Julie Nickell, CPA

Denver Metro Region CFO

Professional Overview

Julie Nickell is an accomplished finance executive with over 30 years of experience in the healthcare and real estate sectors. As the Denver Metro Region CFO at UCHealth, she oversees the financial operations and strategic planning for the organization's facilities across the Greater Denver area. With deep expertise in financial management, operational optimization, and business transformation, Julie is a trusted advisor who drives sustainable growth and operational excellence.

Experience Summary

Current Role

Denver Metro Region CFO, UCHealth (2024-05-01 to Present)

• Responsible for the financial leadership and strategic direction of UCHealth's facilities in the Denver Metro region, including 4 hospitals, 15 outpatient clinics, and numerous ancillary service centers

• Oversees a $1.2 billion annual budget and a team of 85 finance professionals

• Spearheaded the implementation of a new enterprise resource planning (ERP) system, resulting in a 22% reduction in financial close times and a 15% improvement in reporting accuracy

• Initiated a process improvement program that has generated $8.2 million in annual cost savings through operational efficiencies and revenue cycle enhancements

Career Progression

Chief Financial Officer, Penn State Health (2021-03-01 to 2024-05-01)

• Directed the financial integration of two leading healthcare systems, resulting in a 14% increase in combined operating margins

• Championed the development of a comprehensive revenue cycle management strategy, driving a 20% reduction in days sales outstanding (DSO)

• Served as a strategic partner to the executive team, contributing to the successful launch of three new specialty care centers and the expansion of the organization's telehealth services

Chief Financial Officer, Baylor College of Medicine (2015-01-01 to 2021-03-01)

• Oversaw the financial operations of a $3.1 billion academic medical center, including 6 hospitals, 50 outpatient clinics, and numerous research facilities

• Spearheaded the implementation of a new budgeting and forecasting system, improving financial planning and analysis capabilities by 32%

• Played a key role in the organization's transition to value-based care, resulting in a 17% improvement in quality metrics and a 12% reduction in per-capita costs

Academic Background

• Master of Business Administration (MBA), University of Texas at Austin

• Bachelor of Science in Accounting, Texas A&M University

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA)

Areas of Expertise

• Financial management and strategic planning

• Operational optimization and process improvement

• Revenue cycle management and value-based care

• Healthcare industry regulations and compliance

• Enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems implementation

• Team leadership and organizational transformation

Professional Impact

• Recognized as a "Top 25 CFO" by Modern Healthcare magazine in 2020

• Recipient of the "Excellence in Healthcare Finance" award from the Healthcare Financial Management Association (HFMA) in 2018

• Serves on the board of directors for the Colorado Hospital Association, contributing to industry-wide initiatives and policy development

Conclusion

With her exceptional financial acumen, strategic vision, and proven track record of driving operational excellence, Julie Nickell is a respected leader in the healthcare industry. As the Denver Metro Region CFO at UCHealth, she is poised to guide the organization's continued growth and financial stability, ensuring the delivery of high-quality, cost-effective care to the communities it serves.