Here are 139 women who are leaders in the ambulatory surgery center industry. They serve in a number of roles, overseeing the development, management and operations of ASCs.
If you would like to add an ASC woman leader to this list, please email Anuja Vaidya at anujavaidya@beckershealthcare.com.
Charlie Agnone, MD, FACS, is a board-certified ophthalmologist and founding member of Marysville (Ohio) Surgical Center. Dr. Agnone is also on the Ambulatory Surgery Center Association board of directors.
Nancy Akers, RN, BSN, CLNC, is a director of operations for Pinnacle III and the administrator of Foothills Surgery Center in Boulder, Colo. She joined PINNACLE III in 2015. Ms. Akers previously served as administrator for Surgical Center at Premier in Colorado Springs, Colo., and Centrum Surgical Center in Englewood, Colo. She possesses nearly 20 years of healthcare experience and holds a BSN from Radford (Va.) University.
Thais Aliabadi, MD, certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology, is a highly skilled and experienced physician providing comprehensive women's health services in Los Angeles. Since 2002, Dr. Aliabadi has offered patients the latest diagnostic and treatment services for a wide range of obstetric and gynecologic conditions.
Jesseye Arrambide, RN, BSN, CNOR, is the executive director of Oregon Outpatient Surgery Center in Tigard and past president of the Oregon Ambulatory Surgery Center Association. Ms. Arrambide also has experience serving as the director of surgical and obstetric services at Pacific Communities Hospital in Newport, Ore.
Lisa Austin, RN, CASC, is a vice president of operations for Pinnacle III. She is an active member of the Colorado Ambulatory Surgery Center Association, and she has previously served as president of the organization. She also holds a position on MedAssets' Surgery Center Advisory Board. A registered nurse for more than 30 years, her extensive experience in development, operational management and consulting projects provides clients with expertise in facility administration, budget development, regulatory compliance and other ASC processes.
Jill Barth, BSN, RN, a director of operations for Pinnacle III, is the administrator of two ASCs in Wisconsin — Pine Ridge Surgery Center in Wausau and Northwoods Surgery Center in Woodruff. She has extensive experience at leading facilities through AAAHC certification and is actively involved in the continued improvement of clinical operations. Prior to joining Pinnacle III, Ms. Barth was the ambulatory surgery administrative director for Marshfield (Wis.) Clinic. She has more than 22 years of progressive healthcare experience and holds a BSN from Madison- based University of Wisconsin.
Nora Bass, MBA, RN, MSN, MBA, ONC, is the vice president of surgery at Parkview Health, based in Fort Wayne, Ind. Prior to her current role, Ms. Bass as was the director of surgery and orthopedics service line at Providence Hospital. She earned her MBA from Davenport (Iowa) University.
Kathleen Bernicky, RN, BSN, is director of clinical operations at Regent Surgical Health. With more than 35 years of clinical experience, she promotes best practices in all areas of healthcare. Her leadership roles have included the CNO position at Surgical Hospital of Munster (Ind.) and emergency department manager at Community Hospital in Munster. Ms. Bernicky's expertise includes preparation for state and accreditation surveys and quality improvement.
Sandi Berreth, RN, BS, MS, CASC, is the administrator of Brainerd Lakes Surgery Center in Baxter, Minn., a position she has held for more than a decade. Ms. Berreth is also an AAAHC Medicare surveyor. She earned her nursing degree from St. Luke's School of Nursing and here BS and MBA from the University of Mary in Bismarck, N.D.
Angie Blankinship, RN BSN, CASC, CRN-C10, is administrator at Northstar Healthcare Surgery Center-Dallas. She previously served as the administrator of Longmont (Colo.) Surgery Center, a position she has held for two years. Prior to that, she was the director of surgery at San Luis Valley Regional Medical Center in Alamosa, Colo. Ms. Blankinship spoke the ASCA meeting in Nashville this year. She completed her BSN the University of Texas at Arlington.
Allison Bolger, MBA, is the CFO of Surgical Management Professionals. Ms. Bolger has more than 20 years of experience in healthcare financial management. She began her career as a staff auditor at a regional CPA firm. She went on to hold a number of leadership positions, including CFO for Dells Area Health Center and division controller for Avera McKennan. She earned her bachelor's degree in accounting and her MBA from the University of South Dakota in Vermillion.
Dotty Bollinger, RN, JD, LHCRM, CASC, CMPE, oversees both corporate and medical operations for the minimally invasive spine surgery provider. Her emphasis on patient-centered care cultivated a “culture of quality” campaign that touches the whole organization. Ms. Bollinger actively pursues education and is a proponent for continual learning, which is evidenced by her impressive academic accolades. She is also a certified Professional in Healthcare Risk Management, Ambulatory Surgical Center and NADONA Director of Nursing. Additionally, Ms. Bollinger is currently serving on the Hillsborough County Economic Development Board, and the Tampa Bay Partnership board and is the 2016 Chair for the American Heart Association’s Go Red initiative.
Jennifer Butterfield, MBA, RN, CNOR, is the CEO and administrator of Lakes Surgery Center in West Bloomfield, Mich. Prior to her current position, Ms. Butterfield was the chief nursing officer of the surgery center. She earned her nursing degree at the University of Detroit Mercy and completed her MBA at Baker College Center for Graduate Studies, based in Flint Township, Mich.
Stephanie M. Campbell, RN, BSN, MSHA, CASC, is director, perioperative services at Holzer Medical Center in Gallipolis, Ohio. She most recently served as the administrator and clinical director of Physicians Outpatient Surgery Center in Belpre, Ohio. Before that, Ms. Campbell was the ASC business manager at Holzer Clinic in Gallipolis. She earned her BSN at the University of Phoenix and completed her MHA at New England College in Henniker, N.H.
Margaret Chappell, RN, MS, CASC, is a senior vice president of operations with Ambulatory Surgical Centers of America. Ms. Chappell has more than 25 years of experience in all aspects of ASC administration. She has been involved in the development, remodel and expansion of three ASCs.
Teresa Chaisson, RN, BSN, CNOR, is the director of operations for one of the largest ASCs in New York State, Manhattan Endoscopy Center. Ms. Chaisson successfully transitioned into the world of ambulatory surgery three years ago and has continued to excel in her role. Her previous successes include working and managing a complex variety of operating room specialties at one of the top Harvard institutions for over 15years. She prides herself on leading teams to their highest potential, and shares her philosophy of healthcare today; “If you have a professional dilemma and you use the patient's best interest as the deciding factor, you will never regret that decision."
