What to Expect:
Attendees will hear from a powerhouse panel of leaders who bring decades of combined experience in healthcare investing, executive hiring, product strategy, and startup growth.
With backgrounds that include leadership roles and advisory work at companies like Zappos, Optum, UnitedHealth Group, First Trust Capital, and a range of high-growth healthtech startups, the panel offers a rare, 360-degree view into what it takes to build successful executive teams today.
Collectively, they have advised Fortune 5 companies, scaled VC-backed ventures, and placed hundreds of executives across the healthcare and technology sectors.
The conversation will be moderated by Venturous, the platform that is transforming how top talent connects with healthcare companies.
This session offers an unfiltered look at what is working and what is not in today’s hiring landscape. Whether you are navigating your next executive move or shaping the future of your leadership team, join us for a high-impact discussion designed to spark action and shift how you think about hiring.
Dave Wendland
Dave Wendland is a 35-year veteran of the consumer-packaged goods industry and is passionate about optimizing results across the retail supply chain. A sought-after keynote speaker, moderator, and frequent editorial contributor, Dave is recognized for his dynamic and thought-provoking presentations and idea-generating articles.
As vice president strategic relations and one of the co-owners of Hamacher Resource Group, Dave has connected, counseled, and offered business-improvement solutions to manufacturers, distributors, retailers, and technology providers across the consumer healthcare sector.
Rachel Kern
Rachel Kern is the Senior Vice President at First Trust Capital Partners (FTCP) based in Franklin, Tennessee and Managing Director at A1 Health Ventures. She has been with FTCP since November 2016 and has led investments in a diverse range of healthcare technology and services companies, including Predict Health, Vynca, Third Eye Health, and PipCare.
Prior to joining FTCP, Rachel worked as an analyst at Healthcare Growth Partners (HGP), where she provided strategic and financial advisory services to healthcare technology companies. Before her time at HGP, she served as a Legislative Assistant to an Illinois State Senator.
In addition to her work at FTCP and A1 Health Ventures, Rachel serves on the boards of several private companies, including Conversio Health, ReferralPoint, Sonara, SendARide, PipCare, Predict Health, and Third Eye Health. She is also a member of the Finance and Audit Committee for Ray Graham, a nonprofit that provides person-centered services for people with disabilities and their families and serves as a board member for the Mid-America Healthcare Investors Network.
Rachel earned a BA in History from the University of Dallas. In her free time, she enjoys outdoor activities, as well as playing golf and tennis.
Porter Haney
Porter is currently the co-founder and CEO of Codingspace, a leading software consulting business. Porter is also a founding member of the Polaris chapter of YPO in NYC.
Prior to Codingspace, Porter worked at companies Backcountry.com and then founded Wedgies - an integrated online polling solution for Twitter and other social media platforms. Wedgies raised $3M in venture capital and Porter sold the business to IAC in 2018.
Afterwards, Porter gathered together a close-knit team from Zappos and Wedgies to found Codingspace in 2019, which they have bootstrapped to over 100 software consultants.
Nicole Althaus
Nicole Althaus is an executive leader in healthcare marketing, product strategy, and UX with over 30 years of experience. As the founder of Althaus GTM and Managing Partner at Citizen Health Strategies, she advises startups and Fortune 5 companies on digital health innovation and go-to-market execution. Nicole has launched 50+ brands and 20+ products, with deep expertise across payers, providers, and patient engagement technologies. She has held leadership roles at Nonin Medical, Optum, UnitedHealth Group, and more. Currently, she serves as U.S. Ambassador for ECHAlliance, promoting women’s health and global best practices.
Joel Bennett
Joel Bennett is the Founder of Deep Dive HR Consulting, where he partners with purpose-driven organizations to navigate complex people challenges with clarity and care. With over 15 years of experience in Human Resources, Joel specializes in starting up HR practices for growing businesses. His team drives initiatives in recruitment, leadership development, compliance, and organizational strategy. A Six Sigma Green Belt, he is an alum of both Space Camp and the Disney Institute and frequently advises executive teams as both a consensus-builder and truth-teller. Joel is known for his practical, people-centered approach and has been a featured speaker on hiring, performance, and workplace dynamics.