Speaker Bios
Wes Berry - Keynote
As an entrepreneur, Wes Berry founded and built a business with over $750 million in sales. He has been on the front lines of commerce and, most notably, establishing a private vocational school, a retail franchise system covering five states, and a half-dozen million-dollar companies. He has also served on the boards of an educational foundation, youth assistance, Henry Ford Hospital, and as a trustee for a nine-figure foundation. His many honors include being the NAACP’s businessperson of the year. He was even named Businessperson of the Year by the Michigan Region of Optimist International; talk about a glass-half-full kind of guy.
A true storyteller, Wes is a communicator of the highest order, and his breath of knowledge makes him an outstanding keynote speaker and workshop facilitator. He has authored sixteen bestselling books in the business and success genres. Including the Wall Street Journal and USA TODAY bestseller, Big Things Have Small Beginning. His engaging speaking style also served him as a talk radio host. He also claims to be a trophy husband; however, his wife refuses to comment.
His extensive business knowledge and communications skills have made him an expert media contributor on many topics, from commercial drone applications to the downsizing of Sears, resulting in appearances with various media outlets. His many media appearances include NPR, The Wall Street Journal, The London Times, Entrepreneur and Time magazines, Fox News, Neil Cavuto, Geraldo Rivera, and John Stossel, to name just a few.
Married for 30+ years, he has four adult sons and spends his leisure time with his English Bulldog or working on his ever-humbling golf game.
Paul Vernich, Senior Vice President at Aya Healthcare and head of Winnow AI
Paul Vernich, Senior Vice President at Aya Healthcare and head of Winnow AI, is a natural leader and innovator who has spent the last three years disrupting the antiquated process of physician recruiting. Paul has grown Winnow AI into a breakthrough AI solution that transforms the way that healthcare organizations hire physicians by empowering medical leaders to build physician dream teams. His depth of experience spans operations, business development, and strategy success across multiple sectors such as financial services, healthcare, and real estate. During his tenure as Vice President at GE Healthcare, he showcased exceptional leadership by orchestrating major turnarounds for two struggling business units.
Paul earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Tennessee and his MBA from Vanderbilt’s Owen Graduate School of Management.
Kari Craig, MBA, Senior Manager HSG Advisors
Kari Craig, MBA, Senior Manager, is a healthcare leader with over a decade of experience managing practice operations and improving employed provider networks. As a leader in practice operations, Kari has assisted in the implementation of new EHRs, developed new service lines, and transformed practice operations for quality and population health initiatives. Along the way, she has developed compensation models utilizing data driven metrics to analyze and align with the goals and objectives of the organization.
Kari’s consulting practice is focused around improving a network’s operational and financial objectives. She leads the team at HSG in data-driven operational benchmarking assessments to outline key metrics and process improvement opportunities. Kari is also engaged in numerous system-wide initiatives, including the alignment and development of compensation models and fair market value and commercial reasonableness valuations.
Kari is a graduate of Indiana University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and received a Master’s Degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Healthcare Administration from Indiana Wesleyan University. She is also an active member of the American Association of Provider Compensation Professionals (AAPCP).
Allison Pettrey, PHR, SHRM-CP, Director of HR Outsourcing HRG
As Director of HR Outsourcing for HRG, Allison both serves in the lead HR role for a number of organizations throughout the Bluegrass as well as supports other consultants and partners performing outsourcing work for our clients. Allison has worked with multiple industries including equine, technology, creative agencies, medical practices, and non-profits.
Prior to joining HRG, Allison obtained 5 years of hands-on experience serving as the General Manager of a non-profit organization in Georgetown, Kentucky. Allison has obtained her Professional in Human Resources (PHR) Certification and her SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) designation, and is the HR Committee Chair for the Women Leading KY Board.
Having studied at Oxford University and graduated from Georgetown College, Allison has her bachelor’s degree in English with an emphasis on creative writing and is responsible for everything from compensation program design to crafting communications, policies, and procedures in order to facilitate the success of new or updated programs.
Allison handles all HR functions including recruiting, employee relations, benefits administration, compensation program design, writing/interpreting job descriptions, compliance issues, and creating and delivering internal and/or external communications.
Ashkan Nikou, Head of Security, Bluegrass Orthopaedics
Ashkan Nikou is a licensed Security Officer and Professional. Ashkan is in his 7th year in the US Army as a Sergeant and is currently working on his Officer Command Candidacy. He has a degree in Criminal Justice with a background in Homeland Security. He has been in security for 7 years with both management and leadership experience. He is dedicated to providing top-tier security and skills to protect his personnel and patients. His hobbies include travel, 4-wheeling, and hunting.
Connie Leffler, KMGMA ACMPE Forum Representative
Connie Leffler, CMA, CMM, FACMPE, has over 25 years experience in Practice Management. She is Board Certified and a Fellow with The American College of Medical Practice Executives.
Connie has been an active member with Local and State MGMA Chapters for over 20 Years. Connie is currently the ACMPE Forum Rep for KMGMA and an active MGMA member.
Cory Meadows JD, Vice President Medical Affairs Kentucky Medical Association
Cory Meadows is the Deputy Executive Vice President and Director of Advocacy at the Kentucky Medical Association. Meadows joined KMA in 2011 and since that time has been responsible for managing the Association’s legislative advocacy efforts and legal activities. He also speaks on a number of topics related to physician practice management, medical/legal issues, access to care, compliance, and the current state of the health care industry. Prior to joining KMA, Meadows practiced law in both the public and private sectors and served in several key positions within the Fletcher Administration.
A native of Clay City, Kentucky, Meadows earned an undergraduate political science degree from the University of Kentucky and a law degree from the Brandeis School of Law at the University of Louisville.
