For too long, provider network operations have lived in the background—overseeing credentialing, ensuring compliance, and generally keeping the wheels turning. But as healthcare becomes more complex, competitive, and consumer-driven, network leaders are stepping into a new role: strategic facilitators of growth, innovation, and operational excellence.
That evolution was the focus of the opening session of the Chief Network Officer Roundtable, where Keely Gladieux, Robert Tirimacco, and Jeff Fritz unpacked what it means to lead a modern provider network, and why now is the time for transformation.
Their conversation made one thing very clear: getting the basics right is no longer enough. Building, contracting, and credentialing are table stakes. The real opportunity lies in how network teams can use data, automation, and cross-functional influence to create business value and drive smarter decisions.
From reactive operations to proactive innovation
A common theme throughout the panel was transformation won’t happen by default. Rob Tirimacco, Senior Vice President, Network Strategy & Operations, WellSense Health Plan, spoke candidly about the friction that comes with investing in internal infrastructure and rethinking long-standing workflows.
It’s a commitment with delayed payoff—and a steep learning curve. Still, it’s a deliberate bet on the future: that a more integrated, tech-enabled network can unlock the agility and insight health plans need to grow.
“Most organizations are still reacting—meeting compliance requirements, fixing gaps—but very few are designing their network operations with intention or a long-term strategy in mind.”
Keely Gladieux, COO, Optum Health Networks, reinforced that sentiment, pointing out how few organizations are truly innovating in network operations. Many are still reacting to regulatory pressure or member complaints. Very few are designing systems and strategies to anticipate needs, reduce administrative burden, or improve provider experience. For those willing to lead, that gap presents a wide-open field.
And leadership, in this context, isn’t just about big ideas. It’s about execution across the organization. Network leaders who can show up with data, collaborate across departments, and navigate tradeoffs will be the ones who earn influence, while driving meaningful change.
Why provider data is the foundation of network strategy
Another major discussion was around data. It’s no secret that poor provider data creates problems—whether it’s inaccurate directories, credentialing delays, or compliance risks. But, the issue runs deeper than operational inefficiency. Inaccurate or siloed provider data limits an organization’s ability to act strategically.
When health plans invest in clean, centralized, and connected provider data, they unlock more than accuracy—they gain visibility. That visibility allows network teams to anticipate needs, make faster decisions, and reduce friction across departments. As the speakers noted, the ability to understand your network at a granular level is no longer a nice-to-have. It’s essential infrastructure.
“Network strategy is not just about access anymore. It’s about how the network supports the product, the member experience, and ultimately the business.”
Even more powerful is when provider data doesn’t just sit in a spreadsheet or system, but actively informs the entire network lifecycle—from market expansion to provider engagement to compliance reporting. As health plans push for growth and differentiation, those with strong data foundations will move faster, and smarter, than those still stuck cleaning up spreadsheets.
The time to lead is now
The role of the Chief Network Officer may still be emerging, but its relevance is growing fast. As health plans grapple with the rising expectations from members and providers, the ability to build resilient, responsive networks will be a defining advantage.
“The network lifecycle is a living, breathing ecosystem. If we treat it as static, we miss the opportunity to adapt, optimize, and grow. That’s where data, automation, and platforms come in—they let us manage this complexity with precision.”
Transformation starts with reimagining what network leadership looks like—and empowering those who are ready to lead. But that can’t happen without a plan and what it’ll take to adopt a transformational mindset.
If your team is ready for the next step and want help building an actionable transformation plan, Andros’s NLP Transformation Services are ready to support you. Reach out to learn more today!
Did you miss the live webinar? We’ve got you. You can watch it back anytime you’d like on-demand.
