Events

Virtual Program

Essentials for Leading Mission

Eight monthly sessions from Nov. 2026 to June 2027
11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. ET

Essentials for Leading Mission is a program designed for new and emerging leaders in Catholic healthcare, as well as those discerning a call to mission leadership. Through a multi-month, cohort-based experience, participants engage in key dimensions of mission work while developing the competencies needed to lead effectively. The program integrates mentorship, peer learning, and expert-led sessions to foster both professional growth and meaningful relationships across the ministry. 

Orientation: Nov. 10, 2026 

Session One: Nov. 11, 2026 
Topic: Operationalizing Mission

Session Two: Dec. 11, 2026 
Topic: Mission Leadership & Ministry Formation: Key Relationships, Executive Presence and the Art of Explaining the Why

Session Three: Jan. 8, 2027 
Topic: Operationalized Ethics: Standardizing Integrated Discernment, Catholic Identity, and Organizational Ethics

Session Four: Feb. 12, 2027 
Topic: Finance & Operations: Ministry Sustainability
 
Session Five: March 12, 2027
Topic: Small “a” Advocacy, Big “A” Advocacy: Advocacy, Community Benefit, and Public Policy 

Session Six: April 9, 2027 
Topic: Spiritual Care Strategies & Well-Being
 
Session Seven: May 14, 2027 
Topic: Fireside Chat

Session Eight: June 11, 2027 
Topic: United for Change 

Topics are subject to change. Additional speakers and detailed descriptions will be added at a later date.

Registration

Register
Date
Nov 10 - Jun 12, 2027
Time
All Day
Registration Fee
CHA Members:
$430/ $645
Non-Members:
$860

Event Speakers

Andrew Arai

Andrew Arai

Chief of Staff, Mission

Providence St. Joseph Health

Kathy Armijo Etre, Ph.D.

Kathy Armijo Etre, Ph.D.

Consultant

Ministry Formation

Jill Fisk, MATM

Jill Fisk, MATM

Director, Mission Services

Catholic Health Association

Dennis Gonzales, Ph.D.

Dennis Gonzales, Ph.D.

Senior Director, Mission Innovation & Integration

Catholic Health Association

Sr. Mary Haddad, RSM

Sr. Mary Haddad, RSM

President & Chief Executive Officer

Catholic Health Association

Darren Henson, Ph.D., S.T.L.

Darren Henson, Ph.D., S.T.L.

Senior Director, Ministry Formation

Catholic Health Association

Nathaniel Blanton Hibner, Ph.D.

Nathaniel Blanton Hibner, Ph.D.

Senior Director, Ethics

Catholic Health Association

Karla Keppel, MA/MA

Karla Keppel, MA/MA

Associate Director, Mission Services

Catholic Health Association

Leslie Kuhnel,  D.Be., HEC-C

Leslie Kuhnel, D.Be., HEC-C

Region Vice President, Ethics and Theology

CHI Health

Jenna Speckart, D.Be., MA

Jenna Speckart, D.Be., MA

Vice President, Mission and Ethics Operations

Mercy