Meet Previous Administrative Fellows
Previous Administrative Fellows talk about their fellowship experiences and how their careers have developed since their fellowship at Presbyterian.
- Jim Hinton (1983), President and CEO, Presbyterian Healthcare Services
- John Zondlo (1980-81), Six Sigma Black Belt, Quality Institute, Presbyterian Healthcare Services
- Brian Schatz (1992-1993), COO, Medical Associates Clinic, Dubuque, Iowa
- Hoyt Skabelund (1996-1997), Administrator, Plains Regional Medical Center and Dr. Dan C. Trigg Memorial Hospital (Presbyterian facilities)
- Lauren Cates (1999-2000), VP, Central New Mexico Operations, Presbyterian Healthcare Services
- Jason Fahrlander (2001-2002), Vice President, Parkland Hospital, Dallas, Texas
- Courtenay Garcia (2005-2006), Enterprise Project Manager, Presbyterian Healthcare Services
- Alison Stanley (2007-2008), Process Excellence Operations Director, Presbyterian Healthcare Services
Jim Hinton Hometown: Albuquerque, NM "(Presbyterian) is a progressive and innovative organization that rewards great people who create great results." |  |
Why did you decide to be an Administrative Fellow at Presbyterian Healthcare Services?
I was interested in working in what was, at that time, an integrated delivery system. The diversity of hospitals around the state as well as in Albuquerque was an additional dimension. Additionally, the organization had a track record of administrative fellowship candidates who had gone on to full time jobs in the organization.
Why do you like working for Presbyterian Healthcare Services?
It is a progressive and innovative organization that rewards great people who create great results.
What is your favorite perk/benefit about working at Presbyterian Healthcare Services?
NM is a growing community with many opportunities to expand healthcare services. Presbyterian is perfectly positioned to take advantage of those opportunities.
What was your favorite perk/benefit about being the Administrative Fellow?
I was able to go anywhere and do anything. People seemed to take an interest in my success.
What were some of the projects you led or were involved in during your fellowship?
I was involved in the implementation of the former clinical information system and multiple real estate development projects.
Since your fellowship has ended, what positions have you held?
- Assistant Administrator
- Director of Business Development
- Executive Director of Presbyterian Physician Resources (now PMG)
- Chief Operating Officer
- Chief Executive Officer
- Chairman of the Board for Presbyterian Health Plan
What advice do you have for future Administrative Fellows?
Pick a fellowship with the idea that you will be in the organization a long time. Assume that you are building a strong career in the organization. Have fun and take maximum advantage of the flexibility you will have early in your career.
John Zondlo Presbyterian Healthcare Services (505) 724-6314 Hometown: Minneapolis Degrees: MHA, MA
"As an integrated healthcare delivery system, PHS offers a rich breadth of challenging opportunities across the healthcare delivery spectrum." |  |
Why did you decide to be an Administrative Fellow at Presbyterian Healthcare Services?
Presbyterian was an "early adopter" of becoming a multi-hospital system. I wanted the opportunity to experience management of both large and small hospitals. I was also very excited about the opportunity to work with my mentors – who was well respected (Van Syverson and Dick Barr)
Why do you like working for Presbyterian Healthcare Services?
The people. I was warmly welcomed and given some challenging yet valuable assignments. And we quickly fell in love with New Mexico.
What was your favorite perk/benefit about working at Presbyterian Healthcare Services?
The variety of experiences and expertise available. As an integrated healthcare delivery system, PHS offers a rich breadth of challenging opportunities across the healthcare delivery spectrum. I really like that variety and diversity of leadership applications. And living in New Mexico is wonderful! The weather, the richness of the cultural diversity, the weather, the friendly people, and of course the weather! Its easy to live here!
What was your favorite perk/benefit about being the Administrative Fellow?
The variety of projects I was able to contribute to, from a system-wide perspective.
What were some of the projects you lead/were involved in during your fellowship?
Some of the most memorable were:
- Supporting a strategic planning process for the rural hospital facilities
- Chairing the United Way campaign (I met so many people, that I still have relationships with!)
- Supporting the annual budgeting process for one of our hospitals
- Helping to coordinate the move at one of our rural hospitals into a new facility – and serving as the interim administrator for a short time after the move!
