Chief Executive Officer, Hematology Oncology Associates of Central New York
With the organization since: 2001 — 2008, 2012—present.
In current position since: February 2025.
Education: Registered nurse, Millard Fillmore School of Nursing; bachelor’s degree in nursing, Daemen College; master’s degree in nursing, SUNY Buffalo; Executive Master of Business Administration, Quantic School of Business and Technology; Advanced Oncology Certified Nurse Practitioner (AOCNP) certification, FNP-C.
Current affiliations: Board member at Cancer Administrators Network (COA-CAN); Coalition of Hematology Oncology Practices (CHOP); Hospice of CNY and Finger Lakes (board president), Breast Care Partners (treasurer); Cancer Connects.
Skills that make you an effective leader? “I lead with a servant leadership style. I do not ask anyone to do anything I would not do myself. I am constantly looking to the what’s next and love to research ideas giving context to future vision. I have direct patient care, teaching and leadership experience. I utilize my experience to make business decisions, to mentor leaders and plan future strategy. I have an open-door policy and foster ideas and feedback from all stakeholders, especially patients.”
How do you describe your managerial philosophy or approach? “Empathy. With individuals: If there is a performance or behavioral challenge, I try to see things 360 degrees especially from the perspective of the individual. Understand what could be creating the lens they are perceiving their reflection and the reflection of others from. With teams: Highly collaborative sharing vision, expectations, offering tools and strategy for success. I study individuals and see things in them they might not see in themselves. From there, present an opportunity for growth. I love promoting others and helping individuals and teams exceed their perceived potential.”
How do you personally demonstrate leadership and inspire your staff? “Transparency and honesty. Sharing, caring, motivating through opportunity and lived example. I drive people nuts by not just giving the answer to move on (well, sometimes I do i.e. in a crisis). Usually I like to explain the “why.” Past, present and what could be. I am always available, and make certain everyone has the support, tools and comfort they need for a productive work, life home balance.”
How do you see the healthcare industry changing in the next few years, and how will you prepare the organization for those changes? “Legislative changes, the economy and competitive pressure are a threat now and in the future. The organization will stay prepared by being proactive and making fluid adjustments keeping innovative, cutting- edge patient care at the center of business decisions. Work with our community partners and alliances, nationally and regionally, to stay strong doing the right by our patients and the community.”
What are the top three priorities for your organization within the next year? “Service line expansion, second opinions; operational excellence; Increase and foster our current strategic partnerships and alliances.”
How can the healthcare industry in the region be improved? “Work together providing the best services a community can offer, vs. fragmenting repetitive services. A community needs choice, but it takes a very long time to perfect a complicated specialty. The community can work on equity with preventive services as early detection and prevention are the best medicine. All health care entities need each other to reach all populations and socioeconomic groups.”
Tell us one thing about you that people generally don’t know? “Hmmmm that is a tough one … I am a proud mom of two amazing young men and a lifelong Buffalo Bills fan. Before I pass into the afterlife, I would love to see a cure or further advances in cancer and a Bills Super Bowl win.