Overview

Debbi Lehner is a seasoned healthcare leader who has served more than 40 years in the healthcare industry.  Debbie joined the faculty of Public Health Sciences at WSU in 2015, she brought her experience in the world of healthcare to her students. Debbi is passionate about quality and patient safety in healthcare and sharing exceptional leadership skills.  She taught in both our undergraduate Health Management/Health Science program and in the Master’s in Health Administration.

Debbi is a Fellow in the American College of Healthcare Executives and obtained her MBA and Bachelor of Science in Health Services Administration from the University of Central Florida.

Information

Academic Interests and Expertise

As a Fellow in the American College of Healthcare Executives, Debbi's primary expertise and interest is in preparing tomorrow's healthcare leaders and giving them the tools to succeed.

Areas of Teaching Interest

Human Resources in Healthcare, Supervisory Management in Healthcare, Financing Healthcare, Rural Healthcare Leadership, Healthcare Organizations

Professional Experience

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER                                                            March 2011 – October 2013 

Greeley County Health Services, Tribune, Kansas

Responsibilities:  Leader responsible for all aspects of rural Kansas critical access hospital organization with two rural health clinics, employed medical staff and long-term care facility.

           

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER                                                                2007 – February 2011

Bartlett Regional Hospital, Juneau, Alaska                                        

Responsibilities:  Senior level Executive operationally and fiscally responsible for Radiology, Medical Laboratory, Respiratory, Physical Therapy, Environmental Services, Food & Nutrition, Facilities, Security and Construction services in a regional City owned hospital.

           

VICE PRESIDENT OF ANCILLARY SERVICES                                                          2007

Saint Vincent Hospital, Worcester, Massachusetts

Responsibilities: Senior level Executive responsible for operational/financial performance of Radiology, Medical Laboratory, Respiratory, Physical Rehabilitation, Central Transportation, Switchboard, Housekeeping, Dietary Departments in 348 bed for profit acute care hospital, part of Vanguard Health system.

    

ADMINISTRATOR OF ANCILLARY/SUPPORT SERVICES                                      1999 to 2006

Orlando Regional South Seminole Hospital, Longwood, Florida

Responsibilities: Senior level Executive responsible for financial and operational performance of Clinical Laboratory, Pharmacy, Cardiology, Cardiovascular Imaging, Radiology, Physical Rehabilitation, Respiratory Therapy, Nuclear Medicine, Environmental Services, Food Services, Engineering/Plant Operations, Communications, Materials Management, Guest Services, Gift Shop, Volunteers and Protective Services. Directly reported to the President and worked daily with the planning, directing and general operations of 206 bed community hospital, part of a large regional healthcare system.

 

 IMAGING SERVICES DIRECTOR                                                                       1993 to 1999

Central Florida Regional Hospital, Sanford, Florida

Responsibilities:  Directly oversee all operations of a full-service Imaging Department within a for profit 226 bed hospital (HCA) including Radiology, Nuclear Medicine, CT, Ultrasound, MRI, Angiography, Cancer Care Center, Mammography and out-patient Women’s Imaging Center.  Responsible for all staffing, budgeting, equipment, quality improvement, regulatory compliance and patient, physician, employee satisfaction.   Involved in facility quality improvement, marketing and reimbursement maximization.   

 

Clinical Experience

Debbi began her career as a Radiologic Technologist and spent many years in the Radiology field.

Areas of Service

Debbi has served on the local board of ACHE, KAHCE from 2012-2013 and currently serves as a board member and scholarship chair from 2018-2020.  Debbi is also a member of the Society of Human Resource Management and the American Society of Healthcare Human Resource Administration.

Debbi is very active in the College of Health Professions Interprofessional Education Advisory Committee which she co-chairs.  This group holds many events and supports students attending the national Clarion Competition.