Visionary Voices

In this episode of Visionary Voices, we sit down with Charity Darnell, Vice President and Assistant Chief Information Officer at Methodist Health System, to explore what it takes to lead meaningful digital transformation in today’s healthcare environment.Drawing from her clinical background in nursing, Charity shares how frontline experience shapes smarter technology decisions and more effective leadership. The conversation dives into one of healthcare’s most complex challenges, application rationalization, and why creating space for innovation requires both strategic discipline and organizational alignment.We also explore the human side of transformation, including how leaders can foster the cultural shifts needed to embrace emerging technologies like AI while maintaining a strong focus on patient care. Charity offers practical insights on communication, change management, and the mindset required to move organizations forward.This episode is a must-listen for healthcare leaders navigating transformation and looking to balance innovation with real-world impact.

In this episode of Season 2 of Visionary Voices, we welcome Matt Kull, EVP and Chief Information & Digital Officer at Inova Health, for a deep dive into IT governance, organizational efficiency, and how CIOs can drive meaningful innovation at scale.Matt shares how strong governance models enable smarter decision-making, faster execution, and alignment between clinical, operational, and digital priorities. The conversation explores how leaders can shift culture in environments without formal governance structures, how to evaluate the true value of innovation, and which principles consistently lead to better health system outcomes.We also discuss Inova’s national leadership in responsible data use, their broader digital strategy, and lessons other CIOs can apply as they balance transformation with trust, compliance, and performance.Topics include:IT governance and enterprise decision-makingDriving organizational efficiencyMeasuring value in innovationResponsible use of health dataCIO leadership strategiesTune in to hear how Inova is shaping the future of digital health and what today’s healthcare leaders can learn from their approach.

In this first episode of Season 2 of Visionary Voices, we sit down with Mike Prokic, VP and Chief IT Strategy Officer, and Nick O'Connor, VP and Chief Technology Officer, from Trinity Health to explore how one of the nation’s largest health systems is modernizing imaging and accelerating innovation through the cloud.From the pivotal moment that sparked Trinity Health’s transformation to the real-world impact of a cloud-based PACS environment, this candid conversation dives into what it takes to modernize at scale. Our guests share measurable benefits for clinicians and IT teams, and how emerging technologies like AI are shaping their roadmap forward.Expect thoughtful insights, honest reflections, and a conversation designed for healthcare technology leaders who want to stay ahead of what's next.Topics include:Cloud-based imaging and PACS modernizationAI and automation in healthcare ITManaged services strategiesBuilding an innovation-ready futureTune in to hear how Trinity Health is turning vision into action, and what other health systems can learn from their journey.

In this episode of Visionary Voices, we sit down with Dr. Chris Longhurst, Chief Clinical and Innovation Officer at UC San Diego Health and Executive Director of the Joan and Irwin Jacobs Center for Health Innovation. From his go-to burrito order to breaking new ground with spatial computing in the operating room, Dr. Longhurst shares why IT innovation isn’t just about tech—it’s about timing, trust, and transformation.We explore what it takes to implement cutting-edge technologies without disrupting daily operations and how UC San Diego Health’s use of the Apple Vision Pro redefines patient care in real time.Tune in to learn:Whether healthcare is still lagging—or leading—in tech adoptionHow to prepare your IT infrastructure for innovationWhy the operating room might be the next frontier for spatial computingWhether you're a CIO, clinician, or just tech-curious, this episode delivers thought-provoking insights and a few laughs along the way.

In this episode of Visionary Voices, we sit down with Sameer Sethi, Senior Vice President and Chief Data and Analytics Officer at Hackensack Meridian Health, to explore one of the most talked-about innovations in healthcare IT today: agentic AI. From its potential to transform workflows to the nuanced challenges of adoption, Sameer offers a grounded, forward-looking take on how this next evolution in AI could change the game for clinicians, patients, and healthcare systems alike.We dive into what sets agentic AI apart from traditional automation, how trust and governance frameworks are evolving, and why the human role is more critical than ever—even in an increasingly autonomous future. Whether you're just beginning to explore AI’s possibilities or are already implementing intelligent agents across your enterprise, this conversation offers valuable insights from one of the field’s most thoughtful leaders.This episode is a must-listen for anyone exploring the real-world deployment of agentic AI. Sameer walks through practical and emerging use cases—from clinician support and revenue cycle enhancements to patient experience and operational efficiency—offering a clear-eyed view of where agentic AI is already delivering value and where its potential is just beginning to unfold.