Briley Cienkosz is chief marketing officer for Laser Spine Institute. She strives to ensure that potential, current and past patients receive the most up-to-date information about Laser Spine Institute. During her time at LSI, she has been an integral part of implementing the company's first direct response television campaign. Previously, Ms. Cienkosz served as associate manager, global retail marketing for The Rockport Company. She received her Master of Business Administration degree from Madison-based University of Wisconsin.
Carol Ciluffo is the vice president of revenue cycle management for Pinnacle III's billing company, Specialty Billing Solutions. She joined the organization in 2008, before which she was the regional business office operations coordinator for a national rehabilitation corporation, COO of a spine and rehabilitation practice and practice manager for several multi-physician, multi-location interventional pain management practices. Ms. Ciluffo earned her Bachelor's degree from Colorado State University.
Doria J. Cipriani, BSN, RNBC, is the director of nursing at Advanced Endoscopy Center in New York. She has more than 20 years of experience in nursing, and has specialized in ambulatory settings for the past 10. In her current role, Ms. Cipriani is responsible for the daily clinical oversight of the center. She is currently pursuing a Master's degree in healthcare informatics.
Susan Cheek, CPA, CHCC, CASC, is the administrator of Dallas Endoscopy Center and IV Anesthesia Services. Ms. Cheek oversees the operations of the five-suite ASC with more than 40 FTEs. She earned her bachelor of business administration, accounting degree from Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas.
P. Evalyn Cole, MSHA, CASC, is the administrator of Spine Surgery Center of Eugene (Ore.) and the chief executive officer of KeiperSpine, PC. Ms. Cole earned her bachelor's degree from Linfield College in McMinnville, Ore. She also holds a masters degree in health services administration and completed her thesis work on creating and launching ambulatory surgery centers.
Martha Colen, RN, MBA, CASC, is the administrator of Virginia Beach Ambulatory Surgery Center. The ASC was founded in 1989 and includes four operating rooms. The AAAHC-accredited facility has orthopedics, otolaryngology, urology, general surgery and gynecology along with other specialties.
Rebecca R. Craig, RN, MBA, CNOR, CASC, CPC-H, serves as CEO of Harmony Surgery Center in Fort Collins, Colo. In August 2000, she helped open the surgery center, which currently includes four operating rooms, three gastroenterology/endoscopy rooms, a pain management room and six private overnight extended recovery suites. She serves as vice president on the Ambulatory Surgery Center Association's Board of Directors and chair of ASCA's Strategic Planning Committee. She also serves on the Colorado ASC Association Board and on the OR Manager Ambulatory Surgery Advisory Board.
Cheryl Cunningham, RN, is the chair of the Ohio Association of Ambulatory Surgery Centers and administrator of Findlay (Ohio) Surgery Center. Ms. Cunningham was elected as the organization's chair for a two-year period beginning in 2013. She has been the administrator of Findlay Surgery Center since 1999.
Carla Daley, RN, BSN, is CEO of Accreditation Advisors, which helps facilities meet their healthcare accreditation needs. She most recently served as Regent Surgical Health's vice president of operations. Ms. Daley joined Regent in 2007 as director of clinical operation. She has more than 20 years of experience in clinical and administrative healthcare operations. During her time with Regent, she played a significant role in bringing the company's directors of nursing to higher levels of leadership and keeping facilities survey-ready.
Shelly Daduk is the administrator at South Broward Endoscopy in Cooper City Fla. Her previous experience includes serving as an account manager for Sterling Healthcare and associate director for the University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine. She is also a team leader for the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation. The GI-focused ASC is affiliated with Physicians Endoscopy and is accredited by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care.
Mary Dailey is the senior vice president of clinical operations at Nueterra. Her role includes initiating, directing and overseeing the overall development process for healthcare facilities across multiple regions, including facility designs, clinical guidelines, equipment planning and procurement, revenue cycle and supply chain management, as well as compliance with regulatory guidelines and accrediting agencies. She actively participates in the deliberations and evaluation of proposed projects; in determining strategic partnerships; and in vendor relationships as part of the senior team.
Brooke Day is a past president of the Nebraska Association of Independent Ambulatory Centers and administrator of Hastings (Neb.) Surgical Center. Her previous experience includes the CEO position of Blake Woods Medical Park Surgery Center and director of administration at West Michigan Surgery Center. She earned her bachelor's degree from Ferris State University in Big Rapids, Mich.
Jean Day, RN, CNOR, is the director of education for Pinnacle III. She provides instruction on a wide variety of topics to the organization's managed ASCs. She previously served as a Pinnacle III director of operations. Ms. Day is an active member of CASCA, ASCA and AORN where she regularly delivers seminars on quality control, clinical and regulatory compliance.
Joan Dentler is the president and CEO of Avanza Healthcare. Ms. Dentler founded ASC Strategies in 2007 and Outpatient Strategies in 2011. The two companies were consolidated under the brand Avanza Healthcare Strategies in 2013. Prior to founding Avanza, she worked in healthcare administration.
Meena Desai, MD, is the founder, president and CEO of Nova Anesthesia Professionals and a board-certified anesthesiologist. Nova Anesthesia Professionals provides physician and CRNA anesthesia services to ambulatory surgery centers, endoscopy centers and specialty hospitals.
Claudette Downs is the COO and administrator of AmSurg-affiliated Short Hills Surgery Center in Millburn, N.J. Ms. Downs previously served as the director of operations – northeast for Salus Surgical Group. She earned her BSN from the College of New Jersey in Ewing Township.
Marie Edler, MPH, serves as vice president of payer engagement and advocacy for Surgical Care Affiliates, where she is responsible for creating value-based initiatives in the surgical setting across commercial, governmental and employer driven engagements. Ms. Edler is also responsible for SCA’s state and federal advocacy programs, as well as the SCA Political Action Committee, ensuring the needs of SCA and its partners are represented across a continuum of issues at the state and federal levels. She also co-leads SCA’s Wellbeing Program. Ms. Edler holds a Master’s Degree in Public Health from the Rollins School of Public Health at Emory University.
Jessica Edmiston is senior vice president, performance review at National Medical Billing Services. She has been a certified professional coder for more than a decade and possesses a Bachelor of Science in Education from the University of Missouri in St. Louis as well as the highly acclaimed Certified ASC Coder Credential. Ms. Edmiston is also an approved ICD-10-CM trainer through AHIMA. Ms. Edmiston routinely performs audits for National Medical clients, identifies compliance issues, areas of missed revenue and proffers immediate mitigation/resolution strategies. She developed the National Medical training program for new coders and also ensures that she and her team receive continuing education.
