Speakers

Rashmi Airan
Transformation Expert and Professional Speaker
RISE Through It: Transforming Our Hidden Prisons of Uncertainty into Growth, Clarity, and Limitless Results
Thursday, March 12 | 8:30 AM - 9:30 AM
Rashmi Airan is a transformation expert and creator of the Rise Through It'" framework, which equips leaders to break free from the mental prisons of fear, assumptions, and unspoken rules that hold them back. A former attorney and Wall Street investment banker turned entrepreneur, professor, and globally recognized speaker, Rashmi helps individuals and organizations dismantle limiting beliefs and rise into clarity, courage, and possibility.

Caroline D. Brown, MBA
Founder & Principal, CDB Strategy
Leadership - Advancing - Strategic Planning
Friday, March 13 | 10:45 AM - 12:00 PM
Caroline Brown is a strategist, advisor, and builder with more than 15 years of experience at the intersection of healthcare, education, and public affairs. As the founder of CDB Strategy, she partners with mission-driven organizations to position themselves for the future, tackle complex challenges, and drive lasting impact.

A former Chief Strategy Officer at a $7 billion, 30,000-employee organization, Caroline led enterprise-wide strategic planning and built cross-sector partnerships that accelerated growth and advanced institutional goals. Her career spans the public, private, and nonprofit sectors — from national political campaigns to leading academic health systems — giving her a unique and versatile perspective.

Robert Downing
CEO, Premier Health
The Perfect Storm: Rising Costs, Staffing Strains, and Financial Pressures Challenging Practice Sustainability
Friday, March 13 | 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM
Robert Downing has spent over 25 years transforming healthcare organizations across the country. He began his career with The Joint Commission, applying Six Sigma techniques to drive operational efficiency and quality improvement. He then served as Controller and Chief Financial Officer in hospital systems for more than 15 years, before expanding his leadership to some of the largest outpatient practices in South Carolina and multi-hospital systems in Tennessee.

Recognized as a leader in healthcare finance, Robert has developed and implemented some of the most effective profitability models for hospitals and outpatient practices in the country. Over his career, he has saved hundreds of millions of dollars and increased profitability on average by over 25% for his clients, setting a strong benchmark for operational and financial excellence.

Todd Pittman, CMPE
CEO of Digestive Health Specialists
ACMPE Presentation
Friday, March 13 | 8:00 AM - 9:30 AM
Over the past 30 years, Todd has held diverse private and specialty healthcare roles, including administration and consulting. He has been active with the Carolinas MGMA, serving as President of multiple chapters and chairing various conferences, including Carolinas MGMA conferences, for over 20 years. His leadership extends to the MGMA Annual Conference Committee and as a State Liaison.

Mickey Smith, LFACHE, FACMPE, FHFMA
45-year Career Healthcare Executive
Hiring Your Way to High-Performance: Strategic Workforce Design for Medical Practices
Friday, March 13 | 8:45 AM - 9:30 AM
Mickey Smith is a seasoned healthcare executive, past Board Chair of MGMA-ACMPE and former President of South Carolina MGMA. Over a 45-year career, he served in senior leadership roles across the Southeast, including 18 years as CEO of HCA Florida Oak Hill Hospital in Brooksville, Florida, where he led significant expansion including the launch of a robust graduate medical education program.

A Fellow in the American College of Medical Practice Executives, Mickey holds graduate degrees in Business Administration and Health Services Management from the University of Missouri. A lifelong learner, he is currently enrolled in a graduate program at Georgia Tech—focused on Business Analytics and Artificial Intelligence.

Spence M. Taylor, MD
The Physicians Collaborative
Collaborating for Success: How Independent Practices and Hospital Systems Thrive Through Collaboration
Thursday, March 12 | 12:45 PM - 2:00 PM
Dr. Taylor is a nationally recognized physician leader and vascular surgeon dedicated to advancing physician autonomy and patient wellbeing. As founder of a new enterprise focused on strengthening South Carolina’s independent medical community, Dr. Taylor is redefining what it means for providers and patients to lead in modern healthcare. His organization, The Physicians Collaborative, is a doctor-led community that empowers medical practices through shared resources, collaborative contracting, and business solutions designed to help them thrive.