Former US Congresswoman Nancy L. Johnson (R-CT) to Address the Women Executives of the X2 Healthcare Network

SAN DIEGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The X2 Healthcare Network (X2HN), a nonprofit organization of women healthcare executives representing more than 50 companies from all facets of healthcare, today welcomed senior public policy advisor and former US Congresswoman Nancy L. Johnson (R-CT) as a member of X2HN and featured speaker at the upcoming 2008 X2HN Xscape annual meeting Jan. 30 to Feb. 1 in La Jolla, CA.

X2HN Members represent healthcare providers, product and service vendors, Health 2.0 thought leaders, payer organizations, and patient advocates. The women of X2HN hold executive positions and are dedicated to fostering immediate and lasting solutions to the healthcare crises facing America. The addition of Ms. Johnson and fellow public policy advisor, Susan Christensen, marks an important expansion of X2HN expertise into the public policy arena.

Known as "an independent voice in Washington," Congresswoman Johnson served 24 years in the US House of Representatives and is a recognized authority on health policy. Hailed by the Almanac of American Politics as "one of the most active and productive legislators in the House," Ms. Johnson's legislative accomplishments have had a positive impact on health care, children, taxes, manufacturing, and the environment. Today she is Senior Public Policy Advisor to Baker Donelson's Washington, D.C. office and a member of the firm's Federal Public Policy Group.

At the second annual X2HN Xscape, Ms. Johnson and fellow Baker Donelson colleague, Susan Christensen, will share their insights into public policy formation in their presentation: “Within the Beltway…and across America: Learn what is happening with the country’s healthcare initiatives, and how to influence them.” Commenting on her desire to reach the passionate and powerful X2HN membership, Ms. Johnson said, “We want to empower women executives in healthcare so that we know when and how to be seen and heard. Only then can we effect widespread policy change that will pave the way for the needed nationwide healthcare quality improvement.”

“We are very pleased to welcome Nancy and Susan, who will share their exceptional experience and guidance on a topic that can personally empower every X2HN member,” said Gale Wilson-Steele, Chairwoman of the X2HN Board of Directors and founding member.

The two-day event features presentations designed to build understanding and insight into all aspects of the healthcare industry, coupled with resources and tools for advancing the members’ effectiveness in their roles as promoters of quality care:

• Darlene Price, president of Well Said!, is the recipient of nine Telly Awards for outstanding corporate communications, and offers the Keynote presentation plus an interactive workshop on the art of effective executive presenting.
• Patricia Riskind, President and CEO, Patient Impact, LLC will discuss “New Approaches to Patient Satisfaction Measurement that Are Good for Businesses”
• Gale Wilson-Steele, CSO, MedSeek, CEO, CareSeek will present “Promote the Best, Improve the Rest: The Power of Positive Reinforcement.”
• Leslie Kelly Hall, Senior Vice President, Healthwise offers her insights in “CIO: Saleswoman, Marketer, Project Manager, and Relationship Coach”
• Cheryl Green, Executive Producer, DrGreene.com will present “Making the Most of Health 2.0.”
• J.J. Levenstein, MD, FAAP, President, MD Moms will share “Lessons Learned as an MD in an MBA World.”
• Jodi Amendola, CEO, Amendola Communications will present “The Power of an Integrated Public Relations and Marketing Campaign.”
• Rebecca Karpinski, Vice President, Planned Parenthood of San Diego and Riverside Counties will present “Strategic Planning for ‘You, Inc.’”

Beyond the conference room, members will enjoy memorable meals, receptions and entertainment designed to forge strong and lasting relationships.

For more information, please visit x2hn.org. The Xscape is limited to the first 60 women who register. Registration can be done online or by contacting Natalie Burnside at natalie@X2HN.org or 412.287.5108.

The Xscape sponsors include Baker Donelson and mdmoms.com. For sponsor packages, please contact Mark Neuenschwander, X2HN Member Services, at 425-644-6797 or mark@x2hn.org.

About X2HN

The X2 Healthcare Network (X2HN) is a nonprofit Public Benefit Corporation formed to support all areas of female executives’ professional and personal lives by sharing ideas, competencies and resources in order to improve healthcare leadership, policy and delivery, as well as to encourage professional and personal growth. X2 provides members with a forum for networking and peer support as well as professional development and education. The proceeds for X2HN activities go to encourage the mentorship and guidance of women starting their careers in healthcare in order to aid in the growth of their professional and personal network, knowledge and responsibility.