25 Over Fifty-Five 2019 Award Winner
ANN M. KASHMANIAN | CEO, Brown Medicine
IN MANY WAYS, Ann M. Kashmanian’s job as CEO of multispecialty physicians practice Brown Medicine is much like trying to fit together the pieces of a jigsaw puzzle – a challenge she enjoys.
While working as a certified public accountant for KPMG early in her career, Kashmanian was drawn to the health care industry, finding the accounting a rewarding experience.
Over a nearly 20-year span, in addition to holding financial leadership positions for several behavioral health groups and Butler Hospital, she served in critical roles for Lifespan Corp., including chief financial officer at Newport Hospital, before joining Brown Medicine as chief financial officer in 2016. She’s now CEO.
“I come to work every day knowing that I am working for physicians who are making a difference in peoples’ lives,” she said. “I am truly in awe of what they accomplish. Their dedication to patients is unmatched.”
Like many other large practices, Brown Medicine has learned to evolve. In the past two years, the organization rolled out a multi-year strategic plan that included a restructuring to provide more support to its physicians in order to capitalize on opportunities and control costs. Further, Brown Medicine’s information technology infrastructure and services have been improved and the organization has revamped its compliance program.
“Leading an organization through change is always challenging,” Kashmanian said. “Creating an environment where change is seen as positive has been something we needed to work through. Reiterating the need to change, while reinforcing the value people bring to our organization, was something we needed to instill in our workforce.
“I fully embrace the mission and vision of Brown Medicine,” she said. “I feel privileged by the opportunity to support my physician colleagues in cultivating an environment that allows them to continue their important work.”
