10/13/2026
SPEAKER CALL OUT | 2026 Conference Recap | Barbara Khozam started strong with The Leadership Playbook for Patient Experience: Moving from Good to Great, reminding us how consistent, thoughtful interactions strengthen trust and elevate the patient experience. Ann Zenk brought us the Wisconsin legislative update, helping us understand the policy playing field affecting nursing and healthcare. We also celebrated Annβs longstanding service as the Wisconsin Hospital Association (WHA) representative on the WONL Board, her advocacy, and her role in strengthening the WHAβWONL partnership.
Jackie Gaines kept the momentum going with The Ties That Bind: The Importance of Trust in Leadership and Pushing Through Overwhelmed. Her sessions reminded us that strong teams depend on trustβand even the most dedicated leaders need a timeout to regroup and recharge.
Fridayβs βsecond halfβ continued with Dr. LaTivia Carrβs The Courage to Become: Leading with Authenticity Through Transformation. We also gave LaTivia a well-deserved shout-out for completing her doctorate, writing a book, and receiving our Nurse Executive Award.
A special thank-you to Dr. Michael Stadler, Jill Lindwall, and Kristin WaiteLabott for their Caring for Wisconsinβs Caregivers presentation. Their message reminded us that caring for our team is essential to caring for our patients. Caregiver well-being belongs in every leadership playbook. π€
Kelly Swanson took the field in the fourth quarter with Story Driven Life, delivering a strong finish filled with humor, heart, and inspiration. She reminded us that the stories we tell ourselves shape how we lead, connect, and face challenges. Her message sent us back to our teams ready to flip the script, and keep moving the ball forward. Thank you to our speakers for bringing the content and great information! Wisconsin Hospital Association LaTivia Carr Wisconsin Peer Alliance for Nurses Wispan