WAPA Presents:

Check in, pick up your summit badge and swag bag, enjoy a light continental breakfast, and begin the day by connecting with colleagues and visiting participating exhibitors.  

Jodelle “Jody” Schroeder, MSN, MSS, RN, APRN-CNS, CCRN, CCNS
Colonel, US Army (Ret.), US Army Nurse Corps

Former Acting Chief and Deputy Chief of the U.S. Army Nurse Corps

Explore how strong leadership builds cohesive teams, strengthens culture, and unites people around a shared mission. Gain practical insights for guiding your team through change and leading with confidence.

Dr. Eric Elliot, DMSc, PA-C

Co-Chair, WAPA Legislartive & Gov't Affairs Committee

Past Vice Chair, Wisc. PA Affiliated Credentialing Board

Major, U.S. Air Force (Ret.) | U.S. Army Veteran

Dr. Laura Swoboda, DNP, APRN, FNP-C, FNP-BC, CWOCN-NP, WOCNF, FAANP

Assistant Professor of Health & Social Welfare, University of Wisconsin–Green Bay
MMNP Immediate Past President; current political and policy liaison 

Effective leadership starts with understanding the laws and policies that shape your practice. Explore Wisconsin’s PA and APRN practice frameworks so you can practice fully within your legal authority, recognize opportunities for career advancement, and advocate against encroachment on your profession and professional role.

 Enjoy refreshments, connect with colleagues, and explore our exhibitors. 

Mr. John Eich
Director, Wisconsin Office of Rural Health

Examine the forces reshaping rural healthcare in Wisconsin, including access gaps, workforce shortages, and mounting financial pressures, and highlights opportunities for PAs and APRNs to lead innovative, patient and community-centered solutions. 

Dr. Kris Pyles-Sweet, DMSc, PA-C

Vice Chair, Florida Board of Medicine, Council on PAs 

Former AAPA Secretary Treasurer, Private Practice Owner

Explore the access and workforce challenges facing rural and underserved Wisconsin communities—and the opportunities for PAs and APRNs to lead solutions. Learn how your clinical expertise and leadership can strengthen local healthcare and expand access where it matters most. 

Financial decisions made today can shape your opportunities tomorrow. Explore key financial milestones and practical strategies for managing debt, building emergency savings, and preparing for retirement. Learn how thoughtful financial planning can strengthen financial security, support career flexibility, and help you pursue your personal and professional goals.

Tori Apkarian
VP Relationship Manager, BMO Bank

Financial Wellness Program Manager | Benefits Specialist

Build the financial foundation that gives you freedom to pursue leadership, advance your career, change practice settings, or expand access to care. Explore practical strategies to avoid feeling financially trapped and reduce financial stress that can contribute to burnout. 

 Connect with colleagues and visit exhibitors before the next session. 

Ms. Amy Fajardo
Director of Client Operations, MedCycle Solutions

Learn to navigate public and private payers, address payment barriers, and strengthen the revenue that sustains patient care and a successful practice. Whether you own a practice or work within a larger organization, understanding reimbursement helps you demonstrate the value PAs, APRNs, and other APPs contribute—leading to a better understanding of how that value might translate into your organization’s staffing, compensation, benefits, retention, and leadership opportunities.

Irina Petrakova-Otto, MS, MBA
Executive Education Instructor, University of Chicago Booth School of Business
Former CTO, AI and Private Capital, Microsoft
Founder and CEO, VitaNexus

Build your understanding of AI and its practical relevance across hospitals, health systems, and independent practices. Explore opportunities to improve operations and administrative efficiency, evaluate evidence and limitations, and safeguard patient information as you lead responsible adoption. Discover emerging capabilities that may shape healthcare’s next chapter.

 Connect with colleagues and visit exhibitors before the next session. 

Dr. Travis E. Kaufman, DMSc, MPAS, PA-C, FIBODM

Assistant Professor & Program Director, Doctor of Executive Leadership

Arkansas Colleges of Health Education 

Major, U.S. Army (Ret.) 

Former White House Medical Officer & Chief Medical Operations Officer 

Leadership is not defined by a title, rank, or position. 

It begins with recognizing opportunities to make a difference and having the confidence and courage to pursue them.

Drawing from his remarkable professional journey—from practicing medicine in the field to serving on the White House medical team, Dr. Travis Kaufman will explore how healthcare professionals can discover and pursue leadership opportunities at every stage of their careers and in virtually every practice setting.

Through personal experiences and lessons learned in military medicine, high-stakes clinical environments, and national-level service, Dr. Kaufman will examine the barriers that often prevent talented professionals from reaching their leadership potential. These include organizational limitations, traditional professional expectations, and perhaps the most significant barriers of all—the ones we create through our own mindset, self-doubt, and perceptions of what is possible.

This closing keynote will challenge PAs and APRNs to think beyond conventional career pathways, recognize their capacity to influence change, and embrace leadership opportunities in clinical practice, healthcare administration, education, advocacy, public service, and beyond.

Attendees will leave inspired to challenge perceived limitations, expand their professional horizons, and recognize that meaningful leadership begins wherever they are today.

Reflect on the day’s key takeaways, recognoze contributors and identify your next steps to Lead Boldly and Build What’s Next.

 Wrap up the day with a prize drawing activity celebrating the generous support of our contributors. 

Schedule, presenters, and program details are subject to change. 

All times Central.