Name
06. From Strategy to Execution: How COOs Turn Financial Pressure Into Operational Performance
Date & Time
Thursday, November 5, 2026, 9:10 AM - 9:50 AM
Speakers
Robert Wiehe, MBA, FACHE, CMRP, Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, UC Health
John Ernst, MHA, Chief Operating Officer, Froedtert Hospital
Rob Sumter, PhD, President, Saint Joseph Hospital; Executive Vice President and Market Chief Operating Officer, Ascension
Tonya Johnson, DNP, RN, NEA-BC, FACHE, Health System Chief Operating Officer, MU Health Care
John Ernst Rob Sumter
Description

Under intense financial pressure, execution matters more than strategy alone. This panel explores how COOs translate financial constraints into operational performance through process redesign, accountability, and disciplined execution. Leaders share how operational leadership can convert margin pressure into efficiency gains, performance improvement, and sustainable results across complex healthcare organizations.

Location Name
Grand L (East Tower - Ballroom Level)
Full Address
Hyatt Regency Chicago
151 E Wacker Dr
Chicago, IL 60601
United States
Session Type
Panel
Moderated by
Scott King, Writer and Event Specialist, Becker's Healthcare
Moderator Email Address
sking@beckershealthcare.com