Strategic planning is a vital tool for healthcare administrators, ensuring that organizations deliver high-quality, patient-centered care while maintaining operational efficiency and financial sustainability. By focusing on patient care optimization, resource management, and community engagement, administrators can create a roadmap for success that aligns with their mission and adapts to the ever-changing healthcare landscape. Implementing patient-centered models, leveraging technology, and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration enhances care quality, while strategic resource allocation and financial stewardship sustain long-term growth. Additionally, strong community partnerships and outreach initiatives help address social determinants of health, ensuring equitable access to care. Through a well-structured strategic plan, healthcare leaders can drive meaningful improvements and achieve sustainable success in an increasingly complex industry.

Maureen A. O’Mara, MBA, BSN, RN, CCM, is a seasoned healthcare executive and consultant with over four decades of expertise in transforming healthcare operations, improving patient outcomes, and driving compliance excellence. Known for her results-oriented leadership and innovative approach, Maureen has successfully led initiatives that enhanced quality metrics, reduced operational costs, and elevated organizational performance. With a deep understanding of case management, medical management, and analytics, she has consistently delivered strategic solutions that align clinical goals with business objectives. An advocate for continuous improvement, Maureen remains dedicated to advancing healthcare innovation and supporting organizations in achieving impactful results.

Dr. Heather Seay, DACM, L.Ac, Dipl. OM., FABORM, LMT, is a distinguished leader in integrative medicine and holistic healthcare. With over two decades of experience in massage therapy and acupuncture, she specializes in blending Eastern and Western healing modalities to provide comprehensive patient care. As the founder of Awaken and Bloom in Salt Lake City, Dr. Seay offers acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, massage therapy, and lifestyle counseling to clients of all ages. A dedicated advocate for the advancement of acupuncture and massage therapy, Dr. Seay serves as Vice Chair of the Utah Acupuncture and Massage Therapy License Board and has played key roles in professional organizations such as the Acupuncture Regenerative Medicine Society. She holds a Doctorate in Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine with an emphasis on integrative medicine and is an ABORM-certified fertility specialist. With expertise in multiple acupuncture styles, pediatric acupuncture, acupoint injection therapy, and Chinese medical pediatrics, Dr. Seay remains at the forefront of holistic healthcare. Her compassionate, patient-centered approach empowers individuals to achieve optimal health through personalized, natural healing solutions.

I’m excited to share my executive biography with you. With over 20 years of experience in healthcare administration and value-based care, I’ve had the privilege of leading teams to improve healthcare outcomes, drive savings, and create lasting value.

David Ahern, Ph.D., is a pioneering leader in behavioral medicine and healthcare informatics, with over 40 years of experience advancing digital health solutions that integrate technology with behavioral science to improve patient care and public health outcomes. As a Senior Scientist at Abacus Health Solutions and a Senior Advisor to the FCC’s Connect2Health Task Force, he has played a critical role in developing evidence-based interventions for chronic disease management and expanding digital healthcare access to underserved populations. His academic contributions as an Assistant Professor at Harvard Medical School and research leadership at Brigham and Women’s Hospital have shaped the fields of eHealth and behavioral informatics, driving innovation in telehealth, mobile health, and AI-driven healthcare solutions. Throughout his career, Dr. Ahern has combined strategic foresight, interdisciplinary collaboration, and a deep commitment to health equity, making a lasting impact on the future of digital and behavioral healthcare.

Ryan Smith is a visionary leader and entrepreneur with extensive experience in digital health transformation, telemedicine, and business strategy. As the Founder of Telemedicine Partners, he has pioneered the development of sustainable virtual care infrastructure, integrating blockchain and AI to drive efficiency and accessibility in healthcare. In his role as a Business Consultant at Factually Health, he leverages AI-driven solutions to combat global health misinformation, helping institutions navigate the complexities of digital transformation. With a diverse career spanning leadership roles in healthcare, hospitality, and technology, Smith has a proven track record of fostering innovation, creating value, and shaping the future of digital health. His expertise in business development, mergers and acquisitions, and strategic consulting makes him a respected figure in the global healthcare landscape.

I’m excited to share my executive biography, which reflects my journey in sales, healthcare, business leadership, and board service. With over 40 years of experience leading high-performing teams, driving strategic growth, and fostering innovation, I’m passionate about helping organizations scale, optimize operations, and create lasting impact. Now seeking board and advisory opportunities where I can contribute my expertise.

