Oct 2023 – All Things Virtual

Jim Stritzinger , Director, SC Broadband Office at SC Office of Regulatory Staff
As part of the SC Office of Regulatory Staff, Mr. Stritzinger serves as Director of the Broadband Office which was formed in July 2021. He is directly responsible for ensuring the rapid deployment of broadband infrastructure statewide and overseeing $440 million in state and federal grant investments. Prior to joining ORS, Jim was the Founder and President a consulting firm that specialized in the deployment of high-speed internet in rural communities. He has been featured on NPR Marketplace Tech, was selected to speak at the IBM Think 2019 Conference and invited to present to the US House Rural Broadband Task Force by Congressman James E. Clyburn. In addition, Jim’s unique broadband mapping methodology was selected for publication in the Esri® Map Book (Vol 36, 2021, pg. 186). Mr. Stritzinger is a Fellow in the Aspen Global Leadership Network and was inducted to the NC State University (NCSU) Electrical and Computer Engineering Alumni Hall of Fame in 2015. He holds a BS Electrical Engineering from NCSU, a Master of Health Information Technology from the University of South Carolina and is a Senior Member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE).

Lou Silverman , Chief Executive Officer at Hicuity Health
Lou Silverman has a 30+-year track record of success as CEO in health care IT and technology enabled health care services companies. As Chairman and CEO of Hicuity Health, the nation’s largest provider of 24 x 7 high acuity telemedicine services, the company has grown to serve more than 150 hospitals in 31 states and has expanded its service offerings beyond its core tele-ICU care to include remote in-patient telemetry monitoring, post-acute remote patient monitoring services, virtual nursing, and virtual tele-sitter services. Service venues have expanded to include hospitals, post acute facilities and the in-home environment. Silverman’s track record reflects a focus on ongoing innovation and execution while leading multiple health care market leaders. During his 7 year tenure, CorVel Corp. (NASDAQ: CRVL), a managed care services company, achieved 28 consecutive quarters of growth and the company was recognized as one of Forbes best small public companies for 7 consecutive years. During 8 years as CEO of Quality Systems (NASDAQ: QSII), a leader in the ambulatory EHR market, the company achieved 30X growth in market capitalization - to $1.2 billion and made the Forbes list of best small public companies for each of his 8 years at the company. Silverman was CEO of Marina Medical, a specialty Revenue Cycle Management company, where he increased hospitals under management by 50% during his 3-year tenure, and achieved a highly successful exit for investors. Silverman also serves (and has served) as a board member for a variety of health care-related companies, both public and private. He served on the board of Questcor (NASDAQ: QCOR – 14X increase in market cap to $5.6 B during tenure) and recently concluded 6 years as Chairman of the Board at STAAR Surgical (NASDAQ: STAA) which enjoyed a 12X increase in market cap to $5B during his tenure. He currently serves as a board member at a venture and private equity backed health care companies as well as a hospital system. Silverman earned his BA in American Studies (cum laude) from Amherst College and his MBA from Harvard Business School.

Gerry Auger, PhD , Adjunct Professor at The Citadel
Dr. Auger is a 20+ year cybersecurity professional, academic, and author. He has been the cybersecurity architect at MUSC, a multi-billion dollar academic medical center. He currently delivers Cybersecurity program development and maturity consulting services, educates as Adjunct Faculty in The Citadel Military College Cyber Sciences department, advises on all cybersecurity content at Haiku, and fulfills the role of Chief Content Creator on the successful YouTube channel Simply Cyber. Dr. Auger is passionate about cybersecurity and has educated 10's of thousands of students on the discipline. Dr. Auger holds a PhD in cyber operations and two Masters in Computer Science and Information Assurance.

Michelle Hager , Managing Partner at Blue Cirrus Consulting
Michelle Hager, the Managing Partner at Blue Cirrus Consulting, has over 20 years’ experience in Healthcare IT. She’s dedicated her efforts to the development of Telehealth strategies for healthcare organizations across the country. She is active in HIMSS, holding roles as the South Carolina Chapter President, Vice-Chair-Public Policy, and Chapter Advocate. She’s worked diligently through HIMSS to educate the industry and public on Healthcare IT public policy and future IT strategic directions, including Telehealth policy. Michelle was inducted into the American Telemedicine Association College of Fellows in 2022 in recognition of her distinguished and valuable contributions and service to telemedicine and has been named one of 2023’s "Top Women In Health IT To Know" by Becker’s Hospital Review.