Meet Our Keynotes

OPENING SESSION

The $20.6 Million Shortcut: Dissecting the Jake Gleeson IUSS Failure
Jake Gleeson

Jake Gleeson, goalkeeper for the Portland Timbers, helped lead his team to the Major League Soccer (MLS) Cup title in 2015. But in 2018, after nine seasons of nationally recognized play for the Oregon club, he disappeared from professional soccer.

In 2025, Gleeson returned to the public stage, not on a field but in a courtroom as the plaintiff in a medical malpractice lawsuit. At the close of the three-week trial, the jury ruled in favor of Gleeson, awarding damages for a career that ended abruptly due to a preventable infection linked to improperly sterilized implants.

HSPA 2026’s opening keynote features Jake Gleeson and a panel of legal, surgical and sterile processing experts. Together, they explore how breakdowns in reprocessing, traceability and OR/SP communication led to harm. Attendees will gain practical strategies to improve informed consent, define true emergencies and elevate the Sterile Processing department’s role in patient safety. The Jake Gleeson Case underscores why sterile processing is not just compliance. It is patient care, and it deserves investment, advocacy and a seat at the table in surgical planning and risk mitigation.

In Conversation With:
		Shawn M. Flynn Business Unit Director – SPD, Skytron Flynn is a nationally recognized subject matter expert in sterile processing and medical device innovation. With more than 30 years of experience spanning surgical services, healthcare technology and reprocessing operations, he currently serves as Business Unit Director – SPD at Skytron. Flynn has contributed to legal cases as an expert witness, including on behalf of Jake Gleeson, and speaks nationally on improving patient safety through evidence-based sterilization practices. His unique background bridges the clinical, operational and legal domains of surgical instrument reprocessing, making him a leading voice in advancing infrastructure, education and accountability in SPDs.
		Dr. Peter Nichol Surgical Director of OR Services, American Family Children’s Hospital Dr. Nichol is a pediatric surgeon, healthcare leader and innovator with a deep commitment to improving systems and outcomes. As Surgical Director of OR Services at American Family Children’s Hospital, he has led the transformation of sterile processing operations, enhanced OR efficiency and driven cultural change. He also serves as Director of Surgical Outreach, expanding pediatric surgical access in mid-size Wisconsin communities to reduce the burden on rural families. Dr. Nichol is the founder of Cars Curing Kids and co-founder of Kids Health Vista—nonprofits focused on rapidly funding initiatives to improve child health across Wisconsin.
		Jason Kafoury Trial Attorney, Kafoury & McDougal Kafoury is a seasoned trial attorney with a passion for justice and advocacy. In his 17 years as an attorney, he has tried over 85 civil jury trials. A graduate of Tulane Law School, he led its Moot Court Trial Team to a third-place national finish out of 224 schools. Kafoury’s legal career includes work with the Environmental Law Foundation and a major consumer class action against Capital One. A Portland native, he spent five years working closely with Ralph Nader on national campaigns and served as lead counsel on the Jake Gleeson v. Edelson case. Known for his ability to connect with clients, manage complex litigation and prepare compelling trial testimony, Kafoury brings both skill and heart to every case he takes.

CLOSING SESSION

Pushing the Envelope: Being the Best When It Counts
Col. Nicole Malachowski

In today’s fast-paced and ever-changing world, success isn’t only about skill or experience. It’s about mindset, trust and resilience. Professionals across every field face moments of self-doubt, shifting expectations and the challenge of performing under pressure. In this inspiring keynote, Colonel Nicole Malachowski—combat veteran, first woman pilot to fly with the USAF Thunderbirds and a true trailblazer—shares how to push beyond perceived limits to achieve excellence when it matters most.

Through powerful storytelling and actionable insights, Col. Malachowski explores what it means to “push your personal performance envelope.” She’ll challenge you to show up as your best self each day, recognize the value of vulnerability, and lean on teamwork and trust as essential forces for success. Her message will leave you motivated to elevate your performance, embrace change and lead with authenticity—both at work and in life.

Key Takeaways
• Strengthen confidence by overcoming the self-doubt that limits growth
• Foster trust and collaboration through selfless teamwork
• Embrace vulnerability and transparency to build stronger connections
• Cultivate accountability and reliability to achieve consistent results
• Break down silos to inspire creativity, adaptability and collective success

Find Col. Nicole Malachowski's bio HERE.