Members of Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro’s cabinet, Pennsylvania senators and representatives, and key healthcare and industry leaders, including the president and CEO of The Hospital and Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania, will come together for Indiana University of Pennsylvania and Indiana Regional Medical Center’s 2025 Pennsylvania Mountains Rural Health Conference on November 20.
The conference features Department of Human Services Secretary Valerie Arkoosh, Department of Health Secretary Debra Bogen, Pennsylvania Secretary of Aging Jason Kavulich, and Pennsylvania Commissioner of Insurance Michael Humphreys for a panel discussion at 9:00 a.m.: “Implications of H.R.1 and Opportunities Under the Rural Health Transformation Plan.” This panel will be moderated by IUP proposed college of osteopathic medicine Founding Dean Miko Rose.
Senate Majority Leader Senator Joe Pittman, 41st District; Senator Michele Brooks, 50th District; Representative and Chair, Appropriations Committee Representative Jim Struzzi, 62nd District; Representative Arvind Venkat, 30th District; and Office of the Governor Deputy Chief of Staff Lindsey Mauldin will be part of a panel discussion, “Government Impact on Rural Health” at 11:00 a.m.
Keynote speaker Nicole Stallings
President and CEO of The Hospital and Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania Nicole Stallings will offer the keynote presentation for the conference at 10:15 a.m., “Our Communities’ Futures Depend on Strong, Rural Hospitals,” addressing rural health opportunities and challenges and what they mean for communities.
The theme for the 2025 conference is “Healthcare Innovation.” Sessions address a wide range of topics important to rural health, including legislation and funding. The conference is coordinated by IRMC Chief Operating Officer and Chief Human Resources Officer for the Pennsylvania Mountains Care Network Jim Kinneer and IUP Director of Strategic Partnerships Christina Koren. Koren will moderate the 11:00 a.m. “Government Impact on Rural Health” panel discussion.
IUP Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Lara Luetkehans and Kinneer will be emcees for the conference.
“IUP is very proud to partner with IRMC for this annual event and to welcome members of the Governor’s cabinet and leadership team; elected officials including State Senate Majority Leader Pittman, Representative Struzzi, Senator Brooks and Representative Dr. Venkat; and state healthcare leaders,” IUP President Michael Driscoll said.
“The conference is an important opportunity for information sharing and frank discussion as we continue to work together to develop solutions for the growing rural healthcare crisis,” Driscoll said.
“Strong rural hospitals build strong communities,” President and CEO of Indiana Regional Medical Center Steve Wolfe said. “Collaborating with IUP allows us to unite education, innovation, and healthcare leadership, all working together to strengthen the future of rural health in our region.”
Founding Dean Rose also will join Karin Rhodes, special advisor to Arkoosh, for a breakout session for rural healthcare leadership at 3:30 p.m., “Mobilize & Execute: Post Department of Human Services-Department of Health Regional Rural Health Summit Action Session.”
The annual conference, in its fourth year, celebrates National Rural Health Day and builds on the IRMC-IUP Day tradition of celebrating its many partnerships.
Indiana County Commissioner Bonni Dunlap will join IUP President Driscoll and IRMC CEO Wolfe for welcome remarks.
Open to the community, the day-long event will be held at IUP’s Kovalchick Convention and Athletic Complex; registration begins at 7:30 a.m. and presentations conclude at 3:30 p.m., with closing remarks from 4:30 to 5:00 p.m. and the presentation of the second annual Rural Health Impact Award, which recognizes individuals and organizations for their significant contributions to improving the health and well-being of rural community residents.
Breakfast and lunch are included as part of the conference registration; 5.5 face-to-face Continuing Legal Education credits are available for attorneys practicing in Pennsylvania.
Preregistration is required and can be made online; additional details can be found on the conference website.
Conference programming will include a display of research posters by IUP student researchers; the authors of the research posters will be present for a question-and-answer session from noon to 1:00 p.m. A panel with the founders of the Advancement League, a membership organization for leaders looking to advance their careers and communities, is planned for students.
