Synergy 2026 Speakers

keynote speaker: Barbara Khozam

Barbara is an internationally recognized speaker and trainer having delivered over 1900 presentations in 12 countries on Customer Service, Patient Experience, Leadership, and Communication

In 2019 Barbara was chosen as the Top Customer Service Consultant of the Year by the International Association of Top Professionals.

Also in 2019, Barbara was awarded the CSP® (Certified Speaking Professional™) from the National Speaker's Association. Barbara is one of only three women in the world to have achieved BOTH this designation as well as the Toastmaster Accredited Speaker designation.

In 2021, Barbara achieved the Certified Patient Experience Professional “CPXP) designation from the Patient Experience Institute.

keynote speaker: Sarah Aviram

Sarah Aviram is an international keynote speaker, employee engagement consultant and former Fortune 500 Human Resources leader from companies like PepsiCo and Avon. She’s created and delivered leadership development programs, keynote talks, and workshops to over 50,000 people at companies like Google, American Express, and Bank of America.

Sarah’s TEDx talk, “Does more freedom at work mean more fulfillment?” was featured on TED’s homepage and has over half a million views. She has an MBA in Leadership and Change Management from New York University Stern School of Business, where she’s also a guest lecturer on the topic of managing change and uncertainty.

keynote speaker: Andy Siegel

Andy Siegel is an award-winning storyteller and culture strategist with more than 25 years of experience shaping brand, culture, and employee experience programs. Known for blending creativity, strategy, comedy, and heart, Andy has helped Fortune 500 companies and entrepreneurial teams turn values into stories that connect, inspire, and strengthen team culture. His programs focus on helping leaders communicate with authenticity and bring their organization’s purpose to life.

Andy is also the co-owner of Flour Power Cooking Studios, combining his entrepreneurial spirit with his love for creating engaging culinary experiences.

His career includes leading One Ear Up Communications, where he developed storytelling and content strategies for local and national brands. He previously served as Executive Producer of the ACC Digital Network, Executive Producer of Studio Programming for NBC Sports Washington, and worked as a regional and local sports producer and on-air talent.

Andy holds a Bachelor’s degree in Broadcast Journalism from the University of Maryland, where he was recognized for excellence in media and later returned as an adjunct professor.

speaker: CHef Mark Allison

Mark William Allison is a chef, educator, author, and advocate for healthy eating, dedicated to empowering communities through food. As a culinary consultant, he partners with national brands as an ambassador for high-quality whole food products. He is also the founder of Fork Cancer: A Celebration of Life, a fundraising event supporting cancer charities in North Carolina.

A former Dean of Culinary Arts Education at Johnson & Wales University (JWU), Mark has worked globally in culinary arts for over 45 years. He has authored 150 Projects to Get You into Culinary Arts, 3 Boys & a Chef, and Let’s Be Smart About Diabetes.

As the Director of Culinary Nutrition at the Dole Nutrition Institute, Mark collaborated with scientists to highlight the health benefits of a nutrient-dense diet. He also developed recipes and menu plans for billionaire D.H. Murdock, owner of the Dole Food Company, and led all recipe development for Dole’s partnership with the Walt Disney Corporation.

speaker: Katy Smith

Katy Smith joined Avesta in 2019 as the Vice President of Senior Living. She oversees the operations and strategic direction of Avesta’s assisted-living communities in Maine – 75 State Street in Portland and Inn at Village Square in Gorham.

Katy is a licensed social worker and geriatric care manager with a wealth of executive leadership experience in a variety of community-based settings, including assisted living, memory care, home care, short-term rehabilitation, and adult day health.

Prior to joining Avesta, Katy held a variety of leadership positions in the senior living industry for nearly 25 years, most recently as executive director at an independent, assisted living, and memory care community in Massachusetts. She holds a master’s degree in sociology and a bachelor’s degree in psychology from University of Massachusetts Boston and has a graduate certificate in gerontology. She is vice chair of the LeadingAge Maine & New Hampshire Board of Directors.

speaker: David Loop

David Loop has served as Executive Director of The Chesapeake since 2017, leading its vision to be the “best in the east” through a multi-year transformation that enhances amenities and strengthens its five-star CMS-rated Health Center. With more than 40 years of experience in senior living leadership, David has held executive roles including COO of Willow Valley Living, Executive Director at The Garlands of Barrington, and President/CEO of Friendship Village of Schaumburg. His career spans over $550 million in development and program growth, driven by a passion for hospitality, culture-building, and mentoring teams.

David has served on numerous nonprofit and state association boards and has been a committed Rotarian for nearly four decades.

A graduate of Miami University in Ohio, he is most proud of his five children and five grandchildren—including a son who has followed him into senior living leadership.

speaker: Gaynon Buchanan

Gayon Buchanan is a dementia care strategist and operator with more than a decade of hands-on leadership in memory care and assisted living. She serves as program director of an all-memory-care assisted living community and is the Founder of Bella Cares LLC, where she helps providers tighten up dementia care delivery through training, workflow design, and staff development.

A certified dementia practitioner and Alzheimer’s disease and dementia care trainer, Gayon focuses on turning theory into repeatable practice, especially around high-impact moments like dining, daily routines, and family communication. She is the author of Grace for the Caregiver’s Heart: Scriptures and Affirmations for Every Stage of Dementia Care and Beyond the Diagnosis, and has presented at regional and national events, including the green cities conference. She also volunteers as an advocate with the Alzheimer’s Association.

speaker: Matthew Perez

Matthew Perez is a seasoned food and beverage hospitality leader with more than 25 years of experience shaping teams, elevating service, and creating standout guest experiences. He was recently honored by Marquis Who’s Who for his contributions to the senior living and hospitality sectors.

A certified hospitality trainer through Forbes Travel Guide, Matt has built his career around raising service standards and developing strong, high-performing teams. His past leadership roles include Vice President of Hospitality at Volante Senior Living, National Director of Hospitality Operations at MBK Senior Living, Vice President of Hospitality at Valeo Groupe, and Executive Chef Partner at TS Restaurants in Hawaii and California.

Matt is also passionate about sustainability, earning the Green Restaurant of the Year Award in Huntington Beach, presented by Senator Tom Harmon. Today, as Vice President of Culinary at Transforming Age, Matt continues to shape the future of food and beverage by inspiring teams and delivering memorable experiences, one bite at a time.

speaker: Harris Ader

Harris Ader is a visionary leader in senior living dining and hospitality, with over 25 years of experience transforming the industry. As Founder and CEO of the Senior Dining Association (SDA), Harris has created the first and only organization solely focused on enhancing dining programs for senior living communities. Since its founding in 2017, the SDA has united operators and industry partners to improve dining experiences through education, networking, and innovative solutions.

Before launching the SDA, Harris served as Vice President of Dining Services at Senior Living Communities. His hands-on leadership, rooted in operational expertise, culinary excellence, and a deep understanding of resident needs, has shaped high-performing teams and innovative dining programs nationwide.

As a speaker, Harris inspires audiences with actionable strategies to elevate dining services, build strong hospitality cultures, and drive innovation in senior living. His passion for empowering communities and enhancing resident satisfaction continues to shape the future of dining in the industry.

check back for updates!

Get ready to be inspired! The SYNERGY Senior Dining & Hospitality Conference will feature dynamic speakers and industry leaders sharing fresh ideas, real-world strategies, and stories that spark innovation.

Full speaker lineup coming soon — check back for updates!