Rising stars: 63 ASC leaders under 40

One doesn't have to be in the golden years of their career to have made an indelible impact on the ASC industry.

Increasingly, accomplished leaders are skewing younger and younger. A number of leaders younger than 40 years of age have already made a significant impact on the ASC industry. Here are 63 rising stars in the ASC industry to know.

If you would like to recommend another leader for this list, contact Anuja Vaidya at avaidya@beckershealthcare.com.

Scott Allen, National Medical Billing Services (34). Mr. Allen joined National Medical Billing Services, one of the largest ASC revenue cycle management companies in the country in 2008 and is the vice president of managed care contracting. He manages all aspects of ASC managed care contracts, which include analysis of language and rates, contract audits and developing best practices for implementing standard operating procedures for the managed care contracts throughout the revenue cycle. He serves on the payer relations committee of the Healthcare Billing Management Association and has lobbied on Capitol Hill for the Ambulatory Surgery Center Association.  

Curtis H. Bernstein, CPA/ABV, ASA, CVA, MBA (39). Mr. Bernstein is the managing director of valuation services for Altegra Health. Mr. Bernstein has expertise in providing valuation, transaction advisory and strategic consulting for clients. He has experience with ASCs, physician groups, hospital systems and other healthcare providers. Prior to joining Altegra Health, he was assistant controller for a large general acute care hospital.

Clint Borm, Laser Spine Institute. Mr. Borm serves as the vice president of business development at Laser Spine Institute managing the employer relations, physician relations, workers' compensation and sports development departments. In his role, Mr. Borm works to develop relationships within the local and medical communities where Laser Spine Institute has locations. He joined Laser Spine Institute in 2007 as a patient care coordinator and was quickly recognized for his leadership abilities, becoming the organization's first consultation specialist.

Dustin L. Briggs, Advanced Surgical Institute (37). Mr. Briggs is director of operations at Huntington Beach, Calif.-based Advanced Surgical Institute, which includes two multispecialty surgery centers offering care in a number of specialties such as spine, pain management, bariatrics, podiatry, orthopedics and gynecology. Mr. Briggs has more than 15 years of surgical experience in first-assisting and management. He has previously served as bariatric program manager/director of Tenet's Fountain Valley (Calif.) Regional Hospital. His current responsibilities include oversight of both surgical and clinic operations. He has a bachelor's degree in healthcare administration from University of Phoenix.

Bethany Bueno, PINNACLE III (30). Ms. Bueno is the director of billing operations for SPECIALTY BILLING SOLUTIONS, a wholly owned subsidiary of PINNACLE III.  She joined in 2009 as a cash receipts analyst and was named cash receipts manager in 2012. In July 2015, she was promoted to director.  Ms. Bueno has worked in medical billing operations for more 10 years, including in physician billing for a private physician group.  She earned her Bachelor's degree in sociology from the University of Colorado Denver.

James Card, Laser Spine Institute. Mr. Card is the executive director of Laser Spine Institute's Cincinnati facility, where he is responsible for leading the team in Cincinnati that will help patients find relief from their neck and back pain. Mr. Card's driving focus is igniting change to relentlessly improve patient-centered care in an industry that desperately needs it.

Briley Cienkosz, Laser Spine Institute. As chief marketing officer, Ms. Cienkosz is an integral member of Laser Spine Institute. She strives to ensure that potential, current and past patients receive the most up-to-date information about Laser Spine Institute. Of note, throughout her tenure at Laser Spine Institute, Ms. Cienkosz has been an integral part of implementing the company's first DRTV (direct response television) campaign.
 
Tracie Dalton, MBA, CASC, Northeast Missouri ASC in Hannibal (39). Ms. Dalton began her role as administrator at Northeast Missouri ASC when she was 34 years old. Before assuming her current role at Northeast Missouri ASC, Ms. Dalton served as the controller and then CFO of a small, rural hospital for seven years. Northeast Missouri ASC opened in 2000 and is a joint venture between Hannibal (Mo.) Clinic and B & B Enterprises. "The greatest accomplishment at our center during the past three years is simple — continued teamwork. Our physicians and staff work together every step of the way," says Ms. Dalton.

