HIMSS Virginia Chapter
2026 Annual Conference
Presenters
John Hunt
John Hunt serves as vice president and chief information security officer at Centra Health in Lynchburg, Virginia. He leads enterprise cybersecurity strategy, governance, and cyber resilience, measuring program maturity against the NIST Cybersecurity Framework and aligning cyber risk with business...
John Hunt serves as vice president and chief information security officer at Centra Health in Lynchburg, Virginia. He leads enterprise cybersecurity strategy, governance, and cyber resilience, measuring program maturity against the NIST Cybersecurity Framework and aligning cyber risk with business priorities. With more than a decade in healthcare security, Hunt has progressed from information systems security officer at a single hospital to enterprise security leadership across multi-hospital health systems. Along the way, he has built security programs from the ground up and matured security operations, offensive security, and medical device risk functions. He has also evolved governance, risk, and compliance programs and advanced identity and access management through lifecycle automation. Hunt holds a Master of Science in Cybersecurity from Western Governors University and maintains several industry credentials, including the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP).
More…Cara Coleman
Cara Coleman is the director of IT governance, risk and compliance at UVA Health, where she leads efforts to strengthen cybersecurity governance, third-party risk management, business resilience, policy governance and security risk analysis across a complex academic health system. With...
Cara Coleman is the director of IT governance, risk and compliance at UVA Health, where she leads efforts to strengthen cybersecurity governance, third-party risk management, business resilience, policy governance and security risk analysis across a complex academic health system. With more than 20 years of experience spanning health care, financial services, telecommunications, data centers, the federal sector and insurance, Coleman helps organizations translate regulatory and cybersecurity requirements into practical, business-aligned strategies. Prior to UVA Health, Coleman served as chief information security officer for MVB Financial Corp., where she built the bank’s information security program from the ground up. She also founded C&C Security Consultants and has held senior security, compliance and customer advocacy roles with organizations including Symantec and Digital Realty Trust, supporting global compliance programs, enterprise risk initiatives and executive engagement with customers and regulators. Coleman holds a bachelor’s degree in business management from Carlow University and maintains multiple industry credentials, including CISA, CISM, CRISC, Certified Cloud Auditor and Qualified Technology Expert through the Digital Directors Network. She is a frequent contributor to industry conversations on cybersecurity, risk, payments and leadership, bringing a pragmatic perspective on building trust, resilience and accountability in highly regulated environments.
More…Aaron Koehl, PhD ME
Dr. Aaron Koehl joined Riverside Health System in 2021 after 18 years serving in higher education. He is responsible for leading the data science strategy for the health system as well as the clinical and business intelligence teams. Riverside Health...
Dr. Aaron Koehl joined Riverside Health System in 2021 after 18 years serving in higher education. He is responsible for leading the data science strategy for the health system as well as the clinical and business intelligence teams. Riverside Health is headquartered in Newport News, Virginia, with 5 acute care hospitals, 1 behavioral acute hospital, 6 life-long health campuses, and a 720+ provider medical group across 125+ physician practices. Before Riverside, Dr. Koehl served as Clinical Associate Professor at William and Mary’s Mason School of Business, and Faculty Director for the Master of Science in Business Analytics, teaching in the residential MSBA, residential MBA, and online MSBA programs. He also co-developed a corporate education course on Advanced Analytics for Executives. Previously, he served as Asst. Professor of Computer Science and Program Director for Information Systems and Information Science at Christopher Newport University, after several years as a software engineer. He has published in top international venues including ACM Multimedia Systems (MMSys), ACM Int'l Conf. on the World Wide Web (WWW), ACM Int'l Conf. on Middleware, IEEE Dependable Systems and Networks (DSN), European Symposium on Research in Computer Security (ESORICS), and the Journal of Computer Networks (COMNET), on cybersecurity, performance, and scalability. He received the PhD in Computer Science from the College of William and Mary, the Master of Engineering in Systems Engineering from the University of Virginia, and a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from Christopher Newport University. Outside of data, he is an active jazz pianist and culinary enthusiast.
