Kathleen Silard began her career as a nurse in the neonatal intensive care unit at Albert Einstein Hospital in New York before moving into healthcare administration.
She joined Stamford Health as chief operating officer in 2003 and became president and CEO in 2018. During her tenure, she helped lead the creation of the Stamford Health system and development of Stamford Hospital’s replacement facility, which opened in 2016.
Over the past year, Stamford Health announced a $275 million investment in its campus that includes plans for a new cancer treatment facility, expanded behavioral health services and upgrades to inpatient rehabilitation care.
The project is intended to accommodate growing demand for cancer and behavioral health services in Fairfield County, while creating additional treatment capacity and updating key patient care facilities.
Looking ahead, Silard has said key challenges include uncertainty surrounding potential federal Medicaid funding changes, while opportunities include responsible adoption of artificial intelligence and expansion of strategic partnerships.
If you could change one thing in the healthcare industry, what would it be?
I would focus on ensuring equitable access to quality healthcare for everyone.
No one should face barriers due to cost, location or systemic inequities. Expanding access improves outcomes, strengthens communities and creates a more sustainable, compassionate healthcare system for all.