From the C-suite and board room to the operating room, here are 113 women who hold leadership positions in the ambulatory surgery center industry.
If you have any questions regarding this list, please contact Carrie Pallardy at cpallardy@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.
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 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. Ms. Austin has been an active member of the Colorado Ambulatory Surgery Center Association since its inception and now serves as the organization's president. She also holds a position on the MedAssets Surgery Center advisory board. Ms. Austin has been a registered nurse for more than 29 years.
Nora Bass, MBA, 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 with Regent Surgical Health. Ms. Bernicky has more than 35 years of clinical experience. She has held several leadership roles including chief nursing officer of the Surgical Hospital of Munster (Ind.) and emergency department manager at Community Hospital in Munster, Ind. She completed her bachelor's degree in nursing at Purdue University in Lafayette, Ind., and received her BSN from the College of St. Francis.
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 the administrator of Longmont (Colo.) Surgery Center, a position she has held for two years. Previously, 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, serves as President and COO over all of Laser Spine Institute's nationwide ambulatory surgery centers. In her role, she has established processes and procedures that have improved the efficiency of patient care. Most recently, Ms. Bollinger has been instrumental in leading Laser Spine Institute's expansion efforts as the organization plans to open three new centers across the Midwest in the coming months.
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 the administrator and clinical director of Physicians Outpatient Surgery Center in Belpre, Ohio. Before assuming her current position, Ms. Campbell was the ASC business manager at Holzer Clinic in Gallipolis, Ohio. 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.
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.
Carol Ciluffo is a vice president of revenue cycle management for Pinnacle III's billing company, Specialty Billing Solutions. Ms. Ciluffo has been with the company since 2008. Previously, she served as the regional business office operations coordinator for a national rehabilitation corporation, COO of a spine and rehabilitation practice and practice manger for a number of pain management practices.
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.
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.
Mary Dailey is Nueterra's senior vice president of clinical operations. Ms. Dailey leads a team of clinicians who provide direction and oversight for all clinical operations at all center in the company's network. Ms. Dailey directs and oversees 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 plus compliance with regulatory guidelines and accrediting agencies.
Carla (Daley) Shehata, RN, BSN, is Regent Surgical Health's vice president of operations. She oversees daily operations and clinical survey readiness. Ms. Shehata 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 has played a significant role in bringing the company's directors of nursing to higher levels of leadership and keeping facilities survey-ready.
Brooke Day is 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. In this role, Ms. Day provides instruction on a wide variety of topics for the company's ASCs. Previously, she served as a Pinnacle III director of operations. Ms. Day is an active member of the Colorado Ambulatory Surgery Center Association, ASCA and AORN.
Linda Deeming, RN, BSN, MBA/HCM, CNOR, CASC, is a director of operations for Pinnacle III and administrator of Foothills Surgery Center in Boulder, Colo. Ms. Deeming previously served as the administrator of Longmont Surgery Center and as associate vice president of consulting for Health Inventures. She earned her BSN from Regis University and her MBA/HCM from the University of Phoenix.
Joyce (Deno) Thomas, RN, is senior vice president of operations with Regent Surgical Health. In this role, Ms. Thomas oversees quality improvement for the entire company, works with Regent centers to resolve daily issues and serves as the company's corporate clinical director. Prior to joining Regent, Ms. Thomas as the executive director of Loveland (Colo.) Surgery Center.
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.
Jessica Edmiston leads an outstanding coding team at National Medical Billing Services, one of the largest ASC revenue cycle management companies in the country. 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.
Viva Elia serves as a Vice President of Operations in the Southern California area for Surgical Care Affiliates. Ms. Elia has 11 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 joined Hamot Surgery Center (now UPMC Hamot Surgery 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.
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 Gagliardi is Regent Surgical Health's vice president of supply chain. Ms. Gagliardi is responsible for all aspects of supply chain management, inventory, purchasing and system integration for all of the company's ASCs and hospitals. 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 become been appointed to represent the Ambulatory Surgery Center Association Foundation as a liaison with the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care.
