September 17, 2026

Webcast

AND

In-Person

FAE Learning Center - New York
11 East 35th Street, 11th Floor, New York, New York 10016

NYSED 8
•
NASBA 8

Healthcare Conference

Stay ahead of the forces transforming healthcare—join industry leaders for critical insights on AI, regulation, and the financial realities shaping tomorrow.

September 17, 2026
In Person + Online
NYSED 8
•
NASBA 8

Healthcare Conference

Stay ahead of the forces transforming healthcare—join industry leaders for critical insights on AI, regulation, and the financial realities shaping tomorrow.

  • View Bio

    Instructor

    Brian
    Sackstein

    View Bio

    Mr. Brian Sackstein, CPA

    Bio
    Brian Sackstein, CPA, is an Assurance Partner and leader of Anchin’s Not-For-Profit and Healthcare group. He has 30 years of experience and specializes in servicing healthcare and not-for-profit organizations. He has a deep breadth of experience in auditing, accounting, and management advisory services for a wide array of clients, including social service organizations, permanency and adoption services, residential group care, drug treatment programs, community & migrant programs, federally qualified health centers, and more. Brian collaborates closely with his clients to plan, coordinate, and review accounting and auditing processes, ensuring their organization’s missions and goals are met. His responsibilities include, but are not limited to, analyzing existing operations to improve efficiencies, performing financial budgeting and cash flow projections, and conducting internal control reviews. In addition, he performs audits for employee benefit plans. He has worked with organizations whose budgets range from $1 million to $15 billion. Brian works closely with boards of directors, CEOs, CFOs, and management to help clients effectively manage their businesses and achieve their objectives and visions. He has deep experience in training board members and decision-makers in the areas of federal audits and reimbursement analysis, conducting project feasibility studies, developing new programs, reviewing operations and rates to support reimbursement, and advising on rate reimbursement appeals and compliance verification. In addition, he supervises and reviews the preparation and the impact of cost reports, including the Consolidated Fiscal Report (CFR), Standards of Payment Report (SOP), Institutional Cost Report (ICR) for funding agencies in New York State, Medicare cost reports required for filing with Department of Health & Human Services, and Medicaid Cost Report (AHCF). Recognized as an industry thought leader, Brian is often featured in prominent publications and actively contributes to industry events as both a host and speaker. His engagements include Long Island Business News’ Annual State of the Not-for-Profit Industry and the City & State New York Conferences. Brian’s leadership and influence in the field have earned him several accolades including City & State’s Nonprofit Trailblazer honor, a spot on Long Island Business News’ 2025 Influencers in Accounting list, and inclusion on the Long Island Press Power List. He contributes to the development of Anchin’s professional staff and presents on relevant topics at in-house professional development seminars. He is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and the New York State Society of Certified Public Accountants (NYCPA), where he serves on the Not-for-Profit Committee.
  • View Bio

    Instructor

    John
    Peterson

    View Bio

    Mr. John Peterson, CPA

    Bio
    John E. Peterson, CPA, is a Principal in the Healthcare Audit and Consulting Practice of Freed Maxick. John joined the Firm in 1994 after working for a local financial institution. John is responsible for the overall planning, supervision and completion of various client engagements. He focuses on audits and consulting engagements within the not-for-profit healthcare industry with a concentration on hospitals and skilled nursing homes. John also is responsible for both the preparation and review of annual Medicare and Medicaid cost reports and overseeing payor audits of mentioned cost reports. John's responsibilities include in-depth reviews and compliance testing of healthcare internal accounting control systems and developing recommendations for suggested improvements to those internal controls. He has prepared financial statements in various formats including consolidations and combinations, as well as bankruptcy accounting. John has coordinated and reviewed work performed by internal auditors, aided in preparing annual budgets, and has presented numerous times to clients, boards of directors, audit and finance committees and management. In addition, John is involved with supervising and training 20 to 25 staff and senior members of the Firm’s healthcare group. Additionally, John has experience working for clients as a finance and operational leader. John served as Interim CFO from January 2018 through February 2020 for a hospital in upstate New York. During this assignment, John was actively involved in all the aspects of the CFO role including, but not limited to, the month end close and financial statement preparation and overseeing the year-end audit and the annual budgeting process. John ensured regulatory agency reporting was complete and accurate, and oversaw the hospital's cash strategy and management and managed care contracting, as well as assessing whether all existing reimbursement opportunities were obtained. John was responsible for annual cost report filings, the completion of disproportionate share, cost report and wage index audits. John has also served in an operational role for clients in managing the countless day-to-day activities including providing direction to employees, preparing strategic financial plans and reviewing and the revision of internal controls. In these leadership roles, John supervised up to 10 individuals. A graduate of D'Youville College, John is a member of the New York State Society Health Care Committee, the Western New York HFMA Reimbursement Committee and a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). He has been published in the Secured Lender trade magazine and has presented at seminars on numerous healthcare topics.
  • View Bio

    Instructor

    Nicholas
    Rivera

    View Bio

    Mr. Nicholas Rivera

    Bio

    Nick is a director at Forvis Mazars (a top-8 global accounting and consulting firm) in the New York Office. He has approximately 15 years of experience providing financial statement audit and financial consulting advisory services to healthcare organizations. Nick leads teams and engagements for healthcare clients across the New York market and broader northeast region.

