📣 Calling all Utah healthcare leaders — join us for an insightful ACHE-Utah event on Service Line Development!

We’re bringing together some of the best minds in healthcare strategy:
Kris Larsen, Intermountain Health
Nick Paddock, University of Utah Health
Lisa Vitkus, former health executive & ACHE Regent
• Moderated by Anna Rogers, U of U Health

📅 Tuesday, June 10
⏰ 7:30–9:30 AM (Breakfast + Panel)
📍 Rice Eccles Stadium, SLC
🎓 1.5 ACHE Face-to-Face credit hours

Explore how service line strategy shapes growth, access, and value in today’s complex healthcare landscape. Don’t miss this opportunity to network, learn, and earn education credit.

👉 RSVP by Friday, June 5 to uhe.ache@gmail.com

Upcoming Virtual Event: Digital Health in the Healthcare Delivery System

Presented by:
ACHE of Utah

Date: Friday, May 9, 2025
Time: 10:00 – 11:30 AM
Location: Online – Virtual Panel

Join ACHE of Utah for a timely panel discussion on how digital health is transforming healthcare delivery. Learn from local leaders who are driving innovation and strategy in analytics, transformation, and virtual care.

Panelists:

  • Jonathan Anderson, PhD – Analytics Manager, Ambulatory Care Analytics, Intermountain Health
  • Tom Merrill – Principal and Founder, Redstone
  • Laura Marquez – Senior Director of Digital Transformation, University of Utah Health

Moderator:

  • Kade Haviland – Program Manager, Intermountain Health

Participants will earn 1.5 ACHE Qualified Education Credits (Category II) for attending.

RSVP by Wednesday, May 7th, 2025
👉 Register Here

Announcing the 2025 President-Elect: Chris Muehlmann

ACHE of Utah is proud to announce Chris Muehlmann as the 2025 President-Elect. Chris will begin his term on April 1, 2025, and transition to Chapter President in 2026.

Chris is the Pediatric Network Operations Director for Children’s Health with Intermountain Health. With more than 15 years of healthcare leadership experience, Chris has held roles including financial analyst, physician practice director, and senior project manager. He holds a bachelor’s degree from BYU and both an MHA and MBA from Weber State University.

As Education Chair, Chris has planned education events, panel discussions, and Chapter programming that earned ACHE of Utah a Chapter Distinction for Education.

Chris and his wife have four children and enjoy sports, concerts, golf, and traveling together.

Election Process
Chris was nominated by the Chapter Board Nominating Committee. No other nominations were submitted, and Chris was approved by acclamation during the February 7, 2025 Board meeting.

Please join us in welcoming Chris to this new leadership role.


Kurt Forsyth, FACHE
Chapter President, ACHE of Utah
President, Delta & Fillmore Community Hospitals, Intermountain Health
https://utahache.org

Join Us: ACHE of Utah Panel – State of Healthcare: Industry Leaders’ Perspectives

Utah Healthcare Executives invites you to an exclusive panel discussion focused on critical legislative updates and their impact on healthcare delivery in Utah. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear directly from the leaders shaping the future of our industry.

Event Details
📅 Date: Friday, April 11, 2025
🕖 Time: 7:15 AM – 8:45 AM
📍 Location: Courtyard by Marriott, 185 South 1470 East, St. George, Utah

Panelists:

  • Natalie Ashby – President, SW Utah Market, Intermountain Health
  • Francis Gibson – President, Utah Hospital Association
  • Evan Vickers – Majority Leader, Utah State Senate
  • Moderator: Lisa Paletta, FACHE – President, Primary Children’s Miller Campus, Intermountain Health

Why Attend?
✔ Engage in timely discussion on healthcare legislation and public health
✔ Earn 1.5 ACHE Face-to-Face Education Credit Hours
✔ Network with fellow healthcare leaders and executives

RSVP by Friday, April 4th, 2025
📧 Email Jasmine Juarez at uhe.ache@gmail.com

Seating is limited—secure your spot today and stay informed at the forefront of healthcare leadership in Utah.

