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Ken Bast
CEO/Founder of Hospital FOCUS 5 - Transforming How Hospitals Work
Professional Background
Ken Bast is an esteemed leader in the healthcare consulting industry and the founder of Hospital Focus 5, an organization dedicated to helping healthcare clients enhance communication, collaboration, and overall effectiveness. With a strong focus on operational models tailored to meet the specific needs of each client, Ken has demonstrated his commitment to fostering a culture of engaged employees, resulting in notable improvements in key performance metrics and cost management. His extensive background encompasses executive roles in trauma centers and consulting, making him a highly sought-after expert in the realm of healthcare.
Before embarking on his consulting journey, Ken served as the Chief Executive Officer at a rapidly expanding trauma center, where he skillfully managed the planning, financing, and construction of a new 180-bed hospital. His leadership also extended to directing a trauma network that included three hospitals and coordination with 15 fire departments and ambulance services. Prior to his tenure as CEO, he was the Vice President of Operations at a community hospital, where his strategic insight and operational acumen paved the way for significant enhancements in patient care and operational efficiency.
In addition to his executive roles, Mr. Bast's experience also includes serving as the Vice President of Health Services for the largest Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) in the United States. He was responsible for overseeing various critical components such as a home health agency, assisted living programs, an advanced life support paramedic ambulance service, skilled nursing facilities, and physician clinics. Ken's comprehensive approach was evident in his leadership of social services, wellness initiatives, and support for independent residents, ensuring a holistic care model for the elderly.
During his time in leadership, Ken engaged in meaningful research, including a review sponsored by the Swedish Gerontology Institute, concerning the Swedish healthcare system’s innovative solutions for elderly care. Furthermore, he spearheaded a study addressing transfer trauma while participating in the development of a 420-bed skilled nursing facility at the CCRC, collaborating with experts from major universities to enhance patient transitions.
Throughout his career, Ken's commitment to excellence has garnered respect and recognition. He has made impactful presentations to prominent organizations such as Moody's and Standard & Poor's, authored a chapter in the book 'FutureCare', and contributed his expertise as faculty in graduate healthcare management programs. He has also actively participated in the Governor's Council on Aging for the State of Missouri and served as an evaluator for the Minnesota Quality Award, demonstrating his dedication to advancing the standards and practices in healthcare.
Education and Achievements
Ken Bast's educational background is firmly grounded in the fields of human resource management and business administration, equipping him with the knowledge necessary to navigate the complexities of healthcare leadership. He pursued his studies at Messmer High School, laying the foundation for his academic and professional future. Ken earned his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) in Human Resources Management from Marquette University, which provided him with an in-depth understanding of managing personnel and organizational dynamics.
Continuing his commitment to academic growth, Ken achieved a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Management from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. This advanced degree has facilitated his capability to lead transformative initiatives in the healthcare sector. Additionally, he holds a BSBA in Business with a focus on Human Resources from Marquette University, emphasizing a robust understanding of organizational development and human capital management.
His impressive career trajectory showcases a consistent pattern of leadership and innovation in healthcare services. His positions prior to founding Hospital Focus 5 include Vice President of Consulting at Benedictine Health System, Consultant at Kurt Salmon Associates, and Director of Emergency Medical Services at McHenry Hospital, amongst others. Notably, he was the President and CEO at Northern Illinois Medical Center, demonstrating his adeptness at executive decision-making and strategic planning within complex healthcare environments.
Achievements
Ken's extensive expertise encompasses a wide range of specialties, all of which have contributed significantly to the healthcare field. He is well-accomplished in hospital transformation, team development, business strategy, process improvement, and change management. His ability to guide organizations through negotiations with unions and regulatory bodies highlights his skillful approach to complex discussions and stakeholder engagements.
His commitment to enhancing organizational performance through robust policy development and project management has further solidified his reputation as a trusted consultant in healthcare. Ken’s strengths extend to areas such as human resource management, continuous quality improvement, customer service reviews, marketing analysis, and organizational assessments, making him a versatile and knowledgeable leader in healthcare.
The combination of Ken Bast’s leadership experience, academic background, and commitment to service excellence has positioned him as a key player in shaping the future of healthcare delivery. Through his innovative approach at Hospital Focus 5, he continues to impact healthcare organization positively, emphasizing culture, engagement, and efficiency for an improved patient experience and better operational outcomes.
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Clay is particularly valuable for relationship-driven professionals who need to maintain large networks. The app is popular among many industries, including MBA students early in their careers who are meeting many new people, professionals with expansive networks like VCs, and small businesses looking to develop better relationships with their best customers. Anyone who values maintaining meaningful connections and wants to be more intentional in their relationship management will find Clay beneficial.
Clay offers competitive pricing in the personal CRM market. Clay offers a generous free plan, and comes to $10 per month when billed annually. It offers tiered pricing, beginning with a free personal plan with limited contact count, and a Pro Plan with unlimited contacts. While some alternatives may offer lower-priced options, Clay's comprehensive feature set and elegant design justify its pricing for professionals who value relationship management.
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