    Nick is a member of various industry organizations, including the New York State Society of CPAs (NYCPA), Healthcare Financial Management Association (HFMA), the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE), and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). Nick is a frequent speaker across the country and has presented to NYCPA, the AICPA, Accounting Today, HFMA, Sage, LeadingAge NY, and more.

    Nick a licensed CPA in New York and New Jersey, a Fellow of HFMA (FHFMA) and Certified Specialist of Accounting and Finance (CSAF) credentials as issued by HFMA. Nick is the chair of the Health Care Committee of the NYCPA and served in chair roles for multiple NYCPA Annual Health Care Conferences. Nick is an officer of the board and president-elect for the HFMA Metropolitan New York Chapter, and has served as chair for multiple conferences and committees. Nick is also on the Junior Board of Make-A-Wish Metro New York and Western New York.

    He is a graduate of Xavier University, Cincinnati, Ohio, with a B.S. degree in business administration and accounting.

  • View Bio

    Instructor

    Andrew
    Blustein

    View Bio

    Mr. Andrew Blustein

    Bio
    Andrew E. Blustein is the Vice Chairman of Garfunkel Wild, P.C. Mr. Blustein's practice includes the representation of hospitals, physicians, ambulatory surgery centers and other healthcare industry-related clients (both for profit and not-for-profit). Mr. Blustein has been a leader in developing and implementing Compliance Programs for healthcare providers and health plans, advising ambulatory surgery centers and assisting hospitals in strategic affiliations. He frequently lectures on physician practice issues, private equity transactions, cyber-security, telemedicine, corporate transactions practice mergers and computer contracting. Admitted to the New Jersey Bar, the New York Bar and the Connecticut Bar, Mr. Blustein is a member of the New York State Bar Association, the New Jersey State Bar Association (Health and Law Section); Past Co-Chairman of the Westchester County Bar Association (Hospital and Physician Law Section) and the American Health Lawyers Association. Mr. Blustein graduated from Vassar College in 1987 (B.A., Phi Beta Kappa, cum laude) in 1987 and Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law (J.D., magna cum laude) in 1990.
  • View Bio

    Instructor

    Russell
    Safirstein

    View Bio

    Mr. Russell Safirstein

    Bio

    Russell Safirstein is a cybersecurity, risk, and AI governance executive advising boards, CEOs, and leadership teams on cyber resilience, enterprise risk, advanced analytics, and responsible AI adoption. He is President & CEO of NexAI Cyber and COO / Co-Founder / Board Member of RYLTI, an AI-driven digital twin and knowledge engineering company. Previously, he served as President and CEO of Redpoint Cybersecurity and held Advisory Partner, Audit and Risk Management leadership roles at Anchin, Prager Metis, Liquidnet, MetLife, Roslyn Bancorp, PaineWebber, and KPMG. Russell has delivered 40+ keynotes and executive briefings at organizations including the Harvard Club, American Bar Association, AICPA and the Institute of Internal Auditors, focusing on AI governance, cyber resilience, risk intelligence, and the future of audit. He is a licensed CPA and holds several AI based patents.

  • View Bio

    Instructor

    Dorothea
    Russo

    View Bio

    Ms. Dorothea Russo, CPA

    Bio
    Dorothea A. Russo has over 35 years of experience in healthcare accounting and auditing, specializing in healthcare reimbursement for nursing homes. Dottie has been involved in accounting, auditing and reimbursement matters relating to many healthcare facilities throughout New York State. Dottie’s work requires an extensive practical knowledge of the Medicaid and Medicare reimbursement systems, the rules and regulations relating to those systems and the administrative procedures employed by New York State. This work has provided her with the opportunity to have strong relationships with the staff at the New York State Department of Health, who are responsible for the processing of cost reports, rate sheets, appeals and cost certifications. Dottie has lectured extensively on reimbursement concepts, financial reporting and cost accounting methods, as well as third-party reports, rates and appeals. She has participated in the analyses of system controls, budgeting, forecasts, grant applications and affordability studies.
  • View Bio

    Instructor

    Allan
    Blum

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    Mr. Allan Blum, CPA

    Bio
    Allan brings more than 28 years of experience to the clients he serves, providing a wide range of audit and accounting transaction services. He works with a variety of entities within the nonprofit and healthcare industries, including hospitals, social service agencies, and religious organizations. He is a member of the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) and New York State Society of Certified Public Accountants (NYSSCPA), where he is a former chair of the not-for-profit organizations committee. A regular speaker, Allan has presented for NYSSCPA, New Jersey Society of Certified Public Accountants, and Connecticut Society of CPAs. Topics have included mergers and acquisitions, fair value measurements, endowments, related-party disclosures, and general accounting and auditing updates for nonprofit and healthcare organizations. He is a 1989 graduate of Queens College, City University of New York.
  • View Bio

    Instructor

    Erika
    Calderon

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    Ms. Erika Calderon, CPA

    Bio
    Erika Calderon has been an accountant for more than 25 years. She has a broad knowledge of general accounting and tax, and expertise in the areas of healthcare and construction. Ms. Calderon has taught on-site CPE courses for clients and staff. She is a member of the New York State Society of CPAs (NYSSCPA) and is an active member of the New York State Association of Health Care Providers, Inc., and the Home Care Association of New York State. Ms. Calderon is also the past treasurer of the Little Neck–Douglaston Community Ambulance Corp.
  • View Bio

