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Blue badge reading 2024 Inovalon Impact Award WINNER next to the text Celebrating Innovation and Healthcare Excellence on a light background.

Meet the 2024 Impact Award Winners

Congratulations to the 2024 winners! Learn how these superstars are driving meaningful improvements in data-driven patient care and health outcomes.

A circular badge with the text “INNOVATOR OF THE YEAR AWARD” surrounding a gradient blue light bulb icon with rays, symbolizing innovation and achievement.
A smiling woman with blonde hair, wearing black glasses, a white blouse, and a dark blazer stands in front of a red patterned background.

Karen Knight

Partner, Face Rock Enterprises

Logo with an outline of a mountain above the words Face Rock Enterprises. The text Native Owned is written in cursive below in orange.

”Through ideas, thinking outside the box, and innovative solutions, we are seeing profitability increase and improvement in health outcomes – this is what it is all about."

Entry Details

Karen was selected as Innovator of the Year for her exceptional contributions to empowering Tribal health organizations with innovative financial strategies. By optimizing revenue cycle management and claims processes, she significantly increased cash flow – with one tribe generating over $500,000 in additional funds in just six months. Her extensive experience in healthcare management, combined with her commitment to educational leadership and improving health outcomes in Tribal communities, exemplifies her innovative approach and dedication to building sustainable healthcare systems.

Professional Bio

Karen has over 35 years of experience in healthcare with a specialization in the revenue cycle for both Tribal and private sector. She strives to empower Tribes to become more financially independent and self-sufficient while developing a strong health system to improve health outcomes. Her experience has included management of large health systems, including hospitals and clinics. She achieved excellent results working for the OU Health Science Center, Muscogee Creek Nation, and United Healthcare before joining Face Rock. Karen earned a B.S. in Healthcare Administration and a masters in Indigenous People Law from OU College of Law.

Charity Selection

American Diabetes Association

A circular badge with the words DATA DREAM TEAM AWARD surrounding an icon of three stacked blue and green gradient server boxes.
A woman with curly red hair and rainbow-rimmed glasses smiles at the camera. She is wearing a black top and a silver necklace, standing indoors near a window with sunlight illuminating her face.

Brandi Gustafik, R.N., B.S.N., C.C.M.

Manager of Quality Improvement, Big Data Frontier

HCSC, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois, Montana, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas

HCSC logo with the text Health Care Service Corporation next to the Blue Cross and Blue Shield symbols.

”Interoperability will always be a challenge, but not in the face of our team. We made the impossible possible!"

Brandi GustafikR.N., B.S.N., C.C.M.

Entry Details

HCSC was recognized as the Data Dream Team for their effective collaboration in data collection and HEDIS® gap closure. They addressed key challenges related to interoperability between systems and electronic health records, significantly improving data collection processes.

By leveraging an internal case management platform, the team engaged about 10% of the Medicare Advantage population, capturing 395,110 new data points in the first run. Their work included conducting health screenings and assessments, which helped close HEDIS care gaps. Additionally, HCSC established strategic plans to align data and coding with NCQA standards, demonstrating their commitment to ongoing compliance and healthcare quality improvement.

Meet the Team Lead

Brandi Gustafik, R.N., B.S.N., C.C.M., Manager of Quality Improvement

Brandi Gustafik is a dedicated nurse with experience in step-down ICU/oncology as a CNA, medical assisting in immediate care, and nursing in women’s health, labor and delivery, and case management. Currently, Brandi’s role involves strategy, scientific, and clinical analysis in closing care gaps and utilizing data to its full potential.

Brandi’s passion for healthcare improvement led her to a Master of Science degree in nursing informatics, focusing on bridging healthcare gaps and inequities across multiple states. Her work integrates science and data analysis to enhance patient outcomes and quality of life, reflecting her commitment to continuous learning and innovation in healthcare.

Team Members
Angela Martinez, M.B.A., R.H.I.A., C.P.C., C.H.C., C.P.H.Q.; Sreenivasa Vemireddy, M.H.A.; Michelle Milcarek

Charity Selection

Make-A-Wish

Circular logo with the words “Collective Excellence Award” surrounding an icon of three simplified people standing together, with the middle figure highlighted in blue. The background is light gray.

The Collective Excellence nomination stories were exceptional, making it clear that there were two equally deserving winners. We’re thrilled to recognize both for their outstanding achievements and dedication to advancing healthcare innovation.

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Kim Tedesco, RPh

Walgreens Gene & Cell Services

Walgreens Specialty Pharmacy

Red Walgreens script logo above the words Specialty Pharmacy in black text, all on a light gray background.

”Cell and gene therapy provides hope for patients with many serious medical conditions. As a pharmacist, to be a part of this space and bringing awareness to how pharmacy plays a role is incredibly important."

Kim Tedesco, RPh

Entry Details

Walgreens was recognized for the launch and integration of Gene and Cell Services into its Specialty Pharmacy, investing in its capabilities as the company further grows its core pharmacy business to improve patient outcomes and provide greater value to payers and partners. Walgreens has established an 18,000-square-foot innovation center in Pittsburgh, PA, providing comprehensive support services for gene and cell emerging therapies.

Meet the Team Lead

Kim Tedesco, RPh
Kim Tedesco is the director of gene and cell pharmacy operations at Walgreens Gene & Cell Services Pharmacy. She is an inspiring pharmacy leader dedicated to driving the pharmacy industry forward. In her current role, Kim leads the strategic direction of the new gene and cell pharmacy at Walgreens to create a best-in-class center of excellence dedicated to gene and cell therapies. She uses innovative strategies to overcome obstacles, ensuring these new-to-market therapies reach the intended patients. Kim has previous experience in retail, pharmaceutical sales, operations, and specialty pharmacy. She is a licensed pharmacist in 24 states and attended Duquesne University School of Pharmacy in Pittsburgh, PA.

