Heather Byrne, FACHE
Kirtland Hills,OH
Summary
Results-oriented leader specializing in strategic planning and project management. Proven track record in improving operational efficiency and implementing successful health initiatives. Utilizes analytics and stakeholder engagement to deliver exceptional health outcomes.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
3
3
Certifications
Work History
System Director, Population Health Performance
University Hospitals of Cleveland
Cleveland, Ohio
12.2019 - Current
- Implemented strategies that improved population health and met system Medicare breakeven goals, reducing expenses by $40 million and generating $18 million in shared savings for University Hospitals in 2024—a 50% increase from 2023. Saved Medicare a total of
- Improved financial and quality outcomes across 22 value-based contracts, resulting in $87 million in shared savings.
- Led cross-department collaboration on the Healthy at Home initiative, boosting annual wellness visits from 24% in 2019 to 75% in 2024, and reducing readmission rates by 20% between 2023 and 2024.
- Implemented patient engagement programs with primary care leaders, enhancing patient and provider satisfaction, and health metrics. From 2019 to 2024, breast cancer screening rates rose from 60% to 83%, colorectal screenings from 50% to 82%, uncontrolled diabetes prevalence fell from 31% to 14%, and controlled hypertension rates increased from 66% to 75%.
- Established community teams in acute care facilities, achieving a 75% reduction in inpatient use for high-risk/cost patients, and a $13,500 drop in PMPY costs, with 85% being Medicaid members.
- Incorporated 25 Community Health Workers in 2023, boosting referrals by 60% between 2024 and 2025.
- Created a new system-wide point-of-care AI delivery model for diabetic retinopathy screening with eight cameras, achieving a 44% positivity detection rate.
- System lead for Precision Population Health (health equity) strategic planning initiatives to improve access to care, culture, clinical outcomes, analytics, research, dissemination, and social determinants of health.
- Directed management of operational budget, research project budgets, and resource allocation for maximum cost efficiency.
Director, Bundled Payment for Care Improvement
University Hospitals of Cleveland
Cleveland, Ohio
11.2018 - 12.2019
- Promoted to System Director, Population Health Performance, December 2019.
- Led the CMS Convener role for the Bundled Payment for Care Improvement-Advanced (BPCIA) program across nine hospitals, managing 88 bundles with an $8 million opportunity/risk.
- Recognized as a 2020 Top Performer in Positive Savings over $1M in BPCIA by Premier, ranked fourth out of 1,700 participants nationwide.
- Developed and implemented comprehensive, data-driven strategies to improve operational processes, organizational efficiency, and patient care outcomes.
- Conducted regular meetings with department heads, senior leaders, and the University Hospitals Board of Directors to review progress on strategic initiatives.
Senior Change Manager
University Hospitals of Cleveland
Cleveland, Ohio
05.2017 - 11.2018
- Promoted to Director, Bundled Payment for Care Improvement, November 2018.
- Developed change management plans, minimizing employee resistance, and accelerating the adoption of the new electronic medical record system across four regional hospitals and 16 primary care practices.
- Leveraged prescribed change management tools, such as impact analyses, enablement plans, and readiness assessments, to support updates.
- Communicated project updates and organizational changes to stakeholders, ensuring clarity and alignment across teams.
Product Manager
STERIS
Mentor, Ohio
04.2016 - 05.2017
- Collected and synthesized customer feedback to identify areas for product improvement and innovation.
- Managed cross-functional teams across departments, including engineering, marketing, and sales.
- Managed product lifecycle from concept through development and market introduction.
- Facilitated team meetings to align project goals and foster collaboration among diverse team members.
Product Consultant
GE Healthcare
Waukesha, Wisconsin
12.2014 - 04.2016
Manager, Pediatric Heart Center
Rainbow Babies And Children's Hospital
Cleveland, Ohio
10.2011 - 12.2014
Supervisor, Nuclear Medicine Cardiology
Cardiovascular Medicine Associates, Inc.
Cleveland, Ohio
06.2007 - 10.2011
Nuclear Medicine Technologist
Parma Community General Hospital
Parma , OH
05.2001 - 09.2009
Education
MBA -
Keller Graduate School of Management
Chicago, IL04-2025
Master of Science - Healthcare Administration
Keller Graduate School of Management
Chicago, IL07-2012
BBA - Business Management
DeVry University
Columbus, OH05-2011
Associate of Applied Science - Nuclear Medicine
Cuyahoga Community College
Cleveland, Ohio, OH05-2002
Skills
- Strategic planning and execution
- Project management
- Process improvement
- Financial acumen
- Data analysis
- Change management
- Operations oversight
- Team development
- Stakeholder engagement
- Executive communication
- Business Development
Certification
Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives | American College of Healthcare Executives | 2023
Timeline
System Director, Population Health Performance
University Hospitals of Cleveland
12.2019 - Current
Director, Bundled Payment for Care Improvement
University Hospitals of Cleveland
11.2018 - 12.2019
Senior Change Manager
University Hospitals of Cleveland
05.2017 - 11.2018
Product Manager
STERIS
04.2016 - 05.2017
Product Consultant
GE Healthcare
12.2014 - 04.2016
Manager, Pediatric Heart Center
Rainbow Babies And Children's Hospital
10.2011 - 12.2014
Supervisor, Nuclear Medicine Cardiology
Cardiovascular Medicine Associates, Inc.
06.2007 - 10.2011
Nuclear Medicine Technologist
Parma Community General Hospital
05.2001 - 09.2009
MBA -
Keller Graduate School of Management
Master of Science - Healthcare Administration
Keller Graduate School of Management
BBA - Business Management
DeVry University
Associate of Applied Science - Nuclear Medicine
Cuyahoga Community College