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 the COO of U.S. operations for Nueterra. Ms. Goff is responsible for the management and operations of numerous Nueterra facilities across the country. She has more than 30 years of healthcare experience in fields including acute care surgical operations and the management of ambulatory surgery centers, imaging centers, rehabilitation centers and specialty hospitals.
Patricia Graham BSN, RN, CASC, CPHRM, is 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. She has played a crucial role in the development and advancement of policies and procedures within the Provider Relations Department since joining Laser Spine Institute.
Nicole Gritton, RN, BSN, Laser Spine Institute's Vice President of Nursing and Ambulatory Surgery Center Operations, managing the nursing program and ASC operations for the organization's existing four nationwide facilities – a number that will increase to seven in the coming months. Ms. Gritton worked at the Mayo Clinic and Scottsdale Healthcare prior to joining Laser Spine Institute. She completed a dual master's degree in nursing and business from the University of Phoenix in early 2013.
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.
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.
Christine Henry Musa, MBA, is the director of business development with Regent Surgical Health. In this position, Ms. Musa performs due diligence on the company's new business opportunities and leads strategic initiatives for Regent's centers. Prior to joining Regent, she was a senior consultant with Navigant and served as a brand manager for Novartis Pharmaceuticals. She completed her bachelor's degree in chemistry at Princeton (N.J.) University and received her MBA from Harvard Business School in Boston.
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 is a director of operations for Pinnacle III and the administrator of Orland Park (Ill.) Surgery Center. Her management skills have created an efficient, engaged staff and a positive surgery center environment. Ms. Horstmann holds an MSN from Loyola University.
Kim Howse, RN, CASC, CNOR, CPHRM, BSBM, is the Executive Director of Laser Spine Institute's surgery center in Tampa, Florida. The Tampa location serves as Laser Spine Institute headquarters and is the largest facility of the company's ASCs nationwide. She brings more than 25 years of healthcare experience to Laser Spine Institute, including ASC management. Prior to joining Laser Spine Institute, Ms. Howse worked at Melbourne Surgery Center, HMI Surgical Center and Mann Eye.
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 also 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 one of Laser Spine Institute's newest locations in St. Louis, slated to open later this year. In her role, she will be responsible for the facility's staff and oversight of patient care. Ms. Kaczor joined the Laser Spine Institute team as a Registered Nurse and was soon promoted to Associate Executive Director, before being appointed Executive Director.
I. Naya Kehayes, MPH, is the founder, managing member 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.
Janie Kinsey, RN, CASC, is the administrator of St. Luke's South Surgery Center in Overland Park, Kan. Previously, 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.
Catherine W. Kowalski, RN, is the executive vice president and chief operating officer 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.
Diane Lampron, BSN, CASC, is a director of operations for Pinnacle III, as well as administrator of The Surgery Center at Lutheran in Wheat Ridge Colo., and Peak One Surgery Center in Frisco, Colo. She has developed new programs at each of her facilities and is actively involved in the continued improvement of clinical operations. Prior to joining Pinnacle III, Ms. Lampron was the manager of the surgery service line for Centura Health's Porter Hospital.
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 is a director of operations for Pinnacle III and administrator of Boulder (Colo.) Community Musculoskeletal Surgery Center. Prior to joining Pinnacle III, Ms. LeRoux held a variety of leadership and management positions at Kaiser Permanente including directing clinical services and surgical operations for their ASCs in Colorado. She has managed up to 140 employees in both clinical and non-clinical operations.
Shelley Longgood, RN, CASC, is a director of operations for Pinnacle III, as well as administrator of Northwoods Surgery Center in Woodruff, Wis., and Pine Ridge Surgery Center in Wausau, Wis. Ms. Longgood has more than 20 years of experience in healthcare. Prior to joining Pinnacle III, Ms. Longgood was the director at Rocky Mountain Surgical Center in Bozeman, Mont.
