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Dennis Colling
Independent Consultant
Professional Background
Dennis Colling is a highly experienced senior HR executive who brings over 30 years of expertise in managing the HR functions across some of the country’s leading health systems. Known for his strategic foresight and innovative approach, Mr. Colling has played a pivotal role in shaping the human resources frameworks within both academic and community settings. Throughout his extraordinary career, he has consistently demonstrated an ability to navigate complex organizational landscapes, ensuring that human resources align with broader institutional goals.
In his impressive career, Mr. Colling has held senior positions in three of the top ten hospitals in the United States. His dedicated efforts have significantly contributed to the growth and operational success of these institutions, leading through various union and non-union dynamics. Mr. Colling has a noteworthy expertise in directing bargaining strategies and facilitating union avoidance activities, which has enhanced workplace harmony and organizational stability.
One of Mr. Colling’s hallmark achievements was his role in the establishment of Partners HealthCare as a standout academic health system globally. As the Vice President of Human Resources, he was instrumental in creating a centralized HR model that not only minimized operational costs but also provided comprehensive, high-quality services for both employees and management. His strategic engagements with various boards ensured that executive compensation structures and performance management programs were designed to foster both individual and organizational success. Under his stewardship, health care costs were reduced while achieving low employee turnover and high levels of achievement, crucial for fulfilling the diverse needs of Partners’ physicians and scientists.
Prior to his tenure at Partners HealthCare, Mr. Colling held the role of Associate Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) at the University of Pennsylvania Medical System. Here, he was part of a dedicated transformation team responsible for turning around the institution into one of the leading health systems nationally. Key contributions included redesigning employee benefits programs to enhance satisfaction while simultaneously lowering costs and facilitating a seamless continuum of care across various levels of service.
In an impressive display of versatility and leadership, Mr. Colling also acted as the interim Vice President of Human Resources at the University of Pennsylvania, bridging crucial gaps at a pivotal point in the University's history. Earlier in his career, he served as the CHRO and Chief Information Officer (CIO) at Catherine McAuley Health System, contributing to the transition of the organization from a single hospital into a multi-institutional health network.
Education and Achievements
Mr. Colling is an alumnus of the University of Michigan, where he earned both his Master of Business Administration (MBA) and his undergraduate degree in Political Science (AB) from the Stephen M. Ross School of Business and the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts, respectively. His strong academic foundation has endowed him with strategic management skills and a deep understanding of organizational dynamics.
In addition to his formal education, Mr. Colling has also harnessed his extensive experience to serve as an Independent Consultant, providing valuable insights and strategies to healthcare organizations seeking to enhance their human resources functions. The combination of his educational background and practical experience has made him a sought-after expert in the field of health system HR management.
Achievements
- Strategic Influence at Partners HealthCare: Pioneered the HR function at Partners HealthCare soon after its formation, developing a central/divisional HR model recognized for its efficiency and quality of services.
- Transformational Leadership at the University of Pennsylvania: Played a key role in the turnaround team that revitalized the University of Pennsylvania Medical System, focusing on employee satisfaction and financial stability.
- Enhanced Employee Programs: Redesigned benefits programs at various institutions, leading to improved employee satisfaction and optimization of operational costs.
- Expansion of Health Systems: Instrumental in the development and growth of multi-institution health systems, including his contributions to Catherine McAuley Health System.
- Background in Military Service: Mr. Colling’s career is further distinguished by his service in the United States Navy, adding a layer of leadership experience and discipline that has shaped his professional journey.
In summary, Dennis Colling is a respected leader in healthcare human resource management who has effectively merged strategic visionary thinking with practical HR solutions for over three decades. His extensive background in large health systems, combined with his academic credentials, positions him as a key influencer in the ongoing evolution of healthcare HR practices. Mr. Colling continues to impact the healthcare industry profoundly, focusing on enhancing employee experiences, organizational effectiveness, and healthcare delivery as a whole.
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