Professional Summary
Professional Overview
Doug Gaston is the Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at The University of Kansas Health System, where he oversees the organization's financial operations and strategic initiatives. With over 30 years of experience in the healthcare and professional services industries, Gaston is a seasoned financial executive with a proven track record of driving operational improvements and leading successful integrations.
Experience Summary
Current Role
As the Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Gaston is responsible for managing the financial strategy, reporting, and controls for The University of Kansas Health System, a leading academic medical center and regional healthcare provider. In this role, he has spearheaded initiatives to enhance financial efficiency, streamline operations, and optimize the organization's cost structure, contributing to improved profitability and sustainability. Gaston also serves as the VP of Financial Integration & Operational Improvement, leveraging his expertise to drive synergies and integration across the health system.
Career Progression
Prior to joining The University of Kansas Health System, Gaston held various leadership positions at BKD, LLP, a prominent accounting and advisory firm. As the Regional Managing Partner, he oversaw the firm's operations in Kansas City, Wichita, and Nebraska, leading teams of professionals and driving growth. Gaston also served as the Partner in Charge of the firm's Kansas City and Nebraska offices, where he was instrumental in expanding the firm's client base and service offerings. Earlier in his career, he held a Tax Partner role, focusing on providing strategic tax guidance to clients.
Gaston's board experience includes serving as an Independent Board Member at Epiq Systems, Inc., where he provided financial oversight and strategic counsel to the leadership team.
Academic Background
Gaston holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from the University of Missouri-Kansas City, where he graduated with distinction. He is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and has maintained his professional certification throughout his career.
Areas of Expertise
- Healthcare finance and operations
- Financial planning and analysis
- Mergers, acquisitions, and integration
- Operational efficiency and cost optimization
- Strategic leadership and management
- Enterprise risk management
- Tax planning and compliance
Professional Impact
During his tenure at The University of Kansas Health System, Gaston has been instrumental in driving financial improvements, enhancing operational efficiency, and supporting the organization's growth and expansion initiatives. Under his leadership, the health system has achieved significant cost savings, improved cash flow, and strengthened its financial position, positioning it for continued success in the evolving healthcare landscape.
Gaston's expertise in financial integration and operational improvement has been invaluable in successfully integrating acquired entities, ensuring seamless transitions and capturing synergies. His strategic vision and collaborative approach have earned him the respect of his peers and the trust of the organization's leadership team.
Conclusion
With his extensive experience, strategic mindset, and commitment to excellence, Doug Gaston continues to make significant contributions to The University of Kansas Health System. As a trusted financial steward and strategic partner, he is well-positioned to guide the organization through the challenges and opportunities of the healthcare industry, driving sustainable growth and delivering value to the communities it serves.