Additional conference sessions, designed for all levels of knowledge, include:
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“Healthcare Innovations in Pennsylvania,” featuring Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture Office of the Secretary Director of Innovation Michael Roth; Nulton Diagnostic and Treatment Center President Larry Nulton; Graystone CEO Jeff Long; Small Town Hope’s Treehouse Founder and CEO Mandi Paronish; and Gloria Gates CARE founder and CEO Zane Gates. IUP Vice Provost Hilliary Creely will moderate the session.
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“Building Sustainable Rural Health Systems: Policy and Practice for Cost Reduction,” featuring Pennsylvania Mountain Care Network CIO and COO Mark Volovic; Rural Health Redesign Center Director of External Affairs Steven Davis; and Jake Muskovitz from the Pennsylvania Health Care Cost Containment Council. Punxsutawney Area Hospital President and CMO Clark Simpson will moderate the session.
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“Rural Health Innovation to the Classroom, K-12 Educator Workshop,” with Armstrong-Indiana Intermediate Unit (ARIN IU 28) Curriculum Specialist Lacie Cook and Training and Consultation Team member Mariha Shields. ARIN IU 28 Director of Curriculum and Educational Technology Susan Griffith will moderate the session.
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“Rethinking Rural Health—Preparing for the Future,” featuring Sheetz Employee Benefits and Wellness Senior Manager Travis Eckles; Wayne Maynard from Angel Flight; IUP Department of Professional Studies Associate Professor Jacqueline McGinty; and Rural Health Redesign Center Executive Director Janice Walters. IRMC CMO Richard Neff will moderate the session.
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“Pediatric Readiness in Rural Communities,” featuring Kristin Juhasz, from Indiana, an IUP graduate who works in emergency medicine at UPMC Hammit. IRMC Family Medicine Residency Program Director Amanda Vaglia will moderate the session.
Since its founding in 1875, IUP has evolved from a teacher-training institution into a doctoral research university recognized for its commitment to student success and achievement. As IUP celebrates its 150th anniversary in 2025, the university honors a legacy of educational excellence while looking toward a future of innovation, leadership in healthcare education, and public service.
About IUP’s Proposed College of Osteopathic Medicine
IUP’s Council of Trustees endorsed the exploration of a possible development of a college of osteopathic medicine at IUP in December 2022. Following a national search, Rose was selected as founding dean in November 2023; her hiring was highlighted during the 2023 Rural Health Conference.
IUP’s proposed college of osteopathic medicine has “Candidate Status” from the American Osteopathic Association’s Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation, which recognizes that IUP has done the required planning and has the resources necessary to apply for pre-accreditation status within two years. Candidate Status is the second step in seeking accreditation from COCA.
The IUP proposed college of osteopathic medicine team is working on the next step in the accreditation process, seeking “pre-accreditation status.” When proposed colleges achieve pre-accreditation status, they are permitted to begin recruiting students. That status follows additional reports and site visits from COCA’s accrediting team; it is expected to take up to 16 months.
Securing clinical training sites for students is part of the successful accreditation process; IUP has secured 230 percent of the needed clinical training spots, surpassing the 120 percent required for accreditation.
IUP has 18 clinical training agreements in place, including with all three members of the Pennsylvania Mountains Care Network (IRMC, Punxsutawney Area Hospital, and Armstrong County Memorial Hospital) and two of Pennsylvania’s Department of Human Services’ state hospitals that provide inpatient services for individuals with severe and persistent mental illness in a supportive and restorative environment (Torrance State Hospital and Warren State Hospital).
IUP’s proposed college of osteopathic medicine and IUP’s commitment to addressing the rural health crisis have resulted in funding from individual donors, foundations, agencies, and legislators totaling more than $34.3 million.
About Keynote Speaker Nicole Stallings
The Hospital and Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania is one of the nation’s largest state hospital associations. It is Pennsylvania’s chief advocate for hospitals and their patients, representing their interests with state and federal leaders, the business community, and other stakeholders. HAP works with more than 230 member hospitals and health systems to support access to high-quality health care in Pennsylvania communities.
Drawing on more than two decades of strong experience in health care advocacy and policy development, Stallings is elevating HAP’s work to address a historic health care workforce crisis, secure the sustainability of hospital care throughout the Commonwealth, and support hospitals in improving maternal health and advancing health equity.
