In a significant move within the healthcare industry, Intermountain Health has embarked on an “extensive nationwide search” and has ultimately chosen a familiar figure to lead its digital and information initiatives. This decision holds great importance for the future of the organization and the healthcare landscape as a whole.

Transforming Healthcare with a Familiar Leader

Ryan Smith's Journey at Intermountain Health

Ryan Smith's career at Intermountain Health began in the mid-’90s. During nearly two decades, he held various senior IT leadership roles, leaving in 2013 to serve as CIO at Phoenix-based Banner Health. After five years there, he joined analytics firm Health Catalyst as a senior VP and advisor. However, during the pandemic, he returned to Intermountain Health as CIO. Now, he is set to take on the new role of CDIO starting in early 2025. Currently, he serves as interim president and CEO at Graphite Health, a nonprofit collaborative of health systems including Intermountain.This extensive experience and diverse roles have equipped him with the knowledge and skills needed to lead Intermountain's Digital Technology Services. These services encompass DTS Operations, Digital Services, Data Services, Clinical Informatics, Information Security, and Information Technology. Each team leader will report directly to him, ensuring a unified and coordinated approach.

The Larger Trend and Succession at Intermountain Health

In 2020, when Smith first took over as Intermountain CIO, he succeeded the health system's longtime IT leader, Marc Probst. Two years later, with the mega-merger with Colorado-based SCL Health, his role expanded to CDIO and was filled by SCL's Craig Richardville. Richardville, who earlier this year shared insights on assessing and choosing IT vendors, stepped down at Intermountain in July.This succession shows the organization's confidence in Smith's leadership and ability to adapt to changing circumstances. As the new CDIO, he will report to chief strategy officer Dan Liljenquist and serve on the Enterprise Leadership Team.

Smith's Vision and Impact

In a statement, Smith expressed his excitement about the new role, stating, "This opportunity is deeply meaningful to me. I'm excited for the opportunity to make healthcare an easier, safer experience for patients, members and caregivers alike." Intermountain Health president and CEO Rob Allen added, "I'm confident that Ryan is the right leader to help Intermountain successfully navigate both opportunities and obstacles as a model health system in the complex world of healthcare that lies ahead. He will lead DTS to support our mission, vision, and strategy to simplify, expand proactive care, and improve the healthcare experience for our caregivers, patients, members, and communities."Smith's leadership is expected to bring significant changes and advancements in Intermountain Health's digital and information infrastructure, paving the way for a more efficient and patient-centered healthcare system.