Brooke Day, Hastings (Neb.) Surgical Center (34). Ms. Day is the past president of the Nebraska Association of Independent Ambulatory Centers and administrator of Hastings (Neb.) Surgical Center. Her previous experience includes CEO at 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., and has completed a Master's degree in health administration at Ohio University in Athens.

Thomas Dixon, Surgical Care Affiliates (35). Mr. Dixon is vice president, development at Surgical Care Affiliates, where he focuses on strategic planning and executing the company's growth initiatives and partnerships in southeastern United States. He has previously worked as director of healthcare provider strategy at Navigant and the manager at health system strategy at Kurt Salmon. He completed his MBA at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities.

Adena Dorsey, National Medical Billing Services (38). Ms. Dorsey's combined experience in healthcare and sales provides her with the perfect mix of knowledge to lead the marketing arm of National Medical Billing Services. As the vice president of marketing, she is responsible for guiding the overall brand direction of National Medical, deepening the company's relationships within the ASC industry, and identifying new marketing opportunities. She implements tactical plans and marketing strategies while leading and managing all direct marketing, public relations, advertising and internal creative services.

Jill Dowe, Blue Chip Surgical Partners (38). Ms. Dowe was appointed director of business office operations for Blue Chip Surgical Partners in 2011, joining the company from a position as business office manager of Surgery Center Cedar Rapids (Iowa). In her role at SCCR, Ms. Dowe supervised office teams and worked with other members of the management team to ensure interdepartmental continuity and efficient operations in key areas, including scheduling, registration, admissions, coding and billing, accounts receivable and medical records.

Jessica Edmiston, National Medical Billing Services (39). Ms. Edmiston leads an outstanding audit 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 (CASCC™) Credential. Ms. Edmiston is also an approved ICD-10-CM trainer through AHIMA. She developed the National Medical training program for new coders and also ensures that her team receives continuing education.

Ryan Fulcher, Laser Spine Institute. As vice president/executive operating officer, Mr. Fulcher oversees the day-to-day operations of all of Laser Spine Institute's seven facilities. He works relentlessly to ensure that all patients have a smooth experience from the moment they enter Laser Spine Institute to when they return home. Mr. Fulcher has a unique lens into the patient process at Laser Spine Institute, as he started as a patient care coordinator in 2009. He eventually transitioned into the role of director of medical operations and then to vice president.

Charlie Gallagher, Montgomery Surgery Center (36). Mr. Gallagher is the administrator at Montgomery Surgery Center in Rockville, Md., a Surgical Care Affiliates center. He oversees benchmarking, contract management, data analysis and financial analysis among other responsibilities at the ASC. He most recently served as a business management consultant at Audi of America. He has also worked as a senior consultant at Urban Science and an associate at PriceWaterhouseCoopers. He earned his MBA at University of Maryland-Robert H. Smith School of Business in College Park.

Nicole Gritton, Laser Spine Institute. As senior vice president of medical operations, Ms. Gritton manages the nursing program and ambulatory surgery center operations for all seven of Laser Spine Institute's surgical facilities. She has positioned herself as an expert on infection control and patient care and frequently speaks at conferences and seminars on these topics, including this year's AORN Surgical Conference. Her thoughtful leadership and best practices have resulted in an enterprise infection rate of less than one percent and further support her successful record of impacting profitability with quality initiatives and limiting loss exposure.

Josh Helms, Laser Spine Institute. As the senior vice president of patient care services, Mr. Helms is responsible for supporting Laser Spine Institute's care team, ensuring each patient receives top-notch care. Since joining in 2008, he has been promoted multiple times. His "can-do" attitude and "go-getter" style quickly earned him a spot on Laser Spine Institute's management team. His vision and undeniable dedication to patient-centered care has helped him continuously excel in his career.

Steve Henry, CASC, MBA, Surgery Center at Liberty (Mo.) Hospital (38). Mr. Henry joined the Surgery Center at Liberty Hospital as administrator in February 2012. During his first six months, he had the opportunity to work with talented physicians and a caring and compassionate staff, which led to a 96 percent patient satisfaction rating for 2012. He began his career in market research for a well-known ASC management and development company before earning his MBA in healthcare administration.