More…Heather Costa, MPS, CPCP, CCRP
Heather M. Costa is a leading authority in cyber and technology resilience, currently serving as Director of Technology Resilience at Mayo Clinic. With over twenty years of experience, she has shaped resilience programs at premier healthcare institutions, notably pioneering business...
Heather M. Costa is a leading authority in cyber and technology resilience, currently serving as Director of Technology Resilience at Mayo Clinic. With over twenty years of experience, she has shaped resilience programs at premier healthcare institutions, notably pioneering business resilience at Cleveland Clinic before architecting Mayo Clinic’s enterprise-wide technology recovery and continuity initiatives. Heather is a sought-after keynote speaker, thought leader, and mentor, frequently invited to share her expertise at organizations and conferences including Harvard NPLI, HIMSS, and the HIPAA Summit. She is featured in the Semperis documentary "Midnight in the War Room," which premiered at Black Hat USA in August 2026, and regularly contributes to industry dialogue on cyber incident management and recovery. She is recognized for building high-performing teams and fostering the next generation of cybersecurity leaders. Heather holds a master’s in Homeland Security – Information Security and Forensics from Penn State, a summa cum laude Bachelor of Science in Emergency Management and Homeland Security from the University of Akron, and multiple esteemed certifications including the Certified Business Continuity Professional (CBCP) and the Certified Cyber Resilience Professional (CCRP). She serves as Vice President of the WiCyS Healthcare Affiliate and is a member of several distinguished honor societies.
More…Duc Lai, CISSP, CISM
With over 20 years of strategic leadership across the healthcare, financial services, and tech sectors, Duc Lai serves as the Vice President and Chief Information Security Officer for the University of Maryland Medical System. He has a successful track record...
With over 20 years of strategic leadership across the healthcare, financial services, and tech sectors, Duc Lai serves as the Vice President and Chief Information Security Officer for the University of Maryland Medical System. He has a successful track record of building resilient cybersecurity programs. Beyond his operational leadership, Duc is a prominent advocate for the healthcare cybersecurity community, championing cybersecurity workforce development to bridge the talent gap and build the next generation of security professionals. This commitment to the community is reflected in his active participation in the Maryland HIMSS Cyber Collaborative, his role as the Program Chair of the CapitalCISO Advisory Board, his service on the Maryland Cybersecurity Council and his participation in the HSCC AI Cybersecurity Task Group. He remains a key voice in the intersection of technology, healthcare and the cybersecurity community. Duc earned a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering degree from the United States Military Academy and an MBA from the University of Maryland Global Campus.
More…Rob Garbee
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.
More…Dennis Lee
Dennis Lee is chief digital information officer at Children's Hospital of The King's Daughters (CHKD) in Norfolk, Virginia. He oversees Information Services, helping the health system streamline hospital operations and improve patient outcomes by bridging care delivery with digital innovation. Under...
Dennis Lee is chief digital information officer at Children's Hospital of The King's Daughters (CHKD) in Norfolk, Virginia. He oversees Information Services, helping the health system streamline hospital operations and improve patient outcomes by bridging care delivery with digital innovation. Under his leadership, the department advances CHKD's technology infrastructure, evaluates and implements emerging technologies, and manages enterprise solutions that position the organization for long-term success. Lee leads the health system's digital transformation efforts, ensuring technology initiatives enhance quality of care, foster innovation, and maintain CHKD's competitive advantage while supporting its mission and values through effective leadership and communication. Lee joined CHKD in October 2024. Previously, he served as chief information officer at Marshall Health Network in Huntington, West Virginia. He has also held leadership positions at Spectrum Health, Nationwide Children's Hospital and the U.S. Air Force. Lee earned a Bachelor of Science in computer and information systems from the University of Maryland Global Campus and a Master of Business Administration from Marshall University. He also holds the Certified Healthcare CIO (CHCIO) and Certified Digital Health Executive (CDH-E) credentials from the College of Healthcare Information Management Executives (CHIME).
