Elizabeth Coombes is a seasoned healthcare executive who has devoted her career to building stronger, more effective healthcare organizations while inspiring the people who serve within them. With more than fifteen years of progressive leadership experience, she has emerged as a respected voice in healthcare operations, organizational leadership, and patient experience innovation. Her journey reflects not only professional growth across major health systems and academic institutions but also a personal commitment to fostering equity, collaboration, and excellence in every environment she touches.
Elizabeth’s early career prepared her to see the interconnections between operations, people, and outcomes. She began in management and project roles where she was responsible for operational oversight, customer service, and team performance across industries as diverse as marine hydraulics and auto repair. These formative years honed her ability to streamline processes, manage teams under pressure, and introduce structural improvements that delivered measurable results. Even before stepping into the healthcare arena, Elizabeth had built a reputation as someone who could transform workflows and inspire people to achieve more together.
Her entry into healthcare came in 2013 when she became an Operations Supervisor at the University of Washington Medical Center. Charged with creating a new specialty referral department from the ground up, she proved her ability to innovate at scale. She successfully onboarded new specialty clinics, built high-performing teams, and improved patient scheduling efficiency. Within just a year, she earned a promotion—an early signal of her talent for leading change and generating trust. Elizabeth’s leadership transformed the contact center operations, ensuring patients experienced timely, compassionate care and that staff members were empowered to perform at their best.
Elizabeth advanced to become Clinic Operations Manager at Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, where she led more than sixty employees across daily operations. In this role, she not only managed budgets and performance but also spearheaded data-driven reporting systems and workflow enhancements that improved patient contact and documentation standards. Her collaboration with IT professionals led to enhancements in electronic health record functionality, further optimizing patient care processes. It was here that her reputation as a bridge-builder between clinical priorities and operational execution became firmly established.
In 2020, Elizabeth joined the University of Washington School of Dentistry as Director of Operations, a position that deepened her influence within academic healthcare. She guided the implementation of process improvements across multiple clinic areas while collaborating with department chairs and school leadership to advance operational excellence in both patient care and education. Her initiatives led to significant outcomes, including a reduction in staff turnover from 20% to just 8%, a 30% increase in live call response rates, and a 20% reduction in clinic expenses. Elizabeth’s approach combined business analytics with people-focused leadership, enabling both operational efficiency and improved patient satisfaction.
Her current role as Regional Director of Operations at US Oral Surgery Management reflects the culmination of her experience and her readiness to lead at a national scale. In this capacity, she oversees multi-site operations, driving performance and growth across a network of practices. Elizabeth continues to demonstrate her hallmark ability to align strategy with execution, ensuring that each decision is anchored in both financial stewardship and a commitment to patient-centered outcomes. Her leadership has positioned her as a trusted advisor to executives, clinicians, and staff alike, with a vision for operational excellence that extends far beyond individual facilities.
Elizabeth’s academic background underscores her intellectual rigor and lifelong commitment to leadership development. She holds a Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership from Gonzaga University, a Master of Health Administration from The George Washington University, and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Washington. She is also a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives (FACHE), a distinction that reflects her standing as a leader committed to the highest professional standards in the healthcare industry. This combination of education and credentialing provides her with a deep understanding of both the operational and human dimensions of organizational success.
Beyond her professional responsibilities, Elizabeth is passionate about mentoring and developing future leaders. She has served as a guest lecturer at universities, created and taught courses, and participated in speaking engagements that emphasize patient experience and healthcare leadership. Her service on nonprofit boards, including a mobile dental clinic, demonstrates her commitment to mission-driven organizations that prioritize community health and accessibility. These contributions highlight her belief that leadership is not confined to the executive suite but extends outward into the broader community.
Elizabeth’s personal values are grounded in integrity, resilience, and service. Growing up overseas and engaging in international studies in the United Kingdom and Israel broadened her perspective and strengthened her appreciation for diverse cultures and healthcare systems. Although her professional work is largely domestic, these experiences shape her global outlook and her commitment to equity in healthcare. In her personal life, she finds joy in travel, cooking, reading, and exploring the outdoors—activities that enrich her perspective and provide balance to her demanding professional pursuits.
Looking ahead, Elizabeth is eager to extend her leadership to board service, where she can leverage her expertise in healthcare operations, strategic planning, and leadership development to guide mission-driven organizations. She sees board involvement not only as a way to give back but also as an opportunity to shape the future of healthcare at a governance level. With her proven track record of operational excellence, her ability to inspire people and align teams, and her unwavering focus on patient outcomes, Elizabeth is uniquely positioned to serve as an invaluable resource to organizations seeking transformative leadership.
Character:
Elizabeth demonstrates integrity and dedication in every role she assumes. She consistently builds environments where staff feel valued and empowered to succeed. Her personal commitment to mission-driven organizations underscores her authenticity and sense of responsibility.
Knowledge:
With advanced degrees in both Organizational Leadership and Health Administration, Elizabeth blends academic rigor with practical experience. She applies this knowledge to design effective systems, streamline operations, and prepare organizations for future growth. Her recognition as a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives further validates her expertise.
Strategic:
Elizabeth is a forward-thinking leader who anticipates challenges and positions organizations for success. She has repeatedly proven her ability to design and execute strategies that reduce costs, enhance patient experience, and strengthen staff engagement. Her capacity to balance long-term vision with immediate operational needs sets her apart as a strategic trailblazer.
Communication:
Elizabeth excels in forging relationships across all organizational levels. Whether speaking to staff, executives, or students, she communicates with clarity, empathy, and purpose. Her ability to translate complex challenges into actionable solutions is a hallmark of her leadership style.
