See the RISE West 2026 Keynote Speakers

Each year, RISE West brings together world-class keynote speakers that deliver powerful and insightful messages in a way that moves audiences to action. These speakers are an important part of the conference experience and exemplify the spirit and ingenuity that drives our attendees to pursue success.

Stephanie Arnold
Bestselling Author, 37 Seconds
Former Emmy-Nominated Television Producer

Presenting on Listening Beyond the Obvious - The Patient Perspective in Action

In health care, some of the most important signals don’t come from dashboards or data, they come directly from the patient. In our opening keynote, Stephanie Arnold, an Emmy-nominated TV producer turned voice on patient intuition and survival shares her powerful personal story and explores a critical leadership capability: the ability to listen beyond the obvious.

Drawing on her experience as a patient whose concerns preceded a life-threatening medical event, Stephanie introduces the concept of Internal Intelligence — the integration of pattern recognition, lived experience, emotional awareness, and real-time information that drives stronger decisions under pressure. As health care becomes increasingly powered by AI and analytics, this session highlights why the human ability to truly hear and respond remains essential to better care.

Ann Maxwell
Deputy Inspector General for Evaluations and Inspections
HHS Office of Inspector General

Presenting on OIG's Current Oversight of Managed Care Priorities

Ann Maxwell is the Deputy Inspector General for Evaluation and Inspections in the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of Inspector General. As the head of the Office of Evaluation and Inspections (OEI), she leads more than 150 professionals who provide objective, reliable, data-driven evidence to HHS, Congress, and the public on significant issues. Ms. Maxwell leads the office in producing results-oriented evaluations that provide valuable insights into the efficiency and effectiveness of HHS programs as well as offer actionable recommendations to drive positive change in HHS programs so that they can better serve and protect the American people. Ms. Maxwell also leads OEI in its oversight of the State Medicaid Fraud Control Units (MFCUs), which investigate and prosecute providers for Medicaid fraud as well as for abuse and neglect of patients in health care facilities. In fiscal year 2021, the MFCU grant program recovered $1.7 billion—a return of $5 for every $1 invested with this sentence – In fiscal year 2024, the MFCU grant program recovered $1.4 billion – a return of $3.46 for every $1 invested.

Carolyn Kapustij
Senior Advisor for Managed Care
HHS Office of Inspector General

Presenting on OIG's Current Oversight of Managed Care Priorities

Carolyn Kapustij serves as a Senior Advisor for Managed Care at the Office of Inspector General (OIG) for the Department of Health and Human Services. At OIG, she develops and leads enterprise-wide strategies to oversee Medicare Advantage and Medicaid Managed Care programs. She previously worked at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and oversaw the improper payment measures for Medicare Part C and Part D, developed program integrity activities for the Federally Facilitated Exchanges, and developed payment policy for MA and Medicare Part D plans. She holds a Master of Public Health from the University of Michigan.

Also Confirmed: OIG Speakers to Address Medicare Advantage Prior Authorization

Rosemary Bartholomew
Subject Matter Expert for Health Care Quality
HHS Office of Inspector General

Ivy Ngo
Lead Analyst
HHS Office of Inspector General