South Carolina Leadership

Jen Hayes, MHA, FHFMA, CHFP

President

Jen is the Director of Revenue Cycle Integrity at Lexington Medical Center in West Columbia, South Carolina and has more than twenty-five years of experience in the healthcare industry. She has a Master’s Degree in Healthcare Administration from Regis University and holds the Certified Healthcare Financial Professional Certification with HFMA. Jen was awarded the prestigious Fellow of the Healthcare Financial Management Association (FHFMA) June of 2019.

Jen has been a member of HFMA since 2000 where she started with the Illinois chapter, joined Oklahoma chapter in 2013 and the South Carolina chapter in 2015. She joined the SCHFMA Board in 2019 and has either chaired or been a member of all committees within the chapter. Jen is also involved with National Association of Healthcare Revenue Integrity (NAHRI) where she is the Chapter Leader for the NC/SC Local Chapter and participates with the Revenue Integrity Leadership Exchange and Symposium.

Jen and her husband Jon are fans of NASCAR, camping, and motorcycle riding. They reside in West Columbia, SC with their boxer puppies – Blaze, Bullet, & Barli.

Phone: 803-935-8781 / Email

Taylor Searfoss

President-Elect

Taylor currently serves as the Vice President of Business Development for Ni2 Health. His focus on ensuring sales strategy alignment with overarching business goals has resulted in considerable increases in productivity, company revenues, client satisfaction, and employee engagement. Taylor brings a critical eye to redefining company sales management processes, with an emphasis on cultivating partnerships between the companies and organizations he works closely with.

Taylor has a broad healthcare background with deep experience spanning administration, sales, leadership, and marketing. His wide-ranging knowledge, especially in sales and management positions, has allowed him to become a key asset within growing organizations. Taylor began his healthcare career in revenue cycle services for mid-size hospitals, and subsequently leveraged his provider operations experience to move to the vendor side of revenue cycle.

Taylor holds his CHFP certification through the Healthcare Financial Management Association (HFMA) where he has been a member for 6 years. He has a Master of Science degree in Public Health Administration from Meharry Medical College, located in Nashville, Tennessee and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Middle Tennessee State University. Taylor also continues to extend his industry contributions, holding leadership & board positions across multiple professional organizations and their state chapters.

Taylor is married to wife Jessie and they are proud parents to 3 little boys (*send help 😊). Taylor holds a longtime passion for training Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and is a die-hard Chicago Cubs fan where he travels to multiple games every year with his family.

Phone: 256-508-1445 / Email

Ariel Biggs

Secretary

Ariel Biggs has a passion for people and for healthcare. She has been in the healthcare industry for 10 years and is into all things revenue cycle and technology. Ariel currently is the Vice President of Growth for VisiQuate. Education is important to her, as she has earned a B.A. from Lambuth University and an M.A. from Austin Peay State University.

She currently resides in Nashville, TN with her cat, Abby (who is a Taby). When she is home, Ariel loves to practice hot yoga, attend any concert she can, loves cooking for a crowd and volunteers for the Nashville Ballet.

Eric Summers 

Treasurer

Eric has been involved with HFMA since 2007. He started relationship with HFMA with the Wisconsin Chapter where he volunteered for several roles including chapter Certification chair for 4 years. He later joined the South Carolina chapter during the Jude Crowell era and have been working with the chapter since. Eric also has several years of revenue cycle and contact center experience. Starting with American Express, where he held the title of President of Diversity for the Northern Region Operational Center (NROC), a 4000-seat call-center. As National Financial Services Director for U.S Cellular, he managed two customer service sites with 450 FTE where he implemented internal/external customer experience policies rooted in his diversity training.

Phone: 608-628-2315 / Email

Robert Griffin

Immediate Past President

Robert has been a member of the South Carolina Chapter of HFMA for over 15 years and has served on several committees, was Program Chair for 2 years and joined the Board in 2017. Robert was Treasurer during 2019, served as Secretary the early part of 2020 and is now serving as President-Elect during 2020/2021 and 2021/2022.

Robert Griffin has more than 30 years of experience working in the healthcare industry, including Medicaid eligibility and revenue cycle fields in both operations and business development. As Invicta’s Chief Growth Officer, Robert has responsibility for the Brand’s general sales management program, driving accelerated growth and increase shareholder value. Prior to Invicta, Robert has worked for such brands as DECO, MedAssist, and ZirMed (Waystar).

A graduate of the inaugural class of Francis Marion “University”, he earned his degree in Sociology with minors in Psychology and Biology. Robert and his wife DeAnn have two children Ashton and William who both attend college in Clemson.

