Health Services

A Complex Array of Challenges

The health services sector is undergoing a period of unprecedented change as payers, providers and the third-party firms that serve them grapple with new technologies, expanding expectations and overstretched resources.

Providers in particular are seeking to improve alignment between hospitals and physicians in order to increase quality and efficiency in an increasingly transparent, consumer-centric world. This challenge requires not only bridging silos through belated adoption of cutting-edge IT systems, but a major shift from provider convenience to consumer and payer needs. These new pressures require a partnership mentality and new levels of cost management innovation.

Payers, meanwhile, are utilizing sophisticated information management to optimize pay-for-performance and an evolution from disease management to a more holistic, outcomes-based model. They are also bolstering their functional capabilities in technology and other bolstering their functional capabilities in technology and other industries.

Innovations that contractually serve both providers and payers are scrambling to bridge gaps, address inefficiencies and better solve health delivery and payment dysfunction. Many of the transformative strategies needed to address intractable problems will, as always, come from the entrepreneurial sector.

On behalf of the JDRF CEO search committee, we want to extend our thanks and appreciation to the entire Russell Reynolds team that led our recent search for a new leader. Many on our committee had been involved in previous high level searches, so we had very high expectations going in. Starting with a job description that we considered a "stretch," Carol and her team then identified and assembled numerous candidates who exceeded our expectations. The quality of the process and the data that the RRA team brought to bear enabled our committee to focus on the very best candidates and ask just the right questions. In the end, after a long, thoughtful process we were excited to have secured a candidate whom we are confident can lead us to our goal of finding a cure for diabetes."  —Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation CEO Search Committee

The Role of Leadership

For all segments of this complex sector, success in meeting challenges depends upon exceptional leadership. Hospital CEOs must combine superb skills in physician relations with the ability to set strategic direction and manage across functions. Chief Information Officers need to be able to work with clinical IT leaders in managing the transition to electronic medical record platforms. Medical group leaders must develop sophisticated approaches to align physician compensation and productivity. Payer CEOs and senior executives must design and execute strategies that allow them to achieve stable growth serving a mature, price-sensitive market during a time of rising costs and acute political scrutiny.

Russell Reynolds did an outstanding job in meeting our expectations. They were exceptionally skilled in finding candidates who met our specifications for the President of the Hospital. We highly recommend their work."  —Mark Stensager, System CEO, Co-CEO, Administrative Affairs, Guthrie Healthcare System

We engaged Russell Reynolds Associates to help us fill some key international positions because of Carol Emmott and her team's stellar reputation, extensive healthcare network, and professionalism and not have been disappointed. We value their partnership approach and will solicit their services in the future as other needs arise."  —Riaz Adamjee, Director, Partners Harvard Medical International

"We could not have been more pleased with the persistent, quality work of Todd, Carol and the whole RRA team in completing the recruitment of our new Caritas Christi CEO. These were challenging times, but the RRA team took the time to really understand our organization, priorities and governance nuances that were critical to our evolution. They brought us exceptional candidates and helped us to drive consensus and closure in a way that is now supporting a new era of teamwork and progress." —James J. Karam, President & CEO, First Bristol Corporation, Chair, CEO Search Committee, Caritas Christi Health Care 

The depth of industry and academic medical center knowledge of the Health Services team along with the considerable resources of Russell Reynolds Associates create a potent combination."  —James Mongan, M.D. Chief Executive Officer, Partners HealthCare

Industry Commitment

We are committed to advancing our industry and are proud to be a driving force behind the California Health Leadership College’s effort to develop tomorrow’s CEOs. This is an annual program undertaken for the past five years in conjunction with the California Hospital Association and underwritten in part by the California HealthCare Foundation. A similar Massachusetts Health Leadership College was established in 2008. These highly touted fellowships are designed to support developing executives' readiness for top leadership roles.

