Kara Rios, Chief Financial Officer
Professional Overview
Kara Rios is an accomplished finance executive with over 20 years of experience in the healthcare industry. As the Chief Financial Officer at Firefly Health, she oversees the company's financial strategy, operations, and performance, driving sustainable growth and profitability. Kara's expertise spans strategic planning, financial reporting, risk management, and business transformation, positioning her as a trusted leader in the evolving healthcare landscape.
Experience Summary
Current Role
As the Chief Financial Officer at Firefly Health since May 2024, Kara is responsible for leading the company's financial strategy and operations. She collaborates closely with the executive team to optimize financial performance, improve financial processes, and ensure regulatory compliance. Under her financial stewardship, Firefly Health has achieved consistent revenue growth and improved operational efficiency.
Kara is also the Founder and CEO of deltPRO, a financial consulting firm she established in 2017, which provides strategic advisory services to healthcare organizations.
Career Progression
Prior to her current roles, Kara served as the Chief Financial Officer at Harbor Health from 2022 to 2024, where she played a pivotal role in the organization's successful financial turnaround. Before that, she held various leadership positions at Bright Health, including SVP of Strategic Operations and CFO of Bright HealthCare.
Kara's earlier career was marked by her tenure at UnitedHealthcare Community & State, where she held roles as the CFO, President of the Central Region, and Executive Sponsor for the Texas market. She also served as the CFO at MOBĒ, LLC and started her career as a Senior Auditor at Arthur Andersen & Co.
Academic Background
Kara holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the University of Minnesota. She is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and has completed executive leadership programs at Harvard Business School and Stanford University.
Areas of Expertise
- Financial strategy and planning
- Operational optimization and cost management
- Healthcare industry regulations and compliance
- Risk management and internal controls
- Business transformation and organizational change
- Mergers, acquisitions, and integration
Professional Impact
Throughout her career, Kara has demonstrated a track record of driving financial excellence and operational improvements within healthcare organizations. Her leadership has been instrumental in driving revenue growth, improving profitability, and enhancing the overall financial health of the companies she has served.
Kara is a respected voice in the healthcare finance community, regularly sharing her insights and expertise at industry conferences and through published articles. She is committed to advancing the field of healthcare finance and is actively involved in mentoring aspiring finance professionals.
Conclusion
With her extensive experience, deep industry knowledge, and proven leadership abilities, Kara Rios is poised to continue making a significant impact as the Chief Financial Officer at Firefly Health. Her strategic vision, financial acumen, and collaborative approach position her as a valued partner in driving the company's continued success and growth.