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 Martin, MBA, RN, CASC, is senior vice president of quality and compliance with Vivere Health. Previously, Ms. Martin was previously 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 St. Augustine (Fla.) Surgery Center, a position she has held for more than three years. This year, Ms. Martin 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.
Christine Merryman is the chief development and operations officer with SurgCenter Development, which has signed more than 145 ASC projects over the course of its history. Ms. Merriman has been with SurgCenter Development for more than a decade. She earned her degree from the University of Missouri – Columbia.
Lindsay Miller is the Executive Vice President of Operations for National Medical Billing Services, one of the largest ASC revenue cycle management companies in the country. She provides detailed financial analysis and reporting for clients while simultaneously ensuring that their outstanding teams perform National Medical's mission in optimum fashion to maximize output while achieving quality results.
Aimee Mingus, RN, is Regent Surgical Health's director of clinical operations on the west coast. Ms. Mingus has more than 20 years of experience in healthcare. Prior to her current role, she served as a supervisor of Regent's Surgery Center of Anchorage. Ms. Mingus earned her nursing degree from the University of Alaska.
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.
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.
Miriam Odermann, RN, MPH, is the CEO of ambulatory services – Oregon region 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 director of development and physician recruitment with Regent Surgical Health. Ms. Rinnan is responsible for attracting new physician recruits and new investment. Ms. Rinnan has more than a decade of experience in healthcare. Previously, she worked at Blue Chip Surgical Partners and in pharmaceutical and medical device sales.
Lisa Rock has served as President of National Medical Billing Services, one of the largest ASC revenue cycle management companies in the country for the last 10 years. She is a seasoned healthcare management veteran with over 25 years experience in the industry. Her wide-ranging background consists of positions such as 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.
Karen Sablyak, CPA, is the CFO of Physicians Endoscopy. Ms. Sablyak joined the company in 1999. She oversees billing, finance, human resources and payer contracting at the company's centers. She also provides the company with strategic financial vision. Prior to her work with PE, Ms. Sablyak was a vice president of practice management for Allegheny (Pa.) University Hospitals.
Vicki Sanders is the senior vice president of business office services at Nueterra. Ms. Sanders is responsible for ensuring that all business office operations are functioning accurately and timely for proper generation of management reports and cash flow. She assists in the training of new business office staff on policies, procedures and information systems. Previously, Ms. Sanders was the regional director of reimbursement for Home Medical of America.
Marcy Sasso, CASC, is the co-chair and founder of the Surgery Center Coalition, a New Jersey ASC group, and director ASC consulting company Sasso Consulting. Previously, Ms. Sasso served as the administrator of Raritan Valley Surgery Center in Somerset, N.J., and the director of operations of Ambulatory Surgery Center of Union County in Union, N.J. Ms. Sasso and Surgery Center Coalition co-director Dorcie Wawrzynski put together an annual conference for the New Jersey group, which hosts more than 650 members.
Catherine Sayers is a director of operations for Pinnacle III. She developed or managed 13 single- and multispecialty ASCs throughout the country. She also serves as the administrator of Skyline Endoscopy Center in Loveland, Colo. Prior to joining 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.
Lisa Sinsel serves as a Group 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 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 with Nueterra. After nearly a decade of executive leadership at NovaMed and Symbion, Ms. Speier joined Nueterra. She provides executive oversight and strategic direction for 27 single- and multispecialty facilities in Nueterra's network. She also closely monitors each facility's financial performance and works with management teams to build financial strategies.
Lynne Stoldt is the administrative director of Melbourne (Fla.) Same Day Surgery and Melbourne GI Center. Ms. Stoldt presented at the 2012 Orthopedic, Spine & Pain Management-Driven ASC Conference about her experience with implantable device benefit management in surgery centers.
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 Surgery Center. She earned her BS from the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley.
