Professionals

Curt B. Whelan, Managing Director

Chicago, Illinois

P (312) 880-3547

F (312) 583-8701

cwhelan@huronconsultinggroup.com
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Professional Profile

Curt brings more than 20 years of experience managing comprehensive healthcare consulting and performance improvement engagements. His expertise includes integrating and translating market-based demand analysis, physician alignment, operations benchmarking, financial planning, and technology trends into actionable plans.  His extensive knowledge of emerging healthcare delivery models, coupled with his functional approach to project management and planning provides the required expertise to build consensus organizationally and with governance to implement strategic repositioning plans.

Professional Experience

Prior to joining Huron, Curt served as Managing Director/Owner of Aegis Advisers Ltd.  Previously, Curt was the National Planning Practice Leader/Vice President with RTKL, one of the world’s largest architectural firms. Curt was with RTKL for 10 years working with over 40 multi-hospital systems and community hospitals across the country.  Prior to RTKL, Curt was a Senior Vice President with ServiceMaster Diversified Health Services and started his healthcare career with VHA Inc.

Representative examples of Curt’s engagements experience include:
  • Served as the Chief Implementation Officer for a multi-hospital system located in western Pennsylvania.  This project included managing a team of 30 consultants in the areas of revenue cycle, labor productivity, non- labor/supply chain, human resources benefits performance improvement. Supplemental to this activity was managing a system-wide project management office and strategic portfolio management that includes clinical program refocusing within metro market and hospital/program closure analyses and implementation.  Results included more than $100 million in annual savings and revenue enhancement. 
  • Served as the lead planner for a multi-hospital system located in the northwest.  This project included strategic market analysis, comprehensive master facility planning, operations improvement and public process management. Results included turning 8% operating loss to 8% operating margin in two years.  Curt developed a comprehensive $500 million master plan to phase replace aging acute care infrastructure.  The public/private planning approval process included a highly-charged process with the historical planning commission, and the local city council.  Also, Curt provided planning service to over 12 other hospitals within the northwest hospital system.
  • Served as the strategy officer for multi-hospital system located in the southeast.  This project included revenue cycle, labor productivity, non- labor performance improvement.  Supplemental to this activity was implementation of strategic portfolio management to include physician alignment, clinical program refocusing, improving payor leverage, restructuring the balance sheet, and comprehensive capital planning.  Curt assisted in the negotiation process to merge with a local faith based health system which will result greatly improved market position and access to capital.

Education and Certifications

  • Bachelor of Science, Business Administration, LeTourneau University

Professional Associations

  • Member, American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE)
  • Member, Medical Group Management Association

Publications

  • Curt has authored several articles in national healthcare magazines such as Modern Healthcare, Trustee, Healthcare Executive and Alliance.  He is also a recognized speaker for organizations such as VHA Inc., Providence Health System, Tenet Health System and The Bond Buyer.