Since your fellowship has ended, what positions have you held?
- Strategic Planning analyst for Regional Administration
- Assistant Administrator at Presbyterian Hospital
- Administrator of one of our rural hospitals
- Senior Internal Consultant for Strategic Planning
- Director of Leadership Development
- Executive Director of Organizational Learning
What advice do you have for future Administrative Fellows?
Ask lots of questions, get involved in a variety of system-level projects. Develop relationships across all the Business Units. Resist the temptation to accept operations role (other than as an interim) during your fellowship opportunity. It will be a long time before you have the opportunity to experience the breadth of our system after you dive into the day to day responsibilities of an operations manager.
Brian Schatz Medical Associates Clinic, P.C., Dubuque, Iowa Hometown: Cedar Rapids, Iowa
"Leadership development opportunities were varied and numerous, and professional growth is excellent." |  |
Why did you decide to be an Administrative Fellow at Presbyterian Healthcare Services?
Dick Barr was a University of Minnesota MHA program alumnus. I met him during my first year of graduate school and was impressed. He spoke at commencement to the graduating class 1 year ahead of me. I was attracted to the values he articulated. During the fellowship search I applied and competed, successfully, for the PHS Administrative Fellowship position.
Why did you like working for Presbyterian Healthcare Services?
The phenomenal people, the values of its key leaders and people, the innovation and leading edge business performance and pursuits. A very talented team, and a committed, values-driven organization.
What was your favorite perk/benefit about working at Presbyterian Healthcare Services?
The greatest benefit in the organization is working alongside talented and committed people. And the leadership team has always been, and remains, outstanding. Leadership development opportunities were varied and numerous, and professional growth is excellent.
What was your favorite perk/benefit about being the Administrative Fellow?
As a fellow, it was great to have significant one-on-one time with key organizational leaders, including the CEO, medical group, health plan, legal, planning and many, many others. I thought exposure to significant organization-wide efforts and projects was particularly outstanding. After a fellowship of two years, I remained another five years.
What were some of the projects you led/were involved in during your fellowship?
- Board Governance evaluation
- United Way Campaign
- Medical Director contracting and compensation evaluation
- Network contracting initiatives
- System-wide planning initiatives
- Quality improvement projects for Operating Room, Cardiology services, Orthopedic services
- Sub-acute nursing unit development
- Project Manager for a system-wide financial performance improvement effort
- Legal analysis of barriers to integrated health system development
Since your fellowship has ended, what positions have you held?
- Director of Ambulatory Services, PHS
- Administrative Director, Business Process Re-engineering, PHS
- Administrative Director, Presbyterian Health Plan
- Executive Director, Presbyterian Secure Horizons (Medicare health plan)
- Chief Operating Officer, Medical Associates Clinic and Health Plan (150 provider multi-specialty clinic and health plan)
What advice do you have for future Administrative Fellows?
Get involved right from the start. Ask for significant projects and experience and you will be given much opportunity. Be thorough and timely, and complete high quality work. Work diligently to develop working relationships across the entire organization. Everything is accomplished through influence, and influence is developed through relationships. Be available to people and look for ways to assist them in achieving their goals. Ask for cross business unit project involvement, which will aid in achieving that objective. Take advantage of the wealth of experience and leadership talent, and seek several mentoring relationships.
| Hoyt Skabelund Administrator Plains Regional Medical Center and Dr. Dan C. Trigg Memorial Hospital (Presbyterian facilities) (575) 769-7169 Hskabelu@phs.org Hometown: Dutch John, Utah "I was able to customize my fellowship to my areas of interest and received broad exposure to the entire organization." |  |
Why did you decide to be an Administrative Fellow at Presbyterian Healthcare Services?
Presbyterian was recognized nationally as an integrated delivery system and I wanted exposure to all aspects of healthcare to help me determine my preferred career path. I felt instantly comfortable with the relaxed culture during my interviews and enjoyed the personable people. We also love the mild winters and four seasons of New Mexico.
Why do you like working for Presbyterian Healthcare Services?
Presbyterian's purpose is to improve health for individuals, families and communities and I have been proud to see this mission in action. I appreciate the values of this not-for-profit system and its strategy to achieve national excellence. We are small enough that I feel part of a family, yet large enough to be recognized as the nation's #7 integrated delivery system.
