Global professional services firm Alvarez & Marsal (A&M) has strengthened its healthcare industry group with the addition of managing directors Seth Ciabotti and Christopher Smedley and senior director Elizabeth Gonzales in its hospital and health systems practice.
“As federal funding shifts, labor shortages persist and technology reshapes care delivery, traditional healthcare systems must evolve to stay competitive,” Chris George, managing director and leader of A&M’s health systems practice, said. “With financial discipline and strategic clarity more critical than ever for health systems, we’re energized by the opportunity to strengthen our team’s ability to partner with leaders in navigating these challenges and shaping a sustainable future. Our recent report, ‘Governance of High Performing Nonprofit Hospital System,’ urges fortification of board oversight and taking proactive steps in advance of looming funding cuts. Seth, Chris, and Elizabeth reflect the caliber of leadership we’re bringing in to meet this unprecedented moment.”
“M&A activity has surged in recent years, but board governance models haven’t kept pace with the transformation—creating risk at a critical time for strategic oversight. Now, boards face the additional pressure to act decisively ahead of sweeping reimbursement challenges, including forthcoming Medicare and Medicaid funding cuts,” Martin McGahan, managing director and head of A&M’s healthcare industry group, said. “What was needed 10 years ago is not what is needed today.”
Ciabotti, Smedley and Gonzales collectively bring decades of operational, financial and management experience advising and leading hospitals, health systems, physician enterprises and integrated delivery networks. Their backgrounds span enterprise cost transformation, ambulatory strategy, physician alignment, performance improvement and access expansion. This seasoned team of healthcare leaders accelerate value through their deep expertise partnering with organizations in financial distress as well as those pursuing strategic growth through transformation.
Ciabotti most recently served as CEO of MSU Health Care, while Smedley previously served as chief operating and strategy officer at GW Medicine. Prior to joining A&M, Gonzales held a leadership role at Premier.
