About the Program:
As healthcare organizations confront workforce shortages, rising costs, and access challenges, optimizing the utilization of Physician Assistants and Nurse Practitioners is critical to system performance. This panel examines national trends and organizational strategies that enable PAs and NPs to practice at the top of their license while improving patient outcomes, access, and financial sustainability. Panelists will explore methods for measuring utilization through productivity, quality, satisfaction, and resource metrics, and discuss approaches to addressing organizational barriers that limit workforce effectiveness. The session will also highlight best practices for leadership structures, governance models, and career pathways that support recruitment, retention, and long-term workforce success. Designed for executive and senior clinical leaders, this discussion provides actionable insights for building resilient, high-performing PA/NP workforce models.
About the Speakers:
Ivonne Johnson, DNP, MBA, APRN, ANP-C, PNP-C
Chief Advanced Practice Provider Officer, AdventHealth Medical Group
Dr. Ivonne Johnson is a nurse practitioner and healthcare executive with over 25 years of experience in adult and pediatric care. She serves as Chief Advanced Practice Provider Officer at AdventHealth Medical Group, leading strategy and governance for more than 700 APPs across multiple specialties. Dr. Johnson holds a Doctor of Nursing Practice, an MBA in Healthcare Management, and advanced nursing certifications. A national speaker, educator, and researcher, she is recognized for advancing evidence-based practice, workforce innovation, and the strategic integration of nurse practitioners to improve access, quality, and provider engagement.
Heather Augustyniak, DNP, APRN, FNP-C
Clinical Director of Advanced Practice Providers, Baptist Medical Group
Dr. Heather Augustyniak is the Clinical Director of Advanced Practice Providers at Baptist Medical Group, where she leads enterprise-wide APP strategy, operations, and clinical excellence. Her clinical background includes women’s health and oncology, with a focus on survivorship and patient-centered care. Dr. Augustyniak has led system initiatives in APP onboarding, governance, leadership development, and compensation alignment. A recognized APP advocate, she serves in leadership roles at the state level and has been honored with multiple awards for her impact on workforce development and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Robert M. Risch, MD, MBA, FACEP
Chief Quality and Implementation Officer, Integrative Emergency Services
Dr. Robert Risch is a board-certified emergency medicine physician with more than 25 years of experience in clinical practice and healthcare leadership. He serves as Chief Quality and Implementation Officer at Integrative Emergency Services, overseeing quality, patient safety, and clinical informatics initiatives. Dr. Risch also chairs the Emergency Department at Baylor Scott & White Medical Center Grapevine and serves as President of IES Florida. A Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, he is nationally recognized for advancing evidence-based care, emergency department performance, and sustainable quality improvement.
Wesley L. Marsh, Jr., MBA, FACHE
Executive in Residence, University of Florida College of Public Health & Health Professions
Wes Marsh is a healthcare executive and Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives with extensive experience in academic medicine, health system operations, government, and education. He currently serves as Executive in Residence at the University of Florida, providing strategic leadership and instruction in healthcare management. His career includes senior operational roles overseeing complex clinical programs, APP integration, and workforce optimization. A former state legislator and U.S. Air Force leader, Marsh brings a broad perspective on policy, governance, and healthcare transformation.