KAILEIGH RYBAK
Bemidji
Summary
Senior healthcare leader with 10+ years of progressive experience leading complex clinical operations, enterprise initiatives, and multi-stakeholder projects across cardiovascular and diagnostic service lines. Proven track record of delivering measurable clinical and operational outcomes, leading matrixed teams, driving change, and serving as a trusted advisor to physicians, executives, and cross-functional partners. Deep expertise in clinical project management, process improvement, EMR-enabled transformation, and data-driven decision-making within highly regulated healthcare environments.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
DIRECTOR – HEART & VASCULAR SERVICE LINE
Sanford Health
Bemidji
07.2019 - Current
- Provide executive leadership for a complex, multi-site Heart & Vascular service line, overseeing ambulatory clinics, Electrophysiology, Vascular Medicine, Cath Lab, diagnostics, cardiovascular recovery, and business operations.
- Own end-to-end delivery of strategic initiatives, clinical performance improvement, and operational outcomes in partnership with physicians, nursing leaders, and executive stakeholders.
- Lead multiple concurrent clinical and operational initiatives, ensuring projects meet defined scope, timelines, quality targets, and financial expectations.
- Utilize qualitative and quantitative performance data (KPIs, throughput, access, staffing, quality metrics) to assess performance, identify gaps, and drive continuous improvement.
- Serve as primary escalation point for operational risks, staffing challenges, and clinical workflow issues, coordinating rapid resolution across teams.
- Launched a full Electrophysiology program, establishing workflows, staffing models, scheduling processes, provider onboarding, and operational integration.
- Expanded the Vascular program through redesigned referral pathways, diagnostic protocols, and access strategies to support sustained growth.
- Led planning and activation of a new Heart & Vascular Center, partnering with facilities, vendors, and clinical leaders to deliver a modern, patient-centered environment.
- Partnered with a technical college to establish an Echo Sonography program, strengthening workforce pipelines; first cohort launches Fall 2026.
- Develop business cases, capital requests, proformas, and long-range strategic plans for cardiovascular services.
- Lead and influence large, multidisciplinary teams across clinical, operational, administrative, IT, imaging, and revenue cycle functions.
- Set priorities, assign work, monitor progress, and provide ongoing coaching to ensure consistent execution and high performance.
- Facilitate structured leadership forums and cross-functional meetings to maintain alignment, accountability, and transparency.
- Led major clinical technology initiatives, including Epic Cupid implementation and cardiovascular imaging integration into SECTRA.
- Standardized workflows and operational practices to improve efficiency, safety, and consistency across care settings.
- Translate complex operational and clinical data into clear insights and recommendations for executive leadership.
- Strengthen regulatory readiness and clinical quality through standardized protocols, metrics, and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Serve as a trusted advisor to physicians and nursing leaders to improve patient experience and clinical outcomes.
- Communicate effectively with senior leaders, frontline teams, and external partners.
INTERIM DIRECTOR – RADIOLOGY
Sanford Health
Bemidji
02.2022 - 09.2022
- Assumed interim executive leadership for Radiology during a period of transition while concurrently serving as Director of Heart & Vascular.
- Oversaw operations for diagnostic imaging, ultrasound, MRI, CT, mammography, and interventional radiology.
- Stabilized workflows, addressed staffing challenges, and improved operational reliability during leadership turnover.
- Partnered with radiologists, technologists, and vendors to support quality, regulatory readiness, and equipment planning.
- Strengthened collaboration between Radiology and Heart & Vascular to improve scheduling, access, and patient throughput.
BUSINESS OFFICE MANAGER – HEART & VASCULAR
Sanford Health
05.2017 - 07.2019
- Managed day-to-day business operations including registration, scheduling, revenue cycle oversight, and workflow optimization.
- Led construction and operational planning for a new Heart & Vascular Center.
- Managed budgets totaling ~$12M in operating revenue.
- Implemented performance metrics, process improvements, and staff development initiatives.
SENIOR BUSINESS INFORMATICS ANALYST
Sanford Health
03.2015 - 05.2017
- Supported Epic implementation, workflow redesign, and operational analytics across multiple departments.
- Developed reports and dashboards to support leadership decision-making.
- Improved billing accuracy, workflow efficiency, and patient experience through data-driven solutions.
CONSULTANT
Optum (UnitedHealth Group)
07.2014 - 03.2015
- Supported client-facing system transitions including Epic Tapestry and Product Server.
- Built benefit plans and updated EOC documentation to ensure compliance.
- Assisted with project management, testing, and process improvement initiatives.
Technical Analyst | Associate Billing Representative
UnitedHealth Group
09.2011 - 07.2014
- Managed claims operations and billing accounts supporting ~$20M in monthly revenue.
- Supported system changes, issue resolution, and process improvements.
- Trained staff and assumed informal leadership responsibilities.
Education
BBA - Healthcare Mangement
University of Minnesota Duluth
Duluth, MN05-2011
Skills
- Strategic planning
- Clinical performance improvement
- Data analysis
- Quality assurance
- Cross-functional collaboration
- Effective communication
- Relationship building
- Team collaboration
- Program management
- Operations management
- Project coordination
Accomplishments
Leading for Results, Sanford Health, 2019
Timeline
INTERIM DIRECTOR – RADIOLOGY
Sanford Health
02.2022 - 09.2022
DIRECTOR – HEART & VASCULAR SERVICE LINE
Sanford Health
07.2019 - Current
BUSINESS OFFICE MANAGER – HEART & VASCULAR
Sanford Health
05.2017 - 07.2019
SENIOR BUSINESS INFORMATICS ANALYST
Sanford Health
03.2015 - 05.2017
CONSULTANT
Optum (UnitedHealth Group)
07.2014 - 03.2015
Technical Analyst | Associate Billing Representative
UnitedHealth Group
09.2011 - 07.2014
BBA - Healthcare Mangement
University of Minnesota Duluth