Keynote

Earning A Seat at the C-Suite Table: Pivoting from a Transactional Relationship of IT support and Stability to a True Strategic Partnership

IT leadership in healthcare is frequently perceived as a transactional and reactive function, primarily focused on system maintenance and stability. However, the increasing complexity of healthcare delivery, particularly in the era of artificial intelligence, as well as challenges such as declining reimbursement rates and inflationary pressures, necessitate technological transformation across the entire continuum of care. This includes improvements at the bedside, within the medical record, outpatient settings, C-Suite KPIs, creation of predictive analytics, enhanced physician engagement, and more.

This presentation will examine the evolving role of the healthcare CIO. With expertise in risk management, cybersecurity, and regulatory compliance, and an initiative-taking approach to enhancing patient outcomes and operational efficiency, the healthcare CIO should be recognized as an essential member of the C-Suite team. The CIO’s strategic leadership is crucial for successfully navigating the increasingly complex healthcare operating landscape.

Traits of a C-Suite CIO:

  • Exhibiting Visionary Leadership
  • Articulating the value of Healthcare IT in clear business terms
  • Encouraging Innovation
  • Foster Cross-Functional Collaboration


Headshot of Kenneth McFarland, CPA, MBA

Keynote

Kenneth McFarland, CPA, MBA

Former Chief Executive at East Campus Medical Center for UC San Diego Health.

An accomplished health care executive with proven success in leading large, complex organizations. Kenn has over 28 years of health care leadership experience, which includes building physician and administrative alignment, fiscal management, championing technology and system initiatives, developing talent, mergers and acquisitions, and assimilating newly merged organizations.

Leading up to Kenn’s recent retirement, he served as Chief Executive at East Campus Medical Center for UC San Diego Health. Kenn led over 800 team members and 400 physicians to deliver world-class care to patients in the San Diego region and beyond. Kenn oversaw the high-quality programs and services including an emergency department accredited for geriatric care, comprehensive behavioral health, inpatient critical care, telemetry, and general medical along with surgical, Cath-Lab and endoscopy outpatient services. .

Prior to UC San Diego Health, Kenn served as Chief Executive Officer of the Fountain Valley Regional Hospital and Medical Center in Orange County, California. Earlier in his career, Kenn held various senior leadership roles with Mission Hospital in South Orange County, California. While there, he served as President and Chief Executive Officer, spending over 18 years with the St. Joseph Health System (Providence).

Kenn holds a Master of Business Administration from the University of California Irvine with a focus in finance and economics and a Bachelor of Science in accounting and finance from California Polytechnic University (Cal Poly) Pomona, California. He is a licensed CPA in the states of California and Hawaii.

Kenn serves, and has served, on numerous healthcare advocacy and community boards.