Jackson Hospital and Clinic announces leadership appointments

Jackson Hospital and Clinic Thursday announced the appointment of Gina Anderson as its permanent Chief Operating Officer and Maureen A. Gaffney as its new Chief Information Officer, effective immediately. These appointments mark a pivotal step in Jackson’s future as the hospital continues restructuring initiatives and embarks on strategic planning for improved care delivery, technology-driven growth, and employee empowerment. 

Anderson most recently served as Interim Chief Operating Officer while maintaining her roles as chief nursing officer and vice president of Patient Care Services. Anderson will continue to oversee the hospital’s operations and provide strategic leadership as the hospital’s COO role continues to evolve. Her dual background in nursing and operations will allow for better collaboration and continuity of care throughout all departments.  

“Responsible for all clinical operations and a wide array of non-clinical operations, Anderson will ensure the highest quality and safety standards while leading initiatives supporting the hospital’s mission and vision. Importantly, she will help develop the hospital’s long-term strategic plan while executing short-term plans that support the hospital’s restructuring. She is passionate about building strong partnerships with staff, patients, physicians, community partners, and other healthcare organizations to improve healthcare and promote health and well-being for individuals,” Jackson’s release shared.

“Gina is a recognized leader in the industry, known for her operational excellence and strategic vision,” said Jackson Hospital and Clinic CEO Ronald Dreskin. “Since joining Jackson, she has distinguished herself as a tireless champion for patients and a strategic and proactive collaborator. She has been a driving force in improved patient experience scores and national quality and performance improvement metrics; and implemented Jackson’s journey to becoming a High-Reliability Organization. The relationships she has built at Jackson and her diverse experience, which includes clinical and administrative roles, give her a unique understanding of Jackson’s needs going forward. In addition, her deep knowledge of best practices will be critical as we enter the next phase of our restructuring.” 

Throughout her 25-year career, Anderson has worked to ensure better patient outcomes as well as to improve patient quality and safety. With a strong background in hospital operations, strategic planning, and organizational development, she is committed to  fostering a patient-centered culture and driving operational excellence. She has a proven track record of implementing innovative solutions that enhance patient care, streamline processes, and optimize resource utilization. In previous roles, she has helped organizations build sustainable, scalable programs that support success in the complex healthcare ecosystem. She earned a Master’s Degree in Public and Private Management with a focus on Healthcare Management from Birmingham Southern and holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Alabama in Birmingham.  

“I am also pleased to introduce Maureen as Chief Information Officer, a critical position in today’s healthcare environment as technology impacts nearly every corner of an advanced, world-class hospital,” Dreskin added. “In this new role, Maureen will ensure seamless technological operations, introduce new technologies to improve patient care and operational efficiency, and explore technological opportunities to improve healthcare delivery at Jackson. She is passionate about finding ways for the IT function to support and advance healthcare.” 

As chief information officer, Gaffney will oversee all aspects of Jackson Hospital’s Information Technology organization, including people, processes, and technologies, ensuring they align with and deliver outcomes that support the hospital’s organizational objectives and safe healthcare delivery. 

A senior healthcare leader with more than two decades of experience in clinical operations and health information technology, Gaffney’s career was founded in critical care nursing and as a physician assistant. She held executive Information Technology positions at prominent organizations such as CareMount Health Solutions and NYU Long Island Hospital, among others. Most recently, she served as the senior vice president of Clinical Operations and chief medical information officer at NYU Winthrop Hospital, where she directed a $500 million budget and was responsible for 1,600 employees. 

Gaffney earned a Doctorate in Global Health from Nova Southeastern University, a Master’s Degree in Health Sciences from Drexel University, a Bachelor’s of Science/PA Certification from Stony Brook University, and an Associate’s of Science Nursing Degree from Nassau Community College.