President and Chief Executive Officer, ConnextCare
With the organization since: 2013.
In current position since: 2021.
Education: Bachelor’s degree in health services with a concentration in health education and operations, D’Youville College; Master of Business Administration, St. Joseph’s College; fellow, American College of Healthcare Executives; fellow, American College of Medical Practice Executives.
Career Highlights: “During my tenure at ConnextCare, I am most proud of bringing together disparate operations and cultures, from the five acquired practices into one unified and efficient primary care network throughout Oswego County. Subsequent to the integrated practices, I am proud of the leadership I provided during our re branding campaign that led to our new name, ConnextCare, which truly signifies the magnitude of reach we have across Oswego County, without limiting our potential for future growth. Receiving the 40 Under 40 Award from the CNY Business Journal in 2018, joining the list of other young distinguished leaders is also a true highlight and an honor. Earning my fellowship status with the American College of Healthcare Executives in June of 2019, followed my second through the American College of Medical Practice Executives in August of 2024. Leading expansion and growth opportunities over the years which includes the opening of two large medical practices, five school-based dental programs and two fully integrated school-based health centers, adding to the collective total of 15 practice sites reaching over 32,000 patients annually.”
Current affiliations: Director, County of Oswego Industrial Development Agency; director, Central New York Area Health Education Center; director, Community Health Care Association of New York State; director and vice president, Forward Leading Independent Provider Association; director and vice chair, Health Foundation for Western and Central New York; director and secretary, Health WorkForce New York; director, Operation Oswego County, Inc.; director and vice president, Upstate Community Health Collaborative Independent Provider Association, LLC; fellow, American College of Healthcare Executives; fellow, American College of Medical Practice Executives. Also member of the following organizations: American College of Healthcare Executives, Community Health Care Association of New York State, Community School Advisory Council, Healthcare Financial Management Association, Medical Group Management Association, New York State Rural Health Council, New York State Association for Rural Health, Oswego County Child Protection Advisory Council, Oswego County Health Department Professional Advisory Committee, Oswego County Micron Steering Committee, Zonta Club of Oswego.
Skills that make you an effective leader? “I bring strong communication skills and decisive leadership, coupled with the flexibility to adapt to daily change. I view delegation as a strategic strength and believe in empowering others through trust and accountability. I demonstrate a continuous positive attitude and enjoy mentoring talent around me as they are capable of great things if you share your vision and constructively guide them along the way.”
How do you describe your managerial philosophy or approach? “My approach aims to build strong relationships with staff across all disciplines, demonstrating a high level of respect, trust and integrity, which yields a motivated, hardworking and committed workforce full of endless collaboration and growth. I place a strong emphasis on the circle of control and influence and make every effort not to waste time, nor energy on things I cannot change.”
How do you personally demonstrate leadership and inspire your staff? “As a sports enthusiast who competed at both the high school and college levels, I view leadership as a coaching role, with my staff serving as assistant coaches who each bring unique skills and perspectives to the team. I show up each day with a positive, optimistic mindset, confident that we can take on even the toughest challenges. While we may not always ‘win,’ each experience makes us stronger, more refined and more cohesive as a team, preparing us to succeed when it matters most.
“My responsibility as a leader is to set a clear vision, provide guidance and create an environment where everyone can contribute their strengths. By trusting my staff, encouraging collaboration and supporting their growth, we work together toward shared goals and stronger outcomes.”
How do you see the healthcare industry changing in the next few years, and how will you prepare your organization for those changes? “The healthcare industry is facing increasing financial pressure as the cost of delivering care continues to outpace reimbursement. Workforce recruitment and retention challenges, along with rising expenses for medical supplies and pharmaceuticals, make up a significant portion of these costs. Anticipated changes to the Medicaid program resulting from HR1 legislation, coupled with federal 340B rebate reform, are expected to further strain an already distressed system. These changes will likely increase uncompensated care, requiring healthcare organizations to adopt more creative and diversified financial models to remain sustainable.
“In preparation, ConnextCare has proactively begun planning for new services designed to navigate evolving regulatory requirements while optimizing revenue opportunities. We are also focusing on strategic program expansion in areas where access barriers can be reduced and care can be delivered more efficiently, helping to control costs while continuing to meet community needs.”
What are your top three priorities for your organization within the next year? “We will focus on strengthening revenue and managing rising costs through innovative financial models, expanding programs where we can improve access and efficiency and proactively adapting services to meet changing regulatory requirecsments so the organization remains resilient and positioned for long-term success.”
How can the healthcare industry in the region be improved? “Data consistently demonstrates that demand for primary care, dental and mental health services continues to exceed the availability of local personnel needed to meet community needs. To address this gap, we must continue to collaborate on strategic initiatives that maximize our collective impact, including workforce development, shared services, and expanded networks that more effectively leverage scarce resources to improve overall health outcomes.”
Tell us one thing about you that people generally don’t know? “One thing people may not know about me is how strongly I believe accountability and compassion go hand in hand in leadership. I hold myself and my team to high standards, while also recognizing that meaningful work is done by people who deserve understanding, respect and support. When expectations are not met, I believe in addressing issues directly and transparently, while maintaining empathy and focusing on solutions rather than blame. This approach helps build trust, encourages growth, and creates an environment where individuals feel supported while being empowered to improve.”