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Florida Aging Summit

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Florida has one of the nation’s oldest populations, with more than one in five Floridians age 60 and older. As this population grows, so does the need for policies supporting healthcare, housing, caregiving, transportation, and economic security.

The Florida Aging Summit brings together policymakers, advocates, aging-services professionals, and community leaders to share solutions and advance policies that promote independence, dignity, and quality of life for older Floridians.

Location: Doubletree Tallahassee

101 S Adams St

Tallahassee, FL 32301

Location: Doubletree Tallahassee

101 S Adams St

Tallahassee, FL 32301

Date: Tuesday, November 10, 2026

Date: Tuesday, November 10, 2026

Time: 8:30AM - 12:00PM

Time: 8:30AM - 12:00PM

For sponsorships or ticket information please contact aphillips@govexec.com.

For sponsorships or ticket information please contact aphillips@govexec.com.

DoubleTree by Hilton Tallahassee
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Download agenda Sessions

8:30 AM EST

1 HR
8:30 AM EST 1 HR

Doors Open + Check-in + Networking

9:30 AM EST

5 MINS
9:30 AM EST 5 MINS

Welcome Remarks by Emcee Gray Rohrer, Executive Editor, News Service of Florida

9:35 AM EST

5 MINS
9:35 AM EST 5 MINS
VITAS Healthcare

Introductory Remarks by Erika Gaudio, VITAS Healthcare

VITAS Healthcare
Erika Gaudio
Erika Gaudio
EVP of Sales
VITAS Healthcare
Erika Gaudio
Erika Gaudio
EVP of Sales
VITAS Healthcare
Erika Gaudio
Erika Gaudio
Erika Gaudio
EVP of Sales
VITAS Healthcare
Erika Gaudio

9:40 AM EST

15 MINS
9:40 AM EST 15 MINS
Keynote

Keynote Remarks by Michelle Branham, Secretary, FL Dept. of Elder Affairs

Michelle Branham
Michelle Branham
Secretary
Florida Department of Elder Affairs
Michelle Branham
Michelle Branham
Secretary
Florida Department of Elder Affairs
Michelle Branham
Michelle Branham
Michelle Branham
Secretary
Florida Department of Elder Affairs
Michelle Branham

9:55 AM EST

5 MINS
9:55 AM EST 5 MINS

Introduction to The Future of Aging: Innovation, Healthcare & Independence panel by Josefina Carbonell, Independent Living Systems

Josefina Carbonell
Josefina Carbonell
Chief Advocacy Officer
Independent Living Systems
Josefina Carbonell
Josefina Carbonell
Chief Advocacy Officer
Independent Living Systems
Josefina Carbonell
Josefina Carbonell
Josefina Carbonell
Chief Advocacy Officer
Independent Living Systems
Josefina Carbonell

10 AM EST

1 HR
10 AM EST 1 HR
Panel

The Future of Aging: Innovation, Healthcare & Independence

Craig Hansen (Moderator)
Craig Hansen (Moderator)
Vice President, Legislative & Governmental Affairs
Sunshine Health
Lisa L. Bretz
Lisa L. Bretz
Executive Director
Advantage Aging Solutions
Travis Fogle
Travis Fogle
President of Hospice Programs
Empath Health Suncoast Hospice
Scott Hartlieb
Scott Hartlieb
Director - Health Plan Partnerships
Best Buy Health
Paul Ledford
Paul Ledford
CEO
Florida Hospice and Palliative Care Association
Abby Riddle
Abby Riddle
COO and Health Plans President
Independent Living Systems/Florida Community Care
Kim Smoak
Kim Smoak
Deputy Secretary
Florida Agency for Health Care Administration

Florida's rapidly growing older population is driving innovation across healthcare, housing, technology, and home-based services. From AI-enabled caregiving and remote patient monitoring to expanding home care and coordinated healthcare delivery, public and private sector leaders are reshaping how Floridians age with independence, dignity, and better outcomes. This discussion will explore the policies, partnerships, and innovations transforming aging in Florida while highlighting opportunities to improve quality of life, support family caregivers, and reduce healthcare costs.

Craig Hansen (Moderator)
Craig Hansen (Moderator)
Vice President, Legislative & Governmental Affairs
Sunshine Health
Lisa L. Bretz
Lisa L. Bretz
Executive Director
Advantage Aging Solutions
Travis Fogle
Travis Fogle
President of Hospice Programs
Empath Health Suncoast Hospice
Scott Hartlieb
Scott Hartlieb
Director - Health Plan Partnerships
Best Buy Health
Paul Ledford
Paul Ledford
CEO
Florida Hospice and Palliative Care Association
Abby Riddle
Abby Riddle
COO and Health Plans President
Independent Living Systems/Florida Community Care
Kim Smoak
Kim Smoak
Deputy Secretary
Florida Agency for Health Care Administration

Florida's rapidly growing older population is driving innovation across healthcare, housing, technology, and home-based services. From AI-enabled caregiving and remote patient monitoring to expanding home care and coordinated healthcare delivery, public and private sector leaders are reshaping how Floridians age with independence, dignity, and better outcomes. This discussion will explore the policies, partnerships, and innovations transforming aging in Florida while highlighting opportunities to improve quality of life, support family caregivers, and reduce healthcare costs.

