Kara Hines
Associate VP IT/Associate Chief Information Officer
Professional Overview
Kara Hines is an accomplished healthcare IT executive with over 15 years of experience driving digital transformation and optimizing technology solutions to improve patient outcomes. As the Associate VP IT/Associate Chief Information Officer at United Health Services, she leverages her deep expertise in nursing informatics, applications management, and strategic planning to lead the organization's information technology initiatives.
Experience Summary
Current Role
In her current role as Associate VP IT/Associate Chief Information Officer at United Health Services, Kara is responsible for overseeing the organization's IT strategy, infrastructure, and project delivery. She collaborates closely with cross-functional teams to align technology investments with business objectives, enhance operational efficiency, and enhance the patient and provider experience through innovative digital solutions. Under her leadership, United Health Services has successfully rolled out several cutting-edge telehealth and data analytics platforms, resulting in improved care coordination and better-informed decision-making.
Career Progression
Prior to her current position, Kara served as the Chief Applications Officer at United Health Services, where she led the development and implementation of enterprise-wide applications to support the organization's clinical and administrative workflows. Earlier in her career, she held the role of Senior Director Applications and Support, where she spearheaded the modernization of the organization's IT systems and streamlined service delivery. Kara's previous experience also includes a stint as a Nursing Informatics Specialist at Ascension, where she played a pivotal role in integrating technology into nursing practice to enhance patient care.
Academic Background
Kara holds a Master of Science in Nursing Informatics from the University of Pittsburgh, where she graduated with distinction. She also possesses a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Duquesne University, further strengthening her understanding of the healthcare industry and the role of technology in clinical settings.
Areas of Expertise
- Healthcare IT strategy and digital transformation
- Nursing informatics and clinical applications
- Enterprise-wide system integration and optimization
- Project management and change management
- Data analytics and business intelligence
Professional Impact
Under Kara's leadership, United Health Services has achieved significant improvements in patient satisfaction, operational efficiency, and financial performance. She spearheaded the implementation of a comprehensive telehealth platform that enabled the organization to provide uninterrupted care during the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in a 30% increase in virtual visits and a 15% reduction in hospital readmissions. Kara's expertise in data analytics has also allowed the organization to make more informed decisions, leading to a 20% improvement in cost savings and a 12% increase in revenue.
Conclusion
Kara Hines is a strategic and innovative IT leader who has consistently demonstrated her ability to leverage technology to drive organizational success in the healthcare industry. With her deep understanding of clinical operations, strong project management skills, and vision for digital transformation, Kara is well-positioned to continue making a meaningful impact on the delivery of high-quality, patient-centered care at United Health Services.
