ACHE WFC Developing Mentoring and Coaching Skills

Overview:

Data has shown that mentoring programs are an effective way to offer guidance and support for healthcare executives who are entering the field or who are seeking career advancement. A mentoring relationship provides a safe environment in which those with less experience may learn from experienced executives. This panel will present a framework for the development of a mentoring program. The program will begin with a brief presentation by the moderator, followed by remarks from each of the panelists. The program will conclude with a 30-minute question-and answer period.

Agenda:

11:30AM - 12:30PM -- Introductions/Presentations

12:30PM - 1:00PM -- Q&A

ACHE Virtual Interactive Education Credits: 1.5

Earn ACHE Virtual Interactive Education credits through these innovative, interactive courses from your home or office. Virtual education is offered on a variety of timely healthcare leadership topics and consists of pre-course surveys and assessments, discussion board conversations and scheduled virtual live sessions.

To receive full credit for the course, you are required to participate in all pre-scheduled virtual live sessions. Participants will have access to all course materials/recordings 180 days after the program concludes.

Summer Leadership Series: **Attended our May event? Check your May Event Evaluation Email for your exclusive promo code and apply it at checkout for discounted tickets!**

Susie Breitenstein, PhD, RN, FAAN (Moderator)

Professor - Associate Dean for Research | The Ohio State University, College of Nursing

Susie Breitenstein, PhD, FAAN is a Professor and Associate Dean for Research in the College of Nursing at The Ohio State University. Her research focuses on community-engaged and implementation-driven approaches to improving mental health and well-being for children and families. Her work emphasizes scalable, real-world interventions developed in partnership with communities. Dr. Breitenstein mentors students and professionals across all stages to support research, leadership, and career development. Her mentoring has helped build a diverse pipeline of individuals prepared to contribute to academic, research, community, and health-related settings.

Arlen “A.J.” Ross, MPA, FACHE, CCP-C, PMD, EMT-B

Director - Palm Beach Market, Heart & Vascular Services, Emergency Medical Services Outreach | Baptist Health South Florida

Arlen “A.J.” Ross is a seasoned healthcare executive with over 20 years of progressive leadership experience across hospital operations, emergency services, and community outreach. He currently serves as Director of Heart & Vascular Services for the Palm Beach Market at Baptist Health South Florida, where he leads strategic initiatives to enhance patient care, operational efficiency, and multidisciplinary collaboration.

A.J. began his healthcare journey in emergency medical services, serving as a paramedic and firefighter across multiple Florida counties. His frontline experience laid the foundation for a career marked by resilience, compassion, and operational excellence. He transitioned into healthcare administration at Memorial Healthcare System, where he held several key roles, including Clinical Business Operations Manager for the Memorial Cardiac and Vascular Institute and Memorial Transplant Institute, overseeing complex programs such as adult heart transplant, mechanical circulatory support, and congenital heart disease.

Throughout his career, A.J. has led high-performing teams, managed multimillion-dollar budgets, and driven initiatives that earned recognition, including the Press Ganey Guardian of Excellence Award, Healthcare Employee Reach Out (H.E.R.O) Award, multiple Patients First Awards, and others. His leadership has spanned interim executive roles, medical practice operations, hospital operations, emergency medical services, and much more, reflecting his versatility and commitment to patient-centered care.

A.J. is a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives (FACHE) and holds a Master of Public Administration from Nova Southeastern University and an undergraduate degree from Florida State University. He is also certified as a Critical Care Paramedic, State of Florida Paramedic, EMT-B, and, for fun, a HAM Radio Operator. His dedication to education and community engagement is evident through his work as a volunteer, advisory member, public speaker, instructor, and facilitator.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, A.J. is a devoted son, brother, husband, and proud father of two incredible children. He cherishes time with his family, especially traveling with his wife and kids. A.J. and his wife, high school sweethearts, share a deep bond and a love for supporting their children’s passions. Much of their travel centers around competitions—cheering on their son Jonah, a member of the USA Martial Arts Team, and their daughter Ellinor, who shines on a pre-competition dance team. A.J. is widely recognized for his visionary leadership, collaborative approach, and steadfast dedication to excellence in healthcare.

Kay Thiemann, MBA, FACHE

Executive Director and Instructor | University of North Florida, Brooks College of Health Leadership Institute

Kay M.B. Thiemann, MBA, FACHE, has over 33 years of experience as an executive administrator at Mayo Clinic. In 2021, she joined the faculty at the University of North Florida, where she teaches leadership, practice management, and health informatics in the Department of Health Administration. She is also the Director of UNF's Brooks College of Health Leadership Academy, where she brings leadership development opportunities to hundreds of students. Kay is an Emeritus Assistant Professor of Health Systems Engineering at the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and is a fellow in the American College of Healthcare Executives.

Andy Hillig, FACHE, MBA, PCC

Leadership Coach, Executive Search Consultant | Andy Hillig Solutions, LLC

Andy Hillig is a Managing Director with LAK Group, where he leads executive coaching and leadership development initiatives. He brings nearly 20 years of experience driving operational, cultural, and leadership transformation across health systems, including Ascension Wisconsin, Essentia Health, and Wheaton Franciscan

Healthcare. A Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives and a certified executive coach, Andy specializes in developing high-impact leaders and advancing physician and executive talent. His work focuses on strengthening performance, engagement, and culture to help healthcare organizations navigate complexity and achieve sustained results.

Please contact Karen Valaitis, kvalaitis@uwf.edu with any questions, or request for special accommodation at least 7 days prior to the program.