The Summit 2026: Catalyst Roundtables

CATALYST ROUNDTABLES

The Catalyst Roundtables offer deeper exploration of key issues, combining industry expertise and peer insights, providing opportunities to engage with leaders in policy, healthcare, philanthropy, academia and business.

Don’t miss this unique experience to hear from leading topical experts and service providers on emerging trends and future thinking as well as shared successes and learnings to inform our paths forward. Choose a session and join the conversation.

Catalyzing Community-driven Affordable Housing Solutions

Monday, February 2 (Lagoon Room)

The affordable housing crisis is reshaping communities across the country — and Lutheran social ministry organizations and their partners are uniquely positioned to lead in this space — leveraging mission, assets, and influence to catalyze scalable, community-driven housing solutions. 

In this session, we’ll explore the strategic levers that move ideas into action: expanding cross-sector collaborations, unlocking catalytic capital, and positioning organizations as trusted conveners and solution-builders. Together, we’ll unpack how to align housing strategies with mission, create new pathways for investment, and mobilize networks to deliver measurable, lasting impact. 

Panelists:

  • Erika Brice, Social Investment Officer, Kresge Foundation
  • David Gentner, President & CEO, Wartburg
  • Nate Schlueter, Chief Visionary Officer, Eden Villages

From Competition to Collaboration: The Strategic Partnership Playbook

Monday, February 2 (Ballroom 1)

What if your organization’s greatest growth opportunity isn’t expansion — but collaboration? 

As funding landscapes shift, operational costs rise, and service demand grows, nonprofit leaders are reimagining what it means to achieve scale and sustain mission impact. Strategic partnerships — including mergers, acquisitions, and affiliations — are emerging as key pathways to strengthen delivery, expand reach, and build long-term resilience, especially within the senior services sector. 

But when do these collaborations create lasting value — and why do some fall short? 

This session offers an unfiltered look at what it takes to lead through this new era of strategic partnership. Join your peers for a candid, CEO-level conversation on what it really takes to use partnership as a lever for mission impact

Panelists:

  • Angela Bovill, President & CEO, Ascentria Care Alliance
  • Andy Edeburn, Managing Partner, Elder Dynamics
  • Adam Marles, President & CEO, EverTrue
  • Lisa McCracken, Head of Research and Analytics, National Investment Center for Seniors Housing & Care
  • Jon Riewer, President & CEO, Eventide

Value-Based Care: What Lies Ahead for Senior Services

Tuesday, February 3 (Ballroom 1)

Value-based care is reshaping the future of health and senior services — and the clock is ticking. With the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services requiring all Medicare beneficiaries to be enrolled in a value-based plan by 2030, the question is no longer if but how leaders will adapt. 

For senior service organizations, value-based arrangements offer the promise of stronger outcomes, new revenue streams, and deeper mission alignment — but they also call for a sophisticated approach to risk, readiness, and partnership. 

In this CEO session, hear from peers, and thought leaders as they unpack what it takes to thrive in a value-based environment— and explore where these models create the greatest opportunities for impact and growth, and how to assess when the risk is worth the reward. 

Panelists:

  • Brett Anderson, President & CEO, Ebenezer Senior Living
  • Ted Goins, President & CEO, Lutheran Services Carolinas
  • Eric Gurley, President & CEO, Immanuel
  • Anne Tumlinson, CEO, ATI Advisory

Strategic Partnerships to Advance Family Health and Well-Being

Tuesday, February 3 (Lagoon Room)

In a changing policy and funding environment with cuts and shifts to Medicaid, rising family needs, and pressure on community systems, Lutheran Services in America and its network are showing how public-private partnerships can drive innovation and sustainability.

This roundtable will help CEOs understand how strategic partnerships with health, philanthropy, and other sectors can unlock new pathways for community impact. It will draw on real examples to explore how organizations can move from ad-hoc coordination to structured, results-driven partnerships that improve family well-being and system performance, and demonstrate Lutheran Services in America’s value in systems such as Medicaid. 

Panelists:

  • LaSharnda Beckwith, Ph.D., President & CEO, Lutheran Social Services of Southern California
  • Christine Caulfield, Psy.D., CEO, LSF Health Systems; Executive Vice President, Substance Abuse and Mental Health, Lutheran Services Florida
  • Héctor Colón, President & CEO, Lutheran Social Services of Wisconsin and Upper Michigan (moderator)

Supporting
Our Neighbors,

TOGETHER.

Our shared Lutheran tradition of service to our neighbor is more vital than ever.

Join us as we work to ensure our network continues delivering essential services to all in need.