2025 ACHE of North Texas Better Together Event

Join us for an inspiring evening dedicated to advancing community, culture and inclusion within the healthcare industry. Hosted by the North Texas chapter of the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHENTX), CHRISTUS Health, and the North Texas Association for Healthcare Quality (NTAHQ), this networking event brings together professionals, advocates, and allies who share a commitment to building a more equitable healthcare landscape.

Connect with peers who are passionate about driving positive transformation in healthcare. In recognition of the power of collaboration, ACHE of North Texas has organized this event alongside local chapters of leading healthcare organizations under a shared banner — “Better Together.” The National Association for Latino Healthcare Executives (NALHE), the National Association of Health Services Executives (NAHSE), Healthcare Information Management Systems Society (HIMSS), North Texas Association for Healthcare Quality (NTAHQ), and Healthcare Financial Management Association (HFMA), Healthcare Data & Analytics Association DFW Chapter (HDAA-DFW), in partnership with ACHENTX and its Asian Healthcare Leaders Community of North Texas (AHLC), PRIDE Community and Women’s Healthcare Executives’ Network (WHEN), will co-host a special reception open to members and all interested in learning more about the impactful work of these groups.

Keynote Presentation by:

Patrick Hart

Founder

PDPMEDIA

Kris Sanders, FACHE

Senior Vice President, Northern Market Growth & Development

Children’s Health Plano

Speakers Bios:

With nearly three decades of experience, Patrick Hart stands out as a transformational force in the healthcare and digital media landscapes. He currently leads HealthHustle Chronicles and PDPMedia, two ventures focused on storytelling, career elevation and brand visibility within the healthcare sector. Through these platforms, he produces content that amplifies unique voices, addresses professional growth barriers and uplifts the next generation of healthcare leaders.

Before launching his own companies, Mr. Hart held multiple executive leadership roles, including vice president of enterprise development, vice president of sales and vice president of customer success. In each role, he was responsible for strategic growth, market expansion, sales leadership and enhancing client experience. Across his career, he has consistently driven innovation, operational excellence and inclusive leadership, helping organizations scale while keeping people at the center of the mission.

Mr. Hart’s foundation in leadership was forged during his service in the U.S. Army, where he worked as an aviation maintenance supervisor and operations leader. This military background laid the groundwork for the discipline, agility and resilience that define his professional ethos today.

An advocate for lifelong learning, Mr. Hart holds a Master of Science and a Bachelor of Science in business management from the University of Phoenix. His academic achievements complement his hands-on experience and entrepreneurial drive.

Outside of business, Mr. Hart remains deeply committed to community service. He has been a dedicated blood donor with Carter BloodCare for over 17 years and is the author of "Hustle to the Top: A Modern Guide for Scaling Your Career,” a motivational guide that reflects his passion for mentoring and empowering others.

Born in Austin, Texas, Mr. Hart is a proud family man, married for over 23 years with four sons. Looking forward, he aims to expand his global reach by sharing impactful stories, building international networks and continuing to shine a light on the unsung heroes of healthcare and beyond.

Kris Sanders, FACHE currently serves as Senior Vice President, Northern Market Growth and Development at Children’s Health Plano. She is board certified in Healthcare Administration. She has a Bachelor of Healthcare Administration as well as her Master of Business Administration. Kris currently oversees the leadership and implementation of all Northern Market activity in DFW for Children’s Health. She previously worked at Envision Physician Services, which she worked as Vice President of Operations. Other previous roles include opportunities at Methodist Health System and The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston.

Kris is a board-certified Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives (FACHE). She also serves as a board member and President Elect for ACHE North Texas. She is a proud member of National Association of Health Services Executives (NAHSE) where she currently serves as the President Elect for the DFW chapter. Kris also serves on the board of directors for Live Oak Surgery Center and Children’s Advocacy Center of Collin County. She is a proud Leadership Plano Class 39 graduate and was recently awarded Diversity Leaders “Rising Star” by Modern Healthcare magazine in 2024. In addition to the professional work, Kris is a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated Chi Zeta Omega chapter in Plano, TX.

Participating Organizations/Networks/Communities:

AHLCNTX:

The Asian Healthcare Leaders Community of NTX aims to increase representation of Asian-Americans in healthcare leadership in various healthcare settings and at all career stages. The AHLCNTX community addresses this mission through targeted education, networking, casual conversations, publications, social media spotlights and community visibility initiatives designed to provide opportunities for personal and professional growth.

HDAA:

The Healthcare Data and Analytics Association (HDAA) is a volunteer-led organization founded in 2001 to foster collaboration among healthcare professionals focused on improving patient outcomes and reducing costs through data and analytics. It offers a vendor-free environment for sharing best practices, hosts an annual conference, and supports special interest groups and online forums for over 6,500 members across nearly 1,400 healthcare providers, insurers, public health agencies, and academic institutions.

HFMA:

HFMA is the nation’s leading membership organization for healthcare financial management executives and leaders. More than 34,000 members, ranging from CFOs to controllers to accountants consider HFMA a respected thought leader on top trends and issues facing the healthcare industry. HFMA members can be found in all areas of the healthcare system including hospitals, managed care organizations, physician practices, accounting firms and insurance companies.

HIMSS:

Healthcare Information Management Systems Society is a professional organization for healthcare and IT professionals providing leadership, professional development, education, and networking opportunities. The Mission of HIMSS is to reform the global health ecosystem through the power of information and technology.

NALHE:

The National Association of Latino Healthcare Executives is a national organization led by Latino/Latina executive leaders of U.S. hospitals and healthcare organizations and experts in the fields of health care policy and practice. NALHE was founded in 2005 to increase senior-level Latino/Latina representation in hospitals and health systems in the United States. Our goal is to create a future workforce of highly talented Latino/Latina healthcare executives who can meet the challenge of delivering and improving healthcare in our diverse communities.

NAHSE:

The National Association of Health Services Executives (NAHSE) is a non-profit association of Black health care executives founded in 1968 for the purpose of promoting the advancement and development of Black health care leaders and elevating the quality of health care services rendered to minority and underserved communities. NAHSE’s purpose is to ensure greater participation of minority groups in the health field. Its basic objective is to develop and maintain a strong viable national body to effectively have input in the national health care delivery system.

NTAHQ:

The North Texas Association for Healthcare Quality (NTAHQ) is committed to excellence in healthcare through developing and promoting professional expertise in the art and science of healthcare quality. Additionally, NTAHQ provides opportunity for collaboration with area colleagues.

PRIDE:

The ACHENTX PRIDE community is dedicated to supporting LGBTQ+ leaders and allies in healthcare by fostering representation and inclusion across all settings and career stages. The PRIDE community supports this mission through networking, advocacy, and visibility initiatives that provide opportunities for personal and professional growth while promoting a more equitable healthcare environment.

WHEN:

Our ACHE of North Texas Women’s Healthcare Executives’ Network (WHEN) started in 2018 – offering educational and networking opportunities specifically geared toward women working in and around the healthcare industry. These programs include our popular annual Women’s Conferences and annual Women’s Breakfasts – and other periodic gatherings spread throughout the year as well.

Host or Publisher ACHE of North Texas