    Instructor

    Alexander
    Buchholz

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    Mr. Alexander Buchholz, CPA

    Bio
    Alexander Buchholz has amassed more than 15 years of experience in public accounting, including with a Big Four accounting firm. He is also the Practice Leader of the Firm’s Cemetery Division. Alex is responsible for the development of the audit approach as well as the supervision of staff. Additionally, he is responsible for managing the audit so that it is performed on a timely basis with as little intrusion to client operations as possible. Alex’s expertise is in Single Audits and internal control/compliance audits. His industry experience is in healthcare and Not-for-Profit entities, including skilled nursing facilities, social service agencies, charter schools, diagnostic and treatment centers, homecare service entities, adult homes, and other long-term care facilities as well as special-needs entities and cemeteries. Alex also serves as a peer reviewer. Alex is also an adjunct professor at Brooklyn College and Lehman College of the City University of New York in the Department of Accounting, where he teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in accounting and auditing. He conducts internal training seminars for the Firm and frequently speaks to outside organizations and associations. Alex is also a former member of the Firm’s continuing professional education (CPE) committee, with special emphasis on Single Audit training. He also writes various articles on accounting and auditing topics for a variety of professional publications. He has professional affiliations and civic involvement in the following: American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), New York State Society of Certified Public Accountants (NYSSCPA), Academic Advancement of Higher Education (Former Chair), Health Care Committee (Former Member and Chair), Not-for-Profit Committee (Former Member), Foundation for Accounting Education (Former Member), National Conference of CPA Practitioners, New York State Association of Cemeteries, New Jersey Society of Certified Public Accountants (NJCPA), Nonprofit Interest Group, Greater Washington Society of CPAs Nonprofit Interest Group, Metropolitan Cemetery Association, New Jersey Cemetery Association, American Academy McAllister Institute of Funeral Service (Board Member and Chair), St. Mary’s Healthcare System for Children (Board Member), and New York State Board of Public Health Accountancy (Board Member). His education includes Baruch College Master of Business Administration degree in Finance & Investments, and Brooklyn College Bachelor of Science degree magna cum laude in Accounting.

  • Instructor

    Andrew
    Hastings

  • View Bio

    Instructor

    Scott
    Mariani

    View Bio

    Scott Mariani, J.D., Partner, Practice Leader, Healthcare Services Team

    Bio

    A nationally recognized presenter on topics related to healthcare and tax-exempts with over 25 years of tax consulting and compliance service experience to both the healthcare and tax exempt sectors, specializing in providing tax advice to integrated healthcare delivery systems, hospitals, academic medical centers, physicians, colleges and universities, foundations, associations, nursing homes and assisted living facilities.

  • View Bio

    Instructor

    John
    Smith

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    John Smith, Partner

    Bio
    • Professional Experience
    • Over 18 years of public accounting experience.
    • Member of the Firm’s Healthcare Services Group.
    • Specializes in healthcare entities, hospitals and not-for-profits.
    • Tax services provided include:

    Form 990, 990-T and related schedules

    Community benefit

    Ongoing compliance with existing and emerging tax and regulatory laws

    IRS Ruling Requests

    Unclaimed Property

    Form 1120 Expertise

    Form 1065 Expertise

    Form 1023 Expertise

  • Instructor

    Megan
    Corrigan

  • View Bio

    Instructor

    Lisa
    Haglund

    View Bio

    Lisa Haglund, President and Chief Executive Officer

    Bio

    Lisa Haglund is a nationally recognized nonprofit CEO and financial turnaround executive who has led complex organizational transformations across banking and healthcare, with expertise in restructuring, governance, strategic finance, and mission-driven leadership.

    Heritage Ministries, a nonprofit senior care organization serving communities across Western New York. With more than 25 years of executive leadership experience spanning banking, finance, healthcare, and nonprofit management, she is recognized for leading complex organizational turnarounds through disciplined financial strategy, operational excellence, and mission-driven leadership.

    Prior to joining Heritage Ministries, Lisa spent more than two decades with Northwest Bank, a publicly traded, multi-billion-dollar financial institution, where she managed a $148 million portfolio and held leadership roles focused on commercial banking, revenue growth, risk management, strategic business development and education and training. The financial rigor and operational discipline developed throughout her banking career continue to shape her executive leadership philosophy.

    Since becoming President and CEO in 2020, Lisa has led Heritage Ministries through one of the most challenging periods in the history of long-term care. Assuming leadership at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, she has guided the organization through unprecedented financial and regulatory pressures while strengthening its long-term sustainability. Under her leadership, Heritage has significantly reduced legacy debt, restructured operations, improved financial performance, executed strategic asset divestitures, and implemented innovative approaches to preserve access to healthcare services for vulnerable older adults throughout the region. She has become a respected advocate for financial sustainability and public policy reform within New York’s healthcare sector.