Preeti Syal, MBA, is a senior financial analyst with Regent Surgical Health. Ms. Syal provides financial analysis and accounting support of the company's facilities. Before joining Regent, she was an analyst with Accretive Health. Ms. Syal has bachelor's and master's degrees in chemistry and earned an MBA from Loyola University in 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 for 90210 Surgery Medical Center and Precision Ambulatory Surgery Center located in Beverly Hills, Calif. Ms. Tapia leads a team of prestigious surgeons and staff with state of the art facilities which provide the highest level of patient care for ophthalmology, orthopedic, 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.
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 executive 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, 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.
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 considered one of the strongest coders in the ASC industry. She joined National Medical Billing Services, one of the largest ASC revenue cycle management companies in the country, in 2004, and today serves as Vice President of Coding. In this position, Ms. Wagner is responsible for overseeing the largest coding staff in the country as well as a client with 65 locations. She also developed a training program for new coders.
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 facilities. Ms. Woodell has more than 20 years of experience in negotiating on the behalf of healthcare providers. She has served as a consultant for surgical hospitals, surgery centers, physician professional agreements and imaging centers. She earned her BA at St. Lawrence University in Canton, N.Y.
Kim Woodruff is the vice president of corporate finance and compliance for Pinnacle III. Ms. Woodruff joined Pinnacle III in 2003 and launched the company's centralized billing office a year later. She assumed her current position in 2008. She is an active member of the Healthcare Billing Management Association and Health Care Compliance Association.
Monica Ziegler, MSN, CASC, is the administrator of Physicians Surgical Center in Lebanon, Pa., and Center for Specialized Surgery in Bethlehem, Pa. She gained the responsibility of an additional center, The Center for Specialized Surgery in Bethlehem, Pa., in 2011. Ms. Zeigler also serves as the president of the Pennsylvania Ambulatory Surgery Association.
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.
More Articles on ASC Industry Leaders:
100 ASC industry physician leaders to know
108 ASC administrators to know
10 ASC company leaders to know
If you have any questions regarding this list, please contact Carrie Pallardy at cpallardy@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.
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 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. Ms. Austin has been an active member of the Colorado Ambulatory Surgery Center Association since its inception and now serves as the organization's president. She also holds a position on the MedAssets Surgery Center advisory board. Ms. Austin has been a registered nurse for more than 29 years.
Nora Bass, MBA, 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 with Regent Surgical Health. Ms. Bernicky has more than 35 years of clinical experience. She has held several leadership roles including chief nursing officer of the Surgical Hospital of Munster (Ind.) and emergency department manager at Community Hospital in Munster, Ind. She completed her bachelor's degree in nursing at Purdue University in Lafayette, Ind., and received her BSN from the College of St. Francis.
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 the administrator of Longmont (Colo.) Surgery Center, a position she has held for two years. Previously, 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, serves as President and COO over all of Laser Spine Institute's nationwide ambulatory surgery centers. In her role, she has established processes and procedures that have improved the efficiency of patient care. Most recently, Ms. Bollinger has been instrumental in leading Laser Spine Institute's expansion efforts as the organization plans to open three new centers across the Midwest in the coming months.
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 the administrator and clinical director of Physicians Outpatient Surgery Center in Belpre, Ohio. Before assuming her current position, Ms. Campbell was the ASC business manager at Holzer Clinic in Gallipolis, Ohio. 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.
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.
Carol Ciluffo is a vice president of revenue cycle management for Pinnacle III's billing company, Specialty Billing Solutions. Ms. Ciluffo has been with the company since 2008. Previously, she served as the regional business office operations coordinator for a national rehabilitation corporation, COO of a spine and rehabilitation practice and practice manger for a number of pain management practices.
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.
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.
Mary Dailey is Nueterra's senior vice president of clinical operations. Ms. Dailey leads a team of clinicians who provide direction and oversight for all clinical operations at all center in the company's network. Ms. Dailey directs and oversees 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 plus compliance with regulatory guidelines and accrediting agencies.
