Debra McElroy, MPH, RN – Board Bio

Accomplished healthcare executive with a broad range of experience working with healthcare systems, academic medical centers, and the public health sector across the U.S. She is recognized for launching innovative and transformative programs that have been adopted by healthcare organizations across the country, with a focus on workforce retention and optimization of healthcare teams.

Debra has led healthcare teams and coalitions on the local, state and national level, and is a seasoned national speaker and writer. She has moderated and hosted a national nursing TV educational series and a healthcare podcast.

RELEVANT EXPERIENCE

  • Founder and Principal, L3 Advisor Group, current
  • Senior Vice President, CGi/American Case Management Association 2017-2020
  • Associate Vice President of Nursing Leadership for Vizient (formerly University HealthSystem Consortium) 2007-2017
  • Numerous publications

HIGHLIGHTED EXPERIENCE

WORKFORCE RETENTION + ENGAGEMENT / INNOVATION

  • Led the growth of a national nurse residency program from 50 participating hospitals to more than 300+ within 6 years; the program is now recognized as the largest program of its kind, the gold standard and currently used by more than 600 hospitals; endorsed by the Joint Commission and the Institute of Medicine
  • Created first state-wide collations (Hawaii, Maryland, Pennsylvania) for adoption of the nurse residency program model and impacting nursing staff for more than 63,000 staffed beds
  • Founded CAP2 (Center for Advancing Provider Practices) creating tools and the largest national data set related to advanced clinical practitioners (nurse practitioners and physician assistants); awarded CHEF/ACHE Innovation Award and listed as best practice by Joint Commission.
  • Launched association for physicians in care management

PUBLIC HEALTH / CARE DELIVERY

  • Initiated, developed and published national standards for transition of patient care across healthcare settings; serves as a framework for an association 8,000 case management professionals as well as hospitals nation-wide
  • Led a federal HRSA funded innovative health collaborative comprised of hospitals, clinics, heath department and other community partners; establish pharmaceutical voucher program for 36% of uninsured county residents and increased provider access by 45% over the 2.5 years of grant funding

BOARD EXPERIENCE

  • National Quality Forum: Advisor, National Quality Partners Leadership Consortium, 2017-2020
  • Board adjacency roles: American Case Management Association 2017-2020; Kane County Board, 2004-2007; Kane County Health Access Integrated Network 2004-2007; Suburban Asthma Consortium 1999-2004
  • Executive Council liaison: University HealthSystem Consortium/ Vizient, 2007-2017
  • Board president and board member: Serving two educational institutions, 1988-2006
  • Community impact committee roles: Fox Valley United Way and DuPage County Health Department, 2000 – 2005