Christine Henry Musa, Regent Surgical Health. Ms. Henry Musa is the director of operations and supply chain and corporate compliance officer 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, she developed strategic marketing plans and commercialization strategies for products in clinical development as a Senior Consultant at Navigant. She also managed a $15 million marketing budget, while concurrently launching products with U.S. sales of $270 million as a Brand Manager at Novartis Pharmaceuticals.

Heather Hilgendorf-Cooley, MBA, Spring Park Surgery Center in Davenport, Iowa (39). Ms. Hilgendorf-Cooley has served as administrator of the surgery center since May 2013. The surgery center is accredited by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care and CMS. Established in 1986, the center includes urologists, ophthalmologists, general surgeons, anesthesiologists and advanced nurse practitioners. "Success breeds success, and we are continually looking at opportunities that will take our ASC to a new level, while encouraging growth, increasing satisfaction and providing quality patient care," says Ms. Hilgendorf-Cooley.

Justin Horne, Laser Spine Institute. As chief administration officer, Mr. Horne oversees the development of employees through recruitment, education, career growth, engagement, benefits and performance evaluation. Having joined the team in 2006, Mr. Horne has a firm understanding of Laser Spine Institute's goals and works to ensure that each teammate is effectively equipped to interact with patients to provide the best care.

Jennifer Hunara, MHA, MBA, Surgery Center of Allentown (Pa.). Ms. Hunara has managed the Surgery Center of Allentown, a large multispecialty ASC and AmSurg facility, for more than five years. She began her healthcare career at the age of 24 as a business manager of perioperative services at Lehigh Valley Health Network, headquartered in Allentown, Pa., and then moved on to the role of executive director of surgical services for Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Hamilton (N.J.).

Mathew Jereen, National Medical Billing Services (36). Mr. Jereen is vice president, operations at National Medical Billing Services. He joined the leadership team in 2014. Prior to his current employment at National Medical Billing Services Mr. Jereen served as the vice president of RCM services and EHR solutions for seven years, where he directly managed teams totaling more than 1,000 employees. He manages the end to end RCM operations for multi-facility clients. Mr. Jereen has a Master's degree in business administration from S.P. Jain Institute of Management and Research in India.

Jason Jones, Laser Spine Institute. As the vice president of patient experience, Mr. Jones oversees all training, education and organization development across Laser Spine Institute's nationwide footprint. A few examples of the programs he leads include Laser Spine Institute University, employee orientation and the quality assurance programs. Mr. Jones is responsible for the delivery of all patient satisfaction and engagement initiatives and plays a crucial role in executing the patient experience mission by identifying opportunities for process improvement.

Lindsay Joseph, National Medical Billing Services (31). Ms. Joseph is executive vice president, operations at National Medical Billing Services. She 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. She is a frequent contributor to industry publications and writes on select topics related to ASC billing best practices and operations.

Kylie Kaczor, RN, Laser Spine Institute. Ms. Kaczor is the executive director of Laser Spine Institute's St. Louis facility. In her role, Ms. Kaczor is responsible for ensuring that every patient who visits Laser Spine Institute St. Louis receives the best care possible. When she began pursuing a career in medicine, she wanted to be a trauma surgeon. Over time, she chose to become a nurse, earning her Bachelor of Science degree in nursing from Kutztown University. She also holds a Master of Science degree in nursing from Drexel University in Pittsburgh and is a registered nurse.

Jonathan Katz, BSN, RN, Oregon Specialists Surgery Center in Salem, Ore. (29). Mr. Katz is the administrator of the surgery center, prior to which he has worked as a banker, EMT, lab researcher and circulating nurse. The mission of the ASC is to provide high-quality, safe, efficient and cost effective healthcare to patients. Mr. Katz has a BSN from Texas A&M University in College Station and an MBA from University of Texas at Tyler.

Emilie Keene, Parkridge Surgery Center (Columbia, S.C.). Ms. Keene is the administrator of Parkridge Surgery Center. She earned her MHA at the University of South Carolina in Columbia and was promoted to administrator just eight months after joining Parkridge as an assistant to the vice president and administrator. During her time with the surgery center, she successfully recruited eight surgeons, increased net revenues by $1 million, increased employee satisfaction scores by 30 percent and patient satisfaction scores by 4 percent. She also led the ASC through the accreditation process and identified cost savings of nearly $200,000 per year.