Carla (Daley) Shehata, RN, BSN, is Regent Surgical Health's vice president of operations. She oversees daily operations and clinical survey readiness. Ms. Shehata 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 has played a significant role in bringing the company's directors of nursing to higher levels of leadership and keeping facilities survey-ready.
Brooke Day is 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. In this role, Ms. Day provides instruction on a wide variety of topics for the company's ASCs. Previously, she served as a Pinnacle III director of operations. Ms. Day is an active member of the Colorado Ambulatory Surgery Center Association, ASCA and AORN.
Linda Deeming, RN, BSN, MBA/HCM, CNOR, CASC, is a director of operations for Pinnacle III and administrator of Foothills Surgery Center in Boulder, Colo. Ms. Deeming previously served as the administrator of Longmont Surgery Center and as associate vice president of consulting for Health Inventures. She earned her BSN from Regis University and her MBA/HCM from the University of Phoenix.
Joyce (Deno) Thomas, RN, is senior vice president of operations with Regent Surgical Health. In this role, Ms. Thomas oversees quality improvement for the entire company, works with Regent centers to resolve daily issues and serves as the company's corporate clinical director. Prior to joining Regent, Ms. Thomas as the executive director of Loveland (Colo.) Surgery Center.
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.
Jessica Edmiston leads an outstanding coding team at National Medical Billing Services, one of the largest ASC revenue cycle management companies in the country. 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.
Viva Elia serves as a Vice President of Operations in the Southern California area for Surgical Care Affiliates. Ms. Elia has 11 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 joined Hamot Surgery Center (now UPMC Hamot Surgery 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.
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 Gagliardi is Regent Surgical Health's vice president of supply chain. Ms. Gagliardi is responsible for all aspects of supply chain management, inventory, purchasing and system integration for all of the company's ASCs and hospitals. 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 become been appointed to represent the Ambulatory Surgery Center Association Foundation as a liaison with the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care.
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 the COO of U.S. operations for Nueterra. Ms. Goff is responsible for the management and operations of numerous Nueterra facilities across the country. She has more than 30 years of healthcare experience in fields including acute care surgical operations and the management of ambulatory surgery centers, imaging centers, rehabilitation centers and specialty hospitals.
Patricia Graham BSN, RN, CASC, CPHRM, is 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. She has played a crucial role in the development and advancement of policies and procedures within the Provider Relations Department since joining Laser Spine Institute.
Nicole Gritton, RN, BSN, Laser Spine Institute's Vice President of Nursing and Ambulatory Surgery Center Operations, managing the nursing program and ASC operations for the organization's existing four nationwide facilities – a number that will increase to seven in the coming months. Ms. Gritton worked at the Mayo Clinic and Scottsdale Healthcare prior to joining Laser Spine Institute. She completed a dual master's degree in nursing and business from the University of Phoenix in early 2013.
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.
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.
Christine Henry Musa, MBA, is the director of business development with Regent Surgical Health. In this position, Ms. Musa performs due diligence on the company's new business opportunities and leads strategic initiatives for Regent's centers. Prior to joining Regent, she was a senior consultant with Navigant and served as a brand manager for Novartis Pharmaceuticals. She completed her bachelor's degree in chemistry at Princeton (N.J.) University and received her MBA from Harvard Business School in Boston.
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 is a director of operations for Pinnacle III and the administrator of Orland Park (Ill.) Surgery Center. Her management skills have created an efficient, engaged staff and a positive surgery center environment. Ms. Horstmann holds an MSN from Loyola University.
Kim Howse, RN, CASC, CNOR, CPHRM, BSBM, is the Executive Director of Laser Spine Institute's surgery center in Tampa, Florida. The Tampa location serves as Laser Spine Institute headquarters and is the largest facility of the company's ASCs nationwide. She brings more than 25 years of healthcare experience to Laser Spine Institute, including ASC management. Prior to joining Laser Spine Institute, Ms. Howse worked at Melbourne Surgery Center, HMI Surgical Center and Mann Eye.
