Chief Administrative Officer Union County Kentucky

Job Summary 

The Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) provides executive leadership and operational oversight for Deaconess Union County Hospital (DUC), ensuring the delivery of high-quality healthcare services that meet the needs of the community. This role provides strategic direction, operational leadership, and oversight to achieve organizational goals established by the Board of Directors and Deaconess Health System leadership.

The CAO partners with clinical and administrative leaders to develop and implement strategic initiatives, improve operational performance, support growth opportunities, and ensure compliance with healthcare standards and regulations. This role also provides system-level oversight for the Deaconess Swing Bed Program, including program performance, care coordination, referral development, and collaboration with Critical Access Hospitals across the System.

Essential Functions

• Provides administrative leadership and strategic direction for Deaconess Union County Hospital operations and services.


• Develops and implements operational plans, programs, and initiatives aligned with Deaconess Health System goals.


• Leads performance improvement efforts through effective operational processes, accountability, and service excellence.


• Partners with clinical and non-clinical leaders to improve quality, patient experience, access, and financial performance.


• Recruits, develops, coaches, and mentors leaders while fostering a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement.


• Ensures compliance with applicable laws, regulations, accreditation standards, and organizational policies.


• Oversees resource management, budgeting, and internal controls to support organizational sustainability.


• Represents DUC within the community and healthcare organizations to support partnerships and growth.

Swing Bed Program Responsibilities

• Provides oversight for Swing Bed/Rehab Liaisons and program operations.


• Develops dashboards and performance metrics to monitor program success.


• Establishes processes to improve care coordination, referrals, and access to care.


• Collaborates with DCARE, Case Management, Critical Access Hospitals, Business Development, and Marketing teams.


• Supports regulatory compliance, quality metrics, and operational improvements across Swing Bed programs.

Required:

• Master’s degree in Healthcare Administration (MHA), Business Administration (MBA), or related field.


• Minimum of five years of progressive healthcare leadership experience, including experience in a director-level or higher role within a healthcare organization.


• Extensive experience in healthcare operations, strategic planning, and organizational improvement.


• Demonstrated success building relationships with physicians, leaders, employees, and community partners.


• Experience with physician relations, service development, negotiations, joint ventures, and team building preferred.