Viva Elia serves as a vice president of operations in the Southern California area for Surgical Care Affiliates. Ms. Elia has 12 years of experience in the ambulatory surgery center industry and works with health systems, medical groups and independent physicians in the San Diego and Inland Empire markets. She has performed turnarounds of surgery centers, a center merger, health system joint ventures and numerous physician syndications.
Teva Elier is the administrator of Hamot (Pa.) Surgery Center (now UPMC Hamot Surgery Center). She joined the center in 2006 and worked as the surgery center's purchasing manager and human resources coordinator for three years. In 2009, she was named administrative director of the surgery center. Prior to joining Hamot Surgery Center, she worked at Vantage Healthcare Network as the director of materials management, a role in which she worked with Premier affiliates to maximize savings, establish regional contracts and solicit potential new affiliates. Ms. Eiler earned a Master's of Science degree in health services administration from Gannon University in 1993 and became a registered laundry and linen director in 2001.
Stephanie Ellis, RN, CPC, is the founder and president of Brentwood, Tenn.-based Ellis Medical Consulting, a firm that focuses on ASC reimbursement issues, coding and business office operations. Prior to founding Ellis Medical Consulting, she worked as an operations manager at the Care Management Network.
Cheryl Ezerskis, MLT, CPA, CASC, is the executive director of West Parkway Ambulatory Surgery Center in Pompton Plains, N.J. Prior to her work at West Parkway ASC, Ms. Ezerskis was a consultant interim administrator for Journal Square Surgical Center in Jersey City, N.J., and a vice president of operations with ASCOA. She earned her bachelor's degree in accounting from Rutgers University in Piscataway Township, N.J.
Amy Fasti is vice president of operations and revenue cycle management at Physicians Endoscopy. She leads the billing team and works with PE-affiliated centers to improve cash collections by implementing changes to the full cycle of scheduling, registration, billing and collections. She came to PE with more than 13 years of healthcare industry experience.
Deanna Fay is administrator of Northwest Endoscopy Center in Bellingham Wash. She has experience serving as a finance director for Northwest Gastroenterology and as a clinic manager at Chestnut Family Practice. The endoscopy center is the sister company of Northwest Gastroenterology. Nine physicians perform procedures at the center.
Bonnie Ferguson, RN, serves as a Group Director of Clinical Services for Surgical Care Affiliates. Ms. Ferguson has 29 years of experience in the healthcare industry, where she has held several leadership roles, including Director of Nursing and Regional Quality Coordinator. She is also an AAAHC surveyor. Ms. Ferguson earned a nursing degree from The University of Kentucky.
Amy Gagliardi is president of Aquarian Healthcare Solutions. She previously served as Regent Surgical Health's vice president of supply chain. In her current role, Ms. Gagliardi focuses on strategic supply chain consulting, interim management and staff training and equipment planning. She has more than 15 years of experience in healthcare. Ms. Gagliardi earned her bachelor's degree in finance from Syracuse (N.Y.) University.
Melodie Garrobo, CASC, is the administrator of Golden Ridge Surgery Center in Golden, Colo. Ms. Garrobo has been with the ASC for more than 15 years. She played a key role in establishing the Colorado Ambulatory Surgery Center Association. She has also served on Colorado Division of Labor and Employment task force.
Ann Geier, MS, RN, CNOR, CASC, is the vice president – clinical informatics – surgery with SourceMedical Solutions. She has been a member of the ASC Quality Collaborations Expert Group since 2006. She has also been appointed to represent the Ambulatory Surgery Center Association Foundation as a liaison with the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care. She previously served as senior vice president of operations at Ambulatory Surgical Centers of America.
Mary Ann Gellenbeck is vice president of implementation services at Physicians Endoscopy. She joined the company in 2011 with more than 30 years of experience in nursing, hospital and healthcare management and consulting services. Prior to joining PE, she served on the senior management teams of a number of organizations, including hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers and other ancillary services. She has been called upon to speak nationally on numerous topics, such as regulatory compliance and supply chain management.
Tamar Glaser, RN, is the president of MMX Healthcare, which includes the solutions AccredAbility and ManageMyASC. Ms. Glaser is also a Medicare surveyor for the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities. Prior to MMX Healthcare, she was the CEO and founder of Accreditation Services.
Marc Goff is COO of U.S. operations for Nueterra. She is responsible for the management and operations of numerous Nueterra facilities across the United States. She has more than 30 years of diverse healthcare experience, which includes acute care surgical operations and the management of ambulatory surgery centers, imaging centers, rehabilitation centers and specialty hospitals. Her experience includes serving as director of surgical services at a large medical center.
Pat Graham, BSN, CGRN, is the nurse manager at Endoscopy Center of Western New York in Williamsville. She is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the freestanding endoscopy center, oversight of regulatory compliance including state, federal and AAAHC guidelines as well as physician credentialing, among other duties. She previously served as a staff nurse at the center. She has also previously served as a staff nurse in the gastroenterology unit at Kaleida Health System in Buffalo, N.Y.
Patricia Graham BSN, RN, CASC, CPHRM, is consulting-president at OWR Global and healthcare consulting-CEO at MedLogics Consulting. She was previously the executive director of Laser Spine Institute in Scottsdale, Ariz. Before joining Laser Spine Institute, Ms. Graham served as a nurse for more than 30 years. She was also a business owner and held management positions in various clinical roles, including surgical and outpatient specialties.
Nicole Gritton, RN, MSN, MBA, LHRM, is vice president of nursing and ASC Operations, Laser Spine Institute. She manages the nursing program and ambulatory surgery center operations organization-wide. Ms. Gritton has taken an active role in streamlining nursing, quality assurance, the risk management process and infrastructure across the organization. Prior to joining Laser Spine Institute, she worked at the Rochester, Minn.-based Mayo Clinic and Scottsdale (Ariz.) Healthcare. She has two Master's degrees — one in nursing and one in business administration with concentrations in healthcare, both from University of Phoenix.
Texas Gustavson serves as a Group Director of Clinical Services for Surgical Care Affiliates. Prior to SCA, Texas was a Regional Assistant Vice Present for UHS, Inc., and was Operations Director for Prexus Health overseeing operations in numerous ASCs and surgical hospitals. She is an active surveyor for AAAHC and Accreditation Association for Hospitals/Health Systems and sits on the accreditation and standards committee for AAHHS.
