WEEKLY UPDATE: 10/30/25
On Thursday, October 23, leaders from four Connecticut health systems came together for an engaging and insightful CEO panel discussion at the Healthcare Financial Management Association (HFMA) Connecticut Chapter’s 74th Annual Meeting in Farmington.
Moderated by Paul Kidwell, senior vice president of policy, Connecticut Hospital Association (CHA), the panel featured Susan Browning, regional president of Nuvance Health, part of Northwell Health; Vincent Capece, president and CEO of Middlesex Health; Jeff Flaks, president and CEO of Hartford HealthCare; and Christopher O’Connor, CEO of Yale New Haven Health.
The discussion explored the greatest opportunities and challenges across the healthcare delivery system. Panelists shared their perspectives on evolving regulatory policies, strategies to support and sustain the healthcare workforce, and ways hospitals are advancing care through innovation — helping patients navigate the complexities of healthcare, insurance, affordability, and access.
The leaders emphasized the importance of innovation across all areas of healthcare — from strengthening workforce pipelines that begin early in the education journey, to embracing emerging technologies, to improving how patients access and understand care, costs, and coverage by enhancing transparency and making information more accessible. They also underscored the importance of celebrating the exceptional care and quality delivered by Connecticut hospitals, recognized the groundbreaking progress in developing lifesaving treatments, and reaffirmed their commitment to building healthier communities and investing in long-term population health improvements — all of which contribute to the nation-leading care available right here in Connecticut.
The panelists discussed ongoing challenges, including how Medicaid underpayment makes it more difficult to advance care and support the sustainability of local hospitals, as well as challenges exacerbated by federal policy changes.
In a time when much can feel beyond one’s control, the leaders highlighted the importance of focusing on what healthcare providers can control: continuing to lead with excellence, providing the right care at the right place and time, and supporting a dedicated, world-class workforce.
HFMA brings together healthcare finance professionals to collaborate with other stakeholders to address industry challenges and provide guidance, education, practical tools and solutions, and thought leadership.
