Professional Overview
Athena Durant is a seasoned finance professional with over 15 years of experience in the healthcare industry. As the Director of Finance at Community Health Northwest Florida, she is responsible for overseeing all financial operations, including budgeting, forecasting, reporting, and compliance. Athena's expertise spans financial management, accounting, revenue cycle optimization, and strategic business analysis.
Experience Summary
Current Role
As the Director of Finance at Community Health Northwest Florida, Athena is responsible for leading the organization's financial strategy and driving financial performance. In this role, she has implemented robust financial controls, optimized revenue cycle processes, and spearheaded the implementation of a new enterprise resource planning (ERP) system to enhance operational efficiency. Under Athena's financial leadership, the organization has achieved a 12% increase in net operating income over the past two years.
Career Progression
Prior to her current role, Athena held various accounting and finance positions at Escambia Community Clinics, Inc., where she progressed from Staff Accountant to Accounting and Finance Manager. In these roles, she played a pivotal part in improving the organization's financial reporting, strengthening internal controls, and driving operational cost savings of 8% over a three-year period. Earlier in her career, Athena gained valuable experience in revenue cycle management and accounting support at Sacred Heart Health System and Sage Software, Inc.
Academic Background
Athena holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the University of West Florida, where she graduated cum laude. She is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and a member of the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA).
Areas of Expertise
- Financial management and reporting
- Budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis
- Revenue cycle optimization and compliance
- Healthcare industry accounting and regulatory knowledge
- Strategic business planning and process improvement
- Leading cross-functional teams and driving organizational change
Professional Impact
Athena's financial leadership and strategic acumen have been instrumental in driving positive financial outcomes for the organizations she has served. Her ability to identify and implement innovative solutions has consistently contributed to improved operational performance and enhanced profitability. Athena is recognized as a trusted advisor and subject matter expert within the healthcare finance community.
Conclusion
With her extensive experience, technical expertise, and proven track record of success, Athena Durant is a valuable asset to the healthcare finance industry. In her current role as Director of Finance at Community Health Northwest Florida, she continues to drive financial excellence and contribute to the organization's long-term sustainability and growth.
