Healthcare Technology & Strategy

Cortie Thompson

MHA — Healthcare Technology & Business Strategy Leader

Driving measurable outcomes at the intersection of healthcare operations, technology strategy, and data analytics. Currently shaping the future of ambulatory care at athenahealth.

About

Who I Am

CT
Cortie Thompson
MHA — Medical University of South Carolina
Healthcare IT Strategy Analytics Operations

I am an experienced healthcare leader with cross-functional proficiency in hospital operations, technology strategy, and data analytics. My career spans leading health systems and healthcare technology companies — from driving financial performance and clinical efficiency at Emory Healthcare to shaping solution design at athenahealth, one of the nation's leading ambulatory care platforms.

Recognised as a thought leader and consummate professional, I influence stakeholders at every level — from frontline staff to C-suite executives — translating complex operational challenges into clear, executable strategies. Whether advising health systems on technology vendor decisions, restructuring billing operations, or developing international leadership programmes, I bring rigorous analytical thinking and a deep commitment to improving patient outcomes and financial performance.

Based in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina.

37%
Improvement in OR scheduling accuracy
13%
Net income increase at Emory Healthcare
500+
LinkedIn connections & growing network

Core Expertise

Healthcare Technology Strategy Hospital Operations Value-Based Care Data Analytics Patient Financial Services Business Development Stakeholder Management Project Management Solution Design EHR Strategy Process Improvement Executive Leadership
Experience

Career History

Solution Designer
athenahealth
Charleston, SC Present

Shaping solution design at one of the nation's leading ambulatory care platforms, partnering with health systems to optimise clinical and operational workflows. Recruiting and building high-performing solution design teams across the US under senior leadership.

Ambulatory CareSolution DesignEHR Strategy
Healthcare Strategy & Operations Leader
Emory Healthcare
Atlanta, GA Prior Role

Served as a key strategic leader working directly with the CEO of Emory Healthcare, driving cross-functional initiatives across Patient Financial Services, surgical operations, and business development. Played an integral role in a major health system restructure that delivered a 13% increase in net income, while simultaneously leading an OR scheduling programme that improved case-time accuracy by 37%. Coordinated an international CEO training programme for Peking University Health Science Center.

Hospital OperationsFinancial StrategyOR OptimisationExecutive Leadership

Education

🎓
Master of Health Administration (MHA)
Medical University of South Carolina
2007 – 2009
🎓
Bachelor's Degree
Undergraduate Institution
1999 – 2003

What Colleagues Say

“Cortie is the consummate professional — self-initiated and thoughtful, with a willingness to learn and take on new objectives. He is a thought leader, well respected by peers and senior leaders alike.”
Heather Schuette
LinkedIn Recommendation
“Cortie demonstrated immense attention to detail and excellent project and relationship management skills throughout our 3+ years of collaboration at Emory Healthcare. His business acumen and analytical capabilities are exceptional.”
Adam Gobin, FHFMA, MBA, MPH
LinkedIn Recommendation
Portfolio

Selected Work

Emory Healthcare — Atlanta, GA

Health System Financial Restructure

Led cross-functional initiatives as part of a major Emory Healthcare restructure, collaborating with Patient Financial Services and senior leadership to overhaul billing operations, patient satisfaction processes, and strategic business development programmes.

13% increase in net income
Emory Healthcare — Surgical Operations

OR Scheduling Accuracy Programme

Designed and implemented a data-driven programme to improve the accuracy of operating room case-time scheduling, reducing waste, improving clinical throughput, and enhancing surgeon and staff satisfaction across the health system.

37% improvement in scheduling accuracy
International — Peking University Health Science Center

CEO Leadership Training Programme

Coordinated and delivered an executive leadership training programme for senior healthcare leaders at Peking University Health Science Center, sharing best practices in hospital operations, business strategy, and healthcare systems management.

International executive leadership programme
Contact

Let's Connect

Interested in collaborating, speaking engagements, or exploring how strategic healthcare technology can drive better outcomes? I'd love to hear from you.