What is your favorite perk/benefit about working at Presbyterian Healthcare Services?
I have greatly appreciated Presbyterian giving me significant and frequent opportunities for growth and advancement. I feel recognized and appreciated which has greatly contributed to my job satisfaction.
What was your favorite perk/benefit about being the Administrative Fellow?
I enjoyed the invitation to attend any and every leadership meeting within the company. I also appreciated the breadth of project selection and opportunities to work with many different areas of the organization. I was able to customize my fellowship to my areas of interest and received broad exposure to the entire organization, which assisted me in being considered for my first permanent job with the company.
What were some of the projects you led or were involved in during your fellowship?
- Led development and implementation of physician dictation system to replace handwritten notes in the Emergency Department, resulting in over $1 million annual revenue improvement
- Led redesign of Emergency Department charge capture process and chargemaster revisions for nine hospitals, resulting in over $1 million annual revenue improvement
- Led development and implementation of physician documentation and coding accuracy improvement training programs for Albuquerque Hospitals, increasing inpatient revenues greater than $1 million annually
Since your fellowship has ended, what positions have you held?
- Administrative Director, Hospital Admitting/Health Information Management
- Administrator, Dr. Dan C. Trigg Memorial Hospital
- Administrator, Socorro General Hospital
- Administrator, Plains Regional Medical Center
What advice do you have for future Administrative Fellows?
During your fellowship look for opportunities to explore broad areas of the organization. This will help you understand what you enjoy and will expose more leaders to your talents to increase career opportunities within the company.
| Lauren Cates VP, Operations, Central New Mexico Presbyterian Healthcare Services (505) 724-6188 lcates@phs.org Hometown: Albuquerque, NM "It makes it easy to come to work everyday when the people around you have the same sense of values and goals as yourself." |  |
Why did you decide to be an Administrative Fellow at Presbyterian Healthcare Services?
I went straight from undergrad to grad school, so I had no "real world" job experience or overall healthcare experience to speak of. There are three primary reasons I chose the PHS Fellowship Program:
- I liked the fact that PHS is an integrated delivery system. This model would allow me to have exposure to the hospital, medical group, and health plan to assist me in determining what area would be the best fit for me.
- The PHS Fellowship Program is not a set structure like other programs – 1 month in Finance, 1 month in HR, 1 month in the Medical Group, 1 month in the Hospital, etc. The PHS Fellowship Program allows you to sit down with the CEO, who is your boss/mentor, and discuss what the organizational needs are for the Fellow and match the organizational needs with the Fellow's areas of interest.
- The level of senior leadership exposure the Fellow receives is amazing. The Fellow gets to attend and participate in the highest level of senior leadership meetings to gain an understanding of the organization's decision-making process, management style, etc.
Why do you like working for Presbyterian Healthcare Services?
PHS is an organization dedicated to being nationally excellent. We are not content with being the best in the city or the state. We want to be nationally excellent because we believe that is what our patients and members deserve. Senior leadership is very focused on what we need to do both clinically and financially to achieve this goal.
Everyone, from the senior management team to the staff, is very friendly and I really enjoy working with them.
I have continued to stay at PHS because I have been given opportunities to grow and expand my knowledge and areas of accountability each year. I believe that if you show a track record of performance, the organization will reward that with significant opportunities.
What is your favorite perk/benefit about working at Presbyterian Healthcare Services?
I know it sounds cheesy, but I really love the people I work with. It makes it easy to come to work everyday when the people around you have the same sense of values and goals as yourself. There is also a sense of wanting to make sure the job is fun as well.
What was your favorite perk/benefit about being the Administrative Fellow?
Exposure to any part of the organization I was interested in at any time. You will never have an opportunity like this ever again in your career.
What were some of the projects you led or were involved in during your fellowship?
- When I was a Fellow, PHS was going through a financial crisis. I was involved in organizing a group of work plan managers that developed and managed the work plan that outlined the specific initiatives that would get us out of the crisis.
- Provided staff support for the PHS Board of Directors Restructuring Task Force which redesigned the structure of the PHS Board of Directors and Board-related Committees.