Kathy Kelly, Viemont Surgery Center in Hickory, N.C. (39). Ms. Kelly is the administrator of Nueterra-affiliated Viewmont Surgery. She is responsible for managing and organizing all aspects of the facility's operations. Before joining VSC, Ms. Kelly spent more than 13 years at Catawba Valley Medical Center as a scheduling coordinator, operating room RN and surgical tech, and has prior administrative experience at the Surgical Institute of Michigan. She holds a BSN from Lenoir Rhyne University in Hickory and MSN in nursing education from Walden University in Minneapolis.

Lindsey Kroenke, Saint Luke's South Surgery Center (33). Ms. Kroenke is the administrator of Nueterra-affiliated Saint Luke's South Surgery Center, a role she assumed in April 2015. She has spent more than a decade in nursing most recently worked as the administrator of a 5,000-square-foot surgery center. Her nursing experience also includes roles with the Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha and Surgery Center of Gilbert in Mesa, Ariz.    

Jared Leger, Arise Healthcare (36). Mr. Leger is CEO of Arise Ventures and a co-founder and managing partner of Arise Healthcare. The company currently owns and operates various healthcare-related businesses with a focus on ASCs. His background as a registered nurse coupled with his healthcare business background has allowed him to grow Arise Healthcare at an accelerated pace. In addition to leading Arise, Mr. Leger owns a real estate investment company based out of Austin, Texas.

Sarah Malaniak, CASC, Ambulatory Center for Endoscopy in North Bergen, N.J. (38). Ms. Malaniak is the administrator of the Ambulatory Center for Endoscopy, a joint venture between physicians from seven GI practices and Physicians Endoscopy. She began her career in healthcare in 1998 as the administrator of Teaneck (N.J.) Surgical Center. Ms. Malaniak has been in the ASC industry for 17 years and has extensive experience with overseeing all aspects of surgery center operations. She obtained her CASC certification in 2014, is an active member of the NJAASC Association and serves as the ASCAPAC representative for New Jersey.

Kara Marshall Newbury, Ambulatory Surgery Center Association (35). Ms. Newbury serves as regulatory counsel at the Ambulatory Surgery Center Association. In this role, Ms. Newbury spearheads ASCA's regulatory efforts and serves as the association's primary contact with federal regulators. Previously, she coordinated state legislative, regulatory and public affairs for the association. Ms. Newbury received her undergraduate and law degrees from The Ohio State University in Columbus.

Jebby Mathew, MBA, MHA, Pinnacle III (31). Mr. Mathew is a director of operations for PINNACLE III and administrator of The Orthopaedic and Spine Center of Southern Colorado in Colorado Springs. Mr. Mathew focuses on enhancing operational efficiencies, developing collaborative solutions and directing major initiatives to support critical clinical business processes. He is a member of American Council of Healthcare Executives and Management Group Medical Association. Prior to joining PINNACLE III, he was the administrator of Kelsey-Seybold Clinic in Houston. He received his MBA/MHA from the University of Houston Clear Lake.

Colin McDermott, CFA, CPA/ABV, VMG Health (36). Mr. McDermott is a director with VMG Health and is based in the Dallas office. He specializes in providing financial, valuation and transaction advisory services to clients in the healthcare industry including ambulatory surgery centers. Mr. McDermott received a MS in finance from Texas A&M University. He is a licensed Certified Public Accountant in the state of Texas and holds the Chartered Financial Analyst and Accredited in Business Valuation designations.   

Christina McDonald, Tampa Outpatient Surgical Facility (36). Ms. McDonald serves as the administrator of Tampa Outpatient Surgical Facility, where she is responsible for overseeing facility operations and strategically increasing volume. Since joining the center in August 2008, she increased monthly case volume from an average of 200 to an average of 700. Prior to joining Tampa Outpatient, Ms. McDonald worked as the assistant administrator to the executive vice president of patient care services. She also completed an administrative fellowship at Tampa General Hospital working under the president and CEO.