Our team is committed not only to being the best in executive search and assessment but also to improving our clients’ governance quality. In addition to our growing board development work, we have partnered with the American Hospital Association’s (AHA) Center for Healthcare Governance, and the Healthcare Research & Educational Trust (HRET) in designing and supporting a Blue Ribbon Task Force on Healthcare Governance that has recommended "best practices" standards and tools for healthcare organizations.

The California Health Leadership College is the most significant advancement to improve leadership among health care professionals in California in decades. The California Hospital Association is proud to be an original sponsor of the College. Our future lies in the minds of young health care professionals and the College is an ideal program for them to improve their leadership knowledge and skills while continuing their full-time work. I am honored to be associated with this innovative program."  —Duane Dauner, President and Chief Executive Officer

Effective leadership is essential to providing efficient, affordable health care for the underserved. Several California Health Leadership Scholars have advanced to more responsible positions since participating in the program. These leaders, and their sponsors, believe that the program has enhanced their professional growth and helped them develop their leadership skills. The California HealthCare Foundation is pleased to provide scholarships which enable health care professionals from public, rural and safety-net hospitals to take advantage of this excellent program."  —Mark D. Smith, MD, President and CEO, California HealthCare Foundation

Finding the Right Health Service Leader

Russell Reynolds Associates’ Health Services Practice works with the full gamut of health services companies to meet their senior leadership needs. Our consultants bring broad experience with market-leading hospitals, medical groups, managed care organizations, specialty health services, hospital associations, consulting and other outsourcing vendors, and healthcare technology firms, as well as government and policy making organizations. Combined with our proven search techniques, this sophisticated expertise enables us to work with our diverse clients in a truly consultative manner to define current and future talent needs and then represent them in the highly competitive talent market.

Tailored, Team-Based Solutions

Russell Reynolds Associates’ structure and culture allows our consulting teams to be custom-built to meet the requirements of individual assignments so that we can work seamlessly across and within sectors and regions, including not only our Health Services and Healthcare Technology Practices, but also Practices in:

• Pharmaceuticals and Life Sciences
• Medical Technology, Devices and Diagnostics
• Public Sector
• Global Health
• CEO/Board Services
• Finance
• Government/Associations
• Human Resources
• Legal, Governance and Compliance

The Health Services team at Russell Reynolds Associates has exceeded our expectations in board searches. They got to know us well, helped analyze our needs and presented truly outstanding candidates, all in a timely manner. We are delighted with the results.”  —Jack Porter, Former Chair, Nemours Foundation

“The Health Services Practice of Russell Reynolds Associates has helped to identify several key executive positions in our
organization. They excelled at matching the needs of our organization with candidates of exceptional quality. Their follow- through to completion was notable.”  —Walter Ettinger, Jr., M.D., M.B.A, President, UMass Memorial Medical Center

Our Track Record

A representative sample of successful assignments includes:

CEO, COO, CMO, CNO and CFO of a multi-site Midwest system

CEO of major American disease-focused healthcare foundation

President Clinical Services for a multibillion-dollar healthcare services company

CEO of European national health system

Chief Information Officer and Chief Medical Information Officer of a Northern California Hospital recognized for its technology leadership and outstanding quality care.

CEO, new UAE-based academic health system affiliated with a leading US university

President & Chief Executive Officer for a newly created foundation, established by a leading senior health plan

Director of a leading NCI-designated Cancer Center affiliated with a prominent academic medical center and university, supported by more than 200 faculty and $100 million in annual research funding.

Chief Medical Information Officer and Director of Governance for a world-renowned Northern California academic medical center

Chief Operating Officer for a healthcare IT professional services firm that provides a holistic, solutions-based approach to payers, providers and employer groups.