Introducing ACHE of Utah – A New Name, the Same Commitment to Healthcare Leadership

We are excited to share that Utah Healthcare Executives is now ACHE of Utah! This name change strengthens our alignment with the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE) while reaffirming our role as an independent chapter dedicated to advancing healthcare leadership excellence in Utah.

Our vision is clear: ACHE of Utah will be the premier professional membership society for healthcare leaders in Utah, cultivating a tradition of ethics and excellence in leadership.

Our mission remains steadfast: To advance healthcare leadership excellence in Utah.

While our name has evolved, our dedication to education, networking, and professional growth remains unchanged. We are committed to empowering healthcare leaders across the state, providing resources, connections, and learning opportunities that drive impactful leadership and better healthcare outcomes.

We invite you to engage with us, attend our events, and be part of a thriving community of healthcare professionals who share your passion for excellence.

Stay connected for updates and opportunities to grow with ACHE of Utah!

Celebrating Leadership & Excellence: Chuck Zollinger, FACHE

Achieving the Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives (FACHE) credential is a significant milestone in any healthcare leader’s journey. Today, we proudly recognize Chuck Zollinger, RN, MHA, FACHE, for earning this distinguished designation—a testament to his unwavering commitment to excellence, ethics, and leadership in healthcare.

With over 25 years of experience in organ procurement, tissue recovery, and healthcare administration, Chuck has continuously demonstrated his dedication to improving systems, fostering collaboration, and driving strategic growth. As Chief Operating Officer at DonorConnect, his impact extends across multiple departments, ensuring the mission of saving and healing lives remains at the forefront of every initiative.

Why the FACHE Matters to Chuck

While Chuck is not one to seek the spotlight, he recognizes the importance of promoting the FACHE credential and what it represents: leadership, integrity, and a deep commitment to advancing healthcare. His journey toward earning the FACHE was influenced by:

  • The George Washington University Executive MHA Program, which instilled the value of pursuing this prestigious credential.
  • Support from fellow Utah ACHE chapter members, who encouraged and motivated him throughout the process.
  • A desire to inspire colleagues and future leaders by setting an example and demonstrating the importance of continuous professional growth.
  • A commitment to upholding the highest standards and ethics in healthcare leadership.

Chuck’s journey underscores a powerful message: It’s never too late to earn your FACHE credential. Regardless of where you are in your healthcare career, taking the step toward board certification in healthcare management is an investment in yourself, your organization, and the people you serve.

Beyond the Office

Outside of work, Chuck and his wife, Jill, are proud parents and grandparents, with their home often serving as a lively gathering place for their six children and nine grandchildren. They are self-proclaimed Disney nerds and, when time allows, Chuck enjoys playing disc golf—a sport that fuels his competitive spirit while keeping him active.

Please join us in congratulating Chuck Zollinger, FACHE, on this well-earned achievement! His dedication to professional excellence and healthcare leadership continues to make a meaningful impact on both the industry and the lives of those he serves.

Feb 2025 Event

Inclusive Leadership in Healthcare: A Panel Discussion

Utah Healthcare Executives invites you to an engaging and thought-provoking panel discussion on “Inclusive Leadership in Healthcare”. This event brings together accomplished healthcare leaders to share insights and strategies for fostering inclusivity and collaboration in healthcare organizations.

In today’s evolving healthcare landscape, inclusive leadership is more critical than ever. By attending, you’ll gain valuable perspectives on how inclusive practices can improve organizational culture, enhance patient care, and drive innovation.

Featured Panelists:

  • Laura McDonough, Vice President, Consumer Experience, Intermountain Health
  • Selena Young, Associate Executive Director, Service Lines and Ancillary Services, University of Utah Health
  • Christine McSweeney, President, Holy Cross Hospital (Jordan Valley & Jordan Valley West)
  • Rebecca Hunter, Vice President, Strategy and Planning, HCA Mountain Division (Moderator)

Event Details:

  • Date: Friday, February 21, 2025
  • Time:
    • 7:30 – 8:30 AM: Networking & Light Breakfast
    • 8:30 – 10:00 AM: Panel Discussion
  • Location: Utah Valley University, Keller Building Room 401-403

Why Attend?

