CIO at Southern New England Healthcare
Can you please provide a little introduction about yourself
I am currently the Chief Information Officer for Southern New England Healthcare Organization otherwise known as SoNE Health. In my role at SoNE, I am responsible for supporting our clinically integrated network (CIN) with data and other support such as data security. I am a senior-level healthcare executive with an extensive background in strategic planning, information technology, population health management and data security. She has held the role of Chief Information Officer and Chief Information Security Officer in both hospital health systems and Managed Care Organizations (MCO).
Prior to joining SoNE HEALTH, I served as Senior Manager at Wolf & Company, P.C. and as AVP of Population Health Information Technology and Strategy at UMass Memorial Health Care in Worcester, Massachusetts. During my time at UMass Memorial, I was a member of the leadership team that realized $22 million in savings for the Accountable Care Organization. Under my leadership, I led the data and analytics team to help UMass Memorial Health Care achieve HIMSS Stage 7 Analytics for both inpatient and outpatient, only 2% of health systems in country achieve this honor.
I participate on several advisory committees, including serving as Co-Chairwoman for the Operational Advisory Committee for Connie, the Connecticut State Health Information Exchange. I am active in New England HIMSS, serving as the organization’s President-Elect, soon to be President.
I am also a certified HITRUST Assessor and Adjunct Professor at Southern New Hampshire University. Additionally, I am an accomplished author whose writings have been published in various healthcare-related journals and periodicals.
What has your journey to your position been like? What path have you taken?
My journey has been interesting and taken a number of different twists along the way. I started off as a project manager and I think that gave me a great foundation for gravitating towards this role. Once I was firm that CIO was my direction, I started focusing on acquiring the technical and leadership skills and roles to help me obtained that goal. There were many lessons along the way including making risky decision to launch down a different path for a short time. In the end I think it made me stronger.
Has it always been your vision to reach the position you’re at? Was your current role part of your vision to become a tech leader?
Interestingly enough, when I went to college, I had visions of being a social worker or psychologist, so I didn't necessarily start out down this path. Clearly, I arrived here! My current role as CIO is my most passionate role. I am committed to changing healthcare and making it better for patients and physicians and I want to do that by making it easier for them to have the data and information they need to provide the very best care for their patients.
Have you had a role model or mentor that has helped you on your journey?
Having a mentor or several, is a must for anyone in this role or anyone pursuing a role in leadership. In my case, I have had two very distinct experiences with mentors, both of whom I still work with today. I think it's important to always continue to grow, learn and seek outside council so that you can make the very best decisions possible. My mentors have enabled me and encouraged me to do that as well as setting me straight on other things!
How do you see the role of the technology leader evolving over the next 5 years?
I see the role of CIO becoming much more focus on the strategic direction of the organizations they serve. The role is evolving. In the past, the CIO was the 'tech person' relegated to second seat. Now the role is more strategic and has seat the big table and can help drive direction.
What skills do you think leaders of the future will need in order to thrive?
Always be willingly to learn. Stay on top of your industry. Be flexible.
How do you keep current with new skills, technologies and personal development?
I am involved in a number of groups and organization to keep my skills sharp. Since I also have the responsibility of data security, I have to also remain relevant and current with those skills. I obtain certifications, attend conferences, present and network with colleagues in the same field but different industries so that I keep my perspective broad and current.
What do you see as the next leap in technology that will impact your business or industry in particular?
Digital Health Innovation with a focus on health equity.
"A key thing I tell those I mentor is always keep learning and try and figure out where things are going."
If you were mentoring a leader of the future, what advice or guidance would you give to help them on their way?
A key thing I tell those I mentor is always keep learning and try and figure out where things are going. Become knowledgeable about it and see how you can apply it your particular interest or field in IT. Remember to have some fun along the way and that work will always be there. Personal time and recharging make you a better leader.
Is there anything in particular that you would still like to achieve in your career or what is the next step on your journey?
I have been fortunate enough to accomplish many of my goals in this journey. I think my next stop might be coaching and teaching leaders of tomorrow.
If you could change one thing in the world, what would it be?
If I could change one thing it would be to have healthcare be for all and to be equitable so that all people could have equal access to be healthy and remain well. This has been my goal, for part of that journey as healthcare evolves.
A big thank you to Renee E Broadbent from Southern New England Healthcare for sharing her journey to date.
If you would like to gain more perspective from Tech Leaders and CIOs you can read some of our other interviews here.
