Denise Zabawski, CIO
Professional Overview
Denise Zabawski is a seasoned healthcare information technology executive with over 15 years of experience driving digital transformation and operational excellence. As the Chief Information Officer (CIO) at Nationwide Children's Hospital, she is responsible for overseeing the organization's IT strategy, infrastructure, and data management initiatives to support the delivery of world-class pediatric care.
Experience Summary
Current Role
As the CIO at Nationwide Children's Hospital since 2006, Denise has played a pivotal role in modernizing the organization's technology ecosystem and optimizing clinical workflows. Under her leadership, the hospital has achieved several key milestones, including the successful implementation of a comprehensive electronic health record (EHR) system, the deployment of advanced analytics and business intelligence platforms, and the enhancement of cybersecurity measures to safeguard patient data.
Denise's strategic vision and collaborative approach have been instrumental in aligning the hospital's IT priorities with its overarching clinical and operational objectives. She has spearheaded the development of innovative digital tools and applications that have improved patient engagement, streamlined clinician workflows, and enhanced the overall quality of care.
Career Progression
Prior to her role at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Denise held various IT leadership positions at prominent healthcare organizations, including serving as the Director of Information Systems at Ohio Health and the IT Manager at Columbus Regional Hospital. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated a keen ability to navigate complex technological landscapes and drive sustainable change within the healthcare industry.
Academic Background
Denise holds a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from The Ohio State University, where she graduated with distinction. She is also a certified Project Management Professional (PMP) and has completed several executive leadership programs, further enhancing her strategic and managerial capabilities.
Areas of Expertise
- Healthcare IT strategy and implementation
- Electronic health record (EHR) system integration and optimization
- Data analytics and business intelligence
- Cybersecurity and risk management
- IT infrastructure and operations management
- Cross-functional collaboration and change management
Professional Impact
Under Denise's leadership, Nationwide Children's Hospital has been recognized as a leader in healthcare technology, receiving numerous industry awards and accolades, including the HIMSS Davies Award of Excellence and the American Hospital Association's Most Wired designation. Her commitment to driving innovation and improving patient outcomes has earned her a reputation as a respected and influential figure in the healthcare IT community.
Conclusion
Denise Zabawski's extensive expertise, proven track record, and unwavering dedication to the healthcare industry make her a valuable asset to Nationwide Children's Hospital. As the CIO, she continues to spearhead the organization's digital transformation efforts, positioning it as a premier provider of technology-enabled, patient-centric care.
