Mr. Ali Pabrai, a global AI, cybersecurity & compliance expert, is the chairman and chief executive of ecfirst. His certifications and achievements include DoD CMMC CCP and Lead CCA, MSEE, HITRUST CCSFP, and CISSP (ISSAP, ISSMP).

A highly sought after professional, he has successfully delivered solutions to U.S. government agencies, IT firms, healthcare systems (covered entities and business associates), legal and other organizations worldwide.

His career was launched with the U.S. Department of Energy’s nuclear research facility, Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory. He has served as vice chairman and in several senior officer positions with NASDAQ-based firms.

Mr. Pabrai has led numerous engagements worldwide for HIPAA, ISO 27001, PCI DSS, NIST, CMMC, GDPR, CCPA, FERPA, and HITRUST CSF. Mr. Pabrai served as an Interim CISO for a health system with 40+ locations.

Mr. Pabrai has presented passionate briefs to tens of thousands globally, including the USA, United Kingdom, France, Taiwan, Singapore, Canada, India, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Philippines, Japan, Ireland, Bahrain, Jordan, South Africa, Egypt, Ghana and other countries.

He is a globally renowned speaker who has been featured as a keynote as well as moderated cybersecurity conferences. Mr. Pabrai is the author of several published works.

Mr. Pabrai was appointed and serves as a member of the select HITRUST CSF Assessor Council and is on the AI Committee. Mr. Pabrai is a proud member of the InfraGard (FBI).

Brian Lane, MSHSM, FACHE, FACHDM, FHIMSS, CPHIMS, LC21, is president and CEO of WellLink and its divisions WellLink Health Alliance, WellLink Group Purchasing, and WellLink Innovations

Lane leads with an entrepreneurial energy and a deep commitment to innovation. Since joining the organization in 2019, he has spearheaded the development of a new mission, vision and strategic plan focused on fortifying existing relationships, forging new partnerships, and leveraging the organization’s strengths to create opportunities for growth. The organization has achieved 14 (local/national) workforce awards since 2019 including Modern Healthcare’s Best Places to Work 2021 and 2023.

Lane brings with him more than 20 years of experience, specializing in administration, senior management, executing product rollout campaigns, business development and sales. He has held strategic executive positions for leading technology companies, Fortune 500 companies, Big 5 consulting practices, clinical practices, medical communication firms and associations.

Having received his Master of Science in Health Systems Management from Rush University in Chicago and a Bachelor of Science from the University of Wisconsin - Madison, Lane is known for being a dynamic results-oriented senior operating executive and tactical business strategist with deep roots in the healthcare and technology fields. He is a thought leader skilled at executing complex strategies, leading multi-disciplinary teams, and integrating business, technology and organizational dynamics in innovative decision making. His core strengths are his ability to recognize the needs of an organization and its customers, assemble and lead a strong team, and manage shifting priorities and market opportunities to best serve clients and generate revenue.

At WellLink, Lane ensures the organization remains at the forefront of an ever-changing healthcare environment, anticipating member and client needs, and responding with speed and agility. He leads a dedicated team of professionals in developing and delivering innovative programs and services to support members and clients as they work to meet their missions and serve their communities.

Lane is an alumni member of the Leadership Cleveland Class of 2021 and LC2 Class 2022. He serves on the HealthComp Foundation Board, the WellLink Board, the HealthComp Board, the WellLink Health Alliance Board, the American Hospital Association Regional Policy Board for Region 5, Cleveland Leadership Center's Board, and the Ohio Hospital Association Board. He also serves on the Cleveland Leadership Center (CLC) – Cultivation Committee, he is a member of the Northern Ohio Coalition for Homeless Development Committee and a CLE Union Club member. Lane is a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE), Fellow of Health Information Management Systems Society (HIMSS) and Fellow of the American College of Data Management (ACDM). He is also an affiliate faculty member at Baldwin Wallace University.

Brian is married to his wife Kim Lane, and they have one daughter Brianna Lane – who is attending The Ohio State University.

He is committed to the CLE community, and he is here to serve!

Endrit Meta, MS, is the director of data & technology at WellLink. In his role, Meta provides leadership within WellLink’s Data & Technology Hub to ensure its internal and external data programs leverage the organization's information technology resources, data, and talent to the benefit of WellLink's membership. 

Prior to joining WellLink, Meta worked for the Ohio Department of Medicaid where he was part of the Econometrics & Forecasting team that forecasted the agency’s services budget and caseload. He was also a consultant at the federal level on Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services with The Lewin Group (part of Optum). In this capacity, he consulted as a data and analytics expert on several State Innovation Model (SIM) projects that were contracted by CMS across several different states. 