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 also 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 one of Laser Spine Institute's newest locations in St. Louis, slated to open later this year. In her role, she will be responsible for the facility's staff and oversight of patient care. Ms. Kaczor joined the Laser Spine Institute team as a Registered Nurse and was soon promoted to Associate Executive Director, before being appointed Executive Director.
I. Naya Kehayes, MPH, is the founder, managing member 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.
Janie Kinsey, RN, CASC, is the administrator of St. Luke's South Surgery Center in Overland Park, Kan. Previously, 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.
Catherine W. Kowalski, RN, is the executive vice president and chief operating officer 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.
Diane Lampron, BSN, CASC, is a director of operations for Pinnacle III, as well as administrator of The Surgery Center at Lutheran in Wheat Ridge Colo., and Peak One Surgery Center in Frisco, Colo. She has developed new programs at each of her facilities and is actively involved in the continued improvement of clinical operations. Prior to joining Pinnacle III, Ms. Lampron was the manager of the surgery service line for Centura Health's Porter Hospital.
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 is a director of operations for Pinnacle III and administrator of Boulder (Colo.) Community Musculoskeletal Surgery Center. Prior to joining Pinnacle III, Ms. LeRoux held a variety of leadership and management positions at Kaiser Permanente including directing clinical services and surgical operations for their ASCs in Colorado. She has managed up to 140 employees in both clinical and non-clinical operations.
Shelley Longgood, RN, CASC, is a director of operations for Pinnacle III, as well as administrator of Northwoods Surgery Center in Woodruff, Wis., and Pine Ridge Surgery Center in Wausau, Wis. Ms. Longgood has more than 20 years of experience in healthcare. Prior to joining Pinnacle III, Ms. Longgood was the director at Rocky Mountain Surgical Center in Bozeman, Mont.
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 Martin, MBA, RN, CASC, is senior vice president of quality and compliance with Vivere Health. Previously, Ms. Martin was previously 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 St. Augustine (Fla.) Surgery Center, a position she has held for more than three years. This year, Ms. Martin 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.
Christine Merryman is the chief development and operations officer with SurgCenter Development, which has signed more than 145 ASC projects over the course of its history. Ms. Merriman has been with SurgCenter Development for more than a decade. She earned her degree from the University of Missouri – Columbia.
Lindsay Miller is the Executive Vice President of Operations for National Medical Billing Services, one of the largest ASC revenue cycle management companies in the country. She provides detailed financial analysis and reporting for clients while simultaneously ensuring that their outstanding teams perform National Medical's mission in optimum fashion to maximize output while achieving quality results.
Aimee Mingus, RN, is Regent Surgical Health's director of clinical operations on the west coast. Ms. Mingus has more than 20 years of experience in healthcare. Prior to her current role, she served as a supervisor of Regent's Surgery Center of Anchorage. Ms. Mingus earned her nursing degree from the University of Alaska.
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.
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.
Miriam Odermann, RN, MPH, is the CEO of ambulatory services – Oregon region 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 director of development and physician recruitment with Regent Surgical Health. Ms. Rinnan is responsible for attracting new physician recruits and new investment. Ms. Rinnan has more than a decade of experience in healthcare. Previously, she worked at Blue Chip Surgical Partners and in pharmaceutical and medical device sales.
Lisa Rock has served as President of National Medical Billing Services, one of the largest ASC revenue cycle management companies in the country for the last 10 years. She is a seasoned healthcare management veteran with over 25 years experience in the industry. Her wide-ranging background consists of positions such as 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.
Karen Sablyak, CPA, is the CFO of Physicians Endoscopy. Ms. Sablyak joined the company in 1999. She oversees billing, finance, human resources and payer contracting at the company's centers. She also provides the company with strategic financial vision. Prior to her work with PE, Ms. Sablyak was a vice president of practice management for Allegheny (Pa.) University Hospitals.
