2026 Winter Conference

DNV Update

Joe Calvert – Director of Facility Operations, Arkansas Children's Hospital

Amber Ward – Director of Accreditation, Arkansas Children's Hospital

Experienced healthcare leader committed to advancing organizational performance through accreditation, policy governance, and process improvement. I lead teams through complex change, translate standards into sustainable operations, and create structures that strengthen quality, safety, and overall system reliability. At Arkansas Children’s, I oversee enterprise accreditation and survey readiness, including the organization’s transition from The Joint Commission to DNV accreditation. My background spans inpatient, outpatient, and administrative settings, allowing me to navigate across functions and align diverse teams toward shared goals. I’m motivated by opportunities that challenge traditional approaches and drive meaningful progress. I value strategic collaboration, leadership development, and innovative thinking that moves organizations—and people—forward. I welcome opportunities to connect with others dedicated to transforming healthcare through strong systems, engaged teams, and purposeful leadership.

Learning Objectives

1. DNV Requirements
2. How CMS interacts with accrediting agencies
3. Q&A with the Director of Accreditation at ACH on how and why the hospital switched accrediting organizations

The Lifecycle of Compliance

Jordan Plyler, SASHE, CM-Lean – Special Project Manager, Baptist Health

Jordan has worked in health care engineering since 2012, starting as an ASHE/AAHE college intern. She is a two-time past President of AAHE and serves on several ASHE committees. Jordan holds a Senior designation through ASHE (SASHE) and a Certificate of Management in Lean Construction (CM-Lean) through the Associated General Contractors of America.

Abstract – Download Presentation

This session will demonstrate the importance of continuous compliance by exploring the idea of compliance being a cyclical endeavor instead of linear.

Learning Objectives

1. Analyze the lifecycle of asset management
2. Review key concepts involved in compliance documentation
3. Practice completing compliance documents using real life scenarios

Retro-Commissioning in Complex Healthcare Campuses

Ben Seeley, CEM – Director of Energy Engineering, ENFRA

Ben has spent all of his nearly 30-year career in the building sciences industry. Starting in the MEP world, he then moved into heavy HVAC equipment sales with a major manufacturer where he began to learn the fundamentals of the energy side of the business. From there he spent a number of years in the utility incentive world. He spent about two years doing research for a firm looking into how to affect change energy policy at the state level before landing with ENFRA about two years ago. Ben leads a team of energy engineers and analysts as well as controls technologist where we do RCx work all over the nation.

Abstract – Download Presentation

Healthcare facilities operate under stringent performance, safety, and regulatory requirements, making energy management both a technical challenge and a strategic necessity. One of the nation’s largest nonprofit healthcare systems, is executing a multi-facility retro-commissioning (RCx) initiative designed to optimize building performance, reduce energy intensity and utility costs, and extend asset life across a portfolio of legacy hospitals and support buildings. This session presents an applied, engineering-driven perspective on how RCx can be deployed at scale in complex healthcare environments while maintaining compliance with ASHRAE 170 and ASHRAE 62.1.

Learning Objectives

1. Apply best practices for a multi-facility RCx Project
2. Avoid some of the pitfalls when organizing multi-facility projects
3. How to identify valuable projects

Healthcare Construction Pitfalls

Al Graham, MBA, CHC, CHFM – Director of Planning Design and Construction, Arkansas Children's Hospital

Al Graham is an experienced healthcare construction professional with a strong background in project leadership and facilities management. He earned his Master of Healthcare Administration in 2015. From 2019 to 2024, Al served at UAMS as a Project Manager, including three years as Director of Construction, where he also completed his Certified Healthcare Constructor certification. In 2024, he joined Arkansas Children’s Hospital as Director of Construction and subsequently earned his Certified Healthcare Facility Manager credential.

Abstract – Download Presentation

In today's healthcare construction environment, processes are extremely important to the successful delivery of a construction project. This session will focus on some of the pitfalls that are inherent in the design and construction process, and how they can be avoided.

Learning Objectives

1. Knowing your design and construction processes.
2. Understanding how design and construction processes keep you out of trouble.
3. Avoiding Design / Planning Errors that lead to construction issues.

Leading Multi-Generational Teams

Kim Koch, PE – Founding Principal, Insight Engineering

Kim Koch is the Founder and Principal of Insight Engineering, a woman-owned mechanical engineering consulting firm established in 2019 to deliver high-quality, client-focused building systems design throughout Arkansas. With more than 20 years of experience, Kim has designed mechanical systems for healthcare and institutional facilities across the United States, specializing in complex, energy efficient environments.

Her recent work includes leading mechanical design for the Arkansas State Crime Laboratory and other mission-critical public and healthcare facilities, where performance, compliance, and long-term operational efficiency are paramount. Kim is known for her ability to build and manage high-functioning, multi-generational engineering teams, blending technical rigor with mentorship and collaborative leadership.

A recognized industry leader, Kim is committed to advancing engineering excellence, developing the next generation of engineers, and delivering thoughtful, resilient designs that serve both owners and communities.

Abstract – Download Presentation

With up to five generations working side-by-side, leaders must adapt how they communicate, motivate, and manage their teams. This session breaks down generational differences in values, work styles, and expectations and provides practical strategies for building policies and team environments that drive engagement and retention across all age groups.

Learning Objectives

1. Define the current generations working and entering the healthcare facilities field.
2. Understand motivational drivers and communication styles and feedback preferences for the different generations.
3. Explore specific work policies to recruit and retain across the generations