Debra Hagendorn, RN, CASC, is the administrator of South Shore Ambulatory Surgery Center in Lynbrook, N.Y. She has more than 21 years of experience and began at South Shore ASC in 2003 and became administrator of the facility in 2004. She has successfully achieved AAAHC accreditation four times and consistently prepares her center to meet the CMS conditions for coverage, according to Arnold Hertz, DPM, who performs procedures at the center. She has also successfully dealt with a number of changes in management at the center, while maintaining high standards. The surgery center was established in 2002 and it offers surgical services in a number of specialties, including orthopedics, podiatry, pain management, endoscopy and ophthalmology.
Michaela Halcomb, RN, MSN, MPS, CIC, is a director of operations for Pinnacle III and the administrator of Peak One Surgery Center in Frisco, Colo. She joined Pinnacle III in 2015 and has more than 35 years of experience in healthcare. Prior to joining Pinnacle III, Ms. Halcomb held a variety of leadership positions with St. Anthony Summit Medical Center in Frisco. She holds a BSN from Bloomington-based Indiana University and a MPS from Denver University.
Tara Hamburger is the vice president of finance at Physicians Endoscopy. She previously worked at Deloitte & Touche, international audit firm. She joined PE in 2002 and is responsible for managing the monthly financial statement preparation for all existing and potential centers as well as the corporate consolidation. She also coordinates the yearly external audit and tax preparation and prepares the annual budgets for all entities.
Tracey Harbour, BSN, RN, is the administrator of the Surgery Center of Pinehurst. She has served as a Nueterra administrator for nearly six years. The surgery center is AAAHC accredited and has six operating rooms and two pain procedure rooms.
Judy Harless, MBA, CASC, is the administrator of SMI Surgery Center in San Diego. Ms. Harless is the secretary of the Ambulatory Surgery Center Association and an active member of the California Ambulatory Surgery Center Association. She is also an ASCA member representative on the Joint Commission's professional and technical advisory committee.
Christy Heald is the senior vice president of business development with Surgery Partners. In her role, she is responsible for business operations such as physician recruitment and syndication, de novo development, acquisitions and joint ventures. Ms. Heald has degrees in finance and marketing from Stetson University in DeLand, Fla., and an econometrics degree from Oxford University in the United Kingdom.
Gretchen Heinze Townshend, JD, is a partner with Chicago law firm McGuireWoods. Ms. Heinze Townshend has represented ASCs, medical practices, hospitals and various healthcare providers in sales and acquisitions, joint ventures, general corporate matters, regulatory matters, contracting and more. She earned her law degree from the University of Notre Dame (Ind.) Law School.
Carol Hiatt, BSN, RN, LHRM, CASC, is the owner of Surgery Center Consulting Services in Ocala, Fla., and a consultant on the AAAHC subsidiary Healthcare Consultants International team. Ms. Hiatt specializes in building effective risk management programs for surgical facilities and emphasizes the importance of risk management for surgery centers. She earned her nursing degree from the University of Central Florida in Orlando. She is also an AAAHC surveyor and licensed risk manager in Florida.
Erika Horstmann, RN, MSN, CASC, is a director of operations for Pinnacle III where she has managed several ASC facilities in Wisconsin and Illinois. Her management skills foster efficient, engaged staff and positive surgery center environments. Ms. Horstmann holds an MSN from Loyola University in Chicago.
Angela Humphreys, JD, is a member of Nashville, Tenn.-based firm Bass, Berry & Sims. She has led healthcare transactions valued at more than $14 billion. Ms. Humphreys' practice includes healthcare finance, contracting, regulatory matters, operational matters, mergers, acquisitions and more.
Andrea Hyatt, CASC, is president of the Maryland Ambulatory Surgery Association and has served on the organization's board for more than eight years. She is a member of the board of directors at the Maryland Patient Safety Center in Elkridge. She previously served as administrator of Dulaney Eye Institute in Towson, Md. Ms. Hyatt helped open the ophthalmic ASC in 1995. Ms. Hyatt has lobbied on behalf of MASA and on Capitol Hill for ASCA.
Milla Jones is vice president of communication and government relations for United Surgical Partners International. Ms. Jones is responsible for coordinating and managing state and federal advocacy efforts for the company. She has been an active board member of the Texas ASC Society since 2005.
Sandra Jones, MBA, MS, CASC, FHFMA, is the executive vice president and COO of ASD Management. Prior to assuming her role at ASD Management, Ms. Jones was president of Ambulatory Strategies, and a regional managed care coordinator, risk manager and facility administrator for Premier Ambulatory Systems. She was a CEO and COO at for-profit hospitals and case management director for several hospitals and clinics. She is credentialed in quality improvement, a licensed risk manager and expert in regulatory compliance.
Kylie Kaczor, MSN-RN, CPHRM, is the executive director of Laser Spine Institute St. Louis. She also holds a Master's of science in nursing from Drexel University in Philadelphia. She is a certified professional in health care risk management and is also certified by the American Heart Association in basic cardiac life support and advanced cardiac life support. Ms. Kaczor is a member of Ambulatory Surgery Center Association, American Nurses Association, Association of periOperative Registered Nurses and Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology.
I. Naya Kehayes, MPH, is the founder, managing principal and CEO of Eveia Health Consulting & Management. She is a nationally recognized for her expertise in reimbursement systems, managed care and insurance contract negotiations for ASCs and surgical practices. Ms. Kehayes is a former president of the Washington Ambulatory Surgery Center Association.
Jenifer Kimbrough, CPA, is the Vice President of Compliance and Audit at Surgical Care Affiliates. Prior to SCA, Ms. Kimbrough served as a Senior Vice President of Investor Relations at Regions Financial Corporation and as a Senior Manager of Audit Services at Ernst & Young. She is a former National President of the American Woman's Society of CPAs and a former member of the AICPA's Women’s Initiatives Executive Committee.
Sharon Kimbrough, CPCS, CPMSM, serves as medical staff services and credentialing for Surgical Care Affiliates with over 25 years of experience in credentialing and surgery center leadership. With extensive knowledge in accreditation and regulatory oversight, Sharon is the primary support and resource for the company’s credentialing and medical staff initiatives. Sharon is an active member of the National Medical Staff Services, serving on several certification task force initiatives, and an active member of the Alabama Association Medical Staff Services, where she has served in many positions.