Before joining HAP in June 2023, Stallings served as chief external affairs officer for the Maryland Hospital Association, leading efforts supporting hospitals in addressing workforce shortages, responding to COVID-19, enhancing behavioral health care, reducing readmissions, and improving care coordination. She also represented the hospital community during negotiations for Maryland’s all-payer hospital waiver contracts with the federal government and on public-private work groups focused on value-based payment models and statewide population health efforts.
At MHA, Stallings also held the roles of senior vice president, government affairs and policy; vice president, policy and data analytics; and assistant vice president, quality, policy and advocacy. She previously served as senior policy advisor to the Maryland Secretary of Health and chief of government relations and special projects for the Maryland Health Commission. She started her career with the New Jersey Hospital Association, working on policy and legislative advocacy.
Stallings holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from Virginia Tech and a master of public policy degree with a concentration in health care from Rutgers University’s Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy.
About Secretary Arkoosh
Secretary Arkoosh, a physician and public health professional, was appointed to lead the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services by Governor Josh Shapiro in January 2023. She officially became secretary on June 29, 2023.
The mission of the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services is to assist Pennsylvanians in leading safe, healthy, and productive lives through equitable, trauma-informed, and outcome-focused services while being an accountable steward of Commonwealth resources. Its offices include the Office of Child Development and Early Learning; Office of Children, Youth, and Families; Office of Developmental Programs; Office of Income Maintenance; Office of Long-Term Living; Office of Medical Assistance Programs; Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services; and Office of Administration.
Prior to her current position, Secretary Arkoosh served on the Montgomery County Board of Commissioners. As Commission chair, Secretary Arkoosh was committed to strengthening services for children, veterans, and seniors. She led the efforts to eliminate street homelessness of veterans and streamline the delivery of human services. Recognizing the need for a strong, supported workforce in executing these goals, she instituted a $15 minimum wage and gender-neutral paid parental leave for Montgomery County employees. Drawing on her background as a physician, she oversaw a multipronged, integrated response to the opioid overdose epidemic, including issuing a standing order in 2015 to enable participating pharmacies in Montgomery County to dispense the overdose antidote naloxone at the request of any member of the public.
As a physician and public health professional, Secretary Arkoosh was at the center of Montgomery County’s efforts to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, leading a data- and science-driven approach to the unprecedented challenge. Arkoosh’s leadership was praised during the county’s response, especially her transparency and public communication throughout the pandemic. Secretary Arkoosh is also a staunch advocate for maternal health and reproductive rights, and she serves on the Pennsylvania Maternal Mortality Review Committee.
Upon obtaining her master of public health in 2007, she became deeply engaged in the national effort to achieve comprehensive health care reform. She led the National Physicians Alliance, a national nonprofit organization of physicians who, putting their patients before profits, joined a broad-based nationwide coalition for reform. During this time, she developed policy and legislative strategy, and promoted public engagement in Washington, DC, Pennsylvania, and throughout the country. Secretary Arkoosh maintains comprehensive knowledge of the implementation of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and its impact on individuals and the health care system.
Prior to stepping into public service, Secretary Arkoosh was professor of clinical anesthesiology and clinical obstetrics and gynecology at the Perelman School of Medicine of the University of Pennsylvania. Arkoosh is a graduate of the University of Nebraska College of Medicine and received a master of public health from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. She performed her residency at Jefferson Medical College in anesthesiology with a special focus in obstetrics. She has an undergraduate degree in economics from Northwestern University.
Secretary Arkoosh lives in Springfield Township, Montgomery County, with her husband and their three children.
About Secretary Bogan
Prior to her current position, Secretary Bogen was the director of the Allegheny County Health Department, where she and her staff stayed on top of the pandemic and provided consistent, measured, and common-sense information to the public while working closely with many stakeholders in the county.
Prior to that appointment, she was a member of the Pittsburgh region medical and research community for more than two decades. She held a primary academic appointment as professor of pediatrics at the University of Pittsburgh, and secondary appointments in psychiatry and clinical and translational science. Secretary Bogen also served as the vice chair of education for the Department of Pediatrics at UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh. She dedicated her career as a pediatrician to caring for children and families impacted by social inequities. Her clinical research focused on the impact of mental health and substance use on families.