In this episode of Visionary Voices, we sit down with Brady Collier and Tooba Amir, two graduates of Optimum CareerPath, who are already making their mark in healthcare IT. Their journeys into the field offer an inspiring glimpse into how the next generation is stepping into roles that directly shape the future of healthcare delivery and digital transformation.Moderated by Lydia Veal, Chief Operating Officer at Optimum Healthcare IT, this conversation explores how Brady and Tooba discovered health IT, the myths they’ve encountered as recent grads, and how organizations can evolve their hiring practices to better engage younger talent. From career-defining moments to lessons in resilience and adaptability, their stories underscore why investing in early-career professionals is not just smart, it’s strategic.Whether you're a CIO looking to close talent gaps, or a student considering your own future, this conversation offers honest reflections and fresh perspectives. Listen in as we discuss what health systems can do to attract, and retain, the next wave of innovators.

In this episode of Visionary Voices, we sat down with Andy Crowder, Senior Vice President and Chief Digital Officer at Advocate Health, one of the nation’s largest non-profit health systems. Andy shares a behind-the-scenes look at the complex IT integration following the historic merger of Advocate Health and Atrium Health. From aligning EMRs and ERPs to balancing governance, infrastructure, and data migration, he walks us through the strategic decisions that enabled a smooth transition at scale.Mergers and acquisitions are reshaping the healthcare landscape, and Andy offers actionable insights for IT leaders navigating this journey. He discusses the importance of clear standards, disciplined execution, and de-prioritizing non-essential projects to stay focused. You’ll learn how Advocate Health approached integration with a thoughtful governance model and how change management was built into the culture from the beginning.We also explore Advocate Health’s impressive response to Hurricane Helene. Andy shares how mobile technologies and a resilient IT foundation enabled the system to maintain operations and deliver care when communities needed it most. It’s a powerful reminder of how disaster preparedness and digital transformation go hand-in-hand.Whether you're planning a merger or preparing your organization for the unexpected, this episode is packed with real-world lessons on IT leadership, agility, and impact.

In this month’s episode, we sit down with Mike Mosquito, one of the most influential voices in healthcare IT, a leader whose impact spans Northeast Georgia Health System, HIMSS, The Buzz podcast, and beyond. From Air Force service to executive leadership, he shares the journey that shaped his brand, leadership style, and passion for digital transformation.We explore his “aha” moment that confirmed healthcare IT was the right fit, the lessons he carried from military service into the boardroom, and how he instills those principles in his team today.The conversation shifts to a timely and necessary topic: equity and representation in health IT leadership. With the percentage of African American health information leaders declining, he shares candid thoughts on how the industry must evolve to attract and retain diverse talent, and the advice he would give his younger self and the next generation of African American healthcare executives.This episode is a must-listen for current and aspiring leaders who want to build an authentic personal brand, lead with purpose, and drive meaningful change in healthcare.

In this episode of Visionary Voices, Craig Richardville, a nationally recognized chief digital and information officer, discusses the evolving role of the healthcare CIO. With experience at top health systems like Intermountain, SCL Health, Atrium Health, and ProMedica, Craig shares insights on how CIOs are shifting from traditional IT oversight to driving enterprise-wide digital transformation. The conversation explores how innovation, consumer demands, and workforce evolution redefine healthcare leadership.

In this first episode of Visionary Voices, Northeast Georgia Health System (NGHS) CIO Chris Paravate and CTO Stuart Samples discuss how NGHS is modernizing its infrastructure by moving to the cloud. This insightful conversation explores how the organization aligned IT strategy with business goals, overcame cloud adoption challenges, and leveraged strategic partnerships to drive operational efficiency, scalability, and resilience. Whether planning your cloud journey or navigating one now, this conversatio offers real-world lessons, executive-level insights, and actionable takeaways to guide your path forward.