Kevin McDonough, VMG Health (35). Mr. McDonough is a managing director with VMG Health, a leading provider of valuation services to the surgery center industry. Mr. McDonough began his career with VMG in 2003 and now leads the firm's ASC business valuation department. He has had the privilege of working with industry leaders to help them navigate today's market challenges and of providing valuation services to a large number of ASCs. Mr. McDonough holds a CFA designation and is a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin.

Amy McKiernan, Louisville (Ky.) Surgery Center (39). Ms. McKiernan joined Louisville Surgery Center, an ASD Management facility, in January 2005, three months after the center opened. She says the center has grown tremendously since her first day; in the first year, the ASC performed 814 cases, and in 2010, the number had jumped to 3,431 cases.

Lindsay Miller, National Medical Billing Services (32). Ms. 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.

Katharine Mongoven, MBA, Pinnacle III (32). Since joining PINNACLE III in 2013, Ms. Mongoven, director of marketing, sales and business development, has embraced the ambulatory care arena. She has worked on developing new product lines, identifying new market opportunities and launching a redesigned corporate website. Prior to joining PINNACLE III, Ms. Mongoven was a marketing strategy and business consultant for clients in a number of industries including healthcare, education, industrial manufacturing and law. Ms. Mongoven earned her MBA from University of Connecticut in Storrs.    

Arvind Movva, MD, Gastroenterology Consultants in Moline, Ill. (38). Dr. Movva is CEO of Gastroenterology Consultants and Regional SurgiCenter, an eight-OR multispecialty ASC in Moline. He also practices as a gastroenterologist and serves as co-founder and consultant with Movva Medical Consulting. Dr. Movva joined Gastroenterology Consultants upon completion of his fellowship at the Medical College of Georgia in 2010. He offers a full range of gastroenterology care, including ERCP/EUS, hemorrhoidal banding and a cure for Barrett's Esophagus.

Teri Mulka, RN, Garrett Eye-Cataract Surgical Center-Superior Eye Laser in Iron Mountain, Mich. (24). Ms. Mulka is the ASC director at Garrett Eye-Cataract Surgical Center-Superior Eye Laser, and she has served in that role for more than two years. She oversees every aspect of the center, including regulatory compliance, and she is a member of American Society of Ophthalmic Registered Nurses. The one-physician ophthalmic practice focuses on cataract surgery, glaucoma treatmeant, cornea procedures, refractive procedures and other ophthalmic procedures.

Aaron Murski, VMG Health (34). Mr. Murski is a managing director at VMG Health, based in the Dallas area. He focuses on developing client relationships and providing valuation, transaction advisory and operational consulting services in the healthcare services industry. He specifically has significant experience with the acute-care and specialty hospital, physician practice, inpatient rehabilitation, cancer treatment, ASC and diagnostic imaging segments.

Gurjeet Parmar, Gramercy Park Digestive Disease Center in New York (33). Mr. Parmar is executive director of Gramercy Park Digestive Disease Center in New York. He joined the single-specialty gastroenterology center in 2010 as their financial consultant. Later in the same year, he was named executive director. Before joining the ASC, he worked at an accounting firm as tax accountant. During his tenure, the center added three new GI physicians and received and maintained AAAHC accreditation. In year 2014, around 12,000 procedures were performed at the center and this year it is on track to complete more than 13,000 procedures.

Amber Patterson, BBA, Westside Surgery Center in Douglas, Ga. (30). Ms. Patterson is practice administrator of Ear Nose & Throat Clinic and Westside Surgery Center. She came to Westside Surgery Center in 2006, when she inherited the administrator position of the freestanding, physician-owned ASC. In her first three years with the center, she researched the best deals on ASC equipment, worked with a consultant to ensure the facility was built according to state guidelines, hired and trained new staff, completed the state survey and Joint Commission accreditation and maintained compliance with federal regulations. She is also the CFO/COO at Sleep Apnea Treatment Centers of America in Tampa, Fla.