  • It’s Free: Gain invaluable insights and connections without spending a dime!
  • Earn ACHE Credit: Attendees will receive 1.5 Face-to-Face ACHE education credit hours, supporting professional development.
  • Networking Opportunities: Connect with fellow healthcare professionals and leaders during the networking session.
  • Actionable Insights: Walk away with strategies to implement inclusive leadership practices within your organization.

A light breakfast will be provided, ensuring you start the day fueled for learning and growth.


Registration
This is a free event, but space is limited. Please RSVP by Wednesday, February 19, 2025, to Jasmine Juarez at uhe.ache@gmail.com.


Parking Information
Visitor parking is available at the UVU Keller Building. Use the Passport app to pay for parking in advance, and note your license plate and zone number for a seamless experience. A detailed map of the parking lot (Lot MB25) is included in your confirmation email.


Don’t miss this unique opportunity to learn from industry leaders, enhance your professional skills, and grow your network—all at no cost to you. We look forward to seeing you there!

🎓 Exciting Opportunities for ACHE Virtual Credits!

To support our UHE members in earning Virtual Credits, we’re thrilled to share an upcoming educational event hosted by surrounding chapters. It is FREE to attend and offers Virtual Interactive Credits upon participation. Check out the details and register through the provided link!

📍 Montana Chapter Event:
Topic: Disruptive Innovation in Healthcare Delivery
Date: December 12, 2024
Time: 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM MST
Credits: Virtual Interactive
Register Here

This is a fantastic opportunity to learn from industry leaders and earn credits toward your professional development goals. Feel free to share with your colleagues!

Sustainable Strategies to Support Well-being for Healthcare Professionals

Date: December 11, 2024
Time: 7:30 AM – Breakfast & Networking | 8:00–9:30 AM – Panel Discussion
Location: HCA Healthcare World Trade Center, 60 East South Temple, Suite 1900, SLC, UT 84111

Burnout and well-being challenges among healthcare professionals have reached critical levels, impacting individuals, teams, and organizations. Join Utah Healthcare Executives for a vital panel discussion addressing long-term solutions to these challenges.

What You’ll Gain:

  • Insightful strategies to support workforce resilience and well-being
  • Actionable approaches for healthcare leaders facing modern-day challenges
  • Opportunities to network with industry leaders

Panelists:

  • Kelly Brimhall – Regional VP of HR, HCA
  • Cristina Hudak-Rosander – Integrated BH Clinic Manager, Intermountain Health
  • Megan Call – Associate Chief Wellness Officer, University of Utah Health

Moderator: Janelle Robinson, Sr. Service Line Director, Intermountain Health

Earn 1.5 ACHE Face-to-Face Education Credit Hours!

RSVP by Monday, December 2nd: Contact Jasmine Juarez at uhe.ache@gmail.com.

Parking validation is available. Directions and parking information will be provided.

Developing High Performing Teams

Join us for an insightful evening with Utah Healthcare Executives as we present the “Developing High Performing Teams” panel discussion on October 29, 2024. Hosted at Weber State University’s Davis Campus, this event will feature thought leaders from across the healthcare industry.

Our panelists include:

  • Kurt Forsyth, FACHE – President, Delta & Fillmore Community Hospitals
  • Oliver Johnston, MBA – Executive Director, Network Operations, Castell – An Intermountain Healthcare Company
  • David Ray, MBA, FACHE – Chief Operating Officer, Tanner Clinic

Moderated by Eric Glissmeyer, MD, MBA, Director of Pediatric Emergency Practice Expansion at the University of Utah, this discussion will dive deep into the strategies for building and sustaining high-performing teams in healthcare environments.

Agenda:

  • 5:30 PM – Networking
  • 6:00 PM – Panel Discussion (1.5 ACHE Face-to-Face credits available)

RSVP by October 23, 2024, to Jasmine Juarez at uhe.ache@gmail.com. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain actionable insights and connect with healthcare leaders.