More…Alana Lerer, MPH, PMP
Alana Lerer, MPH, PMP, serves as the Senior Government Relations Manager for the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS), where she collects member input and advises federal and state governments on policies to transform health through information and technology....
Alana Lerer, MPH, PMP, serves as the Senior Government Relations Manager for the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS), where she collects member input and advises federal and state governments on policies to transform health through information and technology. Her key areas of policy expertise focus around interoperability, information exchange, cybersecurity, data privacy, and public health data modernization. Alana has over fifteen years of experience supporting healthcare and public health-focused organizations and state and local health agencies in leading strategy, public policy and program management. She resides in Fairfax, Virginia.
More…Sanjeev Sah
Sanjeev Sah, MHA, FACHE, CISM, is senior vice president and chief digital and information officer at Centra Health, where he leads enterprise technology, digital transformation, cybersecurity, data and analytics, and AI strategy. A seasoned health care technology executive, he has...
Sanjeev Sah, MHA, FACHE, CISM, is senior vice president and chief digital and information officer at Centra Health, where he leads enterprise technology, digital transformation, cybersecurity, data and analytics, and AI strategy. A seasoned health care technology executive, he has held senior leadership roles at several large health systems, including Novant Health, CommonSpirit Health, MUSC Health and Texas Children’s Hospital. Throughout his career, Sah has focused on leveraging technology, data, automation and cybersecurity to improve patient care, operational performance and organizational resilience. His experience spans enterprise digital strategy, EHR and clinical transformation, AI and emerging technologies, cybersecurity, infrastructure and large-scale technology modernization. Sah holds a Master of Health Administration and is a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives (FACHE) and a Certified Information Security Manager (CISM). He is particularly passionate about the responsible application of AI and digital innovation to transform health care delivery and improve the patient and caregiver experience.
More…Sonney Sapra
As chief information and technology officer, Sonney Sapra, MBA, provides strategic direction and operational leadership for the information and digital systems supporting all of the missions across UVA Health. He leads the development, implementation, and ongoing maintenance of these systems...
As chief information and technology officer, Sonney Sapra, MBA, provides strategic direction and operational leadership for the information and digital systems supporting all of the missions across UVA Health. He leads the development, implementation, and ongoing maintenance of these systems in alignment with UVA Health strategy, security, policies, and processes in support of patient safety and operational excellence. Sapra joins UVA Health with over 20 years of experience leading organizational digital transformation. Most recently, he served as senior vice president and chief digital and information officer at Samaritan Health Services and Health Plan in Oregon. He was also SVP and CIO at University of Louisville Health (2018-2021) and CIO of Oregon Health Sciences University – Hillsboro Medical Center (2010 to 2017). Sapra earned his Certified Healthcare Chief Information Officer certificate from the College of Healthcare Information Management Executives and an MBA from the University of Oregon.
More…Arman Latif
Arman Latif is the Chief Information Officer for the Virginia Department of Health (VDH), where he leads enterprise technology strategy, digital transformation, data governance, cybersecurity, enterprise architecture and modernization initiatives supporting one of the Commonwealth's largest public health organizations. With more...
Arman Latif is the Chief Information Officer for the Virginia Department of Health (VDH), where he leads enterprise technology strategy, digital transformation, data governance, cybersecurity, enterprise architecture and modernization initiatives supporting one of the Commonwealth's largest public health organizations. With more than 25 years of executive leadership experience across healthcare, government and the private sector, Latif has led large-scale technology transformations, enterprise data programs, cloud modernization initiatives and operational improvements that improve public health outcomes. His current focus includes AI governance, public health data strategy, enterprise analytics, digital modernization and strengthening the technology foundations needed for responsible AI adoption. A frequent keynote speaker and panelist, Latif presents on artificial intelligence, public health data, digital transformation and technology leadership. He is passionate about helping public sector organizations modernize responsibly while ensuring technology remains aligned with organizational missions, governance and the communities they serve.
More…Maruf Haider, MD
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.
