Subject Matter Experts Bios
Karan "Kay" Mansukhani
An experienced VBC business development leader, Karan "Kay" Mansukhani specializes in creating and executing Go-to-Market strategy for health-tech startups. His wide network of connections within ACOs allow him to match startup with pilot sites and early commercial contracts to translate abstract product potential to realized value. Having worked with many startups in the space Kay advises on - product positioning, product-market fit, market sizing & price sensitivity.
Kay has a dual degree in epidemiology and business IT strategy from Johns Hopkins. His professional experience spans working for health systems Johns Hopkins Hospital, consulting for Audacious Inquiry (now Point Click Care), and population health analytics platforms - Life Image and Health Data Analytics Institute.
Namita Azad
Namita Azad is an executive healthcare leader specializing in healthcare delivery model development, strategic programmatic design of integrated clinical services, implementation and optimization of operational and clinical pathways that impact key quality and safety metrics. She is currently the Senior Director of Transformation at ColumbiaDoctors, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, where she oversees the strategy for innovation and transformation for point of care delivery within the ambulatory space.
With a career spanning over 16 years, Azad has led complex teams in large academic medical centers across the United States, including Columbia University Medical Center, Montefiore Health System and University of Wisconsin Health. She truly believes in creating systems that support human capital to flourish to impact communities that are served. Her passion is in leading organization transformation initiatives through activating the grassroot level of the organization and utilizing change management and performance improvement tools and techniques.
Azad holds a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science with a specialization in Global Health from the University of Wisconsin, Madison, as well as a Master of Public Health from Benedictine University.
Michael Hoben, MD
Dr. Michael Hoben has been a Family Physician with Novant Health in Charlotte, North Carolina for 23 years. He has held several leadership roles at Novant Health over the years including Chief of Family Medicine, System Service Line Leader for Community Health & Wellness Institute and serving on the medical group Executive Team.
In addition to clinical practice, he currently serves as Senior Physician Executive for Care Innovation and Transformation. This role focuses on health system transition to Value-Based Care, including care model renovation, quality performance improvement, data integration, payor strategy, and provider education. Dr. Hoben has additional leadership responsibilities in several Joint Venture relationships, Novant Health’s Community Access and Equity clinics, retail care strategy, and serves as Medical Director of Novant Health’s ACO.
Dr. Hoben holds a Doctor of Medicine from the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill School of Medicine in 1998 and completed Family Medicine residency at Carolinas Healthcare (now Atrium/Advocate) in 2001, also serving as Chief Resident.
Brandon Burket
Brandon Burket currently serves as the Vice President of Value-Based Care and Population Health at Orlando Health. In this position, he is responsible for pioneering new strategies aimed at evolving traditional healthcare delivery through thoughtfully disruptive approaches, including the development of innovative clinical partnerships, evidence-based care redesign programs, and advanced value-based financing models.
Burket helped to found and now leads the system’s clinically integrated network, known as the Orlando Health Network (OHN). Under his leadership, OHN has improved the quality of care for thousands of patients while generating more than $160 million in cost savings to patients, payers, and employers. In his tenure with the health system, Burket has held multiple positions, ranging from leading systemwide clinical transformation programs to overseeing new market expansion efforts. During this time, he expanded Orlando Health’s value-based care portfolio through alignment with progressive payer partners to drive the highest-quality, most cost-effective, and customer-focused experiences for patients and families. These programs include a variety of nationally leading bundled payment initiatives, direct-to-employer offerings, and accountable care organizations, among others.
Burket holds a Bachelor of Health Science and a Master of Health Administration from the University of Florida.
Mike Barrett
Barrett is the Senior Vice President for S.E. and National Development for ACO efforts at Universal American. In addition to his role at Universal American, he is the Chairman of the National Association of ACOs and was one of the original founders of the association. His extensive career includes significant contributions to the turnaround of a large globally capitated “at risk” IPA in the NYC area, where he served Medicare, Medicaid, Commercial, and ACO populations. Barrett's expertise extends to organizing Medicare ACO applications and assisting CMS-approved ACO contractors. He previously led a start-up IPA to $40 million in revenue within 18 months and negotiated its successful sale.
