HFMA Michigan Great Lakes Chapter Update – August 2026 Chapter President’s Message Hello Fall! As school resumes and the weather changes, our chapter volunteers continue planning the first ever Michigan hosted HFMA Region 6 Conference: Blueprints of Hope. We’d love to have you join us! Grand Rapids will be vibrant with Art Prize, one of the largest free outdoor international art completions in the country. We’ll be in the heart of the city at the historic Amway Grand Plaza; offering easy walking access to restaurants, shopping, and beautiful art installations across the city. Networking kicks off on Wednesday, September 23rd. Enjoy Boulder Creek Golf Club, Celeste Salon & Spa, and you won’t need a secret password to join our opening network reception at the speakeasy IDC (inside the Amway Grand Plaza). Our keynote speaker line up includes HFMA National Chair, Matt Cox, CFO Corewell Health and Cynthia Frelund, National Football League’s Predictive Analytics Expert. We’re offering two additional education tracks: CFO and Revenue Cycle Executive. Additional content you won’t want to miss – Payor Strategy & Managed Care, Revenue Cycle Optimization, and Regulatory, Compliance & Risk. Plenty of time for networking, collaboration, and learning from each other is our recipe to build a blueprint of hope. We understand the importance of focusing on our communities; that is why we are planning a Charity Event where you can roll up your sleeves and build children playsets with Roc Solid Foundation. Playsets will be gifted to families fighting pediatric cancer. Hope always wins. Backed by generous sponsors we are offering discount registration to our Provider members until the event begins. Please mark your calendars and register today. If you need extra help, please email region6@hfmalocal.org.  This year our Region 6 Conference is replacing our Chapter’s Fall Conference. Hope to see you in Grand Rapids! We recognize the location of a conference can be positive for some while challenging for others.  This year’s conference location was selected by the Conference Steering Committee following a HFMA Headquarters coordinated request for proposal and multiple site visits.  As a Chapter who operates across the entire state of Michigan we strive to balance conference locations.  If you cannot make it to Grand Rapids this September, we hope you considering joining other upcoming events.   Nichole Niesen President, HFMA Michigan Great Lakes Chapter Choose Your Perfect Pre-Conference Experience! Kick off your HFMA Region 6 Conference experience on September 23 with one of two exciting pre-conference options designed for networking, relaxation, and fun! Golf Outing at Boulder Creek Golf Club - September 23, 2026 at 11am-6pm Enjoy a day on the course featuring 18 holes of golf, cart and green fees, lunch, beverages, and the chance to win fun prizes. Whether you're a seasoned golfer or simply looking to connect with colleagues in a relaxed setting, this is a great way to start the conference. Location: Boulder Creek Golf Club, 5750 Brewer Ave NE, Blemont, MI 49306 Register Here: https://web.cvent.com/event/1be4c3d2-30b1-482c-b5aa-fc2f2aa2ac36/summary Spa Experience at Celeste Salon & Spa at the Amway Grand Plaza Looking for a more relaxing start to your conference? Treat yourself to a rejuvenating spa experience at Celeste Salon & Spa at the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel. Attendees can reserve services from a dedicated appointment block created exclusively for HFMA guests and enjoy a peaceful afternoon of self-care before the conference begins. To reserve your spot, please email Mollee Pifer at mpifer@achhospitality.com.  Appointments must be scheduled no later than September 2, 2026. Whether you choose the fairway or the spa, these pre-conference experiences offer the perfect opportunity to unwind, recharge, and connect before an incredible Region 6 Conference! Exclusive Executive Tracks at Region 6 Conference We are excited to host two high-value, interactive sessions tailored specifically for healthcare leaders. Space is limited for both peer-to-peer experiences.  