2024 Power Players in Health Care

Junior Harewood is the chief executive officer of UnitedHealthcare of New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Delaware, for employer and individual health plans. In this role, Junior leads the commercial health plans to successfully deliver affordable, quality health care programs to employers and plan sponsors, which improve the overall health and well-being of its members. A native New Yorker, Junior is a proud champion for maternal-fetal health, health equity, and improving social determinants of health.

Do you have advice for those interested in joining the health care field?
Working in health care is unique because you can make a tangible difference. Whether you’re directly involved in patient care or supporting the system behind the scenes, your efforts contribute to better health outcomes and improved quality of life for individuals and communities. To be successful, focus on continuous learning and adaptability, as health care is constantly evolving. Building strong communication and teamwork skills is essential. Lastly, stay compassionate and human-centered in your approach.

How can policymakers support New York’s health care system?
Policymakers can support New York’s health care system by expanding access to care for underserved populations and promoting workforce development to improve outcomes. Encouraging the adoption of innovative technologies like telehealth can enhance accessibility and efficiency. Lastly, greater collaboration can lead to more comprehensive and sustainable health care solutions for all New Yorkers.

What is the most important lesson you’ve learned in your career so far?
Throughout my career, I’ve learned that clear communication builds trust, adaptability is essential in a changing business landscape, and a strong company culture keeps employees engaged. Mentorship and continuous learning are vital for growth, and balancing strategic vision with operational execution ensures long-term success.

Brett Harris, DrPH, is president of the New York State Public Health Association (NYSPHA), the New York State affiliate of the American Public Health Association (APHA). In her tenure as president, Dr. Harris has focused NYSPHA’s efforts on public health practice to better support local communities and ultimately improve the health of New York residents. Dr. Harris received the 2023 Award for Excellence from APHA’s Council of Affiliates for her leadership as president of NYSPHA.

Do you have advice for those interested in joining the health care field?
Think big! I started off pre-med in college but soon realized I wanted to have a bigger impact on health and well-being. Public health was the perfect fit for me, and it is worth exploring before making the jump into health care. Public health professionals work from a prevention lens to make an impact on the population level. In addition, the areas on which you can focus are limitless, allowing for ample career mobility.

How can policymakers support New York’s health care system?
The health care system is overburdened; what can help ease this burden is prevention. Policymakers can support New York’s health care system by supporting and allocating funding toward prevention programs. Another way policymakers can help ease this burden is to support the integration of universal screening for substance use, depression, anxiety, and suicide risk into medical settings; because behavioral health impacts physical health, identification and early intervention are critical.

What is the most important lesson you’ve learned in your career so far?
The most important lesson I’ve learned is to take advantage of opportunities. In 2018, I chose to run for the NYSPHA board to make the link between behavioral health and public health. Then, when the opportunity arose to run for president-elect, I took it. Since starting this role and transitioning to president, I have taken NYSPHA in a new direction that has maximized our impact on the health and well-being of New Yorkers.

Christopher D. Hillyer, M.D. has transformed NYBCe into a $600M+/yr multi-faceted life sciences organization with global reach and worldwide recognition for its high humanitarian impact, R&D, and commercialization strategies. NYBCe serves 75M+ people and 400+ hospitals, research organizations, academic institutions, and biomedical companies in nearly 45 countries. Hillyer founded NYBC Ventures, a $50M early-stage life sciences investment fund to enable innovation and advances in hematology, cell therapies, regenerative medicine, and related fields.

Do you have advice for those interested in joining the health care field?
My advice would be to understand the mission and commit to lifelong learning. Whether you’re on the clinical, administrative, or technical side, never lose sight of your potential impact on the well-being of others. Health care is a field that constantly evolves, driven by new technologies, research, and new approaches. I’ve spent years conducting research, writing, and teaching and one truth remains constant; those who are willing to learn, adapt and innovate will thrive.

How can policymakers support New York’s health care system?
Policymakers play a critical role in shaping the future of health care, particularly in a state as diverse and complex as New York. We need to invest in our workforce development as the demand for skilled health care professionals grows. We must also embrace innovative approaches to patient care, including pilot programs, research and cutting-edge technologies. NYBCe’s researchers at Lindsley F. Kimball Research Institute and Comprehensive Cell Solutions are at the forefront of exploring new treatments and therapies.

What is the most important lesson you’ve learned in your career so far?
We must surround ourselves, through hiring, partnerships and collaborations, with the best of the best talent and then give these individuals the resources, space and time to innovate, make mistakes and do great things.

Danielle Holahan was appointed executive director of the NY State of Health Marketplace in September 2021 after serving as deputy director from 2011. Her extensive background in health care includes roles at the United Hospital Fund of New York, and AARP’s Public Policy Institute in Washington, D.C. She holds a Bachelor of Arts from Franklin & Marshall College and a Master of Public Health from Columbia University’s Joseph L. Mailman School of Public Health. 

Karen Ignagni serves as chief executive officer of the EmblemHealth family of companies which has provided access to high-quality, affordable care for nearly 90 years. During her tenure as CEO, Ms. Ignagni has led an unprecedented modernization effort, leading to many accolades for her leadership in the health care industry. She has earned recognition from leading publications including the New York Times, City and State, Modern Healthcare, Crain’s, National Journal, Time Magazine, and Fortune Magazine.

Do you have advice for those interested in joining the health care field?
There is no work more valuable than supporting the health and well-being of others. In health care, we are privileged to make meaningful differences in the lives of our communities every day. Our city has endless opportunities to make an impact. Whether caring for a person’s physical, mental, emotional, or social needs, what one is truly doing is creating peace of mind. That is an admirable calling and something I encourage everyone to explore.

