Literature Review

Barbara Pearce honored at CT Hospice Gala for extraordinary leadership through challenging times The LaGrange Daily News, Branford, CT; by PR Newswire; 6/18/25 Barbara L. Pearce was honored for her "extraordinary leadership" during a pivotal period in The Connecticut Hospice's history at the organization's annual Bloom Gala. Held on the scenic waterfront grounds of The Connecticut Hospice in Branford, this year's gala celebrated Pearce's exceptional guardianship through a challenging time in the non-profit's 51-year history and welcomed Sylvia Allais as the new president and CEO. In 2019, Pearce accepted a temporary leadership role at Connecticut Hospice, the nation's first provider of palliative and end-of-life care for patients and their families. What was intended as a six-month interim role became a six-year commitment, with Pearce becoming the organization's president and CEO. During her tenure, Pearce secured the financial stability of Connecticut Hospice, enabling its vital mission of providing compassionate support—both at home and at the 52-bed inpatient facility—to continue for generations to come.

The hidden skill that separates great leaders Forbes; by Cicely Simpson; 6/13/25 The most important communication lesson you’ll learn in your career is often overlooked. And it’s not what you think. Being in rooms with world leaders and hundreds of CEOs for the past 25 years has taught me one lesson about communication that stands out above all: Everything matters in context. Most people assume great communication is about being clear. And while clarity is crucial, it’s not enough. What truly elevates your leadership is your ability to communicate with context.

The skills and habits aspiring CEOs need to build Harvard Business Review (HBR) - Leadership; by Vasundhara Sawhney; 6/12/25 It’s no secret that today’s business environment is volatile and unpredictable. ... CEOs have a fresh set of challenges that the standard management playbook is ill-equipped to address. As a result, many are heading for the exit. According to one survey of U.S. companies, nearly 2,000 CEOs announced their departures in 2024—the highest total on record. At the same time, executive recruiters report that fewer people are interested in, or ready to, replace these exiting CEOs. ... [We] reached out to three experts ... [and] specifically asked: What skills and behaviors should aspiring CEOs prioritize on building now to thrive in an increasingly complex world? And how can organizations support them in building these skills? Here are their answers, edited for clarity. ...

An example AI Readiness Assessment framework for C suite leaders Solutions Review; by Tim King; 6/17/25 There is no one-size-fits-all blueprint for artificial intelligence. Every organization has its own legacy systems, workforce culture, regulatory pressures, and innovation appetite. But one thing is universally true: AI success depends on readiness. Not just technical readiness, but ethical, emotional, and operational readiness across the entire enterprise. But as the pressure to “implement AI now” mounts, many organizations rush in without a clear framework for what it means to be ready. They focus on models, tools, and talent—but overlook the critical dimensions of ethics, empathy, and impact. That’s where this guide comes in. ...

Coastal Hospice announces leadership appointment: Ann Lovely to lead as President & CEO SBY Business Journal, Salisbury, MD; Press Release; 6/16/25 The Coastal Hospice Board of Directors is proud to announce the appointment of Ann Lovely, RN, BSN, CHPN, as President & Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. Lovely has served as Interim President & CEO since June 2024, guiding the organization with strength and compassion through a period of transition. A steadfast leader and one of Coastal Hospice’s longest-tenured team members, Ann brings more than 25 years of dedication, experience, and deep knowledge of hospice and palliative care to her new role. Her appointment is a reflection of her exceptional leadership and unwavering commitment to the patients, families, and communities served by Coastal Hospice.

How thanatology is driving hospice care innovation Hospice News; by Holly Vossel; 6/13/25 Thanatologists examining dying and grief practices have uncovered significant trends shaping hospice and bereavement care models in recent years. Thanatology is derived from the Greek word for death, “thanatos.” It is commonly described as the study or description of death, dying and loss and the psychological, social, cultural, biological and spiritual aspects of these processes. Editor's Note: Unfortunately, this article failed to identify the first and leading thanatology organization for end-of-life care professionals, ADEC, the Association for Death Education and Counseling: the thanatology association, at www.adec.org, celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2026. Though this article says "several studies have examined ...," ADEC's 50 years of leaders and members have included countless groundbreaking, prolific researchers, authors, academicians, and clinicians throughout our hospice field: William Worden (a founding member), Robert Neimeyer, Ken Doka, and so many more. When you see the "FT" or "CT" credential, you can know that this person has earned the professional credential "Fellow in Thanatology" or "Certified in Thanatology."

