November 13-16, 2023
Registration Open Now!
About Charleston, SC
Charleston, South Carolina, is one of the oldest cities in the U.S. Founded in 1670, Charleston is cited for its beauty, history, restaurants, livability, shopping, business climate, and its romantic appeal. Its accolades are seemingly endless.
Known for their southern hospitality, you will always feel a sense of welcoming when you step into the doors of any business. The streets of Charleston are lined with a stunning collection of historic architecture and buildings, spanning a wide range of architectural styles.
Be sure to visit Rainbow Row, one of Charleston’s most iconic and photographed landmarks, consisting of 13 houses painted in various pastel colors, hence its namesake. If the sea is more of your viewing style, The Battery provides a breathtaking view of the Charleston harbor and is one of downtown Charleston’s most visited sites.
About The Venue
The Charleston Place was built in 1986 to complement Charleston’s historic architecture, providing new life to the city and serving as a catalyst for Charleston’s resurgence as a world-class travel spot. With various restaurants, retail shops, a cocktail lounge, and spa, the Charleston Place is a go-to for many vacationers, corporate travelers, wedding planners, and so many more. Located in the heart of Charleston, many of the city’s popular and stunning landmarks are within walking distance or a very short drive. All of this, combined with Charleston Place’s warm hospitality, will ensure your stay will be one to remember.
Top Reasons to Attend
- Connect and network with other leading executives
- Experience next-level education not available at other industry events
- Challenge your thinking with breakout sessions
- Relax with refreshing activities for all attendees
- Escape from the day-to-day to recharge and reset
Attendees and their spouse/guest are only responsible for paying their own travel and accommodations. Hotel is $339 a night plus taxes.
Book your hotel here.
Attendees can also book directly with the Reservations Office by calling 800.611.5545 or via email at reservations@charlestonplace.com.
Registration is now OPEN!
Holly Angeles
Vice President of Administration,
Nationwide Medical, Inc.
Holly Angeles is currently the vice president of administration for Nationwide Medical, Inc. She has been with Nationwide since 2005 and has held different positions over the years, including claims manager and office manager. In her role at Nationwide, Holly manages human resources, works with Brightree system management, maintains accreditation, and continues to oversee office operations.
Holly is a member of the VGM HR Professional Forum, as well as other local HR groups, including PIHRA and NHRA. Holly earned her bachelor’s degree from California Lutheran University.
Derek Damstra
President,
CareLinc Medical Equipment & Supply
Derek Damstra currently serves as president of CareLinc Medical Equipment & Supply, headquartered in Grand Rapids, Michigan. CareLinc Medical has 50 locations spread over Michigan, Ohio, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Georgia. Derek has been with the company for over 25 years, serving in multiple roles throughout the organization. Derek, his brother Marc, and sister Kylee are second-generation leaders, following their father, Mike, who started the business in 1997.
Derek carries on local community involvement, dedicated to helping support and fundraise for local hospices, hospitals, and other community organizations throughout Michigan. Derek and his wife, Erin, live in Grand Rapids, Michigan, with their three children: Madison (12), Rilyn (10), and Dean (6).
Brian Heying, CLU ®, ChFC, RICP ®
Financial Advisor,
Lincoln Savings Bank
A native of Iowa, Brian grew up in New Hampton, IA, and attended the University of Northern Iowa. He received his bachelor’s degree in General Studies with a Business Minor. Brian has worked in the insurance and investment industry since 1998, focusing on central Iowa and the Midwest for the last thirteen years. Throughout his career, he has developed a passion and skillset for helping business owners and professional understand and pursue their insurance and financial goals. This has created a strong foundation for clients to manage their insurance planning and wealth creation while also working towards their specific financial and protection needs. Brian believes his knowledge and practical experience in making complex situations and strategies manageable is key to his clients’ satisfaction.
Brian and his wife, Sonja, have four sons: Rowan, Rory, Finlay, and Declan. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his family, playing golf with friends, and taking in sports events.
Troy Johnson
Executive Vice President-Medical,
Norco Inc.
Troy Johnson has been in the HME industry for 29 years and currently is the Executive Vice President Medical for Norco Inc. Troy joined Norco in 1994 while as a Respiratory Therapy student and has remained with Norco his entire career. He has held positions of Clinician, Sales, Branch Manager, Regional Vice President before eventually overseeing the entire Medical Division at Norco. Troy sits on the advisory board for the College of Health Sciences department at Boise State University and has been the President of the Idaho Society for Respiratory Care (ISRC). Troy graduated from Boise State University with a Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy as well as a Master of Science in Kinesiology.
Sara Laures
Chief People Officer,
VGM Group Inc.
Sara Laures is the chief people officer for VGM Group, Inc. where she oversees people and culture strategy, human resources, talent acquisition, organizational development, and facilities management, and manages corporate projects that support the success of VGM’s multiple businesses and its employees. Sara has held roles in multiple VGM businesses during her career. She began at VGM’s HOMELINK division in 1998 and spent five years developing a foundational knowledge of care coordination and its impact on patients’ access to quality healthcare. For 14 years, she was responsible for leadership of VGM Education, spearheading the development of its robust virtual education platform and content. In her current role, she worked to expand workplace flexibility guidelines when VGM transitioned to a work-from-home policy, improving work-life balance of all employees—especially working mothers.
Sara has a bachelor’s degree in health services administration from Upper Iowa University. Because of her experience working her way up the corporate ladder, Sara advises and mentors many other aspiring female leaders. As an iPEC certified professional coach and Energy Leadership Index Master Practitioner, she is a knowledgeable resource for women in the workplace. To further support and recognize employee owners at VGM, Sara has grown Women in Leadership (WIL) at VGM, helps guide the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee, and emcees the VGM Award ceremony. She also serves on a number of boards and task forces in the Cedar Valley community.
Justin L. Mortara, Ph.D.
CEO,
EnsoData
Justin L. Mortara, Ph.D. has over 20 years of healthcare experience, spanning medical technology, digital health, and tech-enabled services in both established companies and early-stage ventures. A physicist by training and a CEO by profession, Justin brings an appreciation for the power of data and a passion for solving complex problems in the healthcare system. In 2022 he was appointed CEO of EnsoData in Madison, Wisconsin, the leader in interoperable artificial intelligence (AI) solutions for sleep medicine, spanning both diagnosis and predictive therapy adherence.
Prior to joining EnsoData, Justin served as CEO of Mortara Instrument in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, a leading global provider of devices and software solutions used to diagnose cardiovascular disease. During his tenure there, Mortara grew more than twenty-fold and was ultimately acquired by Hillrom (Baxter) in 2017. Justin conducted research at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and earned his doctorate from the University of California - Berkeley following his bachelor of arts degree at the University of Chicago. He serves on the boards of various healthcare businesses including EnsoData and QuadMed. Justin resides in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, with his wife and three children.
Julie Osborn
Executive Vice President
Alliance Rehab and Medical Equipment
Julie Osborn is currently executive vice president of Alliance Rehab and Medical Equipment based in Missouri. Julie has been with Alliance Rehab since 2006 when she came into the business as a part-time receptionist. As Alliance Rehab grew in the CRT industry, Julie worked her way through the business as the compliance officer, but then moved into human resources and later became director of billing and reimbursement before being promoted to her current role. Julie is dedicated to not only providing a positive customer experience, but a healthy and positive environment for the Alliance team members. A happy team equals happy customers!
Julie graduated with a degree in fashion merchandising from Bauder College in Arlington, Texas. Julie lives in Nixa, Missouri, with her husband, Mike. They have two children, Virginia and Peyton, who both reside in St. Louis, Missouri.
Registration Open Now!
