Belief at Work and in Life
April 30, 2026 | 10:15 AM - 11:15 AM
Before the accident, Dean spent over three decades in high-performing executive roles across sales and marketing at companies like Pillsbury, Frito Lay, KPMG and at software companies like Marigold and Braze. He led global teams, built multi-million-dollar business units, and thrived in environments that demanded accountability, grit, and results. He understands corporate leadership because he’s lived it—and rebuilt it from the ground up.

In his most recent role at Braze, Dean served as a Senior Strategic Global Account Lead for 5 years, entrusted with managing and expanding key relationships with marquee clients such as Warner Bros. Discovery, Paramount Global, McDonald’s, and YUM! Brands. Despite thriving in the role—consistently surpassing his goals and earning recognition as Braze’s top salesperson in 2024—Dean made the bold decision to leave the corporate world. Driven by a deep passion to inspire others, he chose to pursue his lifelong dream of sharing his miraculous personal story and the powerful lessons it taught him.

Today, Dean’s message reaches companies not just because of what he survived—but because of what he knows. He bridges real-world business experience with life-changing insight, creating a message that meets teams where they are and moves them toward what’s possible.

Emily Penn
Katz, Sapper & Miller
Breakout - Socio-Economic Survey Results
April 30, 2026 | 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Emily Penn is a manager in Katz, Sapper & Miller’s Healthcare Resources Group. Emily provides consulting services in such areas as compensation and productivity analysis, mergers and acquisitions, and strategic planning. Utilizing data analysis, Emily helps healthcare clients identify opportunities for performance improvement and achieve their strategic goals. She is experienced in designing analytic models, presentations, and reports to support the growth and development of clients. Additionally, Emily’s experience in developing tax planning solutions for her clients helps them minimize tax liability and increase efficiencies.

Charlotte Pineda
Vice President, Health Policy and Advocacy
American Association of Neurological Surgeons / Congress of Neurological Surgeons
Lunch + Business Meeting
April 30, 2026 | 12:30 PM - 1:45 PM
Charlotte Pineda is the Vice President of Health Policy and Advocacy for the American Association of Neurological Surgeons and the Congress of Neurological Surgeons. In this role, she spearheads advocacy efforts on behalf of the neurosurgical field, working closely with policymakers, federal agencies, and stakeholders to influence health policy affecting neurosurgeons and their patients. Her leadership encompasses a broad range of issues, from Medicare reimbursement and prior authorization reforms to workforce sustainability. Charlotte’s strategic guidance ensures that neurosurgeons’ perspectives are well-represented in Washington, bolstering neurosurgery’s impact on key legislative and regulatory issues.

Prior to her current role, Charlotte spent nearly a decade as a successful legislative staffer in US Congress. She served as health policy director for US Senator Roger Marshall, MD (R-KS), and as a professional staff member on the U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor & Pensions (HELP). In these positions, she collaborated with other committee staff, federal agencies, and diverse stakeholders to address pressing issues. Before her work with Senator Marshall, she was the health policy advisor to US Rep. Chris Collins (R-NY) on the House Energy and Commerce Committee, where she contributed to legislation on the opioid crisis, drug supply chain security, and reauthorization of essential public health programs. Earlier in her career, Charlotte held the role of Health Policy Fellow to the late Senator Orrin Hatch (R-UT), assisting with landmark legislation like the 21st Century Cures Act and other drug pricing policies. Throughout her tenure, she championed dozens of bipartisan bills on prescription drug pricing, maternal health, pandemic preparedness, and public health. She also advanced numerous policies to improve program integrity across federally-funded programs.

She began her career in government relations as an associate for the Delta Dental Plans Association and has contributed to research and policy initiatives with organizations such as Resources for the Future and the Biotechnology Industry Organization.

Charlotte received a BA degree in government and international relations from the University of South Florida and a Master of Public Policy from George Mason University. She also studied Finance and Marketing at Columbia University.

Kenneth J. Rich, MD
Raleigh Neurosurgical Clinic
Building Effective Leadership Partnerships Through Dyad Leadership
May 1, 2026 | 8:30 AM - 9:30 AM
Kenneth J. Rich, MD is a board-certified neurosurgeon who specializes in minimally invasive spine surgery. He joined Raleigh Neurosurgical Clinic in 2013 and has since been recognized for both his clinical expertise and his commitment to advancing spine care.

Dr. Rich is nationally and internationally respected for his work in minimally invasive spinal techniques. He has lectured and taught fellow spine surgeons throughout the United States and abroad, including in China, London, and Brazil. In addition, he has collaborated with multiple medical device and technology companies to help develop and refine the tools, techniques, and procedures used in modern neurosurgery.

