Christopher M. O’Connor is CEO of Yale New Haven Health, Connecticut’s largest health system. He joined the organization in 2012 as executive vice president and chief operating officer, was named president in 2020 and became CEO in 2022.
Over the past year, O’Connor oversaw major advances aimed at improving access and coordination of care, including the integration of medical transport services through the acquisition of Nelson Ambulance and the unification of operations under Y Access Transport. The system also completed the integration of PhysicianOne Urgent Care, expanding access to nonemergency care through more than 20 locations and telehealth services.
Looking ahead, O’Connor cited chronic Medicaid underpayment as a major challenge. In 2024, the system reported a $450 million gap between Medicaid reimbursement and the cost of care. He also pointed to opportunities tied to two major capital projects: the Adams Neurosciences Center in New Haven and the Connecticut Proton Therapy Center in Wallingford.
What qualities are most essential for effective leadership today?
Effective leadership today requires a deep commitment to teamwork and collaboration. In an environment where health care organizations must constantly adapt, collaborative leadership plays a critical role in boosting organizational performance, driving innovation and strengthening employee engagement. Leaders who foster a culture of trust and shared purpose create teams that communicate openly, break down silos and work together toward common goals.
This approach not only accelerates problem-solving and enhances decision-making, it also helps organizations retain talent and improve overall employee satisfaction. In a field where demands are high and change is constant, leaders who emphasize collaboration build resilient workforces that can adapt, grow and succeed — both in challenging moments and in times of opportunity.
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What do you value most about living or doing business in Connecticut?
What I value most about living and working in Connecticut is the unique combination of opportunity, culture and quality of life that the state offers. I’ve lived and worked in many other states but ultimately chose to return to Connecticut — the place where I was born and raised — because it truly feels like home.
Connecticut provides exceptional access to worldclass health care, including the care available through Yale New Haven Health. It is also home to outstanding academic institutions, such as Yale University, that contribute to a thriving environment of innovation, research and learning.
Beyond that, the state offers a rich tapestry of cultural and recreational experiences. From the Yale University Art Gallery and the Peabody Museum to Mystic Aquarium and the Shubert Theatre, Connecticut’s cultural centers are diverse, engaging and deeply enriching. Sports lovers have plenty to enjoy as well, with toptier college athletics and easy access to professional sports in nearby cities. I gravitate toward Boston!
And, of course, no description of Connecticut would be complete without mentioning one of its greatest treasures: New Haven pizza — a culinary institution in its own right.
All of these elements make Connecticut an extraordinary place to live and do business.
What is one change that would make Connecticut more competitive economically?
One of the most impactful steps Connecticut can take to strengthen its economic competitiveness is to reform Medicaid. A sustainable health care system is foundational to a strong state economy, and that begins with ensuring that Medicaid reimbursement rates accurately reflect the true cost of care.
Connecticut must increase provider reimbursement rates to at least cover actual costs and establish annual, predictable adjustments tied to inflation and health care cost trends. This is essential not only for hospitals but also for the many community-based organizations delivering frontline care.
Reforms should also include expanded reimbursement for behavioral health and other critical specialty services, along with increased investments in community health initiatives that address disparities and improve long-term outcomes. These efforts support vulnerable patients while also reducing avoidable, high-cost care over time.
Go-to news media outlets: WTNH, New Haven Register, The New Haven Independent, Hartford Business Journal, Becker’s Healthcare Review, Modern Healthcare, HealthLeaders Media
What is your favorite hobby or leisure activity?
I do think it’s important to be active and stay fit. During the warmer months, I’m cycling on roads near my home. During the winter, you’ll most likely find me on my Peloton.
I’m also an avid sports fan. With my brother, I’m a Patriots season ticket holder, but I also follow college football. My three daughters attended college at SEC schools, and I made a number of trips over the years for some father-daughter bonding time in raucous stadiums.
I also have a deep appreciation for music, and I enjoy going to live performances whenever I can. I do have a few favorite performers, and at last count, I’ve seen Bruce Springsteen live 25 times.
Favorite podcasts: “Smartless,” “The Way I Heard It” and “The Weekly Show”