Phone: 864-534-0809 / Email

Heather Thomas-Crowell

Director – 2024

Heather Thomas-Crowell is the Vice President of National Accounts at RevSpring Inc. She is responsible for the various partner relationships that RevSpring has across the country. Heather’s 21-year career in the healthcare industry began on the provider side. She utilizes her industry knowledge, experience and expertise coupled with continuous educational opportunities to hone her contributions to the ever-evolving healthcare industry. She is an active member of South Carolina’s HFMA Chapter and has served on several committees before joining the Board in 2020. Heather has a degree in Communications from the University of Arkansas.

Phone: 479-957-3942 / Email

Charles “Chuck” Acquisto, Esquire

Director – 2025

Charles “Chuck” Acquisto is a partner with the Law Offices of Stephenson, Acquisto & Colman, with offices in Burbank, Carlsbad, Chicago and Pleasanton, California. He graduated from Loyola University of Maryland in 1989 and the University of Baltimore School of Law in 1996. He is an active member of the Health Care Financial Management (HFMA) of Northern California and the American Association of Healthcare Administrative Management (AAHAM). He is currently serving as the AAHAM Tennessee Music City chapter president as well as on the Board of Directors for HFMA of South Carolina. Chuck previously served two terms on the HFMA of Northern California’s Board of Directors as well as the President for 2008-2009. He served as the Regional Executive for Region 11 of HFMA from 2014-15. Chuck has been a speaker at AAHAM’s ANI as well as several local chapter and regional HFMA events, covering topics from reimbursement to healthcare legal issues. Chuck is a member of the California Society for Healthcare Attorneys.

His book, Wisdom to Grow On, was published in April 2006 by Running Press, with all proceeds to the Good Tidings Foundation. He is also the author of Tap Room Tales eBook (2011), Wisdom for a Young Golfer by Apprentice House (2015), with all proceeds for the latter book going to The First Tee and his latest book is entitled LESSONS BY THE LETTER: Life Advice from Female Movers, Shakers and Pioneer Makers (2019, Barnes & Noble).

A father of two, Chuck is a resident of Charleston, South Carolina.

Phone: 843-325-2447 / Email

Samantha Evans, MBA 

Director – 2025

I received my Bachelor of Business Administration with a concentration in Healthcare Management and my Masters of Business Administration from Anderson University. I’ve been with AnMed Health in Anderson, SC since 2013. I stepped into the role of Director of Patient Financial Services in October of 2018 after serving as the Billing Manager for a few years, and Patient Access quickly rolled into my scope in August of 2019 and Revenue Integrity in September of 2021. I also teach as an Adjunct Professor at Anderson University, where I teach Business Statistics and Business/Personal Financial Management.

In my free time, I love to spend time with family, workout in the home gym and support my Tar Heels!

Phone: 864-512-8091 / Email

Sabrina Robinson

Director – 2025

Sabrina Robinson is currently Vice President Operations with the Regional Medical Center in Orangeburg, SC. Sabrina has 20 years of experience in healthcare administration. Sabrina oversees the operations for a 286-bed acute care hospital in rural South Carolina which includes an 88 provider, multi-specialty medical group with 18 locations, including Rural Health Clinics. Her oversight also includes the management of Mabry Cancer Center and Dialysis Access Institute. Sabrina began her career as an accountant and utilizes her experience as a former controller to ensure the financial viability and long-term sustainability of her practices. Sabrina has a sincere passion for healthcare, specifically with preventative care and wellness. Sabrina’s fervor for healthcare began in her hometown of the Bronx, NY where her mother was an executive administrator for 8 healthcare clinics across the South Bronx.

Sabrina holds a BS in Accounting, a Master of Business Administration and is a Certified Medical Practice Executive with the American College of Medical Practice Executives and a member of the American College of Healthcare Executives.

Phone: 803-395-2020 / Email

Ronnie Hyatt 

Director – 2025

Ronnie Hyatt is the current consulting CFO of Bon Secours St. Francis Health System in Greenville, SC, a part of Bon Secours Mercy Health. He came to Bon Secours Health System in 2001, after many years (21) at Mary Black Health System, LLC in various roles including CFO. At Mary Black, he was a key part of a team that was instrumental in structuring a sale of the private, community-based hospital to the for-profit Quorum Health Group (“QHG”), and this included forming an LLC in 1996 that included a number of Primary Care and Specialty practices as Owner/Members, along with QHG. The end result of this transaction was to form a Private foundation, in which the net sale proceeds went to this foundation for health purposes for the community of Spartanburg, SC.

He graduated in 1974 with a degree in Finance (Business Administration) from the University of South Carolina. He is very active in the Healthcare Financial Management Association (“HFMA”), both at the National and state levels. After serving in many Officer capacities in SC HFMA, he served as its President in 2011-2012, leading the Chapter to a perfect “100 Score” on the National HFMA Balanced Scorecard, which measures many metrics throughout the year. Since that time, he has earned and been recognized and awarded many HFMA accolades for his service. In 2013, he sat for and successfully passed and earned his CHFP designation (Certified Healthcare Finance Professional).