President of a major Chicago-based academic medical center

Russell Reynolds Associates not only understands the importance of having strong management but also realizes the significance of having strong governance. They have invested in a partnership with the AHA's Center for Healthcare Governance and the HRET to convene a Blue Ribbon Task Force to identify a set of recommended practices. This research will be used to develop educational programs and benchmarks for trustees around the country."  —Mary Pittman, President of the Public Health Institute, and former President, Healthcare Research & Education Trust, American Hospital Association

The increasing complexity of our industry has raised the recruitment stakes higher than ever. Russell Reynolds Associates delivered executive candidates who fit the contemporary leadership profile that we needed. We were very pleased with the firm's partnership and professionalism."  —Bob Riney, Chief Operating Officer, Henry Ford Health System

The work performed by Russell Reynolds Associates exceeded all our expectations. Our search for the Medical Director of our newly formed multi-specialty group went very smoothly. The consultants took the time to learn the culture of our organization and then moved quickly and efficiently to help us hire a candidate who met all of the competencies required."  —Nancy Steiger, CEO and Chief Mission Officer, St. Joseph Hospital

Our Process

While every search is tailored to meet our clients’ unique timelines and requirements, we work within a consistent, proven approach that ensures candidate quality and choice and provides the foundation for an orderly, timely, engaging and successful search process.

Organizational Review—We begin with a thorough review of the context of the search, the expectations of the hiring authority or search committee and other key constituents, the strategic goals of the  organization, the competitive landscape and other factors that shape the leadership requirements and potential for impact.

Position Specification Development—Our findings are distilled into a document specifying the position’s responsibilities in detail as well as the corresponding qualification matrix that serves as a benchmark against which potential candidates are measured.

Research/Candidate Identification and Qualification—Drawing upon our extensive proprietary database and network of contacts, as well as publicly available data, we develop a list of qualified, viable candidates.

Candidate Attraction and Evaluation—We then engage and personally interview selected candidates, focusing on the competencies and experience requirements outlined in the position specification.

Candidate Evaluation and Selection—Working closely with our valued clients, we develop a focused interview guide, schedule first and subsequent rounds interviews and facilitate the evaluation process. Psychological profiling and cultural fit evaluation can be provided as needed.

Referencing—As priority candidates are identified, we begin an extensive referencing process. As a final candidate emerges, we expand our contacts to a full slate of supervisors, peers and subordinates qualified to provide meaningful, confidential insights, which are gathered into a written report.

Negotiation—We then assist in the design of a compensation package calculated to attract the finalist. We can also serve as an intermediary to resolve differences and details in order to successfully complete the agreement.

Follow-up—After an offer is accepted, we periodically follow-up with the organization and the candidate to insure that expectations on both sides are being met. We are also available for executive assessment and development services to assist in galvanizing the team for future success.

It has been my pleasure to be both a client of the firm and a successful candidate. Russell Reynolds Associates handled the search that resulted in my appointment to lead Misys Healthcare Systems. Whether a client or candidate, what sets the firm apart is the emphasis on partnership. They work hard to deeply understand the needs and culture of their clients. I only see candidates who clearly can do the job. I view Russell Reynolds Associates as a partner in the most critical element of any successful business—that of identifying the senior management team." —R.L. "Vern" Davenport, Executive Vice President and General Manager, Misys Healthcare Systems

Executive Assessment

RRA’s Health Services Practice collaborates with the firm's Executive Assessment Practice to bring innovative executive assessment, development and succession planning services to our clients. This process combines deep industry-specific expertise with a rigorous assessment methodology that includes psychometrics, culture surveys and other tools to create a complete picture of executives in the larger organizational context in order to optimize team performance.

Diversity in Healthcare Leadership

Because health services organizations often seek to improve their leadership teams' reflection of the diversity of the constituencies they serve, the Health Services Practice is also able to draw upon the resources of the firm's Diversity Practice, which has an extensive track record and focused resources and networks to identify and recruit candidates of all demographics and backgrounds. In order to promote the recognition and encouragement of these growing cohorts of health care leaders, Russell Reynolds Associates has worked with Modern Healthcare to support its Top 25 Minority Executives in Healthcare and Top 25 Women in Healthcare Awards programs.