Choices Healthcare President and CEO to retire Central Penn Business Journal; by Rochelle Shenk; 6/12/25 Steve Knaub, president and CEO of Choices Healthcare, will retire December 31, according to a media release. Choices Healthcare is the parent organization of Hospice & Community Care and Hospice of Central PA. The media release said Knaub has been a “driving force behind the organization’s growth, steering it through significant achievements and fostering strong relationships with healthcare partners and the community”. “Serving this organization and our community has been one of the greatest honors of my life,” Knaub said in the release, “When I first joined—then Hospice of Lancaster County (in 1998)– we were caring for 140 patients a day. Today, we serve more than 1,000. That growth reflects not only the increasing need for compassionate end-of-life care, but also our unwavering commitment to meeting people where they are, with the support they deserve.”

The healthcare customer of the future, with Marcus R. EscobedoTeleios Collaborative Network (TCN); video/podcast by Chris Comeaux with Marcus R. Escobedo; 6/11/25 In this episode of TCNtalks, Marcus Escobedo, Vice President of Communications at the John A. Hartford Foundation, joins Chris Comeaux to discuss the future of healthcare for aging populations. Marcus shares how the Foundation’s Age-Friendly Health Systems initiative transforms care for older adults through the evidence-based 4Ms framework: focusing on what matters to older adults, medication management, cognitive health, and mobility. The conversation dives into the impact of ageism in healthcare and the importance of reshaping language and practices to serve older adults better. 

Palliative care advocacy at the World Health Assembly 2025 ehospice; by Stephen Connor, Executive Director WHPCA; 6/5/25 Once again, palliative care advocates ensured that the voice of palliative care was heard at the premier event for global health, the World Health Assembly (WHA). The WHA is the governing body of the WHO where resolutions are passed that direct the Global Programme of Work for WHO. ... This year there were resolutions and actions involving non-communicable disease, cervical cancer, lung health, the pandemic response, mental health and social connection, the healthcare workforce, women’s health, universal health coverage, health emergencies, and so forth. WHO’s funding has been significantly reduced due to withdrawal of the US from WHO and global health funding generally. However, during the meeting other countries are stepping up to support WHO. 

7 strategies to reduce workplace incivility, bullying in hospitals Becker's Hospital Review; by Kristin Kuchno; 6/6/25 Workplace incivility and bullying have persisted in healthcare since their uptick during the COVID-19 pandemic. As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, so do the challenges teams face, according to Brian Reed, vice president and chief human resources officer for Indianapolis-based Indiana University Health’s east region. ... Here are seven strategies to reduce workplace incivility among healthcare teams:

Sister Grace spent her life helping the homeless. Now in hospice, she reflects on legacy and lessons WXXI News NPR, Rochester, NY; by Gino Fanelli; 6/6/25Sister Grace Miller smiles as she props herself up in her hospice bed and gently teases her strands of chestnut brown hair. “How does my hair look?” she asks. It’s the type of remark one would expect from Miller. Sister Grace is many things: a radical compassionate, a devout follower of the Catholic faith, a civil disruptor, and a wielder of a sharp, slightly sardonic wit. ... The 89-year-old champion for the homeless and destitute is dying, in hospice care at a congregation home on Carter Street. But her spirit is alive and well. “I would fight with them over whatever, whatever the people needed,” Miller said, referring to the county and city administrations she often tangled with over the years. “I would fight for the people. ... She said it was, ultimately, an undying, uncompromising commitment to the work she does as a fierce and fearless advocate for the poor.

The Alliance champions community-based solutions at Senate palliative care briefing National Alliance for Care at Home, Alexandria, VA and Washington, DC; Press Release; 6/4/25 The National Alliance for Care at Home (the Alliance) played a lead role in [Wednesday's] Senate Comprehensive Care Caucus briefing, which focused on expanding access to palliative care services for patients with serious illness. The bipartisan event, hosted by Senators Jacky Rosen (D-NV), John Barrasso (R-WY), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), and Deb Fischer (R-NE), underscored the need for innovative models that deliver person-centered care in the home and community. Hillary Loeffler, Vice President of Policy & Regulatory Affairs for the Alliance, moderated the panel discussion, guiding thoughtful conversation on access, workforce, and innovation in care delivery.