2026 HASD&IC Annual Meeting

Dimitrios Alexiou, FACHE
President & CEO
Hospital Association of San Diego & Imperial Counties
Dimitrios Alexiou, FACHE, is the President and CEO of Hospital Association of San Diego and Imperial Counties (HASD&IC), a non-profit trade association representing hospitals and health systems. Mr. Alexiou joined the Hospital Association in December 2014. As President/CEO of HASD&IC, Dimitrios provides leadership, representation, advocacy, and acts as an advisory on behalf of over 38 hospitals and health systems in the 2-county region. He also serves as a Board Advisor to the California Hospital Association Board of Trustees.

Jon Carmichael
World-renowned Astrophotographer and Captivating Storyteller
Through stunning visuals and compelling storytelling, Jon Carmichael helps organizations and individuals transform their perceived limits into launching points for breakthrough success. Jon’s journey from passionate photographer to worldwide inspiration proves that when we dare to reimagine our boundaries, we discover opportunities we never knew existed. A world-renowned astrophotographer celebrated for capturing the critically acclaimed “history’s most amazing photograph,” Jon Carmichael captivated the world when he unveiled his image of the 2017 Great American Eclipse, taken from an airplane at 39,000 feet after years of meticulous planning. His relentless pursuit of a seemingly impossible vision embodies the power of audacity, empowerment, and aiming higher. The thrilling story behind the photograph and the obstacles he overcame have inspired audiences worldwide.

Kristen Cerf
President and Chief Executive Officer
Blue Shield of California Promise Health Plan
Kristen Cerf is president and chief executive officer of Blue Shield of California Promise Health Plan, Blue Shield of California’s Medi-Cal plan serving more than 500,000 members in Los Angeles and San Diego counties. She leads the plan’s work to expand equitable access to high-quality, compassionate care for underserved communities across Southern California, with a focus on bringing care, education, and social services directly to members where they live, work, and go to school. Cerf also serves on Governor Gavin Newsom’s Protect Access to Health Care Act Stakeholder Advisory Committee. Before becoming CEO, Cerf held senior leadership roles at Blue Shield Promise, including vice president of Medi-Cal growth strategy and chief legal officer. Her experience spans health plan strategy, regulatory compliance, legal counsel, community engagement, and provider partnerships.

Christopher Howard
President and Chief Executive Officer
Sharp HealthCare
Chris Howard is president and chief executive officer of Sharp HealthCare. Howard, whose career spans more than 30 years, has worked extensively with integrated care delivery systems, hospitals, medical groups and health plans. Prior to joining Sharp HealthCare, Howard served as chief operations officer for SSM Health where he ensured SSM’s hospital, medical group and major business operations in Missouri, Illinois, Wisconsin and Oklahoma delivered exceptional clinical quality, safety and service for all. He also oversaw SSM’s Performance Excellence Organization, system facilities/real estate as well as pharmacy, laboratory, and environmental/food services across the system. Prior to joining the system office, Howard held roles as president of SSM Health’s St. Louis and Oklahoma markets.

Neerav Jadeja, MBA, MSHA
Chief Executive Officer
Paradise Valley Hospital
Neerav Jadeja, MBA, MSHA, has guided Paradise Valley Hospital to new levels of strength and resilience, helping the organization evolve and excel in an ever-changing healthcare environment. As the CEO of Paradise Valley Hospital since 2011, he has leveraged more than two decades of leadership experience to foster organizational stability while driving growth and continued success. Under his leadership, Paradise Valley Hospital has earned national recognition for patient safety, clinical quality, and community impact. The hospital has received 12 consecutive “A” Hospital Safety Grades from The Leapfrog Group and is recognized as a “Straight A” hospital. It has also earned the Healthgrades Patient Safety Excellence Award every year for the past 12 years and was named to Forbes’ inaugural Top Hospitals list for 2026, earning a four-star rating.

Julie Sprengel
President
Dignity Health, California
Julie J. Sprengel serves as president of Dignity Health California, a member of CommonSpirit Health, where she provides mission-driven leadership for one of the nation’s largest integrated healthcare networks. Ms. Sprengel leads a dedicated workforce of 45,000 employees and 15,000 physicians, overseeing a one billion dollar annual commitment to community benefit and charity care. With two decades of healthcare leadership experience, Ms. Sprengel is recognized for her ability to harmonize operational excellence with compassionate, values-based care. She has successfully architected strategic initiatives focused on workforce recovery, clinical quality, and sustainable growth, ensuring that facilities remain equipped to meet the needs of California’s communities.

Felicia Y Sze, J.D., MPH
Founding & Managing Partner
Athene Law, LLP 
Felicia Y Sze is a nationally-recognized expert in Medicaid and Medicare reimbursement matters, focusing on both the managed care and fee-for-service programs. She advises healthcare providers, including hospitals, clinics, physicians, pharmacies, and others, on a wide array of compliance and reimbursement matters and in disputes with managed care entities and government payors. She founded Athene Law, LLP with a vision for the firm to partner with its clients to support their mission in ensuring the provision of healthcare services to Californians.  

Pablo Velez, PhD, RN
Chief Executive Officer
El Centro Regional Medical Center
Pablo Velez is an executive senior leader with over three decades of healthcare experience at nationally recognized healthcare institutions. Pablo started his career in healthcare as a Nurse Manager for Boston VA Medical Center. He was instrumental in different areas for the West Roxbury VA Medical Center. Later in his career, Pablo joined Sharp Chula Vista Medical Center as a Nurse Manager, moving to Director, Vice President, and CEO for the past 13 years. Pablo possesses extensive knowledge and hands-on experience in various aspects of hospital operations.