Marissa Nichols
Bakersfield,CA
Summary
Dynamic and results-driven healthcare leader with a robust background in operations management and process improvement. Proven success in guiding teams to adopt best practices that foster change and deliver measurable outcomes, leveraging extensive experience in Kaizen and Lean methodologies. Deep expertise in navigating accreditation and regulatory standards, including HRSA, Joint Commission, CMS, and CDPH. Recognized for an energetic leadership approach, consistently achieving project goals while optimizing operational efficiency and reducing costs through strategic initiatives.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Operations/ Director of Quality and Risk
Adventist Health (Bakersfield Heart Hospital)
Bakersfield, California, USA
01.2023 - 07.2025
- Guided the revamp of quality improvement initiatives resulting in department compliance and 100% in survey accreditations.
- Reduced operational costs by 15% by identifying and capitalizing on cost-saving opportunities.
- Led the specialty care in operational oversight of 26 providers, eight clinics and the referral department with responsibility of over 180 staff spanning over several counties.
- Served as the “Just Culture” champion training over 100 managers and leaders throughout the organization.
- Served as committee chair for Safety Events, Quality Improvement, and committee member in various workgroups.
- Collaborated with physicians, nursing leaders, and multidisciplinary teams to align operations with organizational goals in quality, access, and financial performance.
- Partnered with community providers and external stakeholders to expand care coordination programs, improving patient outcomes, patient experience and strengthened referral relationships.
- Worked with executive leadership to implement integrated service delivery models and workflow designs, enhancing efficiency and patient satisfaction.
- Fostered open communication and trust across diverse teams to ensure strategic goals were met through cooperation, accountability, and data-driven decision-making.
Program Director
Innovative Integrated Health
10.2021 - 12.2022
- Brought site to CMS compliance with 100% completion of assessments and care plans within 6 months.
- Collaborated with C-Suite Executives to devise quality initiatives resulting in 90-100% participant and program satisfaction.
- Oversaw Kern region of the Program for All Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE). Managed operations team of 10+ members, fostering a collaborative environment and maintaining a high retention rate.
- Leveraged community partnerships to improve health outcomes for 400 participants. Devised quality initiatives and assurance program.
- Adhered to Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) regulations resulting in 100% program compliance.
- Coordinated with interdisciplinary teams to implement process improvements, leading to a 15% increase in productivity.
Director of Operations
Clinica Sierra Vista
10.2019 - 10.2021
- Successfully led quality project for non-compliant patients which generated 1,000,000-dollar incentive to the organization.
- Applied Kaizen methods to standardize Practice Management duties, created daily standard work and eliminated 2 hours per day of non- value time.
- Immersed within struggling Federally Qualified Health Centers toward turnaround and performance improvement.
- Oversaw Kern region responsibility of 15 clinics to include Clinic Managers, 21 direct reports, and 110 indirect reports.
- Devised and implemented COVID-19 policies and procedures in accordance with CDC, state, and county guidelines.
- Monitored and managed operational budget effectively ensuring cost savings of 10% annually.
- Operations lead in Joint Commission Survey and HRSA audits resulting in successful accreditations.
District Health Services Administrator
OMNI Family Health
05.2015 - 05.2019
- Key accomplishments include the expansion of new health centers, awarded 2017 Health Center of the Year.
- Meaningful use lead and awarded the biggest incentive to the organization.
- Created patient-centered registration forms and policies.
- Led team of 5 Managers with responsibility of over 50 indirect reports in daily clinic operations.
- Effectively communicated with providers.
- Participated in beta testing of new revenue cycle initiatives to improve front office payment collections and billing revenue by 30%.
- Monitored daily schedules to ensure productivity and patient quota numbers of providers were successful met.
- Addressed HEDIS measures/reports, care gap reports, and Key Performance Indicators.
- Addressed patient grievances.
Interim Unit Manager / Case Manager/Counselor /Account Clerk
TAFT CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION
12.1997 - 05.2015
- Solid career with contracted Federal Bureau of Prisons private facility.
- Adhered to performance- based contract requirements which yielded positive results.
- Instituted programs and participated in Contract Facility Monitoring reviews and served as liaison to Bureau of Prisons.
- Managed unit team consisting of correctional officers, correctional counselors, case managers, and program support staff.
- Assigned staff duties, reviewed case records, safety committee lead, audit team lead, responsible for inmate housing unit of 500 ensuring orderly running, safety, environment of care, and proper programming.
- Adhered to safety regulations.
- Conducted internal audits and prepared corrective action plans.
- Managed a caseload, completed progress reports, generated referrals, calculated custody levels, conducted intake, prepared reports, analyzed case files, addressed grievances, training and program facilitator.
Education
Master of Arts - Public Administration
California State University Bakersfield
Bakersfield, CaliforniaBachelor of Arts - Public Administration
California State University Bakersfield
Bakersfield, CaliforniaSkills
- Effective team leadership
- Operational enhancements
- Process optimization
- Operational management
- Strategic planning
- KPI analysis and reporting
- Budget planning and analysis
Timeline
Director of Operations/ Director of Quality and Risk
Adventist Health (Bakersfield Heart Hospital)
01.2023 - 07.2025
Program Director
Innovative Integrated Health
10.2021 - 12.2022
Director of Operations
Clinica Sierra Vista
10.2019 - 10.2021
District Health Services Administrator
OMNI Family Health
05.2015 - 05.2019
Interim Unit Manager / Case Manager/Counselor /Account Clerk
TAFT CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION
12.1997 - 05.2015
Bachelor of Arts - Public Administration
California State University Bakersfield
Master of Arts - Public Administration
California State University Bakersfield