- Re-wrote the organization Travel and Business Expense Policy. Developed the on-line travel request process. Educated employees state-wide on the new policy and processes.
- Implemented standardized, on-line office supply purchase process.
- Chaired 1999-2000 Presbyterian United Way Campaign.
Since your fellowship has ended, what positions have you held?
I left the Fellowship position in December of 2000
- In January of 2001 I became the Assistant Administrative Director for Pharmacy Services and Care Coordination (Discharge Planning and Utilization Review) for our Albuquerque Hospitals
- In 2002, I became an Administrative Director and gained responsibility for Homecare, Hospice, and the Pain and Spine Center
- In 2004, I began managing the Infusion Center and Oncology Program
- In late 2005, I became Vice President of Operations for our Albuquerque Hospitals. I have responsibility for the Operating Rooms, GI Lab, Infusion Center, Oncology Program, Pharmacy Services (inpatient and outpatient), the employed Hospitalist and Intensivist Physician Teams, Materials Management, and Integrated Support Services (Security, Housekeeping, Dietary, Food Service, and Maintenance)
What advice do you have for future Administrative Fellows?
The PHS Fellowship Program is what you make of it. Since the program is adaptable to your individual needs, you can choose to take an easy route or a more difficult one. If you see this Fellowship as the opportunity to really gain exposure and experience in as many areas as possible and are willing to work very hard, this will be an incredible experience!
Jason Fahrlander Parkland Hospital, Dallas, Texas (214) 590-8000 Hometown: Springfield, MO "The one thing I appreciated more than anything else is the mentoring and professional development opportunities that came my way." |  |
Why did you decide to be an Administrative Fellow at Presbyterian Healthcare Services?
Initially, there were two things that lead me to PHS as the place to do my fellowship:
- First was the fact that the CEO was the direct preceptor and with that I could expect unbelievable access to senior managers throughout the organization.
- Second was related to PHS being a truly integrated health system with hospitals, physician practices and a large health plan. This obviously successful integrated model would be a great learning experience.
Why did you like working for Presbyterian Healthcare Services?
PHS was truly committed to high quality care and improved patient outcomes. Everything they do is in the spirit of excellence. The one thing I appreciated more than anything else is the mentoring and professional development opportunities that came my way. I always felt that someone was taking an interest in me and my professional growth.
What was your favorite perk/benefit about working at Presbyterian Healthcare Services?
The best thing about being a PHS employee was being associated with such a great organization. PHS isn't satisfied with being good, they continually strived to become great and recognized nationally for excellence. It was easy to feel proud about working for an organization like that. The people at PHS make it great.
What was your favorite perk/benefit about being the Administrative Fellow?
The unfettered access I had to all areas of the organization and the various senior management teams in those respective areas.
What were some of the projects you led or were involved in during your fellowship?
- Advanced Access in the PMG
- Finance – Accounts/Payable redesign
- Automating the travel policy and procedures
- PSLT performance management evaluations
- PHS Governance restructuring
Since your fellowship has ended, what positions have you held?
Assistant Administrative Director, Administrative Director and Sr. Vice President
What advice do you have for future Administrative Fellows?
Come with your batteries fully charged because PHS and the senior management team have plenty of opportunities to get involved with. The success of your predecessors will give you an opportunity that is unbelievable and sometimes undeserved. Most of all, take advantage of the access you'll have with the great senior management team. Many of them are as good as you'll ever come across.
Courtenay Garcia Hometown: Tallahassee, Florida "Leadership development opportunities were varied and numerous, and professional growth is excellent." |  |
Why did you decide to be an Administrative Fellow at Presbyterian Healthcare Services?
I knew I wanted to do a fellowship even though it was not a requirement of my program. I felt the exposure that a fellowship offered into the various aspects of an organization would help narrow my interests. My fellowship experience at PHS has done just that.
During the fellowship application process, the information I received from PHS, as well as the interview process provided adequate information for me to make an informed decision. I liked that I had to "accept" that I agreed with Presbyterian's sense of mission before I could even apply for the fellowship. The video interview was a new and different process, but one that I feel is a good practice. The on-site interview was well organized and I got to meet and interview with several members of the Senior Leadership Team. The feeling I got from Presbyterian, both through the research phase and the on-site phase of the fellowship process, was one that I did not experience from any other healthcare organization I interviewed with.
