On February 21, 2025, the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce convened a diverse group of business, healthcare, and policy leaders for its inaugural Healthcare Innovation Summit at the Louisville Marriott East. The event facilitated in-depth discussions on the evolving healthcare landscape, focusing on innovation’s role in enhancing patient care, reducing costs, expanding rural access, and strengthening Kentucky’s workforce.
Business community’s role in healthcare
A panel comprising Kenneth Calloway, Senior Vice President of Human Resources at Century Aluminum; Winston Griffin, CEO and Chairman of Laurel Grocery; Amy Luttrell, President and CEO of Goodwill Industries of Kentucky; Dub Newell, CEO of Louisville Tile Distributors; and Ashli Watts, President and CEO of the Kentucky Chamber, discussed how healthcare impacts their businesses. They highlighted initiatives like integrating education, communication, and wellness benefits—including free preventive care visits, access to walking trails or gyms, and onsite clinics—to enhance workforce well-being. Luttrell emphasized the growing importance of mental health support in Goodwill’s healthcare benefits, while Griffin shared his approach of opening an onsite clinic, staffed in collaboration with a local hospital, to provide employees with preventive check-ups and care.
Health insurance companies’ influence on healthcare’s future
Leaders from Kentucky’s largest health insurance providers examined their role in shaping the future of healthcare. Panelists included Jeb Duke, Regional President of Kentucky Medicaid for Humana; Paige Franklin, CEO of Aetna Better Health of Kentucky; and Kennan Wethington, President of Kentucky Commercial Business for Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kentucky. Moderated by Tom Stephens, President and CEO of the Kentucky Association of Health Plans, the discussion provided insights into healthcare costs, insurance affordability, future insurance models, health outcomes, and the policy landscape. Franklin noted that insurers aim to improve health outcomes by collaborating with providers, hospitals, and other stakeholders to ensure holistic patient care. Duke and Wethington echoed the sentiment, highlighting system complexity and emphasizing affordability as a top priority.
Hospitals’ evolving role amid technological advancements
Hospital administrators addressed the evolving landscape of healthcare delivery, focusing on innovations in technology, telehealth, and patient-centered care. Panelists included Russ Cox, President and CEO of Norton Healthcare; Matt Grimshaw, Market President of CHI Saint Joseph Health; and Jim Musser, Senior Vice President of Policy and Government Relations for the Kentucky Hospital Association. They discussed the use of technology and artificial intelligence to support bedside clinicians. Grimshaw shared implementations like remote nurses administering discharge protocols to alleviate bedside nurses’ responsibilities, while Celsor highlighted AI’s potential positive impact on rural hospitals by increasing efficiency and reducing workloads. The panel also emphasized addressing social determinants of health through partnerships with community organizations, with Cox noting collaboration with Goodwill Industries of Kentucky in opening a new hospital in west Louisville to build a strong community.
AI’s transformative role in healthcare
During the luncheon keynote, Dr. Bill Fera of Deloitte Consulting emphasized the growing role of artificial intelligence in healthcare. He outlined how AI is revolutionizing the industry by enhancing patient outcomes and provider care, from predictive analytics and automation to robotics and advanced diagnostics. As AI-driven solutions and technology continue to be integrated into healthcare systems, such as ambient dictation and remote hospital discharges, Dr. Fera noted that clinicians can focus more on the human aspects of their profession. He also mentioned that many hospitals are starting their AI and technology implementations with operational and administrative tasks to increase efficiency.
Government’s role in shaping healthcare policy
State policymakers addressed healthcare policy priorities and challenges in the Commonwealth. Moderated by Kate Shanks, Senior Vice President of Public Affairs for the Kentucky Chamber, the panel included Senator Stephen Meredith, Chair of the Senate Committee on Health Services; Representative Kim Moser, Chair of the House Committee on Health Services; Representative Robert Duvall, Vice Chair of the House Committee on Health Services; and Representative Rachel Roarx, a member of the Interim Joint Committee on Health Services. They discussed legislation aimed at addressing the healthcare workforce shortage, such as speeding up licensure pathways for foreign providers and identifying opportunities for advanced courses to inspire future healthcare professionals. The panel also highlighted the importance of changing public perceptions of healthcare to address workforce shortages and emphasized the challenges facing rural hospitals, with 20% at risk of closure within three to five years.
Pharmaceutical industry’s impact on patient care
Leaders from the pharmaceutical industry explored how advancements are improving patient care. Panelists included Adam Bibelhauser, Site Head and Senior Director of the Louisville Distribution Center for Amgen; Brett Gravois, Site Head and Head of US Commercial Distribution for Roche Genentech; Taylor Williams, Director of Government Affairs for the Kentucky Pharmacists Association; and Kyle Keeney, Executive Director of the Kentucky Life Sciences Council. They discussed the unique challenges in the pharmaceutical industry, emphasizing Louisville’s strategic logistical position, where 80% of the U.S. population can be reached within a day, and the importance of maintaining complex logistics and security systems for distributing sensitive medications. Williams noted that collaboration among pharmaceutical companies, distribution and manufacturing centers, and pharmacists ensures patients receive necessary groundbreaking, lifesaving medicines.
The summit provided a comprehensive overview of the challenges and opportunities within Kentucky’s healthcare sector, emphasizing the critical role of innovation in shaping the future of healthcare delivery and policy.