Charity Selection

Make-A-Wish

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Network Opioid Stewardship Committee

Inspira Health

Logo for Magellan Health. The word “Magellan” is in black bold letters with blue curved lines above it, and the word “HEALTH” is in blue capital letters to the right and below.

”This recognition reflects the power of collaboration in healthcare, and it inspires me to continue fostering partnerships that enhance patient experiences and improve care outcomes."

Entry Details

The Network Opioid Committee at Inspira Health has been recognized for Collective Excellence for their innovative efforts in addressing EHR data gaps. By collaborating with VigiLanz, an Inovalon solution, they enhanced the Pharmacy Surveillance and Opioid Module, integrating it with their EHR system to provide essential data such as morphine milligram equivalents (MME) for opioid stewardship.

Their advanced data integration processes include importing weekly raw data into Power BI for comprehensive analysis, enabling real-time monitoring and reporting of opioid prescriptions. The customizable dashboards they developed track opioid prescribing across various care settings, allowing for improved decision-making by identifying prescribing outliers and monitoring trends related to opioid misuse. Their data-driven insights support the optimization of opioid prescribing practices, enhance patient safety, and ensure compliance with SAMHSA grant goals, ultimately contributing to a successful opioid stewardship initiative.

Meet the Team Lead

Lauren Pino

Lauren began her career at Inspira Health in 2007 as a pharmacy intern at Inspira Medical Center Woodbury. After graduating from the University of the Sciences, she transitioned to a full-time staff pharmacist role at Cape Regional Medical Center. In January 2012, Lauren rejoined Inspira Health as a staff pharmacist at the Vineland campus. By July 2015, she earned her board certification in pharmacotherapy and, in 2017, took on the role of Pharmacy Clinical Manager. She now serves as the Pharmacy Residency Program Director, coordinating the activities of the hospital’s Pharmacy & Therapeutics Committee and actively participating in various multidisciplinary committees. Lauren is an active member of the New Jersey Society of Health-System Pharmacists (NJSHP), the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP), and the American College of Clinical Pharmacy (ACCP).

Team Members
Jennifer Lihach, Edward Dix, Emily LoScalzo, Steven Giambrone, Donald Adams, Jenna Bertino

Charity Selection

Make-A-Wish

2024 Impact Award Winners

Relive the unforgettable moments from the 2024 Impact Awards!

Three people stand on stage holding a large check for $1,500 made out to the American Diabetes Association for Innovator of the Year. The background displays INNOVATOR OF THE YEAR and Face Rock Enterprises.
Two women stand on a stage exchanging a glass award, with two others ascending the steps behind them. A large screen in the background displays their interaction. The setting appears to be an award ceremony.
A man in a gray blazer shakes hands with a woman in a black jacket and plaid skirt as she receives an award on stage; another woman stands in the background smiling. A Face Rock Enterprises sign is visible behind them.
Five people stand on stage holding a large check for $1,500 made out to Make-a-Wish from the Data Dream Team, with HCSC and Data Dream Team logos displayed in the background.
Five people stand on a stage holding a large ceremonial check for $1,500 made out to Make-a-Wish from the Data Dream Team, dated October 29, 2024. All are smiling and dressed in business attire.
Two women smiling as one hands a glass award to the other on a brightly lit stage with a blue background decorated with dotted patterns.
Three people stand on stage holding a large check for $1,500 to Make-A-Wish, awarded for collective excellence by Innovation. Behind them is a Walgreens sign and a blue, celebratory background.
Three people stand on stage holding a large check for $1,500 made out to Make-a-Wish for collective excellence from Inovalon. One person holds an award, and all are smiling in front of a blue backdrop.
Three people stand on stage holding a large ceremonial check for $1,500 made out to Make-A-Wish from Inovalon, dated 10/29/2024. One person also holds a glass award. The backdrop displays blue graphics and logos.
A man shakes hands with a woman holding a glass award on stage, while another woman stands nearby smiling. The backdrop displays the Inspira Health Network logo and the words Opioid Steward Committee.
Three people stand on stage holding a large check for $1,500 made out to Make-a-Wish. Behind them is a “Collective Excellence Awards” graphic and an Inspira Health Network logo.
Three people stand on stage, smiling and holding an oversized check for $1,500 made out to Make-a-Wish for Collective Excellence from Inovalon. One person also holds a glass award.

About the Awards

The Inovalon Impact Awards celebrate innovative, data-driven achievements in healthcare across three unique categories.

A circular badge with the text “INNOVATOR OF THE YEAR AWARD” surrounding a gradient blue light bulb icon with rays, symbolizing innovation and achievement.

Innovator of the Year

This award celebrates a healthcare professional who is pushing the boundaries. This is a person who is undeniably passionate about what they do and who is known for bringing new, out-of-the-box ideas that ultimately drive impactful change.

A circular badge with the words DATA DREAM TEAM AWARD surrounding an icon of three stacked blue and green gradient server boxes.

Data Dream Team

This award recognizes a data-driven achievement that is improving patient care, offering new research insights, or enhancing organizational performance. It is a celebration of impactful research or an exemplary use of real-time, cloud-based analytics.

Circular logo with the words “Collective Excellence Award” surrounding an icon of three simplified people standing together, with the middle figure highlighted in blue. The background is light gray.

Collective Excellence

This award recognizes a significant partnership between two or more healthcare organizations to improve the patient experience, staff workflows, and/or care outcomes. This award celebrates the collaboration’s vision and impact to greatly advance the industry for all.