Nashville is an industry hub for healthcare businesses. Join us for a thoughtful discussion on the importance of empathy, compassion and faith regarding how healthcare is accessed, delivered, taught and sustained nationwide.
Moderator:
Ben O’Dell, Senior Advisor, Center for Faith,
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
Ben O’Dell serves as Senior Advisor at the Center for Faith at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), where he has spent more than two decades building bridges among faith-based organizations, community leaders, philanthropic partners, and government agencies to improve the well-being of individuals, families, and communities across the nation. Recognized as a leading voice in community engagement and cross-sector collaboration, O’Dell has dedicated his career to developing innovative partnerships that connect public resources with the strengths and compassion of local communities.
Throughout his tenure at HHS, O’Dell has helped lead initiatives addressing some of the nation’s most pressing challenges, including mental health, substance use recovery, public health outreach, fatherhood and family strengthening, and community resilience. He has also played key roles in supporting transitions between presidential administrations and fostering effective communication among government, nonprofit, and faith-based stakeholders.
O’Dell’s passion for strengthening communities is rooted in his belief that lasting change happens when people come together around shared purpose. He brings a valuable perspective on the intersection of faith, service, leadership, and health, highlighting how compassionate partnerships can transform lives and strengthen communities from the inside out.
His expertise in organizational development, strategic engagement, and collaborative leadership has made him a respected advisor and connector across sectors. He is a earned a Master’s degree in Organizational Development and Knowledge Management from George Mason University. Ben resides outside of Washington, D.C., with his wife, Kristin, and implements his own personal fatherhood initiatives with their two kids.
Panelists:
Chris Moore, MSN, RN, MBA, Chief Operating Officer, Ascension Saint Thomas
Chris Moore, MSN, RN, MBA serves as Chief Operating Officer for Ascension Saint Thomas, one of Tennessee’s leading faith-based health systems. A respected healthcare executive and nurse leader, Moore brings more than two decades of experience advancing clinical excellence, operational performance, and compassionate patient care across large healthcare organizations.
In his current role, he leads hospitals, outpatient facilities, and care sites dedicated to delivering high-quality, personalized care while advancing Ascension’s mission of serving all persons, especially those most in need. Moore brings valuable insight into faith-centered leadership, healthcare innovation, and the importance of building cultures that place patients, caregivers, and mission at the center of every decision. His career reflects the conviction that excellent healthcare begins with compassionate service and a commitment to human dignity.
Before joining Ascension Saint Thomas in 2022, Moore spent more than twenty years with Ascension-affiliated organizations in Alabama, where he served in a variety of leadership positions, including Chief Nursing Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Vice President of Patient Care Services, and Director of Performance Excellence. Throughout his career, he has championed healthcare transformation initiatives focused on quality, safety, patient experience, and operational improvement. His expertise in Lean management principles and performance excellence has helped healthcare teams achieve meaningful and sustainable outcomes for patients and caregivers alike.
Moore earned both a MSN and a MBA from Samford University, an experience he credits for combining academic rigor with a strong faith-based foundation. He has remained committed to developing future healthcare leaders through mentorship, service, and ongoing engagement with the healthcare community.
Katie Richards, President and CEO, Siloam Health
Katie Richards serves as President and CEO of Siloam Health, a faith-based nonprofit healthcare organization dedicated to sharing the love of Christ by serving those in need through whole-person healthcare. As a passionate advocate for underserved and culturally marginalized communities, Richards has spent more than a decade helping expand access to compassionate, patient-centered care for Nashville’s diverse population. Richards brings a powerful perspective on servant leadership, healthcare equity, and the role of faith in caring for individuals and communities. Her work exemplifies how compassion, innovation, and Christ-centered service can transform lives and create meaningful pathways to health and hope.
Since joining Siloam Health in 2014, Richards has held several leadership roles, including Director of Development, Chief Development Officer, Interim CEO, and now President and CEO. Throughout her tenure, she has helped strengthen the organization’s mission, build strategic community partnerships, and expand the resources needed to serve more patients and families. Under her leadership, Siloam has experienced significant growth in both impact and reach, allowing thousands more individuals to access medical care, community health programs, and supportive services.
Before joining Siloam Health, Richards served in leadership positions with the YMCA of Middle Tennessee, where she developed expertise in fundraising, staff development, community engagement, and nonprofit management. A graduate of Western Kentucky University, she is known for her relational leadership style, strategic vision, and deep commitment to faith-driven service.
Anderson Spickard, MD, Dean and Professor of Internal Medicine, Belmont University’s Thomas F. Frist, Jr. College of Medicine
Anderson Spickard, MD, serves as Dean and Professor of Internal Medicine for Belmont University’s Thomas F. Frist, Jr. College of Medicine, bringing a distinguished career that blends compassionate patient care, innovative medical education, and faith-informed leadership. With decades of experience as a physician, educator, researcher, and academic leader, Dr. Spickard has dedicated his professional life to preparing healthcare professionals who care for the whole person. He brings a unique perspective on the calling of healthcare. His leadership reflects a commitment to excellence in medicine, servant leadership, and the integration of faith, compassion, and human connection at the heart of healing.
Before joining Belmont University in 2021, Dr. Spickard spent 26 years at Vanderbilt, where he practiced internal medicine and became a transformative force in medical education. He mentored generations of medical students as the school’s first master clinical teacher, and led innovations in educational design and informatics that influenced medical schools nationwide. His scholarly work has focused on advancing effective approaches to medical education and curriculum development.
A graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Dr. Spickard earned his Doctor of Medicine from Vanderbilt University School of Medicine. He completed his residency and chief residency in internal medicine at the University of Washington and later earned a Master of Science in Epidemiology from the University of Virginia School of Medicine.
Dr. Spickard and his wife, Margaret, have three children: Anna (married to Jake Armstrong), William, and the late Lucas (married to Hope). They are proud grandparents to Margot and Ellie Armstrong. In his free time, he enjoys hiking with Margaret, playing tennis, running, and dabbling with his guitar.
Event Details
October 9, 2026
Boone Convocation Center
Trevecca Nazarene University
333 Murfreesboro Pike, Nashville, TN 37210
Register today!
Parking Details
- Main campus entrance – Enter the campus via the main entrance or the service entrance and park in the commuter lot, the North Drive lot or the Benson parking lot (in front of Benson Hall). Follow parking signs for convenience.
- Nance Lane – Enter campus via Nance Lane and personnel will direct you to parking lots within a short distance of The Quad (or Moore Gymnasium).
- Accessible disability parking – Available with an ADA placard or license plate on a first come, first served basis. Accessible parking is limited in all lots; if you require one of these spaces, please plan to arrive early enough to be directed to a reserved space.
- Other available parking – More parking is available in front of Benson dorm.
