Nereida Terrazas

Associate Chief Operating Officer

DAP Health

08.2023 - Current

Provide enterprise-level operational leadership across a broad portfolio of clinical and support service departments, ensuring alignment with organizational strategy, compliance standards, and quality goals.
Leading operational strategies to enhance service delivery and patient outcomes across multiple health centers.
Provide strategic leadership and executive oversight for multiple operational departments, including Pediatrics, Adult Medicine, OBGYN, Behavioral Health, Dental, Specialty Care, Gender Wellness, Mobile Services, Call Center, and Care Coordination.
Direct department heads in the development and execution of operational plans aligned with organizational mission, compliance standards, and quality benchmarks.
Oversee implementation of organization-wide protocols, workflows, and quality improvement initiatives across diverse service lines.
Monitor departmental KPIs, productivity metrics, patient access dashboards, and financial performance to drive continuous improvement and accountability.
Collaborate with executive leadership, clinical directors, and support teams to align departmental strategies with broader organizational goals, including patient-centered care, equity, and access.
Guide performance evaluations and leadership development for department directors, promoting a culture of accountability, innovation, and growth.
Ensure compliance with federal, state, and accrediting agency regulations across all departments, supporting audit readiness and corrective action planning.
Facilitate cross-departmental integration of services to support whole-person care, population health goals, and seamless patient navigation.
Lead budget planning and resource allocation across departments to ensure financial sustainability and service expansion.
Act as senior liaison for internal and external stakeholders, representing organizational interests in strategic partnerships, community outreach, and collaborative initiatives.
Champion operational improvements that enhanced access to care, patient experience, and clinical outcomes across all service areas.
Collaborated with department directors to identify and pursue grant opportunities that support enhanced patient services, access to care, and whole-person care initiatives.
Oversee management of awarded grant funds, ensuring compliance with funding requirements, timely reporting, and alignment with program goals.
Partner with finance and program teams to track expenditures, evaluate impact, and optimize use of grant resources to maximize service delivery and sustainability.
Lead or co-lead organizational strategic plan initiatives, translating high-level goals into actionable departmental strategies across clinical and operational areas.
Champion cross-departmental collaboration to align grant-funded programs with organizational priorities and improve patient outcomes.
Play a key role in integrating grant opportunities into long-term strategic planning and capacity-building efforts.
Develop systems to monitor grant performance metrics and report progress to executive leadership and funders.
Conduct regular visits to all clinic sites to provide on-the-ground leadership presence, assess operations, and support departmental needs in real time.
Offer individualized coaching and guidance to department leaders and frontline staff, fostering professional development, confidence, and team cohesion.
Serve as a visible and accessible leader across all regions, reinforcing organizational culture and supporting staff through challenges and change.
Empower employees by promoting open communication, shared decision-making, and accountability in alignment with the organization’s mission and values.
Identify opportunities for operational improvement and provide actionable recommendations during site visits to enhance patient care and staff workflows.
Fostered a culture of engagement and continuous learning through mentorship, support, and recognition of staff contributions at all clinic locations.