David Kowalski
CEO | COO
Proven leadership in healthcare transformation, emphasizing regulatory compliance, financial stewardship, and team alignment. Spearheaded transformative union initiatives, reducing turnover and enhancing satisfaction. Experience across continuum of care from acute care hospitals, sub-acute skilled nursing facilities, along with home health and hospice. Pioneered community outreach efforts, establishing robust public trust and enabling business growth. Managed 1100+ staff and clinical members and $110M budget.
Currently located in Irvine, CA. Open to travel, on-site and hybrid.
Experience
Feb 2016 - Aug 2023
Market Chief Executive Officer
Managed 1,100 individuals and a $110M budget across 3 acute care hospitals holding 250 beds on distinct campuses under a singular license. Oversaw the planning, organization, monitoring, control, and direction of operations. Managed physician recruitment for over 450 professionals of varied specialties. Maintained compliance with stringent regulations and ensured adherence to set clinical and financial metrics.
Transitional Care Partners, LLC
Jul 2014 - Dec 2015
CEO
Tasked with initiating a de novo Home Health Agency and Durable Medical Equipment Company. Managed the approval of the Certificate of Need by the State of Hawaii for both business units. Led the process for licensure with CMS and Hawaii Department of Health. Managed operations in Oahu and Maui, ensuring recruitment and retention of competent staff.
Jan 2014 - Jul 2014
Market Chief Executive Officer
Managed oversight over Integrated Market, including 2 acute care hospitals, Home Health, Home Hospice, and 2 skilled nursing facilities. Led planning, organizing, monitoring, controlling, and directing operations with 9 direct reports. Ensured compliance with CMS, Colorado Department Health, and The Joint Commission by successfully taking facilities through re-accreditation and validation survey. Oversaw clinical and financial metrics while managing 800 personnel and a budget of $100M.
Dec 2010 - Dec 2013
Senior Vice President of Operations
Oversaw operations for 2 acute care hospitals, a skilled nursing facility, a GIP Hospice facility, Home Health, Home Hospice. Managed a diverse portfolio including an ambulatory surgery center, cancer center, and adult day care. Ensured regulatory compliance with CMS, Hawaii Department of Health, and The Joint Commission.
Dec 2003 - Dec 2010
Vice President
Oversight of 3 skilled nursing facilities totaling 500 beds and an assisted living facility with 150 units. Managed operations including planning, organizing, monitoring, and directing, while working closely with 3 unions. Ensured consistent meeting of clinical and financial metrics and maintained regulatory compliance with CMS and Hawaii Department of Health.
Results
Directed operations for 3 acute care hospitals, overseeing 1,100 professionals and a $110M budget, ensuring compliance and clinical excellence.
Spearheaded a pioneering relationship with three unions, leading to decreased employee turnover and enhanced staff recruitment and patient satisfaction.
Launched a de novo Home Health Agency, ramping up patient census to over 100 in 3 months post-licensure.
Expertise
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P & L Budgeting
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Case Managements
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Physician Relations
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Physician Recruiting
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Revenue Cycle Management
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Managed Care Contracts
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Board Relationship
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Board Recruitment
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Marketing and Sales
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Union/Non Union Labor Relations
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For/Nonprofit
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Quality Management
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Regulatory
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CMS DOH Joint Commission
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Staff Management
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Supply Chain
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Nutrition Dietary Management
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Physical Plant Engineering
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Environmental Services
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Pharma/Anti-microbial Infection Control Oversight
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Supply Cost
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Cost Containment
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Vendor Negotiations
Education
Master of Science (MS)
Health Care Services Administration & Physical Education
Bachelor of Science (BS)
Health Care Services Administration
Meet David
Q & A
Why did you choose your profession?
I decided to go into healthcare so I could influence patients' lives by providing Hope, Healing and Recovery. Enjoy coaching and empowering healthcare professionals to provide quality clinical care in a cost-effective manner.
Who are your main influences?
As a former college and professional athlete, I hold Coach John Wooden and his Pyramid of Success as a main influence in my life. “Treating people the way you would want to be treated” The Golden Rule.
What is your greatest accomplishment?
Successfully operating multiple healthcare operations where clinical, regulatory and financial metrics were exceeded or met that allowed the employees to participate and receive year end bonus payouts.
What are your long-term goals?
Aspire to lead a healthcare organization to successfully provide a safe and fun environment for patients, staff, physicians, and families that leads to compassionate clinical experience that renders healing.
Which recent projects are you proud of?
First ever Public and private Partnership developing the Yukio Okutsu States Veterans Home in Hilo, Hawaii.
The multiple partnerships developed with the Unions that represented staff members at the healthcare operations we provided servant team leadership too.
Do you live by any piece of advice or motto?
Treat people the way you want to be treated.
What are you passionate about?
Doing the right thing always.
What behavior or personality trait do you most attribute to your success, and why?
Being a leader that is compassionate, shows empathy, hands on and holds people accountable. Allows for the ability to surround yourself with quality people and recruit and retain them.
What is the one thing you need to know about your co-workers?
Getting to know who them and their families.
Testimonials
”Dave’s attributes and dedication are the reason he is an excellent leader. His experience allows him to create and implement infrastructure that ensures efficiency, quality and profitability, while retaining an accelerated level of employee morale. He is able to work the room and is highly regarded by politicians, colleagues, superiors, employees, regulators and customers. He is sensitive and honest in relationships and business dealings. He is a top shelf executive capable of handling any business challenge. I can recommend him without any reservation. Two thumbs up!"
John Megara, CEO, Avalon Hale Nani
Interests & Hobbies
Traveling
Golf