Why do you like working for Presbyterian Healthcare Services?
Presbyterian treats their employees with dignity and respect and always acts with the customer's best interests at the forefront of every decision. PHS is such a large system that there are numerous projects to be involved. The hardest part about working for Presbyterian is knowing that it is impossible to be involved in all of the innovative projects that are occurring around the system. PHS values their employees and takes the time to grow them professionally.
What is your favorite perk/benefit about working at Presbyterian Healthcare Services?
My favorite benefit about working for PHS is the respect and response I get from the community. Being new to New Mexico, I often get asked why I moved from Florida. When I tell people the sole reason I moved was for PHS, I always get a positive response. Often people tell me what a great organization it is or a personal story about how Presbyterian helped care for someone they knew.
What was your favorite perk/benefit about being the Administrative Fellow?
The many different meetings/events that I have been able to be a part of; from Jim's Group to Presbyterian Senior Leadership Team, to various board meeting around the system, to the grand opening of the Rio Rancho Emergency Department, to events in the community, etc.
What were some of the projects you led or were involved in during your fellowship?
- Employee Survey
- United Way Campaign
- Ghost Ranch
- Interim Administrator, Socorro General Hospital
- Support to System Services Operational Team and Presbyterian Senior Leadership Team
- Workplan Manager for System Services
- Business Proposal for Trauma Services at Presbyterian Hospital
What advice do you have for future Administrative Fellows?
Come into the fellowship having an idea of your interests, but willing to try anything. The fellowship is a wonderful opportunity in both experience and exposure. Ask questions and learn as much as you can!
| Presbyterian Healthcare Services Hometown: Burke, VA |  |
Current employer: Presbyterian
Why did you decide to be an Administrative Fellow at Presbyterian Healthcare Services?
Prior to joining PHS, I worked for several years in the private sector as a risk management consultant and insurance broker for healthcare clients in Florida. Over time I realized that I was interested in learning more about how healthcare organizations operate and how organizations combine and integrate risk, quality and patient safety into delivering efficient, safe and affordable care. After talking with several organizations, I felt that PHS was a great fit. The organization is on a journey of National Excellence and I wanted to be a part of that. The program is not structured and permits the Fellow to explore areas that interest them and that was very important to me.
Why do/did you like working for Presbyterian Healthcare Services?
There are wonderful people who work for Presbyterian and truly believe in the organization's purpose. For many, working at Presbyterian is not a job but a calling. I get energized by being around others who feel just as passionately as I do about being nationally excellent and making a difference in the communities we serve.
What is/was your favorite perk/benefit about working at Presbyterian Healthcare Services?
This is a great organization and extremely well respected throughout the state and the nation. Because it is an integrated delivery system you have the chance to experience the full spectrum of how care is delivered and financed. Presbyterian is poised to make breakthrough improvement for the state and the country because the organization does not make decisions by thinking only about delivering or financing care. It is exciting to see how our integrated model could become a role model for other organizations in NM and the nation.
What was your favorite perk/benefit about being the Administrative Fellow?
Being mentored by Jim Hinton and working closely with many senior managers at Presbyterian is by far the best benefit of being the Fellow. Since I did have previous work experience, I fully appreciate how blessed I am to have the chance to observe decision-making at the highest governance and executive levels and to form relationships with leaders at all levels of the organization. This is an once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
What were some of the projects you lead/were involved in during your fellowship?
- Assisted PHS Quality Institute in developing infrastructure for Process Excellence system.
- Green Belt on medication reconciliation process improvement project.
- Project Manager for Presbyterian Centennial Celebration
- Assisted in executive search for new PHP President
- Automated travel and expense reimbursement process
- Workplan Manager for System Services Operational Team
- Served as a member of New Mexico Quality Awards Board of Examiners in 2007.
Since your fellowship has ended, what positions have you held?
Director, Operations, Process Excellence
What "advice" do you have for future Administrative Fellows?
Presbyterian is a high-energy organization and you should come prepared to get involved quickly with what's going on. The organization expects the Fellow to be a strong contributor so seek out opportunities where you can take the lead in project work. Take the time to learn how the business operates but also understand the organization's strategies.
