Advisory Committee
Russell Branzel
Chief Information Officer/Vice President-Information Services and Human Resources
Poudre Valley Health System
Russ Branzell is the Chief Information Officer and Vice President-Information Services and Human Resources, Poudre Valley Health System and the President/CEO of Innovation Enterprises (PVHS’ for profit IS entity). Poudre Valley Health System is an integrated health system with a reputation for excellence and innovative care.
Prior to joining PVHS, he was the Regional Deputy Chief Information Officer and Executive Director of Information Services for Sisters of Mercy Health System in St. Louis, MO. Before his time in St. Louis, Mr. Branzell served on active duty in the United States Air Force and continues to serve in the Air Force Reserves. While on active duty, Mr. Branzell served in numerous healthcare administration positions including Chief Information Officer for the Air Mobility Command Surgeon General’s Office. In 1996, he was selected for the Air Force Medical Service Fellowship program and completed a Chief Information Officer Internship at the Unity Health System in St. Louis, MO.
A native of San Antonio, Texas, Russ earned an undergraduate degree in business administration specializing in human resource management and labor relations from the University of Texas. In 1995, he earned a Master’s degree in Administrative Science from Embry-Riddle University with an emphasis in management.
Matthew Holt
Matthew Holt has more than 14 years experience in the healthcare industry. A well regarded researcher and forecaster, he has worked with many leading healthcare companies. Before launching his own consulting practice, Mr. Holt served as the Vice President of Strategy and Business Development at i-Beacon. Prior to joining iBeacon, he served with Harris Interactive, the leading healthcare survey research company. From 1993 to 1998, he led the healthcare practice at the Institute for the Future in Menlo Park.
As a consultant, Mr. Holt has conducted custom research and developed research-based strategic solutions for clients in the healthcare industry including Bristol-Myers Squibb, Schering Plough, Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, the California Healthcare Foundation, EDS, SAIC Healthcare and many other well known names. To find out more visit Matthew Holt.net
A well-regarded speaker, known for his wit and insightful presentations, Mr. Holt has entertained and informed healthcare and executive audiences for more than a decade. You'll find more details about hiring him to speak at your conference or corporate retreat here.
Brian Lane
Vice President of Market Development
American Hospital Association-Solutions, Inc.
Brian Lane is a vice president of market development with AHA Solutions, Inc. (AHA-Solutions). In this capacity, Mr. Lane is responsible for the strategic planning and development of programming and endorsed solutions for the AHA membership around areas such as Human Resources, Information Technology, Revenue Cycle, Patient Safety/Quality and Risk Management. Prior to this role, he served as the vice president of Technology and led the direction and account management of AHA-Solutions Technology business unit.
Mr. Lane has over 15 years of experience in the health care field, specializing in administration/management, executing product rollout campaigns, and business development. He has held consulting and strategic management positions for fortune 500 companies and Big 4 consulting practices.
Mr. Lane is a also faculty member at Rush University in Chicago. He currently serves on the Rush Health Systems Management Program - Chairman's Council overseeing the graduate programming activities at Rush University as well as the Rush HSM- Faculty Appointments and Promotions Committee and International Committee. He serves on the internal AHA committees as a member of the AHA Technology Council, AHA Technology Standards Committee and on the AHA HIPAA Task Force/Work Group Committee and the AHA Solutions Technology Advisory Committee. He also serves on the Healthcare Executive Advisory Committee for AT&T and the Advisory Board for HIPAA Academy.
Orlando Portale
Chief Technology and Innovation Officer
Palomar Pomerado Health System
Orlando Portale is the chief innovation strategist for the Palomar Pomerado Health System, the largest health district in California. The Palomar district provides healthcare services to an 850 square mile area in Southern California. Portale is responsible for establishing strategic alliances, exploring new business models and leveraging emerging technology as a competitive differentiator. Prior to joining Palomar, he was the President of Portale & Co., a healthcare management consulting firm. Prior to forming his own company, Portale was the General Manager, Global Health Industry for Sun Microsystems. Prior to joining Sun, Portale was the Director of Mergers and Acquisitions for WellPoint. Prior to Wellpoint, Portale was a Senior Advisor with Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC). Portale began his career in healthcare at the University of Michigan. During his eleven-year tenure at the University, he was the Department Head for the Applied Clinical Informatics program. Portale holds a Masters in healthcare leadership from the University of California San Diego, School of Medicine.