Leon Sears is a seasoned finance executive with over 25 years of experience in the healthcare industry. As the Senior Vice President of Finance at Essen Health Care, he oversees the company's financial operations, strategic planning, and business development initiatives. Additionally, Leon serves as an Adjunct Professor at the Zicklin School of Business, sharing his expertise in corporate finance and healthcare management with the next generation of business leaders.
Experience Summary
Current Role
As the Senior Vice President of Finance at Essen Health Care, Leon is responsible for managing the company's financial functions, including budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting. He has been instrumental in optimizing the organization's financial processes, driving cost efficiencies, and supporting the company's strategic growth initiatives. Under Leon's leadership, Essen Health Care has achieved significant improvements in its financial performance and has expanded its service offerings to better serve its patient population.
Career Progression
Prior to his current role, Leon held several senior finance positions within the healthcare industry. As the Chief Financial Officer for the Northeast Region at Summit Health, he led the financial integration of a major acquisition, resulting in synergies and cost savings of over $10 million. As the Senior Vice President of Finance at myNEXUS®, he played a key role in the company's successful transition to value-based care models, improving financial outcomes and enhancing the organization's overall performance. Earlier in his career, Leon held finance leadership roles at VillageCare, Anthem, Inc., HEALTHFIRST INC., and the YMCA of Greater New York, where he demonstrated a track record of driving operational efficiencies and strategic initiatives.
Academic Background
Leon holds a Bachelor's degree in Accounting from the University of Pennsylvania and a Master's degree in Business Administration from the Stern School of Business at New York University. He is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and has completed executive education programs in healthcare management and strategic leadership.
Areas of Expertise
- Healthcare finance and accounting
- Financial planning and analysis
- Cost management and optimization
- Mergers, acquisitions, and integration
- Value-based care models and reimbursement
- Strategic business development
- Financial reporting and regulatory compliance
- Leadership and team management
Professional Impact
Throughout his career, Leon has been recognized for his strategic decision-making, financial acumen, and ability to drive operational improvements. He has led several successful initiatives, including the implementation of a new enterprise resource planning (ERP) system, the development of a comprehensive financial forecasting model, and the optimization of the organization's revenue cycle management processes. Leon's contributions have directly resulted in improved financial performance, enhanced operational efficiency, and stronger competitive positioning for the organizations he has served.
Conclusion
With his extensive experience in the healthcare finance sector, Leon Sears is a respected leader who consistently delivers measurable results. His deep understanding of financial operations, his ability to navigate complex regulatory environments, and his commitment to driving strategic growth make him a valuable asset to Essen Health Care and the broader healthcare industry.
