HealtheConnections Appoints New Leadership: Elizabeth Amato Takes the Helm as President and CEO
On January 1, 2025, HealtheConnections, a prominent health information organization in New York, marked a pivotal moment in its leadership with the appointment of Elizabeth Amato as President and Chief Executive Officer. This leadership transition came after Rob Hack's retirement at the end of 2024, following a successful tenure that laid a strong foundation for the organization.
Elizabeth Amato, who previously served as the Chief Operating Officer, brings an impressive track record of 16 years in the health information technology sector to her new role. Her extensive expertise encompasses health information exchange, data management, government relations, policy compliance, and program development. In her vision for HealtheConnections, Amato emphasizes the importance of leveraging innovative technology and data-driven strategies to enhance the health and well-being of communities.
"Innovation, continuous improvement, and close collaboration with participants, partners, and peers are the hallmarks of HealtheConnections' success," Amato stated. She is committed to maintaining the core values that have propelled HealtheConnections forward while also introducing fresh ideas and perspectives to adapt to the ever-evolving healthcare landscape.
In conjunction with Amato's appointment, the organization has also seen changes in its Board of Directors. Newly appointed leadership includes Paul Kaye, MD, who serves as the Chair, and Seth Kronenberg, MD, and Robert Weisenthal, MD, who take on the roles of Co-Vice Chairs. The new board members, selected for their representation of the community's diverse health care needs and professional backgrounds, include:
- Demetra Alberti, Executive Director for Rural Health Network of South-Central NY
- Kathryn Anderson, MD, PhD, Commissioner of Health for Onondaga County
- Eric Brosius, Vice President of Technology Services for Sun River Health
- Kara Hines, DNP, RN, CHCIO, Associate Vice President of IT for United Health Services
- Judith Watson, RN, BSN, MPH, Chief Executive Officer for Westchester Community Health Center
- Corey Zeigler, Chief Information Officer for Helio Health
HealtheConnections is a nonprofit that operates a regional health information exchange, accredited by the New York State Department of Health, serving 26 counties across Central, Northern, Southern Tier, and Hudson Valley regions. With a network encompassing over 13,000 licensed clinicians, the organization facilitates secure communications of patient data through more than 4,600 locations daily. This extensive network provides immense opportunities for sharing and utilizing clinical data, ultimately benefiting patient care and public health initiatives.
As HealtheConnections navigates this new chapter under Amato's leadership, stakeholders can anticipate a continued emphasis on community health improvement fostered through innovative partnerships and robust data utilization. For more information about HealtheConnections and its initiatives, visit their official website at healtheconnections.org. This leadership change represents a promising future for an organization committed to advancing healthcare through technology and collaboration.