EA

Ekerete Akpan

Ekerete Akpan, CFO



Professional Overview



Ekerete Akpan is a seasoned financial executive with over 15 years of experience in the healthcare industry. As the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of Cook County Health and Hospitals System, he is responsible for overseeing the financial operations, strategic planning, and fiscal management of one of the largest public health systems in the United States.

Experience Summary



Current Role



As the CFO of Cook County Health and Hospitals System, Ekerete is responsible for managing a budget of over $2 billion and a team of 50 financial professionals. He has played a pivotal role in implementing cost-saving measures and revenue-generating strategies, resulting in a 15% increase in net income over the past two fiscal years. Ekerete's leadership has also been instrumental in securing $50 million in grant funding to support the organization's expansion of community-based healthcare initiatives.

Career Progression



Prior to his current role, Ekerete served as the Vice President of Finance at Northwestern Memorial HealthCare, where he oversaw the financial operations of a network of hospitals and outpatient clinics. During his tenure, he spearheaded the implementation of a new enterprise resource planning (ERP) system, which streamlined financial reporting and improved decision-making capabilities. Ekerete's ability to drive organizational transformation and enhance financial performance has been a hallmark of his career.

Academic Background



Ekerete holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, with a concentration in Finance. He also earned a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Accounting from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where he graduated magna cum laude.

Areas of Expertise



  • Financial management and strategic planning

  • Healthcare industry regulations and compliance

  • Operational efficiency and cost optimization

  • Financial reporting and performance analysis

  • Team leadership and talent development


Professional Impact



Ekerete's contributions have been recognized within the healthcare industry. He has been invited to speak at numerous industry conferences, sharing his insights on financial best practices and strategies for driving organizational transformation. Additionally, he serves on the board of directors for the Illinois Healthcare Financial Management Association, where he actively contributes to shaping the financial policies and standards of the industry.

Conclusion



Ekerete Akpan's extensive experience, financial expertise, and strategic leadership have made him a valuable asset in the healthcare industry. As the CFO of Cook County Health and Hospitals System, he continues to drive financial stability, operational efficiency, and organizational growth, positioning the organization for long-term success.