NATHO Annual Conference
Mergers & Acquisitions in Today’s Market — Chris Sund joined a featured panel of healthcare staffing and investment leaders to examine how consolidation, valuation, and deal strategy have reset across the industry.
Where travel healthcare leadership meets.
The National Association of Travel Healthcare Organizations is the trade association representing travel nursing and allied health staffing companies. NATHO promotes ethical practices, advances industry standards, and advocates for member organizations and the healthcare professionals they place.
The Annual Conference brought together travel healthcare staffing executives, agency owners, and industry leaders to work through the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of the field. As a member of the NATHO Board of Directors, Chris took part in a discussion built to help staffing organizations navigate change, strengthen operations, and prepare for what comes next.
Mergers & Acquisitions in Today’s Market
How valuations, priorities, and deal strategy have reset across healthcare staffing
Mergers and acquisitions in healthcare staffing look very different than they did a few years ago. Margin pressure, fluctuating demand, clinician shortages, and a more cautious investment climate have pushed both buyers and sellers to rethink what makes a deal worthwhile. Consolidation is no longer centered on rapid expansion alone.
The panel brought together leaders from across the industry to discuss how priorities have shifted, what drives valuation in the current environment, and where investors still see opportunity despite ongoing headwinds. Chris was joined by Dwight Cooper, founder and CEO of multiple staffing companies and Executive Chairman of Hueman People Solutions, Tom Lingle, Managing Partner at Oakmark, and Jay Gao, Managing Partner at Legion Holdings.
Shifting Valuations
How healthcare staffing valuations moved as the market reset.
Buyer Priorities
What acquirers weigh most heavily in the current climate.
Operational Strength
The capabilities that raise long-term value beyond the numbers.
Deal Risk
Risks that complicate transactions and post-close integration.
Where Opportunity Remains
Segments where investors continue to commit capital.
What Attendees Took Away
A clearer read on what actually drives valuation today.
Why consolidation shifted from growth to resilience and alignment.
The operational strengths buyers weigh alongside financials.
What leadership teams should prepare for as the market settles.
Feedback from healthcare leaders.
His topics are well researched, and he weaves in practical tips and real-life examples that make every session realistic and relatable.
Chris consistently brings knowledge, insight, and practical advice to every presentation, elevating the value he brings to every engagement.
I always have takeaways to put into action after Chris’ sessions. He cares deeply about uplifting the entire profession.
See it at the source.
NATHO publishes the conference speaker roster and board roster on their own site.
2026 Conference Speaker Roster
Chris’s bio and session listing for Mergers & Acquisitions in Today’s Market.
2026 Board of Directors
Chris serves as Vice-President on the NATHO Board of Directors.
Annual Conference for Healthcare Staffing Executives
May 6–8, 2026 at the Paris Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada.
You Are Capable of More.
Chris is the author of the bestselling You Are Capable of More. Copies can be bundled for attendees, and Chris can run a signing table in the exhibit hall — which drives traffic for your sponsors.
Winner, How-To Category2026 Paris Book FestivalAbout the Book →Official Book Site →National Association of Travel Healthcare Organizations.
NATHO is the non-profit association of travel healthcare organizations, founded to promote ethical business practices and set the standard for conduct across the industry. It provides education, advocacy and a code of ethics its members hold each other to, and its committees cover everything from clinical practice and data analytics to government and regulatory affairs.
The Annual Conference for Healthcare Staffing Executives brings members together each spring for industry updates, legislative briefings and roundtables. Chris serves on the NATHO Board of Directors as Vice President and becomes President of the association in May 2027.
Bring This to Your ConferenceBook Chris for your event.
Chris speaks on leadership, workforce strategy, and the operational realities of healthcare staffing. Check availability and receive a customized proposal.