With 25 years of experience in managed care, Barrett has held numerous executive roles. His background includes expertise in risk adjustment, IT, physician performance reporting, and utilization management. As a consultant, he has improved efficiency and productivity for a wide range of health plans, provider groups, and government contractors. His deep understanding of both payor and provider segments, coupled with ongoing involvement in Medicare regulations, provides a comprehensive view of healthcare operations and regulatory processes.
Barrett holds a Bachelor of Science in Finance from Syracuse University.
Jeff Grover
Jeff Grover is the Vice President of Actuarial Services at Complete Health, where he is the leading subject matter expert in financial programs, including MAPD and ACO REACH. His role involves delivering key insights and recommendations to C-Suite executives and the Board of Directors, overseeing financial forecasting, and evaluating physician group acquisitions.
Previously, Grover held senior positions at Centene Corporation and Lee Health, where he led financial performance reviews, developed strategic recommendations, and managed client relationships with provider partners. His career spans extensive experience in Medicare Advantage and Part D pricing, risk management, and actuarial analysis, with significant contributions to private exchanges and health care economics.
Grover holds a Bachelor of Arts in Pure Mathematics from the University of Rochester.
Ruth Bouldin
Ruth Bouldin is a healthcare executive with over 20 years of expertise in leading ACOs and IPAs towards operational excellence and value-based care. Most recently, she was the Senior Vice President of Operations at The Physicians’ Alliance Corporation, where she was instrumental in transforming the organization from a fee-for-service model to value-based care contracting across multiple payers, including Medicare and Medicare Advantage. She was responsible for overseeing P&L for various enterprise operations, including IT solutions, contracting, and billing.
Previously, Bouldin has held positions in IT operations and management, where she led high-impact projects such as the launch of new software for claims and quality performance systems, dramatically improving processing times and reducing claim rejection rates. Prior to that she held roles in hospital and healthcare management, where she directed various departments to enhance patient care and operational processes.
Bouldin holds a Bachelor of Arts from Vanderbilt University.
John Pagan, MD
Dr. John Pagan is the CEO and Chairman of the Board at Pennsylvania Collaborative CIN (PACIN). He is a board-certified general surgeon who previously practiced at Saint Luke’s University Health Network. In addition, he has also served as Chairman of the Pennsylvania Medical Society Board of Trustees and as the Speaker of the Pennsylvania Medical Society House of Delegates.
Dr. Pagan holds a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Fordham University, as well as a Master of Business Administration from Saint Joseph’s University. He earned his Doctor of Medicine from the University of Maryland and then went on to complete his surgical training at Einstein Medical Center.
Sonal Mankodi, MD
Dr. Sonal Mankodi is the Medical Director at North Shore Physicians Group (NSPG). She has practiced Internal Medicine for the last 27 years, both at NSPG and Lahey Clinic. During her tenure at NSPG, she spearheaded a committee that developed and implemented comprehensive practice-wide clinical and meaningful use metrics, leading to the achievement of PCMH (Patient-Centered Medical Home) Level 3 Certification. In addition to her role at NSPG, Dr. Mankodi serves as a Physician Champion for Partners eCare.
Dr. Mankodi holds a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry from Brandeis University and a Doctor of Medicine from Harvard Medical School.
Jeremy Dias
Jeremy Dias has an international presence as a healthcare executive focusing on value-based risk arrangements, strategy and operations in population health management, and the creative architect to implement new emerging technology solutions for his partners. Being part of the top 10 largest and most successful Medicare Shared Savings Program (MSSP) Accountable Care Organization (ACO) for the past four years, he was the business owner for population health program operations with consecutive savings over $50M annually in nine states and sixty markets; other experience includes Medicare REACH, Make Care Primary, and Medicaid ACOs. In addition to value-based risk arrangements, Dias has overseen standing up new ambulatory clinic operations and mobile integrated health units.
