Nebraska Medicine Executive and Leadership Team

Stephanie Daubert, the Chief Financial Officer at Nebraska Medicine, directs all fiscal planning and revenue cycle management for the healthcare system. Overseeing capital allocation and long-term financial sustainability, the Chief Financial Officer ensures resources support clinical research and patient care initiatives. This leadership role involves analyzing market trends to optimize operational budgets across the entire network. By implementing rigorous cost-control measures, Stephanie Daubert directly impacts the ability of the organization to invest in advanced medical technology. Furthermore, the Chief Financial Officer collaborates with the board to maintain fiscal health while expanding service lines. Through strategic oversight of financial reporting and audit functions, Daubert secures the economic foundation necessary for delivering high-quality healthcare services throughout the Midwest. This position remains vital for balancing the mission of not-for-profit service with the realities of modern healthcare economics.

Kyle Skiermont, the Chief Operating Officer at Nebraska Medicine, manages daily clinical operations and supply chain logistics to ensure seamless patient care delivery. Overseeing the integration of pharmacy services and hospital support functions, the Chief Operating Officer drives efficiency across all inpatient and outpatient facilities. This leadership role involves coordinating with department heads to streamline workflows and improve patient throughput. By optimizing operational processes, Kyle Skiermont directly supports the mission of providing comprehensive health professions education and clinical service. Furthermore, the Chief Operating Officer monitors performance metrics to maintain high standards of safety and quality. Through the management of complex logistical networks, Skiermont ensures that medical teams possess the necessary tools to treat diverse patient populations. This role remains essential for maintaining the operational excellence required by a leading academic medical center in the United States.

Deborah Istas, the Chief Operating Officer, Nebraska Medicine (Bellevue) at Nebraska Medicine, manages regional clinical operations and facility performance for the Bellevue campus. Overseeing local service delivery and patient experience initiatives, the Chief Operating Officer, Nebraska Medicine (Bellevue) ensures that community-based care aligns with the broader organizational mission. This leadership role involves supervising daily administrative functions and coordinating with regional medical teams to optimize resource utilization. By focusing on local market needs, Deborah Istas directly impacts the accessibility of healthcare services for the surrounding population. Furthermore, the Chief Operating Officer, Nebraska Medicine (Bellevue) implements strategic improvements to enhance operational efficiency and patient satisfaction. Through the management of regional assets, Istas supports the overall growth and reputation of the healthcare system. This role remains essential for maintaining high-quality clinical standards within the specific geographic context of the Bellevue facility.

Michael Ash, the Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer at Nebraska Medicine, architects the overarching operational strategy for the entire healthcare enterprise. Overseeing system-wide performance and the integration of clinical services, the Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer drives large-scale initiatives to improve patient outcomes and organizational efficiency. This leadership role involves collaborating with the board to execute long-term growth plans and research objectives. By aligning clinical operations with the mission of health professions education, Michael Ash directly influences the strategic direction of the company. Furthermore, the Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer manages complex organizational changes to ensure the system remains competitive in the national healthcare market. Through the oversight of major infrastructure projects and clinical expansion, Ash secures the future of the institution. This position remains vital for maintaining the high-level operational standards required by a premier academic medical center.

Austin Thompson, the Chief of Staff, MD at Nebraska Medicine, coordinates communication between the medical staff and executive leadership to align clinical goals with organizational strategy. Overseeing physician engagement and professional standards, the Chief of Staff, MD facilitates collaborative decision-making across various medical specialties. This leadership role involves addressing complex clinical challenges and ensuring that patient care protocols meet rigorous research-based benchmarks. By fostering a culture of excellence, Austin Thompson directly influences the quality of service provided to the community. Furthermore, the Chief of Staff, MD manages the integration of new medical practices into existing clinical workflows. Through consistent interaction with the board and clinical directors, Thompson ensures that the medical staff remains focused on the core mission of education and service. This position remains critical for maintaining the high standards of care expected within the healthcare system.

Anna Cramer, the Chief People Officer & Chief Legal & Compliance Officer at Nebraska Medicine, directs human resources strategy, legal affairs, and regulatory compliance across the organization. Overseeing talent acquisition, workforce development, and risk management, the Chief People Officer & Chief Legal & Compliance Officer ensures that all operations adhere to strict healthcare laws and ethical standards. This leadership role involves fostering an inclusive culture while protecting the legal interests of the institution. By implementing robust compliance programs, Anna Cramer directly supports the integrity of clinical research and patient care services. Furthermore, the Chief People Officer & Chief Legal & Compliance Officer manages labor relations and professional development to maintain a highly skilled workforce. Through the oversight of legal and personnel policies, Cramer ensures that the organization remains a trusted provider of healthcare. This role remains essential for navigating the complex regulatory environment of modern medicine.

Jeffrey Akerson, the Family Physician & Chief Medical Officer at Nebraska Medicine, leads clinical quality initiatives and medical staff governance to ensure superior patient care. Overseeing the implementation of evidence-based medicine and clinical safety protocols, the Family Physician & Chief Medical Officer drives improvements in health outcomes across all departments. This leadership role involves mentoring medical staff and coordinating with other executives to align clinical practices with the mission of research and education. By focusing on patient-centered care, Jeffrey Akerson directly impacts the quality of service delivered to the community. Furthermore, the Family Physician & Chief Medical Officer monitors clinical performance data to identify opportunities for innovation and excellence. Through the management of medical staff relations and clinical standards, Akerson ensures that the healthcare system maintains its reputation for medical leadership. This position remains critical for upholding the highest standards of clinical practice.