Session Details
Date & Time
Monday, November 2, 2026, 1:10 PM - 1:50 PM
Name
09. How COOs Drive Operational Excellence Amid Financial Constraints
Session Type
Panel
Speakers
- Crystal V. Brown, MBA, LSSYB, Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Methodist Mansfield Medical Center
- Katrina Wojciechowski, MS, PA, EdD, Vice President and Associate Chief Operating Officer, Rochester General Hospital, Rochester Regional Health System
- Kurt Koczent, RN, FACHE, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, University of Rochester Medicine - Thompson Health
- Mathew Gaug, MHA, Chief Operating Officer, Deaconess Health System
- Sunny Eappen, MD, Chief Medical Officer, Assort Health
Description
Healthcare organizations face mounting financial pressure. This panel explores how COOs drive operational excellence by optimizing workflows, leveraging data, aligning teams, and making disciplined investment decisions. Leaders share practical strategies to maintain quality, efficiency, and growth while navigating budget constraints, reimbursement challenges, and rising demand without sacrificing patient experience outcomes.