Hlafcsak named chief-of-staff to Penn State Health CEO

Judy Hlafcsak has been named chief of staff to the CEO for Penn State Health, effective July 1.

Since joining Penn State Health in February 2017, Hlafcsak has helped with the negotiations of the system’s mergers and acquisitions, overseeing the legal aspects of each agreement. This includes bringing several key physician practices from across the region into Penn State Health and playing an important role in the development of the health system’s collaborative agreement with Highmark.

From September 2014 until she was hired by Penn State Health, Hlafcsak worked on behalf the health system as a partner with KL Gates, a global law firm with a national health care practice. Her work was central to the successful formation of Penn State Health and the acquisition of what is now Penn State Health St. Joseph.

In this new role, Hlafcsak will advise, oversee and collaborate on strategic projects and will serve as point person for Steve Massini, Penn State Health’s executive vice president, chief administrative officer and incoming CEO. Hlafcsak will ensure the successful implementation of key organizational initiatives.

As an extension of the CEO’s office, Hlafcsak will:

• work with various executives on program management, implementation and decision-making.
• play a key role in managing the information presented to the various boards of directors for their consideration.
• oversee the preparation of materials in advance of board meetings.

Her work will include:

• the role of the liaison between Massini’s office and staff, management, senior leaders and business partners on essential matters such as major projects, business proposals and strategic planning.
• the ongoing review and assessment of the system’s organizational structure, recommending improvements to address gaps in expertise and skills.

Hlafcsak earned a bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Pittsburgh and went on to graduate from the University of Pittsburgh School of Law, where she was her class valedictorian and a member of the Law Review.

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