2026 Annual Conference

Robert Garbee is director of information security at Carilion Clinic in Roanoke, Virginia, where he leads a multidisciplinary team overseeing cybersecurity, information risk management, Epic security and access administration. With more than 25 years of experience in IT and security,...

Robert Garbee is director of information security at Carilion Clinic in Roanoke, Virginia, where he leads a multidisciplinary team overseeing cybersecurity, information risk management, Epic security and access administration. With more than 25 years of experience in IT and security, Garbee has held leadership roles across the health care, education and defense sectors, driving strategic initiatives that strengthen enterprise security posture and regulatory compliance. In addition to his role at Carilion Clinic, Garbee serves as an adjunct instructor at Virginia Western Community College, where he teaches cybersecurity and information technology courses. He holds a Bachelor of Science in business management information systems from Liberty University and maintains CISSP, CCSP and CEH certifications. Garbee is also a founder of the Roanoke Information Security Exchange, or RISE, and BSides Roanoke. He is a recognized voice in the regional cybersecurity community, frequently presenting to local organizations and providing expert commentary to media outlets including The Roanoke Times and WSLS News 10.

Ms. Alana Lerer serves as the Senior Government Relations Manager for the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS), where she advises governments and equips public policy advocates to transform health through information and technology. She works closely with US...

Ms. Alana Lerer serves as the Senior Government Relations Manager for the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS), where she advises governments and equips public policy advocates to transform health through information and technology. She works closely with US federal, state, and local governments and private sector partners to inform policy and convene around the issues of public health data modernization, information exchange between healthcare and public health, as well as data privacy. Ms. Alana has approximately 15 years of experience supporting public health and healthcare focused nonprofit organizations and state and local health agencies in public policy and program management. She resides in Fairfax, Virginia.

Dr. Maruf Haider is a healthcare and MedTech leader recognized for advancing digital transformation and data-driven, patient-centered care across Virginia. As associate CMIO at Carilion Clinic, he integrates digital and virtual health technologies into care delivery and guides enterprise strategies...

Dr. Maruf Haider is a healthcare and MedTech leader recognized for advancing digital transformation and data-driven, patient-centered care across Virginia. As associate CMIO at Carilion Clinic, he integrates digital and virtual health technologies into care delivery and guides enterprise strategies to improve clinical workflows and outcomes. Previously, Haider served as chief health informatics officer at Inova Health System, where he led a systemwide informatics strategy, centralized physician informatics operations, and expanded virtual care to 18% of outpatient visits. Earlier roles include system medical director of clinical informatics at Inova, where he drove analytics adoption, standardized documentation, and implemented evidence-based alerts that reduced costs and improved quality. He also serves as a board member of the Global Cybersecurity Advisory Group. Board-certified in internal medicine and clinical informatics, Haider completed his residency and chief residency in internal medicine at the University of Vermont. He earned his medical degree from the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland and dual bachelor’s degrees from George Washington University. A collaborative and future-focused leader, Haider is passionate about mentoring teams, driving innovation, and building cultures of trust and purpose. Outside of work, he enjoys cycling, culinary exploration and time with his family.

Julie Dime serves as Vice President of Government Affairs at VHHA. She has more than 25 years of political, legislative, and non-profit management experience including government relations, campaign management, grassroots management, public speaking, fundraising, community outreach initiatives, strategic planning, and...

Julie Dime serves as Vice President of Government Affairs at VHHA. She has more than 25 years of political, legislative, and non-profit management experience including government relations, campaign management, grassroots management, public speaking, fundraising, community outreach initiatives, strategic planning, and legislative initiatives. Prior to joining VHHA, Julie was the Director of Government Affairs in the Tyson’s office of Williams Mullen. She has also served as the managing director for the Northern Virginia office of a highly regarded government affairs/lobbying firm. She served as the Chief of Staff and Senior Campaign Advisor for a Virginia State Delegate, overseeing all aspects of the legislative and public relations strategies and responses to legislative and constituent correspondence. Julie serves on the Board of the Directors for REAL LIFE, an organization that serves individuals who have been impacted by incarceration, homelessness, or substance abuse disorder by giving them an opportunity to overcome the personal and community barriers that hinder their pathway to a thriving life. In 2023, Julie was appointed to the Jamestown Yorktown Foundation Board of Trustees by Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin. Julie holds a B.S. degree in Government, summa cum laude, from Liberty University. She and her husband Todd reside in Midlothian, Virginia.