Lisa Espina is a transformational healthcare leader with over 30 years of experience in speech therapy and healthcare management. Known for her empathy, strategic vision, and patient-centered approach, she has achieved remarkable success in driving operational efficiency, enhancing patient satisfaction, and fostering team excellence. Fluent in English and Spanish, Lisa is a dynamic communicator and sought-after speaker on topics such as stroke recovery and medical device usage. With her proven ability to lead, innovate, and inspire, Lisa is dedicated to making a lasting impact in the healthcare industry and beyond.

Eleanor Blythe is a distinguished healthcare leader and board-certified Physician Assistant with a profound commitment to advancing neonatal and women’s health. As the Care Signature Program Manager for Women’s Health and Neonatal service lines at Yale-New Haven Health System, she leads initiatives to standardize care, improve patient safety, and enhance clinical efficiency across the health system. With nearly a decade of hands-on experience in neonatal intensive care, she provides expert medical management for critically ill newborns while contributing to research, quality improvement, and interdisciplinary collaboration. A recognized speaker at national forums, she is dedicated to shaping the future of neonatal care through evidence-based practice, strategic leadership, and patient-centered innovation.

Jay Kellison is a seasoned healthcare executive and board advisor with over 40 years of experience leading behavioral health and addiction treatment organizations across 21 U.S. states. With expertise in turnaround management, strategic growth, and financial optimization, he has successfully overseen hospital systems, residential treatment centers, and outpatient psychiatric programs in both for-profit and non-profit sectors. Throughout his career, Jay has held executive leadership roles at Acadia Healthcare, HCA Healthcare, Universal Health Services, Rogers Behavioral Health, and Latticework Capital Management, where he has driven operational excellence, expanded service lines, and optimized financial performance. A dedicated mentor and industry leader, Jay is passionate about developing executive talent, advising investors, and helping organizations navigate complex healthcare landscapes. His guiding principle, “treat others as you want to be treated,” reflects his commitment to ethical leadership, collaboration, and sustainable growth in the behavioral healthcare sector.

Jon J. Ahola is a seasoned executive with nearly three decades of experience driving innovation and operational excellence in the medical technology industry. Currently serving as Vice President of Global Research and Development for Stryker's Trauma & Extremities Division, Jon has led the development and successful launch of over 40 groundbreaking medical products, ranging from implants to digital software applications. His leadership was pivotal in the integration of Wright Medical, Stryker's largest acquisition to date, and his influence extends globally through roles that have spanned Europe, Asia, and North America. Guided by a commitment to integrity, teamwork, and his mission to "make humanity better," Jon combines technical expertise with visionary leadership to transform healthcare and improve lives worldwide.

I am excited to share my professional biography, highlighting my journey and accomplishments in healthcare leadership. With over 40 years of experience, I have had the privilege of driving operational excellence, fostering patient care innovation, and collaborating with exceptional teams to deliver meaningful results.

Wendy Rose is a visionary healthcare leader with over 30 years of experience driving transformational change across hospitals, nonprofits, and insurance sectors. Renowned for her expertise in value-based care and strategic planning, Wendy has successfully led initiatives that enhance clinical outcomes, operational efficiency, and team performance. With advanced degrees in business administration, nursing leadership, and public health, she brings a unique blend of clinical insight and executive acumen. Passionate about innovation and patient advocacy, Wendy thrives on creating impactful solutions that align organizational goals with improved healthcare delivery.

Operational efficiency is a cornerstone of effective healthcare delivery, yet it remains an underutilized lever for improving patient outcomes. Drawing on my experience as a Unit Secretary in a high-stakes neurosurgery and surgical oncology unit, I discovered that strategic scheduling, interdisciplinary collaboration, and patient-centered workflows can profoundly enhance care delivery. By implementing data-driven scheduling and fostering cross-disciplinary communication, our unit achieved measurable improvements in efficiency, staff satisfaction, and patient outcomes. This article highlights actionable strategies to optimize healthcare operations, emphasizing the pivotal role of unit-level management in balancing operational excellence with compassionate, patient-first care.

Dr. Eugene Tuyishime is a dedicated anesthesiologist and global healthcare leader committed to advancing equity in medical education and perioperative care. With a robust academic foundation and sub-specialty training in medical simulation, perioperative medicine, and obstetric anesthesia, he has driven impactful research and education initiatives, particularly in resource-limited settings. Dr. Tuyishime has authored over 30 peer-reviewed publications, secured significant research funding, and co-founded the Initiative for Medical Equity and Global Health (IMEGH), which has trained over 1,500 healthcare providers in Rwanda. Recognized with the 2024 WFSA Rising Star Award, he continues to inspire innovation and collaboration in global health.

I am thrilled to share my professional biography, which highlights my journey through 30 years of leadership in real estate, healthcare, and operational management. My experiences have shaped my passion for strategic innovation and creating meaningful impacts.