More…Charles Frazier, MD
Charles O. Frazier, MD, FAAFP, is senior vice president and chief medical information and innovation officer at Riverside Health. He has helped lead Riverside’s electronic health record initiatives since the health system implemented an EMR in its medical practices in...
Charles O. Frazier, MD, FAAFP, is senior vice president and chief medical information and innovation officer at Riverside Health. He has helped lead Riverside’s electronic health record initiatives since the health system implemented an EMR in its medical practices in 1996. A family physician, Dr. Frazier is on the faculty of the Riverside Family Medicine Residency and is a clinical professor in the VCU Department of Family Medicine and Population Health. He is a past president and the current treasurer of the Virginia Academy of Family Physicians. Over the past three decades, Dr. Frazier has had the privilege of working with numerous quality and informatics organizations and projects at the state level, including Virginia Health Information, HQI, Virginia’s All-Payer Claims Database, the Emergency Department Care Coordination Program and the Virginia Center for Health Innovation, including its Task Force on Primary Care.
More…Craig Joseph, MD
Craig Joseph, MD, FAAP, FAMIA is the chief medical officer of Nordic Global.. Craig has 30 years of healthcare and IT experience. In addition to practicing medicine as a primary care pediatrician for eight years, he worked for Epic for...
Craig Joseph, MD, FAAP, FAMIA is the chief medical officer of Nordic Global.. Craig has 30 years of healthcare and IT experience. In addition to practicing medicine as a primary care pediatrician for eight years, he worked for Epic for six-plus years and has served as CMIO at multiple healthcare organizations. While at Epic, Craig helped build what is now called the Foundation System. He also assisted in the implementation and optimization of the electronic health record for Epic customers across the United States and Europe. After leaving Epic, Craig was the CMIO at Agnesian HealthCare, a Cerner/Oracle Health enterprise customer. He has subsequently served as the long-term interim CMIO at Epic-customers Texas Children’s Hospital (Houston), El Camino Health (Mountain View, CA), and Seattle Children’s Hospital. Dr. Joseph is the co-author of “Designing for Health: The Human-Centered Approach,” a book that promotes the intentional application of design to the particular needs of clinicians, hospital staff, and patients. Craig is a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Medical Informatics Association. He remains actively board-certified in both pediatrics and clinical informatics.
More…Melissa Zuckerman
Melissa Zuckerman, MS, is the chief experience officer at the Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes’ Foundation. In this role, she brings engagements to life with a clear vision and a collaborative approach, driving efforts to improve the well-being and mental health...
Melissa Zuckerman, MS, is the chief experience officer at the Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes’ Foundation. In this role, she brings engagements to life with a clear vision and a collaborative approach, driving efforts to improve the well-being and mental health of health workers. Before joining the foundation, Zuckerman co-led JPA Health’s public health practice, supporting nonprofit organizations, foundations and professional associations in engaging people and communities in public health education, healthcare professional support and community involvement. She holds a master’s degree in integrated marketing communications from Florida State University and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Central Florida. She also earned a certificate of excellence in nonprofit leadership and management from Michigan State University and the Society for Nonprofits.
More…Julie Dime
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.
More…Ellen Wiegand
Ellen Wiegand is senior vice president and chief information officer (CIO) at VCU Health. As CIO, Ellen is charged with leveraging technology to preserve and restore the health for all people of Virginia and beyond. She is accountable for overall...
Ellen Wiegand is senior vice president and chief information officer (CIO) at VCU Health. As CIO, Ellen is charged with leveraging technology to preserve and restore the health for all people of Virginia and beyond. She is accountable for overall IT strategy, including all infrastructure, operations, applications, informatics, data and analytics. Prior to joining VCU Health in October 2022, she served as vice president and CIO for Virginia Mason Franciscan Health in Seattle. For demonstrating excellence in technology leadership, Ellen was selected as the health care winner for Seattle CIO of the Year in 2020, and Capital CIO of the Year in the enterprise category in 2024. Ellen earned a Master of Business Administration from The George Washington University, and a Bachelor of Science in biology from Boston College. In 2013 and 2018, she traveled to Japan to study the Toyota Production System with Shingijutsu.
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