07/24/2025
CASA Members in Action
Senator Tim Grayson Tours Sequoia Surgical Pavilion
Cindy James, Administrative Director, Senator Grayson, Amanda Morales, Clinical Director, CASA Advocates, Kassidy Heckmann and Ryan Pierini
On July 24, 2025, Senator Tim Grayson toured Sequoia Surgical Pavilion. Clinical Director, Amanda Morales, RN, states, “We were honored to welcome Senator Tim Grayson to our ambulatory surgery center for a tour that left a lasting impression. As a long-time advocate for our region, Senator Grayson brought a grounded and approachable perspective to the conversation. This visit marked his return to our facility, having toured previously during his time in the Assembly.”
During the tour, the center staff had the opportunity to showcase the significant advancements we've made since the Senators’ last visit, including their expanded capabilities in total joint replacements, robotic-assisted surgeries, and complex spine procedures. They emphasized the high-quality, cost-effective care provided, which continues to deliver exceptional outcomes for patients at a fraction of the cost compared to hospital settings.
They were also able to highlight the center’s recent recognitions, including multiple CASA awards for ASC Excellence, an award for ASC of the Year, and accolades from The Leapfrog Group, which reflect their ongoing commitment to safety, quality, and innovation in outpatient surgery. The visit provided a valuable platform to discuss current healthcare challenges, including reimbursements and the ongoing anesthesia provider shortage.
Cindy James, Administrative Director, wraps up the experience with “Overall, the tour offered a meaningful opportunity to connect real-world patient care with legislative insight—and we’re grateful to Senator Grayson for taking the time to listen and engage.”
CASA thanks the team at Sequoia Surgical Pavilion for making the time to open their doors to the Senator. We urge all members to seize opportunities to engage with elected officials and help ensure that the value of ASCs is clearly understood and supported across the state. Your participation makes a difference.
CASA Advocate Ryan Pierini and Senator Grayson
Make sure to hear directly from our industry advocates at the CASA Conference in September. ASCA CEO Bill Prentice and ASCA Chief Advocacy Officer Kara Newbury, along with CASA Advocates Ryan Pierini and Alison Ramey, will report on the latest regulatory and legislative happenings Thursday morning, September 4, 2025, at 8:30 a.m.
CASA Conference 2025 - Unlock The Power of Leadership
Registration Discounts End Next Friday, August 1, 2025
Effective leadership is the cornerstone of a thriving team culture—one that drives excellence and delivers outstanding results. Join us this September 3–5, 2025, at the beautiful Sheraton San Diego Resort for the CASA Conference, where we’ll explore the evolving landscape of leadership, its challenges, and the opportunities it presents for lasting success.
Don’t miss this opportunity to elevate your team’s potential. Make sure you and your colleagues are registered to take full advantage of this vital educational experience.
Below are just a few of the inspiring general sessions you can look forward to:
We kick off Wednesday, September 3, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. with:
From Service to Strategy: Lessons in Leadership from Veteran ASC Leaders
Join a dynamic panel of Ambulatory Surgery Center (ASC) leaders who bring their unique perspectives as military veterans to the healthcare landscape. This session will explore how their experiences in the armed forces have shaped their abilities in strategic planning and daily operations, fostering a deep understanding of diversity and the critical roles of teams in achieving success. You will leave with actionable strategies to apply these lessons in your own leadership role, enhancing team collaboration and operational excellence.
Leadership in Action: Strategies from the Battlefield to the Boardroom
Great leadership is the force multiplier that transforms organizations from mediocrity to excellence. Join us for an exclusive session led by Leopoldo “Lee” Quintas, a retired U.S. Army Lieutenant General with over 35 years of distinguished service. Drawing from his extensive military career, where he commanded at every level from tank commander to division command, General Quintas will share invaluable insights on leading with purpose, empathy, and example. Discover how to cultivate a thriving organizational culture where teamwork excels, challenges are met with resilience, and individuals reach their full potential. Whether you’re a seasoned leader or aspiring to refine your leadership skills, this session will provide actionable tools to elevate your impact and steer your organization toward success.
Thursday, September 4, 2025
Super Sonic Success
This action-packed keynote by Captain Jack Becker is a results-based adventure, leaving teams inspired to continually improve both professionally and personally, exactly as elite fighter pilots do. Jack’s simple and repeatable process will teach your team how to repeat successes and not repeat failures. Your team will simply make fewer mistakes! Perfect for every level throughout your organization. Make your team agile and cohesive with this process of continual improvement. From management and teams striving to achieve peak performance, Jack allows teams to go behind closed doors to learn why U.S. fighter pilots are the best in the world. Make your team a Top Gun with Supersonic Success!
The program continues through September 5th with additional General Session topics including the popular “Legislative and Regulatory Update” and, back by popular demand, “Accreditation Friday”! Of course, Thursday afternoon will be packed with smaller breakout sessions diving deeper in the subjects of Finance, Human Resources, Clinical and Quality oversight. Check out the whole program here.
We encourage you to make your room reservation at the Sheraton San Diego Resort to take advantage of CASA’s discounted rate. These rates will be available until August 9, 2025.