Craig Hansen (Moderator)
Lisa L. Bretz
+5
5 more speakers

Florida's rapidly growing older population is driving innovation across healthcare, housing, technology, and home-based services. From AI-enabled caregiving and remote patient monitoring to expanding home care and coordinated healthcare delivery, public and private sector leaders are reshaping how Floridians age with independence, dignity, and better outcomes. This discussion will explore the policies, partnerships, and innovations transforming aging in Florida while highlighting opportunities to improve quality of life, support family caregivers, and reduce healthcare costs.

Craig Hansen (Moderator)
Craig Hansen (Moderator)
Vice President, Legislative & Governmental Affairs
Sunshine Health
Lisa L. Bretz
Lisa L. Bretz
Executive Director
Advantage Aging Solutions
Travis Fogle
Travis Fogle
President of Hospice Programs
Empath Health Suncoast Hospice
Scott Hartlieb
Scott Hartlieb
Director - Health Plan Partnerships
Best Buy Health
Paul Ledford
Paul Ledford
CEO
Florida Hospice and Palliative Care Association
Abby Riddle
Abby Riddle
COO and Health Plans President
Independent Living Systems/Florida Community Care
Kim Smoak
Kim Smoak
Deputy Secretary
Florida Agency for Health Care Administration

Florida's rapidly growing older population is driving innovation across healthcare, housing, technology, and home-based services. From AI-enabled caregiving and remote patient monitoring to expanding home care and coordinated healthcare delivery, public and private sector leaders are reshaping how Floridians age with independence, dignity, and better outcomes. This discussion will explore the policies, partnerships, and innovations transforming aging in Florida while highlighting opportunities to improve quality of life, support family caregivers, and reduce healthcare costs.

Craig Hansen (Moderator)
Lisa L. Bretz
+5
5 more speakers

11 AM EST

1 HR
11 AM EST 1 HR
Panel

Age-Ready Florida: Housing, Workforce & Economic Security

Ana Goñi-Lessan (Moderator)
Ana Goñi-Lessan (Moderator)
Senior Reporter
News Service of Florida
Steve Bahmer
Steve Bahmer
President & CEO
LeadingAge Southeast
Leo Garcia
Leo Garcia
Assistant Deputy Secretary
Division of Community Development, FloridaCommerce
Erin Sampson
Erin Sampson
Senior Program Director
CareerSource Florida
Dr. Sunil Joshi
Dr. Sunil Joshi
Chief Health Officer
City of Jacksonville, FL

Florida’s aging population is creating new policy challenges and opportunities across housing, employment, caregiving, and economic security. This panel will explore policies that help older Floridians remain independent, financially secure, and active in their communities while preparing Florida for an age-ready future.

Ana Goñi-Lessan (Moderator)
Ana Goñi-Lessan (Moderator)
Senior Reporter
News Service of Florida
Steve Bahmer
Steve Bahmer
President & CEO
LeadingAge Southeast
Leo Garcia
Leo Garcia
Assistant Deputy Secretary
Division of Community Development, FloridaCommerce
Erin Sampson
Erin Sampson
Senior Program Director
CareerSource Florida
Dr. Sunil Joshi
Dr. Sunil Joshi
Chief Health Officer
City of Jacksonville, FL

Florida’s aging population is creating new policy challenges and opportunities across housing, employment, caregiving, and economic security. This panel will explore policies that help older Floridians remain independent, financially secure, and active in their communities while preparing Florida for an age-ready future.

Ana Goñi-Lessan (Moderator)
Steve Bahmer
+3
3 more speakers

Florida’s aging population is creating new policy challenges and opportunities across housing, employment, caregiving, and economic security. This panel will explore policies that help older Floridians remain independent, financially secure, and active in their communities while preparing Florida for an age-ready future.

Ana Goñi-Lessan (Moderator)
Ana Goñi-Lessan (Moderator)
Senior Reporter
News Service of Florida
Steve Bahmer
Steve Bahmer
President & CEO
LeadingAge Southeast
Leo Garcia
Leo Garcia
Assistant Deputy Secretary
Division of Community Development, FloridaCommerce
Erin Sampson
Erin Sampson
Senior Program Director
CareerSource Florida
Dr. Sunil Joshi
Dr. Sunil Joshi
Chief Health Officer
City of Jacksonville, FL

Florida’s aging population is creating new policy challenges and opportunities across housing, employment, caregiving, and economic security. This panel will explore policies that help older Floridians remain independent, financially secure, and active in their communities while preparing Florida for an age-ready future.

Ana Goñi-Lessan (Moderator)
Steve Bahmer
+3
3 more speakers

12 PM EST

12 PM EST

Sessions Concludes

Platinum

Florida Community Care VITAS Healthcare

Gold

Sunshine Health

Silver

Best Buy Health Empath Health

Bronze

Star Network

Partner

Florida Assisted Living Association Alzheimer’s Association