After completing his administrative fellowship at Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center, James Shimer joined the Hartford HealthCare (HHC) strategy team in 2014. Shimer plays a critical role in developing and cascading the strategic direction of HHC. He oversees strategic planning for HHC’s regions, networks, institutes and service lines.
He has led HHC’s business planning process, directed the creation of HHC’s annual strategic assessment, and helped launch new services for HHC’s patients and communities.
What’s been your biggest professional accomplishment so far in your career?
During the onset of COVID-19, as healthcare workers took on new responsibilities to combat the pandemic, I worked with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) analytics team to develop COVID-19 projections.
Our projections were used by both HHC and the state to inform planning efforts for capacity management, staffing, resources and operational decision-making.
What do you like to do outside of work?
I love spending every moment with my wife Maria and beautiful two-year-old daughter Alessa. I have enjoyed traveling the world with Maria, including New Zealand, Colombia, and Switzerland, golfing/relaxing with friends and family in Vermont, and watching Alessa chase our Sheltie Fern. I am also a sports fanatic, who loyally supports Boston-based sports teams – let’s go Title Town!
Why do you deserve to be a 40 Under Forty?
• Developed and informed hundreds of implemented business plans that have positively impacted the patients and communities HHC serves.
• Was the youngest member of HHC’s central region executive leadership team when the region improved from a loss position into one of HHC’s leading contributors.
Evolved HHC’s strategic planning model to support its vast ecosystem, including the health system’s institutes, regions and networks.
Dedicated mentor devoted to supporting early careerists within health care and beyond.
How are you involved in the community?
I have served in a variety of roles for community organizations, such as event lead for The George Washington University’s Connecticut Alumni Network, as well as board member for the MidState Chamber of Commerce. Additionally, I led the coordination of Cheshire’s “Ride to Wellness,” a charitable event that raised money for community members with movement disorders.
Fun Fact
My first job in health care was as a hospital valet, which sparked my desire for a career that provides value for others.
Theme Song
“Charlie Brown” — Coldplay
Bucket List
What are two things that you would like to achieve before you turn 40?
I want to lead HHC’s administrative fellowship program, so I can pay it forward and help early careerists achieve their career ambitions. I’d like to open an Airbnb in Vermont (my favorite place on Earth).
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