• The Honorable Alex M. Azar II
• Tuesday, May 5, 2026
• 7:45-9:00 a.m

With decades of experience across government and the private sector, Alex M. Azar II brings a powerful perspective on the future of healthcare. He served as the 24th Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services from 2018 to 2021, leading more than 85,000 employees and overseeing a $1.4 trillion budget. During his tenure, he architected Operation Warp Speed, delivering COVID-19 vaccines and therapeutics in record time, while advancing major healthcare reforms, including expanded telehealth, interoperability, and patient access to health records, payment models focused on outcomes, drug price reduction efforts, and critical public health initiatives addressing the opioid crisis, HIV prevention, rural health access, and maternal mortality.

Secretary Azar's opening keynote session, "A Conversation with Alex Azar," will offer attendees an in-depth discussion on healthcare leadership, policy, innovation, and the lessons learned from navigating complex public health challenges.

Welcome with Lee Ann Stember and Opening Keynote Alex M. Azar II
Tuesday, May 5, 2026 | 7:45-9:00 a.m.