Rise

Each year, RISE West brings together world-class keynote speakers that deliver powerful and insightful messages in a way that moves audiences to action. These speakers are an important part of the conference experience and exemplify the spirit and ingenuity that drives our attendees to pursue success.  

Opening Keynote Speaker

Dr. Archelle Georgiou, M.D.
C-Suite Leader, Advisor, Media Personality, Patient Advocate

Dr. Archelle Georgiou is a physician, author, and nationally recognized consumer advocate dedicated to helping people make informed, evidence-based medical decisions. A former Chief Medical Officer at UnitedHealth Group, she’s advised organizations across health care, investment, and technology, and co-founded the University of Minnesota COVID-19 Hospitalization Tracking Project. With over 16 years as a medical correspondent and more than 2,000 broadcast segments to her name, Dr. Georgiou simplifies complex health issues for national audiences and has been featured by CNN, Fox & Friends, and Good Morning America. She currently serves as Board Chair of Children’s Hospital Minnesota and Executive in Residence at the University of Minnesota’s Carlson School of Management.

 

Former Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) 

The Honorable Christi A. Grimm
Former Inspector General U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Christi A. Grimm is a nationally recognized expert in health care oversight, program integrity, and organizational leadership, with more than 25 years of experience driving accountability, innovation, and performance in the nation’s largest health and human services programs. As the sixth Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), she led independent oversight of up to $2 trillion in annual HHS expenditures, spanning Medicare, Medicaid (including managed care), public health, biomedical research, and social services.

 

OIG Confirmed Keynote Speakers: 

 

Ann Maxwell, Deputy Inspector General for Evaluation and Inspections , HHS Office of Inspector General 

Ann Maxwell is the Deputy Inspector General for Evaluation and Inspections in the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of Inspector General. As the head of the Office of Evaluation and Inspections (OEI), she leads more than 150 professionals who provide objective, reliable, data-driven evidence to HHS, Congress, and the public on significant issues. Ms. Maxwell leads the office in producing results-oriented evaluations that provide valuable insights into the efficiency and effectiveness of HHS programs as well as offer actionable recommendations to drive positive change in HHS programs so that they can better serve and protect the American people. Ms. Maxwell also leads OEI in its oversight of the State Medicaid Fraud Control Units (MFCUs), which investigate and prosecute providers for Medicaid fraud as well as for abuse and neglect of patients in health care facilities. In fiscal year 2021, the MFCU grant program recovered $1.7 billion—a return of $5 for every $1 invested with this sentence – In fiscal year 2024, the MFCU grant program recovered $1.4 billion – a return of $3.46 for every $1 invested.

 

Carolyn Kapustij, Senior Advisor for Managed Care, HHS Office of Inspector General 

Carolyn Kapustij serves as a Senior Advisor for Managed Care at the Office of Inspector General (OIG) for the Department of Health and Human Services.  At OIG, she develops and leads enterprise-wide strategies to oversee Medicare Advantage and Medicaid Managed Care programs.  She previously worked at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and oversaw the improper payment measures for Medicare Part C and Part D, developed program integrity activities for the Federally Facilitated Exchanges, and developed payment policy for MA and Medicare Part D plans. She holds a Master of Public Health from the University of Michigan.