The Nashville Health Care Council has announced the Fall 2026 class of the Next-gen Cohort, welcoming 19 emerging healthcare leaders from across the industry. Designed to foster peer connection and practical leadership growth, the program reflects the Council’s commitment to developing the next generation of leaders through meaningful dialogue, diverse perspectives, and real-world insight. Participants represent a variety of sectors and roles—bringing together a broad range of experiences to shape the future of healthcare leadership.

Nashville Health Care Council Announces 2026 Next-Gen Leading AI Transformation in Healthcare Cohort.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. Jul 28, 2026 — The Nashville Health Care Council is proud to introduce the Fall 2026  Next-Gen Leading AI Transformation in Healthcare Cohort — a select group of rising healthcare professionals from across the healthcare industry

The Fall cohort will be led by A.J. Bahou, Chair AI Practice and Partner at Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP.  Over the course of six one-hour sessions, participants will gain real-world leadership insights from guest speakers and practical tools to elevate their organizational impact alongside a tight-knit group of peers, enriching their knowledge and network across the healthcare industry.

Please join us in congratulating the Fall 2026 Next-Gen Leading AI Transformation in Healthcare Cohort:

• Zahirah Ahmed, Clinical Pharmacy Informatics Manager, HCA Healthcare
• Jennifer Amster, Director, Strategy and Transformation, Radiology Partners
• Erika Blackston, Associate Director, Healthcare Economics, Optum
• Mark Claiborne, Channel Development Lead - IPA Sales, Humana / Centerwell
• Kat Denney, Associate, Holland & Knight
• Anisha Dhar, Senior Project Manager, Healthcare Strategy and Transformation, Brookdale Senior Living Solutions
• Andrew Dorris, Healthcare AI and BI Consulting Manager, LBMC
• Perri duGard Owens, Vice President, Jarrard, Inc.
• Garrett Foley, Business Intelligence Manager, Southern Orthodontic Partners
• Lauren Gobern, Clinical Staff Leader, Vanderbilt University Medical Center
• Casey Harless, Corporate Development & Strategy, Premise Health
• Ryan Kendrick, Director of Change Management, HCA Healthcare
• Sydney Layton, Lead Data Analytics Engineer, Homeward Health
• David Lethco, Digital Product Analyst, HCA Healthcare
• Lincoln Priest, VP, Ops & Strategic Finance, Monogram Health
• Phillip Shepherd, Director, IT Program Management, Specialized Dental Partners
• Holly Staff, Project Manager, Peregrine Health
• Sam Stephens, Manager, Workforce Planning, Ascension
• Lydia Witty, Investor, Frist Cressey Ventures

We look forward to supporting the leadership journey ahead for this impressive group.

For more information about the Nashville Health Care Council, visit https://healthcarecouncil.com/.

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