  • View Bio

    Instructor

    Steven
    Schwartz

    View Bio

    Mr. Steven Schwartz, CPA

    Bio
    Steven D. Schwartz, CPA, a partner with CohnReznick, leads the Healthcare Industry Practice in our New York office, and is a member of the Firm’s Not-for-Profit and Education Industry Practice. With 23 years of experience in the healthcare field, Steve concentrates his practice on serving federally quality health centers (FQHCs). His clients include community/migrant health centers, foster care agencies, health homes, homeless programs, HIV programs, drug treatment programs, prepaid health service plans, adult day care centers, and other not-for-profit organizations and for-profit corporations. Steve performs auditing, accounting, and management advisory services for clients and has extensive knowledge in Generally Accepted Government Auditing Standards (GAGAS) and Federal Single Audit under the Uniform Guidance (formerly OMB Circular A-133). He is exceptionally knowledgeable in critical areas that impact his clients, such as the 340B Drug Pricing Program, Medicare/Medicaid cost reports, Federal Financial Reports (FFR), and Uniform Data System (UDS) reports, as well as other government regulatory reports required by the Department of Health & Human Services (HHS). More recently, Steve has provided clients with guidance relating to the Provider Relief Fund (PRF) and other government relief programs available through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) and American Rescue Plan (ARP) Acts, and the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), through his role as a member of the Firm’s Small Business Administration (SBA) Task Force. In addition to his work on internal training for the firm, Steve also lectures on financial and regulatory topics of note within the healthcare industry through various external webinars and speaking engagements at board trainings. He has presented to the California Primary Care Association (CPCA), the Bi-State Primary Care Association (serving Vermont and New Hampshire), the Community Health Center Association of Connecticut (CHCACT), the Georgia Primary Care Association (GPCA), and the Community Health Care Association of New York State (CHCANYS), as well as at the National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC) conference. He is licensed as a CPA in New York, Florida, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
  • View Bio

    Instructor

    Frank
    Walsh Jr

    View Bio

    Frank Walsh Jr, Acting Medicaid Inspector General

    Bio

    Frank T. Walsh, Jr., Acting Medicaid Inspector General, has more than 25 years of professional public service within the New York State Division of the Budget, ultimately achieving the title of Chief Budget Examiner of the Health Unit where he served as the principal fiscal analyst for health care and health insurance policy with oversight responsibility for the Medicaid, Department of Health, the Office of the Medicaid Inspector General and the State Office for the Aging budgets. Over his career, Frank has promoted the efficient use of health care resources and the expansion of health care coverage and participated in the implementation of the Affordable Care Act, the development of the NY State of Health and multiple efforts to redesign Medicaid program financing and operations, including the establishment of OMIG. Frank is a graduate of Siena College and studied public policy at the Nelson A. Rockefeller College of Public Affairs and Policy.

Healthcare at the Crossroads brings together CPAs, healthcare leaders, and industry experts to explore the critical forces reshaping the healthcare landscape. Through timely sessions on AI, regulatory and legal developments, audit and accounting updates, and direct insights from OMIG, the conference delivers both practical guidance and forward-looking perspective. The day begins with the regulator providing insight into what they are seeing and how to prevent it and then culminates with a C-suite panel offering real-world strategies for navigating financial pressure, compliance risk, and innovation in an increasingly complex environment.

Learning Objectives

These objectives ensure attendees leave with both immediate takeaways and strategic insight to better serve their organizations and clients.

Major Topics

This conference will provide both practical and forward-looking, with immediate takeaways and strategic insight from regulators. 

  • The OMIG presentation will provide direct perspective from their lens on audit focus areas, enforcement trends, and compliance expectations. 
  • AI should be included in most conversations related to healthcare. Finally, practical insights on how artificial intelligence is transforming financial reporting, compliance, and operational decision-making. 
  • Everything we do will always circle back to legal & regulatory issues. This update is timely guidance on evolving healthcare laws and compliance risks impacting providers and advisors.

CPE Credits Available

NYSED 8
NASBA 8
1
Advisory Services (NYSED) - NYSED
1
Auditing (NASBA) - NASBA
1
Auditing (NYSED) - NYSED
1
Information Technology (NASBA) - NASBA
5
Specialized Knowledge (NASBA) - NASBA
5
Specialized Knowledge / Industries (NYSED) - NYSED
1
Taxation (NYSED) - NYSED
1
Taxes (NASBA) - NASBA

FAE Learning Center - New York

11 East 35th Street, 11th Floor, New York, New York 10016

Get Directions

Things to Know About This Course

Course Level

  • Update

Intended Audience

This conference is designed for CPAs, advisors and professionals working in the finance departments of healthcare organizations, as well as healthcare finance leaders, compliance professionals, and executives navigating today’s rapidly changing environment. It is especially valuable for those involved in audit, accounting, regulatory compliance, financial management, and strategic decision-making within hospitals, physician groups, FQHCs, and other healthcare providers.