Janie Kinsey, RN, CASC, is the administrator of Saint Luke's Surgicenter-Lee's Summit (Mo.). She previously served as administrator of St. Luke's South Surgery Center in Overland Park, Kan., before which she served as the nurse manger of the Surgery Center of Leadwood (Kan.). Ms. Kinsey is also the president of the Kansas Association of Ambulatory Surgery Centers.
Susan Kizirian, BSN, RN, MBA, is the principal of Kizirian Health Care Consulting. She has more than 30 years of experience in healthcare. She has served as COO of Physician Partners of America and held various leadership positions at Ambulatory Surgical Centers of America. She is one of the founders and lifetime president emeritus of the Florida Society of Ambulatory Surgical Centers and past president of the Ambulatory Surgery Management Society of the Medical Group Management Association.
Kim Koos is the administrator and director of nursing at Island Digestive Health Center in West Islip, N.Y. Before joining the ASC, she served as RN operating room supervisor at NorthShore Surgi Center. The ASC has been a Physicians Endoscopy partner since 2011, and the facility includes five physicians.
Catherine W. Kowalski, RN, is the executive vice president and COO of Meridian Surgical Partners. Ms. Kowalski has more than 25 years of experience in the healthcare industry. She is the former executive vice president of operations and co-founder of Surgical Alliance Corporation. She also co-founded and served as vice president of operations and hospital/ancillary services of OrthoExcel.
Heidi Kruger is an executive director at Laser Spine Institute Scottsdale. She oversees operations at the center with a focus on patient care. She earned her Master of Business Administration from Thunderbird School of Global Management in Glendale, Ariz. Ms. Kruger's experience has helped cultivate her skills and she was named to Becker's ASC Review's list of "30 ASC industry leaders under Age 40" in 2011.
Diane Lampron, BSN, CASC, a director of operations for Pinnacle III since 2008, is the administrator of The Surgery Center at Lutheran in Wheat Ridge, Colo., and assists with operational oversight at Peak One Surgery Center in Frisco, Colo. She has developed new programs at the facilities she has served in and is actively involved in the continued improvement of clinical operations. She has more than 25 years of progressive healthcare experience. Before joining Pinnacle III, Ms. Lampron was the manager of the surgery service line for Centura Health's Porter Adventist Hospital in Denver.
Linda Lansing is the senior vice president of clinical services and training at Surgical Care Affiliates. Prior to SCA, Ms. Lansing served as a Divisional Vice President of Operations at DaVita Inc., a renal dialysis and medical group provider. She is a member of the ASC Quality Collaboration Expert and Leadership Groups. Ms. Lansing earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Villanova University.
Holly LeRoux, MS, RN, is a director of operations for Pinnacle III and the administrator of Boulder (Colo.) Community Musculoskeletal Surgery Center. She has created a culture dedicated to safety and engagement. Prior to joining Pinnacle III, Ms. LeRoux held a variety of leadership and management positions at Kaiser Permanente including direction of clinical services and surgical operations for their Colorado ASCs. She has managed up to 140 employees in both clinical and non-clinical operations.
Stephanie Leventis, RN, serves as senior director of development for SurgCenter Development. She previously served as a regional director of operations for SurgCenter and then became the senior director of operations. She also ran the neurosurgical operating room service at Anne Arundel Medical Center in Annapolis, Md., and was the nurse administrator at Riva Road Surgery Center, also in Annapolis.
Helen Lowenwirth is the administrator of the East Side Endoscopy in New York. She is responsible for the day-today management of the center. She has previously served as practice manager at New York Gastroenterology Associates and administrator at Park Avenue Radiologists. East Side Endoscopy includes more than 8,500 square feet of space, and it is affiliated with Mount Sinai Beth Israel and Physicians Endoscopy. It also includes a 14-bed recovery area and four procedure rooms.
Winborne Macphail is the senior vice president of sales and market development at Surgical Care Affiliates. Prior to SCA, she served as a Division Vice President of Operations for Apria Healthcare, a home healthcare products and services company. She earned a Bachelor of Arts from Meredith College.
Sarah Malaniak, CASC, is the administrator of Ambulatory Center for Endoscopy in North Bergen, N.J., a Physicians Endoscopy-affiliated center. She previously served as the administrator of Teaneck (N.J.) Surgical Center and business manager for Advanced Gastroenterology of Bergen County in Englewood Cliffs, N.J. The center has provided endoscopy services to more than 21,000 patients since opening in 2006. It has received dual three-year accreditation from the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy and the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care.
Sarah Martin, MBA, RN, CASC, is a consultant at Progressive Surgical Solutions, an outpatient surgery center consulting firm. She previously served as senior vice president of quality and compliance with Vivere Health and as the vice president of clinical operations at Symbion. She has more than 30 years of healthcare experience, having focused in the ambulatory surgery center arena for the past decade. She played a key role in restarting the Tennessee Ambulatory Surgery Center Association.
Stephanie Martin, BSN, RN, CNOR, is the administrator of Flagler Surgery Center in St. Augustine, Fla., formerly known as St. Augustine Surgery Center, a position she has held for more than three years. Ms. Martin has helped introduce a total joint replacement program at the center. She expects to earn her MHA from Belhaven University in Jackson, Miss., by 2016.
Amber McGraw Walsh, JD, is a partner of Chicago law firm McGuireWoods. Ms. McGraw Walsh earned her law degree from Washington University in St. Louis. Her practice focuses on healthcare transactions and regulatory matters.
Kelli McMahan, RN, CASC, is a vice president of operations for Pinnacle III. She has served in the healthcare industry as a registered nurse for more than 30 years. During her career, Ms. McMahan developed and managed a large, busy physician-owned ASC in Fort Wayne, Ind. She has successfully completed numerous AAAHC and Medicare surveys and has expertise in budgeting, supply costing, physician relations, financial analysis and equipment procurement. She joined Pinnacle III in 2006.
Lisa Melamed, JD, LHRM, is vice president/corporate compliance officer at Laser Spine Institute. In her current role, she oversees the company's compliance department, a position that encompasses both organizational compliance and regulatory performance. Prior to joining Laser Spine Institute, Ms. Melamed worked as an insurance defense attorney in the senior housing and professional liability arenas. She earned a Master's certificate in Healthcare Corporate Compliance from George Washington University in Washington, D.C.