How can policymakers support New York’s health care system?
New Yorkers need health care policy that addresses affordability. Health care costs continue to rise and are unsustainable. Support for alternative payment models including value-based care and population-based global payments that move health care systems away from fee-for-service reimbursement and incent preventive care and improved outcomes is one way to start addressing affordability. Health care is personal. Incenting providers to keep people well requires an individual approach to care and benefits everyone in the health care ecosystem.

Paloma Izquierdo-Hernandez is the president and CEO of Urban Health Plan, one of the largest community health center networks in New York State. She is a visionary leader who has devoted her career to increasing access to high-quality, affordable health care and reducing the rates of health disparities in underserved communities. Paloma’s unwavering commitment to advancing Urban Health Plan’s mission is reflected in the organization’s successes and its positive impact on the communities it serves.

Do you have advice for those interested in joining the health care field?
Health care provides individuals with a service when they are vulnerable, concerned, and seeking answers. Although a challenging and complicated industry, it is one where you can be passionate, caring and make a difference. When you understand that health care allows one to meet people where they are, one realizes how empowering health care can be. You can fill your heart and soul with the power of giving and caring for others when they need it most. 

How can policymakers support New York’s health care system?
Policymakers can support New York’s health care system by prioritizing primary care as a part of the health care delivery system that must be properly valued and invested in. Primary care is the foundation of a strong health care system. The power of prevention and well-being cannot be underestimated as fundamental to health. Investment in the training of a primary care workforce is necessary, as is payment reform that will reward quality and cost savings. 

What is the most important lesson you’ve learned in your career so far?
I have learned that every day is a new day and that there are new challenges and experiences to learn from. Building on these in a systematic framework that allows for continuous quality improvement is critically important to improving our health care system. Being open to innovative and transformative ideas is what will lead to an improved system of care where each patient can be valued and where health equity can be attained.

Patricia Kane, RN, CNOR, is New York State Nurses Association (NYSNA)’s executive director. She was appointed to the role in December 2019. Prior to this, she served as NYSNA treasurer and was an active NYSNA member-leader for more than 20 years. She worked as a staff nurse in the cardiothoracic operating room at Staten Island University Hospital in Staten Island for most of her career.   

Do you have advice for those interested in joining the health care field?
Get involved in your union. Many nurses enter the profession with union protections and don’t consider their role in their union until they face an issue. In New York, it is union nurses who have been bringing attention to the staffing crises that affect patient care. If you care about health care, you need to take an interest in your working conditions. 

How can policymakers support New York’s health care system?
Safe staffing is still a top priority for New York health care. Patients everywhere deserve a minimum safe standard of care. Policymakers and regulators can do more to have nurses’ backs in their fight to maintain safe staffing standards and hold hospitals accountable. Nurse retention is essential to maintaining safe staffing and we need more support for nurse training, mentoring and orientation policies to keep nurses at the bedside.

What is the most important lesson you’ve learned in your career so far?
I’ve learned that our voice in patient care only matters if we use it. As nurses, we know we are first and foremost advocates in patient care, but that cannot be limited to the bedside. We need to use our voices in the places where important legislative decisions are being made because people who ultimately know nothing about health care are often those making decisions about patient care and nurse practice. 

Mitchell Katz, M.D., is president and CEO of NYC Health + Hospitals. He has led the health system through the COVID-19 crisis, housed 350 persons into permanent housing, overseen the adoption of a modern electronic health record system, increased the number of nurse positions, developed a modern ambulance transport system, expanded outreach for homeless New Yorkers, and led the financial turn-around of the system by enrolling more into health insurance and appropriately billing insurance plans.

William Keefer is a well-recognized health care attorney and co-leader of Phillips Lytle’s Health Care and Life Sciences Team. He is secretary of the Health Law Section, and chair of the Payment, Enforcement and Compliance Committee of the New York State Bar Association. William is a member of the Board of Trustees and secretary of the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra and a member of the Board of Directors of SABAH, Inc. and Rotary Club of Buffalo.

Bryan T. Kelly, M.D., MBA, is president, CEO, and surgeon-in-chief emeritus at HSS, the academic medical center specializing in orthopedics, rheumatology and related disciplines. A world-renowned surgeon, scientist and educator specializing  in sports medicine and hip preservation, Dr. Kelly has authored over 200 scientific publications, chapters, review articles and books, and has been head team doctor and medical director for the New York Rangers and an associate team doctor for the New York Giants.

Do you have advice for those interested in joining the health care field?
Entering the health care field is a fulfilling decision that requires a thoughtful, adaptable approach. 

• A health care career can include anything from patient care to research, administration, technology and more. Explore these settings through shadowing and networking to understand where your strengths and interests align. 
• Research the qualifications needed for your chosen specialty and prioritize quality education. 
• Commit to lifelong learning through continuing education courses, certifications, or development to stay updated on the latest industry trends.

How can policymakers support New York’s health care system?
Policymakers play a critical role in strengthening New York’s health care system by addressing access and quality of care. Improving health care access requires a multifaceted strategy to address the unique needs of a diverse population spread across urban, suburban, and rural areas. Policymakers can also support the transition from fee-for-service to value-based care models to help reduce costs and improve outcomes – this can help to ensure that New York residents receive the high-quality care they deserve.

What is the most important lesson you’ve learned in your career so far?
One of the most important lessons I have learned is the value of effective, transparent communication and empathy in the professional setting, especially in health care and service-oriented fields. Understanding people’s needs, actively listening, and clearly conveying ideas can make all the difference in building trust and fostering true collaboration. In health care, where communication can impact both patient outcomes and team dynamics, this skill is invaluable.