Provider

Foundation for Accounting Education

Agenda

September 17

Opening Remarks
Speaker:

John Peterson

View Bio

Mr. John Peterson, CPA

Bio
John E. Peterson, CPA, is a Principal in the Healthcare Audit and Consulting Practice of Freed Maxick. John joined the Firm in 1994 after working for a local financial institution. John is responsible for the overall planning, supervision and completion of various client engagements. He focuses on audits and consulting engagements within the not-for-profit healthcare industry with a concentration on hospitals and skilled nursing homes. John also is responsible for both the preparation and review of annual Medicare and Medicaid cost reports and overseeing payor audits of mentioned cost reports. John's responsibilities include in-depth reviews and compliance testing of healthcare internal accounting control systems and developing recommendations for suggested improvements to those internal controls. He has prepared financial statements in various formats including consolidations and combinations, as well as bankruptcy accounting. John has coordinated and reviewed work performed by internal auditors, aided in preparing annual budgets, and has presented numerous times to clients, boards of directors, audit and finance committees and management. In addition, John is involved with supervising and training 20 to 25 staff and senior members of the Firm’s healthcare group. Additionally, John has experience working for clients as a finance and operational leader. John served as Interim CFO from January 2018 through February 2020 for a hospital in upstate New York. During this assignment, John was actively involved in all the aspects of the CFO role including, but not limited to, the month end close and financial statement preparation and overseeing the year-end audit and the annual budgeting process. John ensured regulatory agency reporting was complete and accurate, and oversaw the hospital's cash strategy and management and managed care contracting, as well as assessing whether all existing reimbursement opportunities were obtained. John was responsible for annual cost report filings, the completion of disproportionate share, cost report and wage index audits. John has also served in an operational role for clients in managing the countless day-to-day activities including providing direction to employees, preparing strategic financial plans and reviewing and the revision of internal controls. In these leadership roles, John supervised up to 10 individuals. A graduate of D'Youville College, John is a member of the New York State Society Health Care Committee, the Western New York HFMA Reimbursement Committee and a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). He has been published in the Secured Lender trade magazine and has presented at seminars on numerous healthcare topics.
Legal Update
Speaker:

Andrew Blustein

View Bio

Mr. Andrew Blustein

Bio
Andrew E. Blustein is the Vice Chairman of Garfunkel Wild, P.C. Mr. Blustein's practice includes the representation of hospitals, physicians, ambulatory surgery centers and other healthcare industry-related clients (both for profit and not-for-profit). Mr. Blustein has been a leader in developing and implementing Compliance Programs for healthcare providers and health plans, advising ambulatory surgery centers and assisting hospitals in strategic affiliations. He frequently lectures on physician practice issues, private equity transactions, cyber-security, telemedicine, corporate transactions practice mergers and computer contracting. Admitted to the New Jersey Bar, the New York Bar and the Connecticut Bar, Mr. Blustein is a member of the New York State Bar Association, the New Jersey State Bar Association (Health and Law Section); Past Co-Chairman of the Westchester County Bar Association (Hospital and Physician Law Section) and the American Health Lawyers Association. Mr. Blustein graduated from Vassar College in 1987 (B.A., Phi Beta Kappa, cum laude) in 1987 and Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law (J.D., magna cum laude) in 1990.

Hear a legislative update on the corporate practice of medicine in New York. This session will provide a summary of key issues and cases affecting healthcare organizations, M&A activity over the past few years and other important legislative topics.

OMIG Update
Speaker:

Frank Walsh Jr

View Bio

Frank Walsh Jr, Acting Medicaid Inspector General

Bio

Frank T. Walsh, Jr., Acting Medicaid Inspector General, has more than 25 years of professional public service within the New York State Division of the Budget, ultimately achieving the title of Chief Budget Examiner of the Health Unit where he served as the principal fiscal analyst for health care and health insurance policy with oversight responsibility for the Medicaid, Department of Health, the Office of the Medicaid Inspector General and the State Office for the Aging budgets. Over his career, Frank has promoted the efficient use of health care resources and the expansion of health care coverage and participated in the implementation of the Affordable Care Act, the development of the NY State of Health and multiple efforts to redesign Medicaid program financing and operations, including the establishment of OMIG. Frank is a graduate of Siena College and studied public policy at the Nelson A. Rockefeller College of Public Affairs and Policy.

This session will discuss Health care fraud, waste, and abuse and discuss OMIG's mission and how OMIG conducts and coordinates the investigation, detection, audit, and review of Medicaid providers and recipients to ensure they are complying with the laws and regulations.

Break
AI IT & Cybersecurity Impacts
Speaker:

Russell Safirstein

View Bio

Mr. Russell Safirstein

Bio

Russell Safirstein is a cybersecurity, risk, and AI governance executive advising boards, CEOs, and leadership teams on cyber resilience, enterprise risk, advanced analytics, and responsible AI adoption. He is President & CEO of NexAI Cyber and COO / Co-Founder / Board Member of RYLTI, an AI-driven digital twin and knowledge engineering company. Previously, he served as President and CEO of Redpoint Cybersecurity and held Advisory Partner, Audit and Risk Management leadership roles at Anchin, Prager Metis, Liquidnet, MetLife, Roslyn Bancorp, PaineWebber, and KPMG. Russell has delivered 40+ keynotes and executive briefings at organizations including the Harvard Club, American Bar Association, AICPA and the Institute of Internal Auditors, focusing on AI governance, cyber resilience, risk intelligence, and the future of audit. He is a licensed CPA and holds several AI based patents.

