JAMES A. CONKLIN
Austin,TX
Summary
Strategic healthcare operations leader with 20+ years of experience advancing patient access, operational performance, financial stewardship, and enterprise-wide process improvement. Proven ability to lead multi-site operations, design governance frameworks, develop executive dashboards, and drive cross-functional initiatives that improve access, accountability, compliance, and organizational performance.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Director, Patient Access
CommUnityCare Health Centers
Austin, TX
01.2026 - Current
- Lead enterprise-wide patient access strategy across 27+ clinics, aligning scheduling access, governance, operational performance, and cross-functional priorities to improve access, consistency, and accountability across the organization.
- Designed and launched enterprise governance frameworks, KPI scorecards, executive dashboards, and operating systems.
- Established performance metrics and success criteria for customer access initiatives.
- Directed cross-functional initiatives involving Operations, Finance, Analytics, IT, Revenue Cycle, and Executive Leadership.
- Implemented AI-enabled operational solutions and automation opportunities to streamline reporting, reduce manual work, improve visibility into performance trends, and support faster operational decision-making.
- Led large-scale change management initiatives impacting thousands of employees.
Associate Director, Business Operations
CommUnityCare Health Centers
Austin, TX
01.2024 - 03.2026
- Oversee operations for 27 clinics, ensuring seamless business processes and optimal patient care.
- Led strategic initiatives to enhance vaccination compliance, improving accountability and patient return rates.
- Optimized therapy service line processes, reducing referral backlog from 785 to 450 within 90 days.
- Manage financial performance, budgets, and payer mix strategies to maximize revenue and service sustainability.
- Collaborate with C-suite executives on strategic growth initiatives to increase patient access.
- Lead community outreach efforts, fostering partnerships to enhance healthcare delivery and accessibility.
- Develop long-term strategies for service expansion and improved operational efficiency.
Chief Operations Officer / Co-Founder
The Mind-Body Collaborative, Inc.
Austin, TX
01.2021 - 01.2024
- Designed and executed organizational vision, operational strategies, and workforce planning.
- Directed company operations, driving employee productivity and fostering a high-performance culture.
- Led talent acquisition, onboarding, and retention initiatives, ensuring workforce alignment with business goals.
- Ensured regulatory compliance and risk management across all business functions.
- Spearheaded process improvement initiatives, enhancing operational efficiency and service quality.
- Managed financial planning, capital investment, and expense control to support growth and profitability.
- Built and maintained relationships with key stakeholders, clients, and strategic partners.
Director, Clinical Operations
Harris Health System
Houston, TX
01.2018 - 01.2021
- Directed clinical operations, aligning processes with regulatory requirements and best practices.
- Partnered with medical affairs, physicians, and nursing teams to develop innovative patient care strategies.
- Managed over 1,700 patient-related contracts and a $44.5M budget, optimizing resource utilization.
- Led performance improvement initiatives, leveraging data analytics to drive operational efficiencies.
- Developed policies and procedures to enhance compliance, quality, and financial sustainability.
Business Operations Manager
Harris Health System
Houston, TX
01.2015 - 01.2018
- Developed training programs and operational resources to improve service delivery and compliance.
- Implemented process enhancements, achieving cost savings and operational efficiencies.
- Partnered with senior leadership to align business operations with strategic objectives.
- Managed data reporting and analytics to drive informed decision-making.
Project Manager – Regional
Harris Health System
Houston, TX
01.2013 - 01.2015
- Managed $1.8B in healthcare projects, overseeing planning, execution, and performance tracking.
- Led financial reporting and compliance monitoring for project milestones and funding requirements.
- Served as a liaison between stakeholders, ensuring effective communication and project alignment.
Senior Administrative Assistant
Harris Health System
Houston, TX
01.2007 - 01.2013
- Provided executive-level operational and administrative support, coordinating departmental budgets, reporting workflows, compliance activities, and cross-functional initiatives for senior leadership.
Education
Master of Business Administration - Project Management
Bachelor of Arts - Business Administration
Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt - LSSYB
Skills
- Patient Access Strategy
- Multi-Site Healthcare Operations
- Executive Dashboards and KPI Scorecards
- Process Improvement
- Governance Frameworks
- Change Management
- Financial Oversight
- Workforce Planning
- Compliance Management
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Project Leadership
- Data Analytics
- AI-Enabled Workflow Automation
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Tableau
- PeopleSoft
- ADP
- UKG
- Click Up
Leadership Impact
- Reduced therapy referral backlog by 43% within 90 days by optimizing service line processes, improving accountability, and strengthening operational follow-through.
- Managed healthcare project portfolios totaling $1.8B, ensuring milestone execution, funding compliance, stakeholder alignment, and timely performance reporting.
- Directed a $44.5M budget, optimizing cost control and operational efficiency.
- Developed and led high-performing teams across multiple healthcare and business functions.
- Spearheaded strategic initiatives that improved patient access and healthcare service delivery.
Timeline
Director, Patient Access - CommUnityCare Health Centers
01.2026 - Current
Associate Director, Business Operations - CommUnityCare Health Centers
01.2024 - 03.2026
Chief Operations Officer / Co-Founder - The Mind-Body Collaborative, Inc.
01.2021 - 01.2024
Director, Clinical Operations - Harris Health System
01.2018 - 01.2021
Business Operations Manager - Harris Health System
01.2015 - 01.2018
Project Manager – Regional - Harris Health System
01.2013 - 01.2015
Senior Administrative Assistant - Harris Health System
01.2007 - 01.2013
Walden University - Master of Business Administration, Project Management
University of Phoenix - Bachelor of Arts, Business Administration
- Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt, LSSYB