“Proactively Managing Your Professional Development as a Healthcare Leader”

Engage with our panelists:

Moderator

Name: Nicole LoCascio

Title: Chief of Staff to the CMO & Director of Strategic Operations, Allegheny Health Network

Nicole Lo Cascio is the Director of Strategic Operations and Chief of Staff to the President of Allegheny Clinic and Chief Medical Officer of Allegheny Health Network (AHN). A strategic healthcare professional focused on driving enterprise-wide transformation and optimizing clinical and financial performance, Nicole is adept at aligning strategies for sustainable growth. Originally from Long Island, New York, Nicole holds Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts degrees in Biological Sciences and Sociology, respectively, as well as a Master of Public Health – Health Service Administration degree, all from the University at Buffalo. Before pursuing her graduate education, she worked clinically in the Buffalo, NY area. Nicole is passionate about improving the health of high-risk populations while addressing health inequities and disparities. Since joining the Pittsburgh community in June 2022, she and her husband have put down permanent roots in Ross Township and are eager to serve the community.

Panelist 1

Name: Mark Sevco

Title: President of Allegheny Health Network

Mark Sevco is the president of Allegheny Health Network. He joined the network in 2025, most recently having served as the chief operating officer of Sutter Health in Northern California. As COO of Sutter, Mr. Sevco led operations for one of California’s largest health systems, with 24 hospitals, 4,000 beds, eight medical foundations, home and hospice care services, ambulatory surgery centers, and other diversified businesses across six California markets. Prior to joining Sutter in 2023, Mr. Sevco (MBA, MHA) was an executive vice president with Pittsburgh-based UPMC, where he spent 30 years in various senior leadership positions operating the system’s hospital and ambulatory services. Before he departed for Sutter Health, he was president of UPMC Hospitals, leading UPMC’s 40 academic, community and specialty hospitals across Pennsylvania, Maryland, and New York. From 2019 to 2021, he served as president of UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh. Mr. Sevco holds a bachelor’s degree in applied mathematics, a master’s degree in business administration, and a master’s degree in health administration from the University of Pittsburgh. He was also an adjunct professor for Pitt’s Graduate School of Public Health.

Panelist 2

Name: Stephanie Wickert, FACHE

Title: VP of Strategic Programs Highmark Health

Stephanie Wickert is an outcome-driven and detail-oriented healthcare leader with over 15 years of experience driving organizational change and leading complex teams within diverse healthcare settings. Holding a Master of Science in Healthcare Administration from Point Park University and a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from The Pennsylvania State University, Stephanie has consistently demonstrated expertise in strategic and operational efficiency. She has held various leadership positions at Highmark Health and Allegheny Health Network over the last 8 years, focused on engaging provider partners, improving health outcomes, and deploying clinical solutions. In her current role as Vice President of Strategic Planning at Highmark Health, she leads strategic initiatives and manages senior-level governance, contributing to significant cost savings and improved operational effectiveness. Prior to Highmark Health, Stephanie gained valuable experience at Huron Consulting Group, and other healthcare organizations, showcasing her ability to drive performance improvement and implement innovative solutions. She is a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives (FACHE) and holds a certification as a Human Centered Design Practitioner from the LUMA Institute.

Panelist 3

Name: Natalie Bulger, FACHE

Title: CEO NC Bulger Solutions, LLC and Former VHA Director of Risk Management

Natalie Bulger is the former Director of Risk Management and Chief Compliance Officer for the Veterans Health Administration, where she led enterprise risk management, compliance and integrity, and regulatory functions for more than 170 medical centers nationwide. Most recently, she diversified her career by launching her own LLC, leveraging over 15 years in healthcare executive leadership to support a wide range of future endeavors from consulting, to coaching and even a podcast. She initially honed her career at The Children's Institute of Pittsburgh, where she built and matured the organization’s compliance, risk, and regulatory programs over seven years. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work and a Master’s Degree in Health Administration, both from the University of Pittsburgh, is a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, Certified in Healthcare Compliance, and a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives. Natalie lives in Indiana, PA, with her husband, and is deeply involved in local animal welfare organizations.

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