In addition to his role with WellLink, Meta also teaches economics at the college level. He enjoys connecting with students and helping increase their knowledge base and preparing students for the post-graduate world.

He earned his bachelor's degree in economics and political science from The Ohio State University and his master's degree in economics from Cleveland State University. Meta resides in Westlake, Ohio, with his wife and children. 

Endrit Meta, MS, is the director of data & technology at WellLink. In his role, Meta provides leadership within WellLink’s Data & Technology Hub to ensure its internal and external data programs leverage the organization's information technology resources, data, and talent to the benefit of WellLink's membership. 

Prior to joining WellLink, Meta worked for the Ohio Department of Medicaid where he was part of the Econometrics & Forecasting team that forecasted the agency’s services budget and caseload. He was also a consultant at the federal level on Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services with The Lewin Group (part of Optum). In this capacity, he consulted as a data and analytics expert on several State Innovation Model (SIM) projects that were contracted by CMS across several different states. 

In addition to his role with WellLink, Meta also teaches economics at the college level. He enjoys connecting with students and helping increase their knowledge base and preparing students for the post-graduate world.

He earned his bachelor's degree in economics and political science from The Ohio State University and his master's degree in economics from Cleveland State University. Meta resides in Westlake, Ohio, with his wife and children. 

Aden Klein is a Legislative and Policy Analyst at Premier Inc, where he contributes to Premier's advocacy work on technology policy issues. He leads Premier's cybersecurity advocacy portfolio and handles issues across privacy, data, and AI policy. Aden is a recent graduate of Duke University and an alumnus of Duke's Technology Policy Lab, where he contributed to cybersecurity and privacy research and advocacy. He has also spent time working in state and federal politics, as well as consulting for the OECD on semiconductor supply chain development.

Endrit Meta, MS, is the director of data & technology at WellLink. In his role, Meta provides leadership within WellLink’s Data & Technology Hub to ensure its internal and external data programs leverage the organization's information technology resources, data, and talent to the benefit of WellLink's membership. 

Prior to joining WellLink, Meta worked for the Ohio Department of Medicaid where he was part of the Econometrics & Forecasting team that forecasted the agency’s services budget and caseload. He was also a consultant at the federal level on Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services with The Lewin Group (part of Optum). In this capacity, he consulted as a data and analytics expert on several State Innovation Model (SIM) projects that were contracted by CMS across several different states. 

In addition to his role with WellLink, Meta also teaches economics at the college level. He enjoys connecting with students and helping increase their knowledge base and preparing students for the post-graduate world.

He earned his bachelor's degree in economics and political science from The Ohio State University and his master's degree in economics from Cleveland State University. Meta resides in Westlake, Ohio, with his wife and children. 

Edward Estrada is an accomplished and certified Digital Risk and Compliance professional with over 25 years of experience in healthcare. Driven by ensuring Premier’s digital strategy, infrastructure, systems, solutions, and services are fashioned, maintained, and delivered with the utmost security, quality, innovation, and integrity; he takes pride in cultivating partnerships, programs, and standards in a way that unobtrusively infuses compliance into the everyday. As Premier’s Chief Digital Compliance Officer, he has established a program and framework which monitors digital protection capabilities and provides assurance to Premier’s executive leadership, various oversight committees, and customers. Edward’s program and framework ensures any deviations posing exposure risks are effectively managed. This approach safeguards Premier, achieves business goals, and ensures compliance with laws, regulations, and contractual obligations.

Endrit Meta, MS, is the director of data & technology at WellLink. In his role, Meta provides leadership within WellLink’s Data & Technology Hub to ensure its internal and external data programs leverage the organization's information technology resources, data, and talent to the benefit of WellLink's membership. 

Prior to joining WellLink, Meta worked for the Ohio Department of Medicaid where he was part of the Econometrics & Forecasting team that forecasted the agency’s services budget and caseload. He was also a consultant at the federal level on Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services with The Lewin Group (part of Optum). In this capacity, he consulted as a data and analytics expert on several State Innovation Model (SIM) projects that were contracted by CMS across several different states. 

In addition to his role with WellLink, Meta also teaches economics at the college level. He enjoys connecting with students and helping increase their knowledge base and preparing students for the post-graduate world.

He earned his bachelor's degree in economics and political science from The Ohio State University and his master's degree in economics from Cleveland State University. Meta resides in Westlake, Ohio, with his wife and children.