Marisa Hiatt

Director of Experience and Inclusion Mercy Health

Marisa serves as Director of Experience and Inclusion, Mercy Hospital. In this role, she has been instrumental in promoting hiring and growth for individuals with disabilities and enhancing their patient experience across Missouri, Arkansas, Oklahoma, and other outreaching areas. As strategic leader of the Disability Resources Council at Mercy, Marisa oversees three active committees dedicated to: • Education and development • Community outreach • Patient experience Her dedication and leadership have driven significant positive changes within the organization. Under her leadership, Mercy has received several prestigious awards, including: • 2025 Best Places to Work for Inclusion-Disability IN • 2025 & 2024 National Organization on Disability Leading Employer • 2023 Oklahoma City Mayor’s Employer of the Year • 2022 Missouri Rehabilitation Association Employer of the Year • 2022 Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services Employer of the Year • 2022 Accommodation for Success Exceptional Supporter of Inclusive Practices Marisa has been an active participant in the Missouri Rehabilitation Association Eastern Chapter, serving as President from 2020-2022. She is also on the steering committee for the Gateway Nexus Group, a partnership of businesses, community agencies, and other WIOA stakeholders aimed at leveraging career opportunities for individuals with barriers to employment through collaboration and business partnership. Additionally, she is currently serving on the planning committee for both the Missouri Rehabilitation Association State Conference and Accommodations for Success. Before joining Mercy, Marisa worked at MERS Goodwill for eleven years at the St. Charles Career Center as Director.

Building Resilience and Agility Through Talent Innovation

4:45 PM Innovation Awards Spotlights

The Innovation Award Spotlights give finalists the opportunity to showcase their most impactful workforce initiatives directly to the HR Healthcare community. Each finalist will deliver a concise case study highlighting the outcomes, innovations, and lessons behind their work. These sessions are designed to celebrate standout achievements across the industry and inspire new ideas as leaders share what's truly moving the needle in healthcare HR.

Technological Innovation – 4:45 – 4:55

Angie Bailey, Director Compensation, HR Data & Workforce Analytics, UNC Health
Billie Turner, System Director HR Services & Teammate Experience, UNC Health
Lindsey Garito, AVP, Total Rewards, Montefiore

Talent Development – 4:55 – 5:10

Baili Campbell, Director of Clinical Talent Development, Trilogy Health Services, LLC
Holly Bunn, System Executive Director, System Executive Director, AVP for Organizational Culture & Change, UNC Health

Talent Acquisition – 5:10 – 5:25

Claudine Trudeau, AVP, Talent Acquisition, Vi Living

Talent Management – 5:25 – 5:45

Bridget Marzette-Bender, VP, Caregiver Experience & Inclusion
Marisa Hiatt, Director of Disability and Experience
Sara Alafandi, VP of Human Resources, Eastern Health Cluster

HR Innovator – 5:45 – 6:00

Donato Cipriano, Chief Human Resources Officer, NYC Health + Hospitals

Driving Inclusion and Compliance in a Changing Landscape

11:35 AM Keynote Panel: Elevating Accessibility and Inclusion Across the Healthcare Workforce

This candid conversation explores how healthcare organizations can better support employees with disabilities through inclusive HR practices, workplace accommodations, and culture-building initiatives. Learn how leading systems are addressing accessibility, compliance, and equity while fostering environments where all employees can thrive.

Understand legal and policy frameworks shaping disability inclusion
Discover strategies for creating accessible career pathways
Hear real-world examples of inclusive leadership and workforce design

Check out the incredible speaker line-up to see who will be joining Marisa.

Download The Latest Agenda