Dias holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Salve Regina University and a Master of Healthcare Administration from Boston College.
Kate Casaday
Kate Casaday is a healthcare executive with a diverse background in managing and optimizing value-based care programs. Currently she is running Casaday Consulting Group where she focuses on value-based care operations, strategy and finance. Prior to this Casaday served as the Head of Product at On Belay Health Solutions, where she played a pivotal role in guiding the company's product strategy and innovation. Her previous roles include serving as Director of Market Operations at Optum, where she led P&L management for a high-risk contract with the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation (CMMI), and as Director of Risk Adjustment & Value Based Revenue at CareMount Medical, where she drove business performance improvements in population health and value-based care.
Casaday holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Chicago, a Master of Public Health from Columbia University and a Master of Business Administration from The Wharton School.
Max Fletcher
Max Fletcher is a healthcare professional with experience across value-based care, Medicaid managed care, management consulting, and state government policymaking. He served as the Executive Director for multiple ACO and Medicare Advantage risk markets at Centene, leading the company’s relationship with over 45 different provider groups in value-based care contracts and improving financial performance by $14 million in his first full year. At Humana, he managed enterprise strategy for multiple successful pursuits of new statewide Medicaid managed care contracts. As a consultant for NORC at the University of Chicago and Deloitte, he managed strategic and operational projects for a diverse group of clients including health plans, state Medicaid agencies, provider groups, digital health companies, trade associations, and think tanks. Earlier in his career, he played a key role in implementing the Affordable Care Act for the Illinois state government, working in both the Department of Insurance and the Office of the Governor.
Fletcher holds a Bachelor of Science in Social Policy from Northwestern University and a Master of Science in Health Policy and Management from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.
Philmer Lewis
Philmer Lewis is a dynamic operations leader with extensive experience driving growth and performance in the healthcare sector. Currently he serves as the Executive Director of Operations at Next Healthcare Solutions, where he has established a reputation for delivering operational excellence and value-based care initiatives. Lewis excels in strategic planning, financial management, and regulatory compliance, overseeing annual revenues exceeding $25 million. His leadership has resulted in significant achievements, including over $250 million in shared savings for accountable care organizations.
Prior to his current role, Lewis served as the Director of Professional Relations at HPH Hospice, where he successfully expanded referral networks and increased patient census through strategic partnerships and targeted marketing efforts. During his time there he worked with managed care organizations and built relationships with local IPAs to position the organization as the preferred hospice choice.
Lewis holds a Bachelor of Science in Operations Management from the University of Florida and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Miami.
Brian Steele, D.O
Dr. Brian K. Steele is an accomplished healthcare executive and business strategist with a distinguished career spanning over two decades in the healthcare industry. With expertise in strategic planning, operational leadership, and value-based care (VBC), Dr. Steele has successfully led initiatives that transformed clinical operations, improved quality performance, and optimized care delivery. As the Chief Medical Officer at Collaborative Health Systems, he oversees multi-faceted programs, including six MSSP Accountable Care Organizations and numerous physician networks, impacting the lives of over 140,000 Medicare beneficiaries. His leadership has been instrumental in developing innovative care management strategies, driving provider engagement, and enhancing operational models to meet VBC goals.
Dr. Steele’s tenure at Excellus Blue Cross Blue Shield further highlights his executive capabilities, where he led clinical services for 1.5 million members and pioneered enterprise-level strategies to integrate Social Determinants of Health (SDoH) into healthcare operations. A thought leader in bridging healthcare and technology, he has guided organizations through electronic health record optimizations and advanced data analytics initiatives. Dr. Steele is also recognized for his mentorship in clinical education, holding faculty positions at the University of Rochester and other prestigious institutions. With board certification in family medicine and a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, Dr. Steele combines clinical expertise with strategic vision to deliver measurable, sustainable improvements in healthcare.