Secretary Bogen earned her medical degree from the University of Colorado School of Medicine and completed both her pediatric residency and general academic pediatrics fellowship at Johns Hopkins Hospital. She was one of the founders of the Mid-Atlantic Mothers’ Milk Bank and served as the organization’s volunteer medical director until assuming her role at the state.
About Commissioner Humphreys
Commissioner Humphreys was named acting insurance commissioner on February 28, 2022, and confirmed unanimously on June 27, 2023. As commissioner, Humphreys is charged with the responsibility of regulating the Commonwealth’s insurance marketplace, overseeing licensed agents and insurance professionals, monitoring the financial landscape of companies doing business in Pennsylvania, educating consumers, and ensuring residents are treated fairly.
In his role, under the direction of Governor Shapiro, Humphreys has taken immediate steps to make mental health and substance use disorder parity a reality in the Commonwealth. Under Humphreys’ leadership, the Pennsylvania Insurance Department has strengthened its review of mental health and substance use disorder coverage in 2024 health plans and launched a new round of market conduct examinations targeting insurer compliance with parity laws. These actions are intended to hold insurers accountable so that benefits are covered fairly.
Humphreys joined the Pennsylvania Insurance Department as the Department was working closely with Pennie, the state-based health insurance exchange created by Act 42, to ensure a successful roll-out of the new initiative that would become the home for high-quality, affordable health insurance plans in Pennsylvania. The launch of Pennie was a landmark step for health care in the Commonwealth, as Pennie continues to be a key source of affordable coverage for hundreds of thousands of Pennsylvanians.
Humphreys also cochaired the Behavioral Health Commission for Adult Mental Health that recommended to the legislature how to best spend $100 million on adult behavioral health needs.
Prior to being appointed, Humphreys served as the chief of staff for the Pennsylvania Insurance Department since September 2019, and before joining the PID, Humphreys served as assistant commissioner for insurance at the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance. In Tennessee, he oversaw the insurance division as it was reaccredited by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners.
Humphreys has a master’s degree in public administration from Bowling Green State University and a bachelor of arts degree in political science from the University at Buffalo.
Pennsylvania is the fifth-largest insurance market in the United States, in terms of premium volume, and the fourteenth-largest insurance market in the world.
About Secretary Kavulich
Secretary Kavulich brings 24 years of experience within the human services field to the mission of serving and advocating for Pennsylvania’s 3.4 million older adults aged 60 and over. He is committed to leading and advocating for an aging network of quality, sustainable programs that support Pennsylvania’s growing older adult population to stay healthy and active, age in their home settings of choice, thrive in their older years with safety and dignity, and contribute to the economic, social, and cultural vibrancy of our communities across the Commonwealth.
His hands-on experience at the local human services level provides a critical perspective to supporting a 52-agency aging network covering 67 counties where services are delivered locally across diverse populations and geographies.
Progressing from a county caseworker through supervisor and administrator positions within the Lackawanna County Office of Youth and Family Services, he was appointed director of the Lackawanna County Area Agency on Aging in 2016.
As a human services professional, he dedicated his efforts to ending food insecurity and homelessness and improving access to services and cultural opportunities to the residents of Lackawanna County. In his capacity as director, Secretary Kavulich worked tirelessly to promote the innovation and expansion of services for older adults and strongly advocated to guarantee their rights and independence.
In 2021, his efforts to assist older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic were honored by the County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania and the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. Later in 2021, he spearheaded a coalition of nonprofit, business, and education leaders to bring the new federal Elderly Cottage Housing Opportunity (ECHO) program to Lackawanna County—the first northeast Pennsylvania county to do so. In 2022, under his leadership, Lackawanna County became an early adopter of the Department of Aging’s Shared Housing and Resource Exchange (SHARE) program.
He recently served as the president of the Pennsylvania Association of Area Agencies on Aging (P4A) and vice chair of the Board of Directors of the United Way of Lackawanna and Wayne Counties, and serves on the boards of Lackawanna Pro Bono and Penn State Scranton. He is a graduate of the University of Scranton and a lifelong Scranton resident.