The BroadWater Team

Jeremy Longhurst

CEO

During the 1990’s Jeremy began his career in medical publishing, before developing several medical education organizations in the US, Europe and Asia.

In 2000 he founded BroadWater, LLC, building its activities and reputation in the orthopedic and neurosurgical fields. Additionally, from 2007–2013 Jeremy served on Vertical Health’s Board of Directors and as President of Medical Education.

Jeremy serves on various philanthropic Boards, including Global Spine Outreach.

Kate Laney

VP, Medical Meetings

After experience living overseas, Kate began her career with an international refugee NGO.  Joining BroadWater in 2000, Kate now oversees BroadWater’s meeting management services and manages various medical associations. Kate has vast experience managing strategic and operational issues for meetings and associations around the world.

Christy Gill, MBA

Director, Medical Meetings

Having completed her MBA, Christy moved into convention planning with a large consumer goods company. Christy now directs the planning and execution of many of BroadWater’s meetings. She provides clients with a remarkable depth of experience and expertise, having directed meetings worldwide ranging in size from 10 to 10,000 people.

Nancy Henkel, CMP

VP, Medical Association Management and Meetings

Starting her career with Hyatt, Nancy transitioned into meetings, conventions, and accreditation management roles within hospital and manufacturing fields. With more than 20 years of experience, Nancy joined BroadWater in 2017 as Executive Director of the Society of Minimally Invasive Spine Surgeons.

Laura Law, CA, CPA

Director, Accounting

Laura directs all of BroadWater’s accounting and financial services. She began her career in London, before moving to Price Waterhouse in Paris, and then to Deloitte in Chicago. Before joining BroadWater, Laura ran her own accounting company.

Rick Thiele

Executive Director, International Society for the Advancement of Spine Surgery

With over 30 years’ experience in the medical device industry, the last 22 at varying roles with Medtronic Cranial and Spinal Technologies, Rick shifted his career trajectory in 2023, bringing his vast experience to the ISASS as Executive Director. His knowledge and skillsets bring a unique perspective to this role, having broad-reaching surgeon relationships, clinical knowledge, and marketing experience.

“BroadWater is without doubt the most professional company I’ve worked with in society management and meeting organization.”

Frank M. Phillips, MD; Ronald DeWald, Endowed Professor of Spinal Deformities; Rush University Medical Center; Chicago IL

Fast Facts

The Safety in Spine Surgery Project’s goal is by 2023 to reduce by 50% the number of patients harmed by spine surgery.