Vicki Sanders is the senior vice president of business office services at Nueterra. Ms. Sanders is responsible for ensuring that all business office operations are functioning accurately and timely for proper generation of management reports and cash flow. She assists in the training of new business office staff on policies, procedures and information systems. Previously, Ms. Sanders was the regional director of reimbursement for Home Medical of America.
Marcy Sasso, CASC, is the co-chair and founder of the Surgery Center Coalition, a New Jersey ASC group, and director ASC consulting company Sasso Consulting. Previously, Ms. Sasso served as the administrator of Raritan Valley Surgery Center in Somerset, N.J., and the director of operations of Ambulatory Surgery Center of Union County in Union, N.J. Ms. Sasso and Surgery Center Coalition co-director Dorcie Wawrzynski put together an annual conference for the New Jersey group, which hosts more than 650 members.
Catherine Sayers is a director of operations for Pinnacle III. She developed or managed 13 single- and multispecialty ASCs throughout the country. She also serves as the administrator of Skyline Endoscopy Center in Loveland, Colo. Prior to joining 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.
Lisa Sinsel serves as a Group 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 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 with Nueterra. After nearly a decade of executive leadership at NovaMed and Symbion, Ms. Speier joined Nueterra. She provides executive oversight and strategic direction for 27 single- and multispecialty facilities in Nueterra's network. She also closely monitors each facility's financial performance and works with management teams to build financial strategies.
Lynne Stoldt is the administrative director of Melbourne (Fla.) Same Day Surgery and Melbourne GI Center. Ms. Stoldt presented at the 2012 Orthopedic, Spine & Pain Management-Driven ASC Conference about her experience with implantable device benefit management in surgery centers.
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 Surgery Center. She earned her BS from the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley.
Preeti Syal, MBA, is a senior financial analyst with Regent Surgical Health. Ms. Syal provides financial analysis and accounting support of the company's facilities. Before joining Regent, she was an analyst with Accretive Health. Ms. Syal has bachelor's and master's degrees in chemistry and earned an MBA from Loyola University in 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 for 90210 Surgery Medical Center and Precision Ambulatory Surgery Center located in Beverly Hills, Calif. Ms. Tapia leads a team of prestigious surgeons and staff with state of the art facilities which provide the highest level of patient care for ophthalmology, orthopedic, 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.
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 executive 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, 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.
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 considered one of the strongest coders in the ASC industry. She joined National Medical Billing Services, one of the largest ASC revenue cycle management companies in the country, in 2004, and today serves as Vice President of Coding. In this position, Ms. Wagner is responsible for overseeing the largest coding staff in the country as well as a client with 65 locations. She also developed a training program for new coders.
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 facilities. Ms. Woodell has more than 20 years of experience in negotiating on the behalf of healthcare providers. She has served as a consultant for surgical hospitals, surgery centers, physician professional agreements and imaging centers. She earned her BA at St. Lawrence University in Canton, N.Y.
Kim Woodruff is the vice president of corporate finance and compliance for Pinnacle III. Ms. Woodruff joined Pinnacle III in 2003 and launched the company's centralized billing office a year later. She assumed her current position in 2008. She is an active member of the Healthcare Billing Management Association and Health Care Compliance Association.
Monica Ziegler, MSN, CASC, is the administrator of Physicians Surgical Center in Lebanon, Pa., and Center for Specialized Surgery in Bethlehem, Pa. She gained the responsibility of an additional center, The Center for Specialized Surgery in Bethlehem, Pa., in 2011. Ms. Zeigler also serves as the president of the Pennsylvania Ambulatory Surgery Association.
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.
More Articles on ASC Industry Leaders:
100 ASC industry physician leaders to know
108 ASC administrators to know
10 ASC company leaders to know