Dan Roberts, CEO
Dan is a seasoned healthcare executive with over a decade of success in driving adoption, understanding, and performance in value-based care (VBC) contract negotiations and operations.
His expertise spans launching Medicare Advantage plans, leading a clinically integrated network as Chief Operating Officer in VBC operations and contract negotiations, and serving in advisory and fractional C-suite roles for multiple healthcare startups. He has also spearheaded healthcare economics for a technology-driven population health solution and built ACOs from the ground up by leading a value services management organization.
These diverse experiences have given Dan a unique vantage point—having represented ACOs, vendors, and payors in high-stakes contract negotiations—allowing him to navigate the complexities of the healthcare landscape with strategic insight and operational excellence.
Anjan Patel, CEO
Dr. Anjan Patel is an attentive and compassionate primary care doctor treating patients in Boca Raton, Florida and its surrounding communities. His approach to practice is to make the patient the primary focus, ensuring that each of his patients receives quality care. Dr. Patel holds certification from the American Board of Family Medicine.
Originally from New Jersey, Dr. Patel attended the American University of Antigua College of Medicine in order to pursue his medical degree. He continued his residency training at Underwood-Memorial Hospital a Thomas Jefferson Affiliate.
Two weeks out of residency, Dr. Patel took a leap and opened up his first private practice and grew it to become one of the leading primary care physicians in the Boca Raton area. He further expanded his network by opening up chiropractic facilities in the Palm Beach areas, expanding primary care offices as well as a thriving MSO.
Elena Tkachev, Consultant
Elena Tkachev is a healthcare industry expert with deep experience consulting for ACOs, health systems, payers, and other providers. She currently advises clients at Lenus Partners, offering financial, analytical, and strategic support to help organizations thrive in value-based care. A recognized leader in alternative payment models, Elena is a frequent speaker on data analytics and the transition to value-based care.
Previously, she served as VP of Analytics at Collaborative Health Systems (a Centene Company), supporting over 2,800 physicians and helping generate $330M in Shared Savings. Her earlier roles include positions at Milliman, McKinsey & Co., Horizon BCBS of NJ, and Anthem, focusing on innovative population health and payment models.
Elena holds an MBA from Fordham University and a BS in actuarial science from Maryville University.
Vikram Saini
Vikram Saini is a healthcare executive and General Counsel with a background in law, healthcare administration, and value-based care innovation. A native of Florida’s Space Coast, he studied Political Science and Religious Studies at the University of Florida, later earning both his JD and Master’s in Healthcare Administration from UF.
He began his career in the criminal justice system before transitioning to healthcare, where he helped launch and lead multiple Medicare and commercial ACOs. These organizations now serve nearly 100,000 patients across 16 counties in Florida, generating over $250 million in savings through improved care delivery.
Vikram has also helped develop and manage a range of healthcare ventures—including urgent care clinics, specialty practices, and a population health software company. In his current role, he blends legal, strategic, and operational expertise to support healthcare transformation. Outside of work, Vikram is active in community service and enjoys time with family, beach outings, and working on cars.
Dr. Nicholas Coté
Dr. Nicholas Coté is a board-certified family physician and informaticist with over a decade of experience at the crossroads of clinical care, health IT, and organizational leadership. As Chief Medical Information Officer at Murfreesboro Medical Clinic, he has led strategic informatics initiatives, improving systems for both clinicians and administrators.
Dr. Coté has driven major innovations—from transforming the clinic into a Level 3 NCQA Patient-Centered Medical Home to developing county-wide COVID-19 testing strategies. As former President of the Clinic, he led operational growth, mergers, and DEI efforts, blending clinical insight with executive strategy.
A trusted consultant and speaker, he advises health tech vendors and AI developers on real-world clinical integration. With deep clinical roots and technical fluency, Dr. Coté helps clients navigate and lead at the forefront of healthcare transformation.