This session will provide non traditional solutions and the use of AI as solutions to complex business challenges. The uses of AI in the healthcare industry, some examples of Cybersecurity cases in healthcare

Lunch
NYSSCPA Healthcare Committee Subchapter Panel
Speakers:

Dorothea Russo

View Bio

Ms. Dorothea Russo, CPA

Bio
Dorothea A. Russo has over 35 years of experience in healthcare accounting and auditing, specializing in healthcare reimbursement for nursing homes. Dottie has been involved in accounting, auditing and reimbursement matters relating to many healthcare facilities throughout New York State. Dottie’s work requires an extensive practical knowledge of the Medicaid and Medicare reimbursement systems, the rules and regulations relating to those systems and the administrative procedures employed by New York State. This work has provided her with the opportunity to have strong relationships with the staff at the New York State Department of Health, who are responsible for the processing of cost reports, rate sheets, appeals and cost certifications. Dottie has lectured extensively on reimbursement concepts, financial reporting and cost accounting methods, as well as third-party reports, rates and appeals. She has participated in the analyses of system controls, budgeting, forecasts, grant applications and affordability studies.

John Peterson

View Bio

Mr. John Peterson, CPA

Bio
John E. Peterson, CPA, is a Principal in the Healthcare Audit and Consulting Practice of Freed Maxick. John joined the Firm in 1994 after working for a local financial institution. John is responsible for the overall planning, supervision and completion of various client engagements. He focuses on audits and consulting engagements within the not-for-profit healthcare industry with a concentration on hospitals and skilled nursing homes. John also is responsible for both the preparation and review of annual Medicare and Medicaid cost reports and overseeing payor audits of mentioned cost reports. John's responsibilities include in-depth reviews and compliance testing of healthcare internal accounting control systems and developing recommendations for suggested improvements to those internal controls. He has prepared financial statements in various formats including consolidations and combinations, as well as bankruptcy accounting. John has coordinated and reviewed work performed by internal auditors, aided in preparing annual budgets, and has presented numerous times to clients, boards of directors, audit and finance committees and management. In addition, John is involved with supervising and training 20 to 25 staff and senior members of the Firm’s healthcare group. Additionally, John has experience working for clients as a finance and operational leader. John served as Interim CFO from January 2018 through February 2020 for a hospital in upstate New York. During this assignment, John was actively involved in all the aspects of the CFO role including, but not limited to, the month end close and financial statement preparation and overseeing the year-end audit and the annual budgeting process. John ensured regulatory agency reporting was complete and accurate, and oversaw the hospital's cash strategy and management and managed care contracting, as well as assessing whether all existing reimbursement opportunities were obtained. John was responsible for annual cost report filings, the completion of disproportionate share, cost report and wage index audits. John has also served in an operational role for clients in managing the countless day-to-day activities including providing direction to employees, preparing strategic financial plans and reviewing and the revision of internal controls. In these leadership roles, John supervised up to 10 individuals. A graduate of D'Youville College, John is a member of the New York State Society Health Care Committee, the Western New York HFMA Reimbursement Committee and a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). He has been published in the Secured Lender trade magazine and has presented at seminars on numerous healthcare topics.

Allan Blum

View Bio

Mr. Allan Blum, CPA

Bio
Allan brings more than 28 years of experience to the clients he serves, providing a wide range of audit and accounting transaction services. He works with a variety of entities within the nonprofit and healthcare industries, including hospitals, social service agencies, and religious organizations. He is a member of the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) and New York State Society of Certified Public Accountants (NYSSCPA), where he is a former chair of the not-for-profit organizations committee. A regular speaker, Allan has presented for NYSSCPA, New Jersey Society of Certified Public Accountants, and Connecticut Society of CPAs. Topics have included mergers and acquisitions, fair value measurements, endowments, related-party disclosures, and general accounting and auditing updates for nonprofit and healthcare organizations. He is a 1989 graduate of Queens College, City University of New York.

Erika Calderon

View Bio

Ms. Erika Calderon, CPA

Bio
Erika Calderon has been an accountant for more than 25 years. She has a broad knowledge of general accounting and tax, and expertise in the areas of healthcare and construction. Ms. Calderon has taught on-site CPE courses for clients and staff. She is a member of the New York State Society of CPAs (NYSSCPA) and is an active member of the New York State Association of Health Care Providers, Inc., and the Home Care Association of New York State. Ms. Calderon is also the past treasurer of the Little Neck–Douglaston Community Ambulance Corp.

Steven Schwartz

View Bio

Mr. Steven Schwartz, CPA

Bio
Steven D. Schwartz, CPA, a partner with CohnReznick, leads the Healthcare Industry Practice in our New York office, and is a member of the Firm’s Not-for-Profit and Education Industry Practice. With 23 years of experience in the healthcare field, Steve concentrates his practice on serving federally quality health centers (FQHCs). His clients include community/migrant health centers, foster care agencies, health homes, homeless programs, HIV programs, drug treatment programs, prepaid health service plans, adult day care centers, and other not-for-profit organizations and for-profit corporations. Steve performs auditing, accounting, and management advisory services for clients and has extensive knowledge in Generally Accepted Government Auditing Standards (GAGAS) and Federal Single Audit under the Uniform Guidance (formerly OMB Circular A-133). He is exceptionally knowledgeable in critical areas that impact his clients, such as the 340B Drug Pricing Program, Medicare/Medicaid cost reports, Federal Financial Reports (FFR), and Uniform Data System (UDS) reports, as well as other government regulatory reports required by the Department of Health & Human Services (HHS). More recently, Steve has provided clients with guidance relating to the Provider Relief Fund (PRF) and other government relief programs available through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) and American Rescue Plan (ARP) Acts, and the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), through his role as a member of the Firm’s Small Business Administration (SBA) Task Force. In addition to his work on internal training for the firm, Steve also lectures on financial and regulatory topics of note within the healthcare industry through various external webinars and speaking engagements at board trainings. He has presented to the California Primary Care Association (CPCA), the Bi-State Primary Care Association (serving Vermont and New Hampshire), the Community Health Center Association of Connecticut (CHCACT), the Georgia Primary Care Association (GPCA), and the Community Health Care Association of New York State (CHCANYS), as well as at the National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC) conference. He is licensed as a CPA in New York, Florida, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Nicholas Rivera

