SAHA INVITES MEMBERS TO ATTEND:
2026 Nelson Mullins Value-Based Healthcare Forum
Understanding and Pursuing Value-Based Care Opportunities
November 18, 2026 | Virtual Forum
Preparing for the Next Era of Value-Based Care
With ACO REACH ending this year and new CMS Innovation Center models launching January 1, 2027, healthcare organizations are facing important decisions about the future of value-based care.
Join Nelson Mullins, healthcare executives, actuaries, and industry experts for a timely discussion on emerging models, evolving reimbursement strategies, and practical approaches to positioning your organization for success.
Featured Conversation: What's Next for Value-Based Healthcare?
A Conversation with Abe Sutton, Director of the CMS Innovation Center (CMMI) and Deputy Administrator of CMS
Hear directly from the federal leader shaping the next generation of value-based care models. In conversation with Nelson Mullins partner Ed White, Abe Sutton will discuss CMMI's strategic priorities, the transition from ACO REACH to the 10-year LEAD Model, the expanding role of specialists, and what providers and payers should be doing now to prepare for 2027.
Additional Forum Highlights
The program will also explore:
- Building Successful Value-Based Enterprises: A Southern Atlantic Healthcare Alliance case study featuring SAHA CEO Leslie Barden.
- Care Coordination: Strategies for capturing savings and improving performance.
- Value-Based Care Analytics: Managing data to support better decisions and outcomes.
- Specialist Engagement: An orthopedic case study on making specialists successful in value-based care.
- Sustainable ACO Performance: Navigating risk, reimbursement, and an evolving healthcare market.
Register Here
Join this virtual forum for practical insights and strategies to help your organization navigate the changing value-based care landscape.
For more information, contact valuebasedcare@nelsonmullins.com.
Southern Healthcare Alliance Announces 2026-2027 Board Members
The Southern Atlantic Healthcare Alliance (SAHA) today announced its FY2027 slate of officers, effective October 1, 2026, through September 30, 2027.
The FY2027 officers are:
- Chair: David Pope, CEO, Scotland Health
- Vice-Chair: Donald Gintzig, CEO, WakeMed Health and Hospitals
- Secretary: Dan Weatherly, CEO, Cape Fear Valley Health System
- Treasurer: Stephanie Sessoms, EVP and CFO, WakeMed Health and Hospitals (non-voting)
The officers bring extensive experience across healthcare leadership, hospital operations, finance, and strategic growth. Their collective leadership will support SAHA's continued focus on bringing hospitals and health systems together to share knowledge, address common challenges, and create meaningful opportunities for collaboration.
Founded in 2004 by independent health systems in North Carolina, SAHA has evolved from a convener of healthcare organizations into a catalyst for business ventures, innovation, and collaboration. Today, the Alliance works to help its members strengthen their organizations and communities through collective learning, strategic partnerships, performance improvement, and value-focused initiatives.
“SAHA's strength has always been rooted in collaboration and the willingness of healthcare leaders to work together,” said Leslie Barden, CEO of SAHA. “We are pleased to welcome this leadership team for FY2027 and look forward to the experience, perspective, and leadership they will bring as SAHA continues to create value for its members.”
The FY2027 officers will serve from October 1, 2026, through September 30, 2027.