He is active in promoting Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety measures and improvements in Greenville, is a Board member of the local Greenville Humane Society, and has interests in similar civic committees and boards. Outside of professional interests, he enjoys travel, cycling, golf and most outdoor activities and spending quality time with his wife Elizabeth. He just announced his plans to retire in 2019, but intends to remain active in SC HFMA.

Phone: 864-449-4670 / Email

Lawrence Laddaga 

Director – 2025

Founder of Laddaga- Garrett, P.A., Attorneys and Counselors at Law in Charleston, South Carolina, in 1983, the firm limits its practice to Health Law and denial management and appeals. The firm represents a variety of health care providers in litigation, mediation and arbitration against insurance and health plans; Medicare/Medicaid issues; Compliance matters; revenue cycle consulting; managed care contracting; HIPAA; discharge planning issues; licensing and regulatory issues. He also serves as an adjunct faculty member at the College of Charleston’s School of Professional Studies where he teaches Health Law and Regulation. Past chair of the Health Law Section of the S.C. Bar, he is also a member of the American Health Lawyers Association, an advanced member of the Healthcare Financial Managers Association (HFMA) and holds their Fellow Designation with Certifications in Patient Accounts and Managed Care. He is a past President of the South Carolina Chapter of HFMA, a past Regional Executive and served two terms on the HFMA National Principles and Practices Board, and Chapter Advancement Team. Mr. Laddaga enjoys Argentine Tango, Yoga, Zumba, Running, and Barre.

Phone: 843-207-5040 / Email

DeAnn Griffin

Director – 2026

DeAnn Griffin is a healthcare professional with over 25 years of industry experience in sales and client services in the hospital and physician markets. She currently serves as a Client Service Manager for Medical Data Systems. Her broad industry experience includes business development, sales, digital patient intake, billing and coding, denial prevention and management, collections, client services, electronic health records, practice management solutions, and data analytics. She is passionate about delivering high-quality solutions and services to help clients navigate the ever-changing healthcare landscape.

DeAnn pursued a degree in Business Administration from Francis Marion University. In her spare time, she enjoys being on the water with friends and family, Clemson tailgates, and spoiling her Golden Doodles.

Phone: 864-275-8811 / Email

Dan Schlabach

Director – 2026

Dan Schlabach is an experienced Revenue Cycle professional with 5+ years experience working in the information technology and services industry. Dan played an integral role on the founding team for Vispa and in his role as the Product Director he serves as the liaison between Vispa’s development team, operations team and most important, the clients. Dan brings his extensive knowledge of the revenue cycle and commitment to providing exceptional customer service to every project he touches. Dan pursued a Bachelor of Science focused in Entrepreneurship/Entrepreneurial Studies from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. He is an active member in South Carolina’s HFMA chapter.

Phone: 336-830-6215 / Email

Robert Taylor

Director – 2026

Robert Taylor is a seasoned professional with a remarkable career in the healthcare industry. With over 17 years of experience at Annuity Health, he has consistently demonstrated exemplary leadership skills and a dedication to excellence.  Robert holds an MBA degree, which has equipped him with a strong foundation in business strategy and management. His educational background, combined with his extensive experience, has allowed him to make significant contributions to the growth and success of Annuity Health.

As an Executive Director at Annuity Health, Robert has played a crucial role in various aspects of the organization’s operations. His expertise spans across business development, operations, compliance, and operations leadership training. He has been instrumental in fostering strategic partnerships, driving business growth, and ensuring compliance with industry regulations.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Robert is a devoted family man. He is happily married to Dyisha Taylor and is the proud father of two wonderful boys, Charles and Dylan. His commitment to his family reflects his values of love, support, and balance.

Throughout his career, Robert Taylor has exemplified exceptional leadership, dedication, and a passion for driving positive change in the healthcare industry. His vast knowledge and experience make him an invaluable asset to Annuity Health, contributing to its continued growth and success.

Phone: 803-290-2504 / Email

Barney Osborne, FHFMA 

Ex-Officio Member

Barney Osborne has more than 30 years of experience in healthcare Finance. Barney is a graduate of the University of South Carolina and is a Fellow of the Healthcare Financial Management Association (FHFMA), certified as a Certified Healthcare Financial Professional (CHFP) in Advanced Technical Study in Accounting and Finance.

Today, Barney is putting his many years of hospital financial and administrative experience as a hospital chief financial officer to work for all South Carolina hospitals as vice president of finance and reimbursement for the South Carolina Hospital Association. He is responsible for education, evaluating state and federal regulatory and procedural changes and evaluating the related risks at the hospital state and federal level, and advocating for the good of all South Carolina hospitals. Barney is a long-time member of the South Carolina Chapter of the Healthcare Financial Management Association and is currently a member of the chapter’s Board of Directors. He also serves on a number of other boards and taskforces at the state and federal levels.

Phone: 803-796-3080 / Email