Mary Merrill, RN, is the nurse manager at Endoscopy Center of Niagara in Niagara Falls, N.Y. She began her current role in January 2014. She was a part of the startup team for the center, which opened in March 2014. Her role has encompassed leading the team at the center from the construction phase to a fully functional AAAHC-accredited facility. Prior to joining Endoscopy Center of Niagara, she worked in the field of urology in the office, hospital and ambulatory surgery setting.
Christine Merryman is the chief development and operations officer with SurgCenter Development. Ms. Merriman has been with SurgCenter Development for more than a decade and in her time with the company, has been directly involved in growing the company's infrastructure and in the development of over 125 physician-owned ASCs. She joined SurgCenter as a consultant in 2003. She earned her degree from the University of Missouri – Columbia.
Lindsay Miller is the executive vice president of operations for National Medical Billing Services. Ms. Miller has made it possible for surgery centers across the nation to increase their profitability since 2003 by identifying various revenue cycle inefficiencies and then developing and implementing tailor-made solutions specific to each client's individual needs. Her broad and in-depth knowledge and experience has entailed successful collaboration with large independent centers — handling in excess of 1900 cases monthly — as well as management companies and joint venture operations, some with more than 65 locations respectively.
Amiee Mingus, RN, is the director of clinical operations at Regent Surgical Health. She oversees Regent's clinical operations on the West Coast. Before joining Regent's staff, she worked as a supervisor at the Regent-managed Surgery Center of Anchorage (Alaska). She has more than 20 years of experience in the healthcare industry, and she began her career in the business office, performing admitting, billing and transcription services. She worked as a hospital nurse and eventually moved into management as a charge nurse.
Carol Mitchell-Springer, MD, is a board-certified OB/GYN physician and a partner of Surgery Center of Anchorage in Alaska. Dr. Mitchell-Springer is in private practice with Alaska Women's Health and currently serves as the practice's president. She focuses on uro-gynecology and gynecology.
Christine Henry Musa, MBA, is the director of business development at Regent Surgical Health. She performs due diligence on Regent's new business opportunities and leads strategic initiatives for Regent centers. Prior to joining Regent, Ms. Musa developed strategic marketing plans and commercialization strategies for products in clinical development as a senior consultant at Navigant. She received an MBA from Harvard Business School in Boston.
Jessica Nantz is the founder, president and CEO of Outpatient Healthcare Strategies. Ms. Nantz has more than 25 years of experience in healthcare and more than 15 years of experience in the outpatient setting. Prior to Outpatient Healthcare Strategies, she founded ASC coding company mdStrategies and ASC Strategies. Ms. Nantz has expertise in ASC and hospital outpatient department operational efficiencies.
Penny Nicarry is the administrator of Endoscopy Center at Robinwood in Hagerstown, Md., which is owned by Partners in Endoscopy and Physicians Endoscopy. She has been administrator since 2002 and helped negotiate the current ownership structure, which has been in place since June 2012.
Miriam Odermann, RN, MPH, is the CEO of ambulatory services at Providence Health & Services, headquartered in Renton, Wash. She is responsible for strategic planning, development and implementation of the health system's ambulatory strategies, including joint ventures with ASCs in the Portland, Ore. area. Ms. Odermann earned her MPH from Portland State University.
Joan F. O'Shea, MD, a board-certified neurosurgeon, is the founder of the Spine Institute of Southern New Jersey in Marlton. In addition to her work the ASC, Dr. O'Shea teaches spine surgery to other neurosurgeons. Dr. O'Shea completed a fellowship in orthopedic spine surgery at the Hospital for Joint Disease and The Spine Institute of New York at Beth Israel Medical Center, both in New York.
Toni R. Patterson, DO, is an anesthesiologist and medical director of Mid-Rivers Surgery Center in Saint Peters, Mo. Dr. Patterson is also a physician with Physician Anesthesia Services, based in Ballwin, Mo. She served as the American Osteopathic College of Anesthesiologists 2012 to 2013 president.
Glenna Pendelton is Nueterra's senior vice president of business development. Ms. Pendelton Glenna cultivates Nueterra's existing business relationships while creating new connections and opportunities with potential healthcare partners. She assists in the development of new healthcare facilities and patient services, including de novo projects, turnarounds and acquisitions. Prior to joining Nueterra, she worked as vice president, strategic and business planning, with Texas Health Resources.
Michelle Punshon, MBA, is the administrator of Coastal Orthopedics' ASC in Bradenton, Fla. Ms. Punshon has been with Coastal Orthopedics for more than two years. Previously, she was the administrator of Southeastern Surgery Center in Tallahassee, Fla. Ms. Punshon earned her MBA from the University of Florida – Warrington College of Business in Gainesville.
Lindsay Rinnan is the director of development and physician recruitment at Regent Surgical Health. She is responsible for attracting new physician talent to Regent, educating current utilizers and their schedulers about center capabilities and recruiting new utilizers and investors to the centers. With more than a decade of healthcare experience, Ms. Rinnan joined Regent from Blue Chip Surgical Partners. At East Lansing-based Michigan State University graduate, she also previously worked in pharmaceutical and medical device sales.
Anne Roberts, RN, BSN, is the vice president of operations for Regent Surgical Health. She has 38 years of clinical and administrative experience in the healthcare industry, and before joining Regent, she served as a center director at Reno, Nev.-based Digestive Health Associates, emergency department manager at Saint Mary's Regional Medical Center in Reno, Nev., and as administrator of Surgery Center of Reno (Nev.). In her position as VP of operations at Regent, Ms. Roberts is responsible for daily operations in addition to clinical survey readiness. She received her RN and BSN degrees from the University of Nevada and holds ACLS, PALS and BLS certifications.
Lisa Rock has served as president of National Medical Billing Services, one of the largest ASC billing companies in the country, since 2003. She is a seasoned healthcare management veteran with more than 25 years experience in the industry. Her wide ranging background consists of director of training and education for the largest regional payer in the Mid-Atlantic area for seven years, and vice president of business office operations for an ASC development and management company for two years. She has also managed private practices in the specialties of orthopedics, retina surgery, cardiology and anesthesia.
Rachel Rosenblum, MHA, is the vice president of ambulatory operations and program development at New England Baptist Hospital in Boston. In this capacity, she has principal organizational responsibility for the development and implementation of ambulatory programs and services across the Baptist Network. She is an active member of the American College of Healthcare Executives and, in 2012, received the Regent's Award for Early Career Healthcare Executive of the Year. She received her master of healthcare administration degree from The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Karen Sablyak is CFO of Physicians Endoscopy. She joined the organization in 1999 and has 35 years of healthcare experience. She previously served as the vice president of practice management for Pittsburgh-based Allegheny University Hospitals. In her current role, Ms. Sablyak oversees services that PE provides to its affiliated centers including billing, finance, human resources and payer contracting. She and her team also provide support to development/sales in evaluating de novo and acquisition opportunities.