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Mr. Nicholas Rivera

Bio

Nick is a director at Forvis Mazars (a top-8 global accounting and consulting firm) in the New York Office. He has approximately 15 years of experience providing financial statement audit and financial consulting advisory services to healthcare organizations. Nick leads teams and engagements for healthcare clients across the New York market and broader northeast region.

Nick is a member of various industry organizations, including the New York State Society of CPAs (NYCPA), Healthcare Financial Management Association (HFMA), the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE), and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). Nick is a frequent speaker across the country and has presented to NYCPA, the AICPA, Accounting Today, HFMA, Sage, LeadingAge NY, and more.

Nick a licensed CPA in New York and New Jersey, a Fellow of HFMA (FHFMA) and Certified Specialist of Accounting and Finance (CSAF) credentials as issued by HFMA. Nick is the chair of the Health Care Committee of the NYCPA and served in chair roles for multiple NYCPA Annual Health Care Conferences. Nick is an officer of the board and president-elect for the HFMA Metropolitan New York Chapter, and has served as chair for multiple conferences and committees. Nick is also on the Junior Board of Make-A-Wish Metro New York and Western New York.

He is a graduate of Xavier University, Cincinnati, Ohio, with a B.S. degree in business administration and accounting.

This session will include the NYSSCPA Healthcare Committee sub chapter leaders discussing the current hot topics affecting healthcare organizations. The speakers will discuss issues prevalent in numerous healthcare providers.

Accounting & Audit Update
Speaker:

Alexander Buchholz

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Mr. Alexander Buchholz, CPA

Bio
Alexander Buchholz has amassed more than 15 years of experience in public accounting, including with a Big Four accounting firm. He is also the Practice Leader of the Firm’s Cemetery Division. Alex is responsible for the development of the audit approach as well as the supervision of staff. Additionally, he is responsible for managing the audit so that it is performed on a timely basis with as little intrusion to client operations as possible. Alex’s expertise is in Single Audits and internal control/compliance audits. His industry experience is in healthcare and Not-for-Profit entities, including skilled nursing facilities, social service agencies, charter schools, diagnostic and treatment centers, homecare service entities, adult homes, and other long-term care facilities as well as special-needs entities and cemeteries. Alex also serves as a peer reviewer. Alex is also an adjunct professor at Brooklyn College and Lehman College of the City University of New York in the Department of Accounting, where he teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in accounting and auditing. He conducts internal training seminars for the Firm and frequently speaks to outside organizations and associations. Alex is also a former member of the Firm’s continuing professional education (CPE) committee, with special emphasis on Single Audit training. He also writes various articles on accounting and auditing topics for a variety of professional publications. He has professional affiliations and civic involvement in the following: American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), New York State Society of Certified Public Accountants (NYSSCPA), Academic Advancement of Higher Education (Former Chair), Health Care Committee (Former Member and Chair), Not-for-Profit Committee (Former Member), Foundation for Accounting Education (Former Member), National Conference of CPA Practitioners, New York State Association of Cemeteries, New Jersey Society of Certified Public Accountants (NJCPA), Nonprofit Interest Group, Greater Washington Society of CPAs Nonprofit Interest Group, Metropolitan Cemetery Association, New Jersey Cemetery Association, American Academy McAllister Institute of Funeral Service (Board Member and Chair), St. Mary’s Healthcare System for Children (Board Member), and New York State Board of Public Health Accountancy (Board Member). His education includes Baruch College Master of Business Administration degree in Finance & Investments, and Brooklyn College Bachelor of Science degree magna cum laude in Accounting.

In this session, you can take a deeper dive into recent and proposed accounting and auditing standards, including Single Audit updates. Special emphasis to be placed on current accounting treatments facing various health care entities.

Break
IRS Update
Speakers:

Scott Mariani

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Scott Mariani, J.D., Partner, Practice Leader, Healthcare Services Team

Bio

A nationally recognized presenter on topics related to healthcare and tax-exempts with over 25 years of tax consulting and compliance service experience to both the healthcare and tax exempt sectors, specializing in providing tax advice to integrated healthcare delivery systems, hospitals, academic medical centers, physicians, colleges and universities, foundations, associations, nursing homes and assisted living facilities.

John Smith

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John Smith, Partner

Bio
  • Professional Experience
  • Over 18 years of public accounting experience.
  • Member of the Firm’s Healthcare Services Group.
  • Specializes in healthcare entities, hospitals and not-for-profits.
  • Tax services provided include:

Form 990, 990-T and related schedules

Community benefit

Ongoing compliance with existing and emerging tax and regulatory laws

IRS Ruling Requests

Unclaimed Property

Form 1120 Expertise

Form 1065 Expertise

Form 1023 Expertise

This session is designed to help healthcare leaders, administrators and board members better understand their organizations regulatory responsibilities and strengthen financial stewardship. Participants will gain an understanding of state compliance requirements and charitable registration filings through the IRS Form 990.  