Jessica Quick, MBA, The Colonoscopy Center in Omaha (32). Ms. Quick has served as the administrator for The Colonoscopy Center, a physician-owned facility located in Omaha, since 2011. Prior to joining The Colonoscopy Center, Ms. Quick was the manager for the Health Inventure's Central Business Office located in Omaha. She received her master's degree in business administration from the University of Nebraska Lincoln. Ms. Quick is a member of the Nebraska Association of Independent Ambulatory Centers.

Amy M. Reighard, RN, MSN, CGRN, Allegheny Regional Endoscopy in Altoona, Pa. (39). Ms. Reighard was named administrator of the surgery center in 2013, before which she served as clinical director of the center. She is certified in gastroenterology nursing. "I enjoy working in the ASC. I like working with regulatory aspects as well as QI/Benchmarking. I have learned so much over the years and hope to continue learning more," she says.  

Michael Rock, National Medical Billing Services (30). Mr. Rock is vice president, operations at National Medical Billing Services. He joined the company in 2006 as an accounts receivable account representative and quickly moved up in the AR department, serving as a supervisor and director. In his current role, Mr. Rock works to implement Lean and Six Sigma principles across the company, looking for opportunities to cut waste and make existing systems and processes more efficient and effective. He holds A+ Certification, as well as his Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Certification from Villanova (Pa.) University.

Megan Rushall, Surgical Care Affiliates (38). Ms. Rushall is director of operations at Surgical Care Affiliates. She most recently worked in ASC management at Sacramento, Calif.-based Sutter Health, before which she was the director of La Peer Surgery Center in Beverly Hills, Calif.

Trista Sandoval, Pinnacle III (29). Ms. Sandoval is the director for facility marketing, physician relations & business development for Pinnacle III. She joined the team to create marketing strategies and enhance business development for Pinnacle III-managed ASCs. Ms. Sandoval has worked in healthcare for over seven years, including her previous role in marketing and physician relations for a large, privately owned gastroenterology practice in Colorado. She earned her Bachelor’s degrees in integrated physiology and psychology from the University of Colorado at Boulder.

Phillip Santillanes, FACHE, Medical Center Ophthalmology Associates in San Antonio (38). Mr. Santillanes is a healthcare executive with more than 17 years of experience in healthcare delivery systems and currently serves as the administrator of Medical Center Ophthalmology Associates. He most recently served as executive director of Specialty Surgery Center. He is a fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives and is board-certified in healthcare management. His experience in clinical and administrative leadership spans a broad range from leading clinical teams, hospital departments and a multispecialty surgery center.

Simon Schwartz, Strategic Resources Group (32). Mr. Schwartz has worked in the ASC industry for the past 10 years. As a partner in Strategic Resources Group, a healthcare trade association management consulting company, he co-manages the day-to-day operations for the Colorado Ambulatory Surgery Center Association, Oregon Ambulatory Surgery Center Association and the New Jersey Association of Ambulatory Surgery Centers. Mr. Schwartz and Strategic Resources Group additionally have clients outside the state trade association management business, in which they provide legislative and political strategy consulting, fundraising consulting and event/marketing consulting.

Alex Scott, Hudson Crossing Surgery Center in Fort Lee, N.J. (35). Mr. Scott is the administrator of Hudson Crossing Surgery Center. Previously, he has worked at Surgical Specialists at Princeton (N.J.) and United Surgical Partners International. He was also the business development director Horizon Health Care Center in Jersey City, N.J. He currently oversees the AAAHC-accredited Hudson Crossing Surgery Center. He earned his MBA at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill-Kenan-Flagler Business School.

Rich Searles, Merritt Healthcare (34). Mr. Searles, a partner with Merritt Healthcare, has overseen the business operations of the company's northeastern ASCs since 2008. He is also a registered investment banking agent with Series 79 and 63 licenses. Mr. Searles completed his BA in economics at Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, N.C.

Michael Sengmanivong, Doctors Outpatient Center for Surgery in Beverly Hills, Calif. (37). Mr. Sengmanivong has served as administrator of the spine and pain management surgery center for more than five years. He helped build the center from the ground up overseeing policies, recruitment and logistics. "We have had many [accomplishments] throughout the years but our greatest accomplishment was getting AAAHC certified for three years," says Mr. Sengmanivong.