Revenue Cycle Executive Experience (RCEE) Join lead facilitator, Jonathan Wick, for a highly interactive, two-hour working session built for collaboration. Following a brief overview of emerging industry trends, you'll dive into small-group discussions to share practical strategies, real-world lessons, and actionable solutions for your organization. Participants will explore 4 key topics: Tools, Technology, and Revenue Cycle Strategies Patient Financial Experience and Engagement Payer Relations and Payer Strategy If you are interested in this session, please reach out to Scott Galanos at scott.galanos@addisongroup.com for more information and to be added to the attendee list. CFO Experience Roundtable Designed exclusively for provider CFOs, this closed-door session focuses on financial resiliency, operational excellence, and sustainable growth. We’ll kick off with a brief trend analysis and Q&A hosted by McKinsey & Company, followed by open peer dialogue. Breakfast is available in the Main Conference area, and a working lunch will be provided. Please direct all questions to Regional Executive, Chris Maeder, at cmaeder@alvarezandmarsal.com or to be added to the list. An Unmatched Speaker Lineup You Won't Want to Miss! Get ready to be inspired, challenged, and energized by more than 30 incredible industry leaders who are shaping the future of healthcare finance and revenue cycle management. Kick off the conference with our Opening Keynote Speaker, Matt Cox, CFO of Corewell Health, as he shares insights on healthcare leadership, innovation, and the future of our industry.  Dive into critical payer strategy discussions with Heather Parker of Forvis Mazars, who will present "Trust, Proof, and Power: Negotiating Contracts in the Age of Transparency," exploring how providers can leverage transparency data and market intelligence to strengthen contract negotiations.  You'll also hear from nationally recognized healthcare finance thought leader Jonathan Wiik of Healthfuse, who brings decades of expertise in revenue cycle transformation and healthcare analytics. This is more than a conference, it's a unique opportunity to learn from some of the brightest minds in the industry, all in one place. Where else can you access this caliber of expertise, gain practical takeaways, and connect directly with thought leaders who are driving change across healthcare? Whether you're looking to sharpen your skills, discover new ideas, expand your network, or stay ahead of industry trends, the HFMA Region 6 Conference delivers an experience you simply can't get anywhere else. Cynthia Frelund - Keynote Speaker We are thrilled to announce that Cynthia Frelund, NFL Network/ESPN's lead analytics expert, will be joining us as the Keynote Speaker for the HFMA Region 6 Conference! Cynthia Frelund is a trailblazer at the intersection of sports, data, and business strategy. As the NFL Network’s first analytics expert, she has pioneered the use of advanced statistics and predictive modeling to explain the game in a way that is both accessible and impactful. Known for her work on the NFL Network, ESPN, and other major platforms, Cynthia has built her reputation as one of the most trusted voices in sports analytics. What sets Cynthia apart is her ability to translate complex data into clear, actionable lessons for organizations across industries. Whether analyzing player performance, predicting game outcomes, or optimizing strategies, she demonstrates how data-driven insights can unlock performance and competitive advantage. For corporate audiences, Cynthia delivers more than sports stories: she equips leaders with tools to make smarter decisions, harness innovation, and build teams that thrive in today’s data-driven world. You will not want to miss Cynthia's keynote session. Join us on Thursday, September 24th at 4:10pm ET for the final session of the day. Roc Solid Foundation: Building Hope for Children Fighting Cancer Join your fellow HFMA Region 6 attendees for an inspiring evening of networking, purpose, and giving back. This year's community impact event benefits the Roc Solid Foundation, a childhood cancer organization dedicated to building hope for families facing pediatric cancer. Through programs such as Ready Bags, delivered to families at the time of diagnosis, and the construction of backyard play structures during treatment, Roc Solid helps create moments of joy, strength, and normalcy during incredibly difficult times. Attendees will have the opportunity to come together to help build playsets that will be gifted to local children and families impacted by pediatric cancer. The evening will also include cocktails, heavy hors d'oeuvres, and meaningful networking, culminating in a special surprise reveal for the families and children benefiting from this event. Together, we can make a lasting impact and remind these families that they are not alone because hope always wins! Mark your calendars for Thursday, September 24th from 5:30pm-7:30pm. Visit Roc Solid Foundation to learn more about this incredible cause and organization. Request for Volunteers We are still looking for volunteers to help us make Region 6 Conference amazing! If you are interested in volunteering, please let us know during registration or reach out to Nicole Trombley-Valdez at nicole.trombley-valdez@rsmus.com.  