Break
Healthcare C-Suite Leadership Panel
Speakers:

Andrew Hastings

Megan Corrigan

Lisa Haglund

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Lisa Haglund, President and Chief Executive Officer

Bio

Lisa Haglund is a nationally recognized nonprofit CEO and financial turnaround executive who has led complex organizational transformations across banking and healthcare, with expertise in restructuring, governance, strategic finance, and mission-driven leadership.

Heritage Ministries, a nonprofit senior care organization serving communities across Western New York. With more than 25 years of executive leadership experience spanning banking, finance, healthcare, and nonprofit management, she is recognized for leading complex organizational turnarounds through disciplined financial strategy, operational excellence, and mission-driven leadership.

Prior to joining Heritage Ministries, Lisa spent more than two decades with Northwest Bank, a publicly traded, multi-billion-dollar financial institution, where she managed a $148 million portfolio and held leadership roles focused on commercial banking, revenue growth, risk management, strategic business development and education and training. The financial rigor and operational discipline developed throughout her banking career continue to shape her executive leadership philosophy.

Since becoming President and CEO in 2020, Lisa has led Heritage Ministries through one of the most challenging periods in the history of long-term care. Assuming leadership at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, she has guided the organization through unprecedented financial and regulatory pressures while strengthening its long-term sustainability. Under her leadership, Heritage has significantly reduced legacy debt, restructured operations, improved financial performance, executed strategic asset divestitures, and implemented innovative approaches to preserve access to healthcare services for vulnerable older adults throughout the region. She has become a respected advocate for financial sustainability and public policy reform within New York’s healthcare sector.

John Peterson

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Mr. John Peterson, CPA

Bio
John E. Peterson, CPA, is a Principal in the Healthcare Audit and Consulting Practice of Freed Maxick. John joined the Firm in 1994 after working for a local financial institution. John is responsible for the overall planning, supervision and completion of various client engagements. He focuses on audits and consulting engagements within the not-for-profit healthcare industry with a concentration on hospitals and skilled nursing homes. John also is responsible for both the preparation and review of annual Medicare and Medicaid cost reports and overseeing payor audits of mentioned cost reports. John's responsibilities include in-depth reviews and compliance testing of healthcare internal accounting control systems and developing recommendations for suggested improvements to those internal controls. He has prepared financial statements in various formats including consolidations and combinations, as well as bankruptcy accounting. John has coordinated and reviewed work performed by internal auditors, aided in preparing annual budgets, and has presented numerous times to clients, boards of directors, audit and finance committees and management. In addition, John is involved with supervising and training 20 to 25 staff and senior members of the Firm’s healthcare group. Additionally, John has experience working for clients as a finance and operational leader. John served as Interim CFO from January 2018 through February 2020 for a hospital in upstate New York. During this assignment, John was actively involved in all the aspects of the CFO role including, but not limited to, the month end close and financial statement preparation and overseeing the year-end audit and the annual budgeting process. John ensured regulatory agency reporting was complete and accurate, and oversaw the hospital's cash strategy and management and managed care contracting, as well as assessing whether all existing reimbursement opportunities were obtained. John was responsible for annual cost report filings, the completion of disproportionate share, cost report and wage index audits. John has also served in an operational role for clients in managing the countless day-to-day activities including providing direction to employees, preparing strategic financial plans and reviewing and the revision of internal controls. In these leadership roles, John supervised up to 10 individuals. A graduate of D'Youville College, John is a member of the New York State Society Health Care Committee, the Western New York HFMA Reimbursement Committee and a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). He has been published in the Secured Lender trade magazine and has presented at seminars on numerous healthcare topics.

Join us for a final panel of executive healthcare leaders of various providers. Hear about how these individuals are helping to strategize within their organizations and helping to set up them up for future success. Session panelists include CFO's from acute care & skilled nursing facility, and an intake manager for a home health care provider.

Closing Remarks
Speaker:

Nicholas Rivera

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Mr. Nicholas Rivera

Bio

Nick is a director at Forvis Mazars (a top-8 global accounting and consulting firm) in the New York Office. He has approximately 15 years of experience providing financial statement audit and financial consulting advisory services to healthcare organizations. Nick leads teams and engagements for healthcare clients across the New York market and broader northeast region.

Nick is a member of various industry organizations, including the New York State Society of CPAs (NYCPA), Healthcare Financial Management Association (HFMA), the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE), and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). Nick is a frequent speaker across the country and has presented to NYCPA, the AICPA, Accounting Today, HFMA, Sage, LeadingAge NY, and more.

Nick a licensed CPA in New York and New Jersey, a Fellow of HFMA (FHFMA) and Certified Specialist of Accounting and Finance (CSAF) credentials as issued by HFMA. Nick is the chair of the Health Care Committee of the NYCPA and served in chair roles for multiple NYCPA Annual Health Care Conferences. Nick is an officer of the board and president-elect for the HFMA Metropolitan New York Chapter, and has served as chair for multiple conferences and committees. Nick is also on the Junior Board of Make-A-Wish Metro New York and Western New York.

He is a graduate of Xavier University, Cincinnati, Ohio, with a B.S. degree in business administration and accounting.

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