Vicki Sanders is the senior vice president of business operations at Nueterra. She ensures that all business office operations are being conducted accurately and in a timely manner for proper generation of management reports and cash flow. She also assists in the training new business office staff on policies, procedures and information systems. She has 23 years of healthcare operations experience and before joining Nueterra, Ms. Sanders spent 10 years as the regional director of reimbursement for Home Medical of America.
Ann Sariego is vice president of operations at Physicians Endoscopy. She joined PE in 2011, before which she had served as a regional vice president for numerous multispecialty ASCs. She has also previously served as the administrator at Somerset ASC in Sommerville, N.J. In her current role, she is responsible for the partnership relations and oversight in the New York and New Jersey centers. She is also a current member of the ASCAPAC Committee.
Marcy Sasso, CASC, is the founder of Sasso Consulting and the co-founder of the Surgery Center Coalition, a nonprofit, educational resource group for administrators, nurse managers, physicians and ASC personnel, which includes more than 1,500 members. She has more than 26 years of healthcare administration and management experience in leadership positions including operations, compliance and marketing and for multispecialty surgery centers and hospitals. Ms. Sasso assists ASCs with achieving licensure and AAAHC accreditation.
Catherine Sayers BSN, MSHA, a director of operations for Pinnacle III, has developed or managed 13 single and multispecialty ASCs throughout the country. She currently serves as the administrator for Skyline Endoscopy Center, a single-specialty GI/endoscopy center located in Loveland, Colo. Prior to working for Pinnacle III, Ms. Sayers was director of surgical services at the Orthopaedic Center of the Rockies in Fort Collins, Colo., where she managed the ASC and a 10-bed recovery center.
Vicki V. Schultz, RN, CASC, is president of the Texas Health Women's Specialty Surgery Center in Dallas. Ms. Schultz has held this position for nearly six years. Previously, she served as a regional director for HealthSouth.
Phenelle Segal, RN, CIC, is the founder, owner and president of Infection Control Consulting Services. She earned her nursing degree from the B.G. Alexander School of Nursing and has more than 30 years of experience in the infection prevention and control industry. Prior to starting Infection Control Consulting Services, she served as an infection control manager at Bryn Mawr Rehab Hospital in Malvern, Pa., and as the director of infection control at Robert F. Kennedy Medical Center Los Angeles for 14 years.
Erica Sheldon is an executive director at Laser Spine Institute Cleveland. In her current role, Ms. Sheldon oversees the surgery center to ensure that each patient is treated with compassionate care. Prior to joining Laser Spine Institute, Erica worked as a school counselor. Erica holds a Master's degree in school counseling from Syracuse (N.Y.) University. She has also completed the Ambulatory Administrator Boot Camp hosted by the Association of periOperative Registered Nurses.
Lisa Sinsel serves as director of clinical services for Surgical Care Affiliates. Prior to joining SCA, Ms. Sinsel served as the Director of Nursing at the Fort Worth Endoscopy Center and the Regional Quality Coordinator for nine SCA outpatient surgery centers. In March 2014, Lisa co-authored the AORN article "Ensuring Patient Safety and Optimizing Efficiency During Gastrointestinal Endoscopy." Committed to the education of others as well as personal development, she is currently pursuing a Master's Degree in Nursing Informatics.
Donna Slosburg, RN, BSN, LHRM, CASC, is the executive director of the ASC Quality Collaboration. Ms. Slosburg has been active in the ASC industry since 1987. Ms. Slosburg served as on the Florida Society of Ambulatory Surgery Centers board of directors and was one of the first to receive the CASC credential. She is also a licensed healthcare risk manager.
Natalie Soule, RN, MBA, CNOR, CASC, is the administrator and risk manager of Premier Orthopedic Surgery Center in Nashville, Tenn. Ms. Soule has more than 32 years of experience in healthcare. She helped lead managed care contract negotiation, product standardization and cost savings initiatives at the ASC. Ms. Soule is an active member of AORN, ASCA and the Tennessee Ambulatory Surgery Center Association.
Teresa Sparks is the senior vice president and CFO of Surgery Partners, previously owned by Symbion, roles that she has held since 2007. Previously, Ms. Sparks was the company's corporate controller. Before joining Symbion, Ms. Sparks was an assistant controller for managed care organization HealthWise of America.
Cassandra Speier is the senior vice president of operations at Nueterra, which she joined after nearly a decade holding vice president and senior vice president roles with NovaMed and Symbion Healthcare. She provides executive oversight, leadership and strategic direction to 27 single and multispecialty ASCs within the company's network. She also closely monitors the financial performance of each facility, working with executive management teams to achieve financial forecasts and earnings targets, and helps develop policies and articulate plans for both long and short term goals.
Michelle Steele BSN, RN, CGRN, is the nurse administrator at Eastside Endoscopy Center in Bellevue, Wash. She previously served as staff RN at Overlake Internal Medicine Associates and Overlake Hospital in Bellevue. She is certified by the American Board of Certification for Gastroenterology Nurses. The surgery center is accredited by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care and affiliated with Physicians Endoscopy.
Carol Stopa is the vice president of new business development at Physicians Endoscopy. She has been with the company since 2000, and before then she worked in clinical and administrative healthcare, including mental health centers. In her current role, she is responsible for developing new market initiatives, as well as identifying and generating business opportunities within the physician community. She is also the editor/publisher of EndoEconomics, the company's quarterly economic journal.
Maggie Summerfelt, MBA, is the administrator of Advanced Surgery Center in Omaha. She was hired in 2005 to help manage the construction of the ASC, hire staff and obtain licensure and certification. The center opened in 2006.
Sue Sumpter is the administrator and executive director of Creekside Surgery Center in Anchorage, Alaska, a position she has held for more than three years. Previously, Ms. Sumpter was the administrator of Loveland (Colo.) Surgery Center. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley.
Preeti Syal, MBA, is a senior financial analyst for Regent Surgical Health. She provides financial analysis and accounting support for Regent-owned/managed ASCs, as well as for new development projects. Prior to joining Regent, Ms. Syal was an analyst with Accretive Health. She holds an MBA from Loyola University Chicago.
