Spring Conference Speakers

Joseph Bell, MD
Children's Health of the Carolinas
Understanding and Addressing Health Disparities for American Indians in the Carolinas
Friday, May 16 | 10:45 AM - 12:00 PM
Joseph is from Pembroke, NC, and proudly holds the distinction of being the first Lumbee and Native American pediatrician in North Carolina. He graduated from the UNC School of Pharmacy in 1982 and the UNC School of Medicine in 1986. As a past president of the Association of American Indian Physicians, Dr. Bell leads initiatives that support American Indian health. Currently, he manages Children's Health of the Carolinas, which operates pediatric clinics in Cumberland, Hoke, and Robeson counties. For 26 years, he has actively practiced as a general pediatrician at the Pembroke clinic, gaining extensive experience in tribal health and the Indian Health Service.

Ronny Bell, PhD, MS
Fred Eshelman Professor and Chair, Division of Pharmaceutical Outcomes and Policy, Senior Advisor for UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, Associate Director of Cancer Care Access and Excellence
Understanding and Addressing Health Disparities for American Indians in the Carolinas
Friday, May 16 | 10:45 AM - 12:00 PM
Dr. Bell holds a Bachelor's in Public Health Nutrition from UNC, a Master's and Doctorate in Foods and Nutrition from UNC Greensboro, and a Master's in Epidemiology from Wake Forest. As an enrolled member of the Lumbee Tribe, Dr. Bell has made significant contributions to health equity for American Indians, including co-leading the Southeastern American Indian Cancer Health Equity Partnership.

Karen Gregory, RN, CDIPC
Karen Gregory Consulting, LLC
When You Can't Walk Away
Friday, May 16 | 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM
Mrs. Gregory has over 20 years of experience in outpatient care, focusing on compliance programs and patient safety. A nationally recognized speaker and trainer, she educates healthcare workers on acknowledging and caring for victims of human trafficking. In early 2023, she launched a consulting firm to inspire frontline healthcare workers to prioritize safety in their practices.

Doral Jacobsen, MBA, FACMPE
Partner of Prosper Beyond
Mastering the Art of Payer Contracting: A Strategy Workshop for Success
Wednesday, May 14 | 1:30 PM - 3:30 PM
With over 20 years of experience in healthcare consulting, Doral Davis-Jacobsen is a dynamic leader at Prosper Beyond LLC in Asheville, North Carolina. She specializes in managed care contract negotiations, payment reform, and revenue cycle management, earning recognition as a Fellow of the American College of Medical Practice Executives. Doral's expertise is showcased through her numerous articles and her role as a co-author of MGMA's book Transitioning to Alternative Payment Models, published in 2016. Additionally, she serves as the Chair of the Carolinas MGMA Payer Contracting Committee, demonstrating her commitment to advancing healthcare practices.

Jason Newton
General Counsel, Curi
Navigating the Benefits and Risks of AI in Healthcare: Insights and Strategies
Thursday, May 15 | 12:45 PM - 2:00 PM
Jason leverages over 14 years of legal experience to support physicians. A Senior Fellow in the Litigation Counsel of America, he is a recognized speaker who has presented to over 7,500 healthcare professionals and authored nearly 30 publications.

Dr. Jared Pelo, MD, FACEP
Chief Medical Information Officer for Microsoft, Co-founder of Bionic Health
Navigating the Benefits and Risks of AI in Healthcare: Insights and Strategies
Thursday, May 15 | 12:45 PM - 2:00 PM
Dr. Pelo has over 15 years of experience in emergency medicine and leadership in healthcare technology. He is dedicated to enhancing patient care and the patient-provider relationship through technology-enabled solutions. At Bionic Health, he focuses on developing tools that use artificial intelligence to support informed clinical decision-making, improving the prevention and treatment of chronic diseases.

Todd Pittman, CMPE
CEO of Digestive Health Specialists
ACMPE Presentation & Carolinas MGMA Business Meeting
Friday, May 16 | 8:00 AM - 9:30 AM
Over the past 30 years, Todd has held diverse private and specialty healthcare roles, including administration and consulting. He has been active with the Carolinas MGMA, serving as President of multiple chapters and chairing various conferences, including the MGMA Conference, for over 20 years. His leadership extends to the MGMA Annual Conference Committee and as a State Liaison.

Charlie Saffro
CEO and Founder of CS Recruiting, TEDx speaker
Culture as the Cure: Leading with Purpose to Attract, Engage, and Retain Talent
Thursday, May 15 | 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
As a prominent thought leader in transforming leadership and workplace culture, Charlie emphasizes the importance of employee empowerment, engagement, and well-being as keys to improving retention and business performance. Her dynamic keynote presentations, including a recent TEDx talk, advocate for authenticity and openness in leadership, helping organizations build resilient cultures that attract and retain top talent.

Eddie Slowikowski
Former world-class runner and Gold Medal winner
Inspired Performance (performance will start after the Welcome session at 8:00 AM)
Thursday, May 15 | 8:00 AM - 9:30 AM
Eddie is an expert in engaging presentations and interactive storytelling. For over 30 years, his acclaimed "Four Minute Formula" has inspired audiences across various sectors. Committed to service and community, Eddie customizes his programs to help individuals maximize their potential and energize their performance.