Christine Forkner
EVP/CFO, National Jewish Health
Professional Overview
Christine Forkner is an accomplished finance executive with over 20 years of experience in the healthcare industry. As the Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of National Jewish Health, she oversees all financial operations, strategic planning, and business development initiatives for the leading respiratory hospital and research center.
Experience Summary
Current Role
As EVP/CFO at National Jewish Health, Christine is responsible for directing the organization's financial strategy, leading the accounting and finance teams, and driving operational excellence. Under her leadership, National Jewish Health has achieved significant financial growth, optimized budgeting and forecasting processes, and strengthened its balance sheet to support long-term sustainability. Christine has played a pivotal role in securing funding for critical infrastructure investments and spearheading strategic initiatives that have enhanced the hospital's clinical and research capabilities.
Career Progression
Prior to joining National Jewish Health, Christine served as the Vice President of Finance and Controller at a large regional healthcare system, where she led the integration of financial operations across multiple hospitals and clinics. Earlier in her career, she held progressive finance roles at several major academic medical centers, gaining extensive experience in financial reporting, revenue cycle management, and cost optimization.
Academic Background
Christine holds a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Colorado and a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Colorado State University. She is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and has completed executive leadership programs at Harvard Business School and the American College of Healthcare Executives.
Areas of Expertise
- Healthcare finance and accounting
- Strategic financial planning and analysis
- Revenue cycle optimization
- Mergers, acquisitions, and integration
- Enterprise risk management
- Organizational leadership and change management
Professional Impact
Under Christine's financial stewardship, National Jewish Health has consistently maintained a strong financial position, earning recognition for its operational efficiency and exceptional fiscal management. She has spearheaded the implementation of advanced financial reporting systems, automated workflows, and data-driven decision-making processes, enabling the organization to optimize resource allocation and improve overall performance.
Conclusion
With her extensive expertise in healthcare finance and operations, Christine Forkner is a strategic and visionary leader who has made significant contributions to the success and growth of National Jewish Health. Her commitment to excellence, innovation, and team collaboration has been instrumental in driving the organization's financial and operational success, positioning it for continued growth and impact in the respiratory health and research fields.