Melissa Szabad, JD, is a partner with Chicago law firm McGuireWoods. Ms. Szabad's practice focuses on healthcare corporate and regulatory matters. She advises various healthcare providers including ASCs, ASC chains and hospitals. She earned her law degree from DePaul University College of Law in Chicago.
Benita Tapia is the administrator of 90210 Surgery Medical Center and Precision Ambulatory Surgery Center located in Beverly Hills, Calif. Ms. Tapia leads a team of surgeons and staff with state-of-the-art facilities which provide the highest level of patient care for ophthalmology, orthopedics, pain management and spine procedures.
Stephanie Tarry joined Nueterra in 2000 as the company's senior vice president of business development. Ms. Tarry is a licensed securities representative and has an extensive background in finance. In her role with Nueterra, she has successfully recruited many physician partners and syndicated numerous ASCs and real estate private placement offerings. Previously, Ms. Tarry was the director of treasury for a large Midwestern health system.
Joyce (Deno) Thomas, RN, serves as corporate clinical director at Regent Surgical Health. She oversees quality improvement for the organization and works with Regent centers to resolve daily issues. She has more than 35 years of experience in the healthcare industry and has previously served as the executive director of Loveland (Colo.) Surgery Center. She has also worked for Joliet, Ill.-based HealthSouth Corporation as a regional director of quality improvement and as an administrator. Ms. Thomas is a registered nurse.
Jill Thrasher, CASC, is the administrator of Precision Surgery Center of Dallas, an ASCOA facility. Ms. Thrasher has held various leadership positions including business office manager with HCA and office manager of Orthopedic Associates of Dallas. She earned her BS in healthcare administration at Texas State University-San Marcos.
Kay Tucker is the director communications for the Ambulatory Surgery Center Association, a position she has held for nearly eight years. ASCA's mission is to represent ambulatory surgery centers and provide resources that assist ASCs in delivering high quality, cost effective care.
Kerri Ubaldi, RN, MBA, CPHRM, is the vice president of operations with Merritt Healthcare. Ms. Ubaldi has more than 22 years of experience as a registered nurse, as well as experience in risk management and regulatory affairs. She earned her BSN from the State University of New York at Plattsburgh and her MBA from Fairfield (Conn.) University.
LoAnn Vande Leest, RN, MBA-H, CNOR, CASC, CHSP, is the administrator and CEO of Northwest Michigan Surgery Center in Traverse City. Ms. Vande Leest held leadership roles in Wisconsin surgery centers for 13 years prior to joining Northwest Michigan Surgery Center. In 2014, she led the surgery center's $1.6 million expansion. She also serves as an AAAHC surveyor and is a 2nd Vice President of Michigan Ambulatory Surgery Association.
Kara Vittetoe, CASC, is the COO of Parkway Neuroscience and Spine Institute in Hagerstown, Md. Previously, she served as the administrator of Thomas Johnson Surgery Center in Fredrick, Md. Ms. Vittetoe also has experience in the private sector of healthcare management.
Leslie Wachsman serves as the Vice President of Finance for Surgical Care Affiliates. Prior to SCA, Leslie served as Vice President of Finance at CVS Caremark. Leslie earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Kansas and a Master of Business Administration from Lake Forest College.
Tamara Wagner is vice president of performance review at National Medical Billing Services. She joined National Medical Billing Services in 2004. In this position, Ms. Wagner is responsible for overseeing the largest coding audit team in the country. She also developed a training program for new coders and ensures that she and her team focus on getting extensive continuing education in ASC coding. She began her career at SmithKline Clinical Laboratories as a medical technologist.
Dorcie Wawrzynski is the co-founder of the Surgery Center Coalition, a New Jersey ASC group. She and partner Marcy Sasso serve as co-chairs of the organization, which holds an annual meeting that hosts more than 650 members. Ms. Wawrzynski has also worked as the administrator and director of nursing at May Street Surgi Center in Edison, N.J., since 2002. She is a graduate of the Charles E. Gregory School of Nursing in Old Bridge, N.J. Ms. Wawrzynski earned her BSN from Cambridge University.
Suzanne Webb is the ASC billing division vice president of operations at MediGain. Ms. Webb was the co-founder and COO of ASC Billing Specialists, which was acquired by MediGain. She has more than 25 years of experience in financial and operational processes.
Kathleen Whitlow, BS, RNC, CASC, is the COO of Blue Chip Surgery Centers. Ms. Whitlow joined the company as a partner in 2008. She has more than 25 years of experience in healthcare. She has served as an ASC administrator, a consultant, and director of surgical services for a large national hospital system. In that position, Ms. Whitlow developed and directed outpatient and ambulatory surgery programs.
Kimberly Wood, MD, is co-chair of the ASC Quality Collaboration. She is also the founder of kmdWOOD, which provides consulting services to the ASC industry. She has participated in several collaborative and cooperative initiatives, including the ASC Advocacy Committee and the ASC Coalition.
Andrea Woodell is Regent Surgical Health's director of managed care. She negotiates payer contracts on behalf of the company's centers. She has negotiated on behalf of healthcare providers and professionals for more than 20 years, working with business offices to enhance collections. Before joining Regent, Andrea served as a consultant negotiating on behalf of surgical hospitals, surgery centers, physician professional agreements and imaging centers. She has also served as vice president of managed care at Surgical Care Affiliates and HealthSouth.
Kim Woodruff is the vice president of corporate finance and compliance for Pinnacle III. She joined the organization in 2003 and one year later, she launched the company's centralized billing office, Specialty Billing Solutions, to fill an identified need for single and multispecialty ASCs. She assumed her current position in 2008. Ms. Woodruff is an active member of the Healthcare Billing Management Association and the Health Care Compliance Association.
Monica Ziegler, MSN, CASC, is the vice president, hospital operations at Coordinated Health in Allentown, Pa. She is responsible for the overall administration, planning, development and operations of hospitals, skilled nursing facilities and ambulatory surgery centers. She most recently served as administrator of Physicians Surgical Center in Lebanon, Pa., and Center for Specialized Surgery in Bethlehem, Pa. She gained the responsibility of The Center for Specialized Surgery in 2011.
Becky Ziegler-Otis, RHIA, CPHQ, CHC, CASC, is the administrator of the Ambulatory Surgical Center of Stevens Point (Wis.). Prior to her current role, Ms. Ziegler-Otis was the policy manager of Klasinski Clinic and administrative director of process effectiveness and compliance officer at Bay Area Medical Center. She earned her BA from the College of St. Scholastica in Duluth, Minn.