Erica Sheldon, Laser Spine Institute. Ms. Sheldon oversees Laser Spine Institute's Cleveland facility as the executive director. She plays a vital role in managing the operations of the facility by ensuring smooth processes are in place and that patients receive quality care. Ms. Sheldon joined Laser Spine Institute in 2012 as a patient experience coordinator, but quickly rose to associate executive director of Laser Spine Institute Philadelphia. Once Laser Spine Institute decided to open a Cleveland facility, she was promoted to executive director of Laser Spine Institute Cleveland.

Chandler Shirer, Franciscan Surgery Center in Indianapolis. Mr. Shirer is administrator of Franciscan Surgery Center, a joint venture with Franciscan Alliance, where there are more than 9,500 procedures performed each year. He has overseen the expansion of Franciscan Surgery Center requiring extensive regulatory, compliance and legal collaboration. The center now includes eight operating rooms and one procedure room. "Over the course of the past few years we have increased capacity and volume through various specialties and physician relationships,” says Mr. Shirer. "Our success and efficiencies are a direct result of our employees' dedication and hard work day in and day out, as well as our surgeons' and anesthesiologists' commitment to excellence." Mr. Shirer also serves on the Indiana Federation of Ambulatory Surgery Centers.

Chris D. Skagen, JD, Strategic Resources Group (31). Mr. Skagen is a Colorado-licensed attorney, who has worked in the ASC industry since 2010. As partner in Strategic Resources Group, a healthcare trade association management consulting company, he co-manages the day-to-day operations for the Colorado Ambulatory Surgery Center Association, Oregon Ambulatory Surgery Center Association and the New Jersey Association of Ambulatory Surgery Centers. Mr. Skagen and Strategic Resources Group additionally have clients outside the state trade association management business, in which they provide legislative and political strategy consulting, fundraising consulting as well as event/marketing consulting.

Brooke Smith, Maryland Surgery Center for Women in Rockville, Md. (39). In her time with Maryland Surgery Center for Women, Ms. Smith has successfully taken a struggling ASC and turned it into a safe, profitable, professional facility. She has worked to increase collections from an average of $70,000 per month to an average of $240,000 per month, all while decreasing the center's days in A/R significantly to an average of 25 days. She also led a pilot program for online pre-surgical admission, trialing the program for presentation to the center's management company, Ambulatory Surgical Centers of America, for consideration among 30 other ASCs. Her cost savings in 2010 alone added up to $110,000.

Bryant Smith, Surgical Care Affiliates (39). Mr. Smith is senior director of new business development at Surgical Care Affiliates, where he is responsible for physician recruitment, sourcing acquisitions and operations. He was named to the position in 2013, before which he served as director of new business development at SCA. He previously served as regional vice president of Novamed. He earned a bachelor’s degree in economics from Clemson (S.C.) University.

John Stewart, Surgery Center of Viera (34). Mr. Stewart serves as vice president of Surgery Center of Viera and Deuk Spine Institute, based in Melbourne, Fla. In this role, Mr. Stewart oversees patient services, marketing, business development and billing for the surgery center as well as contract negotiations. The Surgery Center of Viera has seen over a 500 percent increase in surgical procedures since he joined the leadership team in 2014.

Vivek Taparia, Regent Surgical Health (34). Mr. Taparia oversees operational initiatives and profit enhancement opportunities for Regent surgery centers. Most recently, he built a 20-person team and launched The Center for Ambulatory Surgery at Swedish Covenant, a seven-specialty outpatient surgery center on the north side of Chicago. Previously, he served as director of business development for Regent and oversaw strategic projects such as a corporate-wide case costing program.

Tabitha Vaughn, RN, St. Charles (Mo.) Surgery Center (34). Ms. Vaughn was named administrator of St. Charles Surgery Center in 2011, when it was a new facility and currently also serves as the center's clinical director. The surgery center completed its first case in 2012, and in 2013 completed 3,000 cases.

Chip Zahn, Surgical Care Affiliates (37). Mr. Zahn is a vice president of operations with Surgical Care Affiliates, a position he has held for nearly two years. Previously, he was the COO of Las Colinas Medical Center in Irving, Texas. He also has experience in administration and COO development at Lakeview Regional Medical Center in Covington, La.

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