Patient outcomes are central to Dr. Rich’s practice philosophy. “We’re out to get a good result—that’s our number one priority,” he says. “We like to fix people. When you see a patient post-operatively and they’re laughing and had a good result, that’s the neatest feeling.”

Dr. Rich remains actively engaged in the latest advancements in spine care through participation in FDA-approved clinical studies, including research involving disc replacement, spinal stenosis, and ruptured disc procedures.

He earned his medical degree from the State University of New York at Buffalo and completed both his general surgery internship and neurosurgery residency at the University of Kentucky Medical Center. Dr. Rich is a Diplomate of the American Board of Neurological Surgeons and is board certified in neurosurgery.

Outside of the operating room, Dr. Rich enjoys cooking—often preparing lunch for the entire Raleigh Neurosurgical Clinic team—traveling, and spending time working in his garden.

Madeline Ritter
Katz, Sapper & Miller
Breakout - Socio-Economic Survey Results
April 30, 2026 | 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Madeline Ritter is a consulting senior associate with KSM’s Healthcare Resources Group. Madeline utilizes her background in business and healthcare management to help healthcare providers improve their organization’s performance, make strategic, data-centric decisions, and deliver high-quality outcomes. Madeline also has experience in developing analytical models, utilizing survey tools, designing effective surveys, and implementing strategies to collect meaningful insights and tailored solutions for our clients. Additionally, Madeline provides consulting services in such areas as compensation and productivity analysis, mergers and acquisitions, and strategic planning. 

Jacob Rodman, CMPE
Raleigh Neurosurgical Clinic
Building Effective Leadership Partnerships Through Dyad Leadership
May 1, 2026 | 8:30 AM - 9:30 AM
Jacob A. Rodman is an accomplished healthcare executive and the Chief Executive Officer of Raleigh Neurosurgical Clinic, Inc., where he leads one of North Carolina’s most historic and established neurosurgical practices. During his tenure, he has guided RNC through significant growth, modernization, and strategic transformation, including a unified, multi-location neurosurgical, pain management and spine enterprise focused on excellence in patient care, surgical innovation, operational integration, and long-term regional impact.

Jacob is involved in several strategic boards and ventures, including philanthropic efforts such as the Leroy Allen Foundation, Wake Monarch Academy, MGMA of the Carolinas and industry advisory work, including for emerging technologies like LifeGel™. His leadership style emphasizes patient welfare, collaborative culture, operational rigor, and strategic vision. He is known for driving complex initiatives, building high-performing teams, and fostering partnerships that elevate quality, access, and continuity of surgical and non-surgical care. Jacob has presented both nationally and internationally on a variety of topics encompassing leadership, growth, strategic planning and healthcare policy.

Jacob lives by the principle “be the sun, not the salt,” championing a positive leadership culture rooted in transparency, compassion, and consistency.

Steve Warner
Katz, Sapper & Miller
Breakout - Socio-Economic Survey Results
April 30, 2026 | 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Steve Warner is the leader of KSM’s Healthcare Resources Group. Steve helps healthcare clients navigate all aspects of their contractual relationships, including fair market value assessments and hospital/physician integration. He also helps healthcare providers develop strategies for growth, whether organic or acquisitive in nature. As a member of the firm’s Transaction Advisory Services Group, Steve works with private equity and strategic clients to help them understand the complete financial picture of target companies and to develop innovative solutions to maximize each opportunity.

Katherine Zentner
Associate Principal
Sg2
Neurosciences Landscape Update
May 1, 2026 | 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
As part of Sg2’s Intelligence team, Kate leads the development and delivery of Sg2’s neurosciences and spine offerings, working closely with clients to provide comprehensive research- and analytics-driven strategic intelligence.

In her current role, she also contributes to projects including the annual development of Sg2’s Impact of Change^® forecast and grouper methodology, as well as numerous white papers and service line–focused consulting engagements. She regularly interacts with members via web seminars, education sessions and retreat facilitation, and has been an invited speaker at national meetings for organizations such as the Society of Vascular and Interventional Neurology as well as at Medtronic’s Neuroscience Healthcare Executive Summit.  

Previously, Kate has also contributed to Sg2’s work in behavioral health and orthopedics, as well as publications on a range of enterprise strategy topics. Prior to joining Sg2, Kate worked at Rush University Medical Center in emergency management, as well as SPM, a health care marketing and branding firm.

Kate earned an MS in health systems management from Rush University in Chicago, IL, and received her BA from the University of Southern California.