Thank you! Thank you to our amazing Region 6 Blueprints of Hope Conference Sponsors! Your support across our Region 6 Community is immensely appreciated. We are so excited to put on the best event possible with the help of  our incredible event sponsors! Thank you! Grand Rapids Events & Things to Do - September 23-25, 2026 While you're attending the HFMA Region 6 Conference, be sure to explore everything Grand Rapids has to offer! From world-class art and beautiful gardens to incredible dining and entertainment, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Art Prize - September 18th - October 3rd https://www.artprize.org/ Experience one of the nation's most celebrated art competitions, where downtown Grand Rapids transforms into an interactive gallery showcasing stunning works from artists around the world. Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park https://www.meijergardens.org/ Discover breathtaking gardens, scenic walking paths, and internationally renowned sculptures at one of Michigan's top attractions. Exceptional Dining https://www.butchersuniongr.com/ Grand Rapids is home to an amazing culinary scene featuring everything from upscale dining and trendy rooftop restaurants to local favorites and craft breweries. Whether you're looking for a quick bite between sessions or a memorable evening out, you'll find plenty of options to satisfy every taste. Craft Beer & Nightlife https://foundersbrewing.com/ Known as "Beer City USA," Grand Rapids offers a vibrant brewery scene, lively entertainment districts, and unique gathering spots perfect for networking with colleagues after conference sessions. Shopping & Local Attractions Explore charming downtown shops, museums, live music venues, riverfront trails, and cultural attractions that make Grand Rapids a destination worth experiencing. Whether you're extending your stay, exploring between sessions, or looking for the perfect place to connect with colleagues, Grand Rapids offers countless opportunities to relax, discover, and enjoy your conference experience.   Come for the conference, stay for the experience! We can't wait to welcome you to Grand Rapids! Learn more at https://www.experiencegr.com/ Upcoming Events - MIGL Chapter Multi-Chapter HFMA CHFP Virtual Study Hall - September 22, 2026 - October 20th, 2026 (Register Here) Region 6 HFMA Conference: Blueprints of Hope - September 23-25, 2026 (Register Here) Michigan Great Lakes HFMA Webinar: Improving the Bottom Line: Collaboration Between Operations and Providers - October 7, 2026 (Register Here) Michigan Great Lakes HFMA Day at the Capitol - December 4th, 2026 Michigan Great Lakes HFMA 2026 Annual Sponsorship (Register Here) Upcoming Education and Programming - Region 6 Region 6 HFMA Conference: Blueprints of Hope - September 23-25, 2026 (Register Here) Northwest Ohio HFMA Fall Leadership Conference - October 13, 2026 (More Information Coming Soon) Central Ohio HFMA 2026 New Member Reception - October 20, 2026 (Register Here) Southwestern Ohio HFMA Fall Conference - November 12, 2026 (More Information Coming Soon) Northwest Ohio HFMA November Lunch and Learn - November 17, 2026 (More Information Coming Soon) Northwest Ohio HFMA 2027 Healthcare Finance Forum - March 11, 2027 (More Information Coming Soon) Northeast Ohio HFMA Women in Leadership 2027 - May 18th, 2027 (More Information Coming Soon) Sponsorship Opportunities We have built a sponsorship program to hopefully meet all of your needs. Our business partners are critical to our success. We value your support of our chapter and look forward to working with you in 2026 and beyond. If you need any additional items or have any questions, please feel free to reach out to me at any time. Thank you for your continued support! To become a 2026 sponsor for the Michigan Great Lakes Chapter HFMA, please complete this form. Marcus Lewis, Michigan Great Lakes HFMA Sponsorship Chair, marcus.lewis@corewellhealth.org If you no longer want to receive emails from No Campaign, please Opt-Out.