Onward Ozarks: Vision 2030: Preparing NWA for a Healthier Future

For 30 years and counting, the Northwest Arkansas Council has helped shape the development of our region—taking a long-term view without losing sight of short-term goals and the genuine needs of the community.

Northwest Arkansas Council

This session explores the strategic plan addressing the challenges and opportunities of a growing region.

As Northwest Arkansas continues its rapid population growth, the demand for accessible, high-quality health care has never been greater. This Onward Ozarks session explores the Vision 2030: Roadmap for Health Care Transformation, a strategic plan addressing the challenges and opportunities of a growing region. Learn how the plan seeks to lay the foundation for a sustainable health care system by prioritizing value-based care, reducing outmigration for specialty services, and fostering collaboration with leading institutions. Join us to discuss how Vision 2030 is a necessary response to the region's growth and a step toward ensuring the health and well-being of all residents.

<h3>PANELISTS INCLUDE</h3>

<h3>Paul Umbach, Ed.D</h3>Founder and President, Tripp UmbachPaul Umbach is the founder and president of Tripp Umbach, a consulting firm he established in 1990. Under his leadership, Tripp Umbach has completed thousands of impactful projects, including regional economic development studies in Pittsburgh, Chicago, Richmond, Phoenix, and Spokane. Paul’s expertise spans over 500 communities worldwide, focusing on healthcare, higher education, and economic development.An influential thought leader, Paul speaks at numerous community and economic transformation conferences. Paul’s educational background includes a Doctor of Education in Leadership from Vanderbilt, an executive AMDP from Harvard’s Graduate School of Design, and graduate degrees in geography and regional planning. His career reflects a deep commitment to community health, economic equity, and creating meaningful change.

<h3>Stefanie Pawluk, MPH</h3>Executive Director of Health Care Transformation Division, Northwest Arkansas CouncilStefanie leads the Northwest Arkansas Council’s Health Care Transformation Division, driving the implementation of the Vision 2030: Northwest Arkansas Health Care Report. With 15 years of experience in health policy and government relations, she has worked with health systems, payors and state governments to advance health reform and value-based care. Stefanie’s leadership focuses on building partnerships and innovative solutions to address the unique health care challenges of Northwest Arkansas. Her vision and expertise are shaping a resilient, future-ready health care system that supports the region’s growth and ensures healthier communities for generations to come.

<h3>John Findley, M.D.</h3>Chief Medical Officer, Heartland Whole Health InstituteDr. John Findley, MD, serves as the Chief Medical Officer for Heartland Whole Health Institute. In this role, Dr. Findley works with partners to reduce costs, improve outcomes, and expand access to whole health care in the Heartland.Most recently, Dr. Findley served as the president of Bryan Health Connect, a Physician Hospital Organization (PHO) in Lincoln, NE representing 2,000 providers, 25 Critical Access and 3 PPS Hospitals, over 250 clinics and an Accountable Care Organization (ACO) with 90,000 covered lives across nine value-based agreements. He has a wealth of experience working with providers, health system administrators, employers, and payers in myriad value-based arrangements.He has served in various leadership roles during his medical career including Medical Director for Caravan Health, where he was responsible for leading and developing physician engagement strategies, content development, clinical programs and clinical analytics; Chief Medical Officer and Interim CEO at a rural Community Hospital; Medical Director of a Health and Wellness Clinic focused on obesity management; Planetree Physician Consultant advocating for the importance of patience experience; and founder of LifeWoRx, a clinic-based Lifestyle Medicine program. He was also in private practice for 15 years in Western Colorado.Dr. Findley earned his Bachelor of Science in biology and mathematics from Regis University and his medical degree from Creighton University Medical School. He completed his Family Medicine Residency at the University of Colorado.

Onward Ozarks: Vision 2030: Preparing NWA for a Healthier Future

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Onward Ozarks: Vision 2030: Preparing NWA for a Healthier Future

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