Steven McWilliams

Vice President, Chief Information Officer at Georgia Hospital Association

Can you please provide a little introduction about yourself

I am the Vice President and Chief Information Officer at Georgia Hospital Association, Georgia’s largest healthcare trade association. The company is based in Atlanta and serves over 145 hospitals. Its purpose is to promote the health and welfare of the public through the development of better hospital care for all of Georgia’s citizens. In my role, I am responsible for the operational success and strategic initiatives as well as support all advocacy efforts.

What has your journey to your position been like? What path have you taken?

I would characterize my journey as one of faith, relationships, and opportunity. As a young person, I had an early curiosity about computers and the applications that delivered novel experiences. Although my curiosity would also have me explore other interests, computer technology seemed to always circle back around. My I.T. career began at my alma mater. The relationships that were created while being an undergraduate contributed to this initial start. I held various roles along the way such as, computer technician, manager of web services, and assistant director. Moving to Georgia was a leap of faith, resulting in a new title and working with other healthcare professionals. Becoming CIO was the next milestone and became an opportunity to foster many new relationships. Along the way, I had outstanding mentors and administrators that worked with me, helping to encourage me and prepare me for what would come. 

Has it always been your vision to reach the position you’re at? Was your current role part of your vision to become a tech leader?

I do not believe I visualized myself in my current role from the onset. Sometimes your vision becomes clearer as you take steps forward. This was the case for my journey. Every step broadened my thinking and help me to see the possibilities ahead. Over time, my current role eventually became the vision. I appreciate having the opportunity to have experienced each step along the way. 

Have you had a role model or mentor that has helped you on your journey?

Yes, I have had family, friends, mentors, and colleagues all contribute to my growth. I do not want to forget anyone so I will not specifically call names but I will share some of the highlights over the years from these positive images of leadership. Early in my career, while few noticed what could be, one leader was watching and taking note. Even when I could not see, this leader saw and fostered growth by involving me on various projects and committees, and I was ultimately responsible for a number of my early career promotions. Another high point in my career involved a friend who sought to join forces. He had recently transitioned to a new position and believed I could fill a void on his team. Our time together was some of the greatest professional and personal development I had undertaken. Lately, I have participated in various mentee mentor programs and initially, I was unsure how these would work. In one program, I was partnered with a mentor who has given many leadership insights and challenged my way of thinking. We have been convening regularly over the years and still meet frequently as of this interview. These are just a few exemplary leaders who have invested time, energy, and friendship.

How do you see the role of the technology leader evolving over the next 5 years?

The position of the technology leader will continue to be recognized as a corporate leader, who is able to demystify how the business can leverage the current capabilities. This person will be able to introduce innovative ideas and new ways of thinking in order to meet organizational goals. This role will be considered a thought leader, and have influence across all business domains. I expect this leader will be a close advisor to the CEO and board and, perhaps, at times, speak on behalf of the organization to customers and constituents. I anticipate an increased number of CEOs that will come down the I.T. path to reach that position. I am curious if the term “technology” will continue to be used as the term widens to the point of ambiguity, making way for future roles to use more precise language like data, innovation, or modernization to more accurately reflect the impact this leader will make. 

What skills do you think leaders of the future will need in order to thrive?

I believe the leaders of tomorrow will have similar traits to what makes a great leader today. Inspiring, bold, empathetic, and visionary are some of the expressions I would expect to hear when describing the kind of leader a company would be looking for. The method for measuring for these qualities may change, but these characteristics will never become obsolete. There are some who think technology may replace people in some areas and this may be true. Over the next few years, business leaders will need to understand how technology will impact their ability to build performing teams and healthy company culture. As the millennials become older and Gen Z become middle-aged, their representation will grow, replacing the leaders who were moulded under the pre-internet era. 

How do you keep current with new skills, technologies and personal development?

Reading books, articles, webinars, and conferences and researching new ideas are a few ways I stay abreast of current trends. There is an overabundance of occasions to learn and grow in this day and age. I specifically enjoy participating and engaging with professional peer organizations, societies, and personal relationships to connect in dialogue and hear about the stories and journeys of others. My goal is to diversify across the plethora of opportunities and platforms, entering with an open mind, to maintain relevant skills on my journey of personal development.

What do you see as the next leap in technology that will impact your business or industry in particular?

In the healthcare space, I foresee disruption on the horizon. I expect to see telehealth and the capabilities there to expand and grow as more rural areas gain broadband options. I see wearables becoming capable of measuring additional metrics with greater accuracy.  I also expect artificial intelligence to mature and be used in various diagnostics and service lines. I am optimistic of these and other leaps in technology resulting in an improved healthcare experience. 

“If you have a passion to lead, don’t allow obstacles to stop you, but let them be opportunities to learn.”

If you were mentoring a leader of the future, what advice or guidance would you give to help them on their way?

I would tell them to not give up. If you have a passion to lead, don’t allow obstacles to stop you, but let them be opportunities to learn. Get to know some people doing the things you would like to do. Talk with them and form meaningful relationships if possible. Also, be open to the relationships of others who are searching for similar paths to leadership. These relationships may be valuable after you reach career heights. 

You will not reach your goals alone. It will take a team or group of individuals who will all play a part in assisting you on your journey. Never take relationships for granted, it will take effort to keep some connections going. Lastly, once you reach your goals, be sure to help the next generation. You will be the person who can take part in impacting the path of others

Is there anything in particular that you would still like to achieve in your career or what is the next step on your journey?

I look forward to the many opportunities to meet new people and assist in making this world a better place. Luckily for me, I have the ability to do this in my current role and with some of the groups I volunteer with. I expect this to continue, but perhaps the problems we solve and the approach we use to solve them may change over time. It will take a team to address community issues, as this is not a one-person job. It takes people from different backgrounds with different experiences to come together to make the greatest impact. I look forward to my continued participation working with teams to make positive change.

If you could change one thing in the world, what would it be?

This is a good question. I would like more people, to have access to the technology that will allow them to live healthier, more fulfilling lives. I will be contributing my efforts to working with groups who can bridge the gap so that those who could benefit from technology have access. I am answering this question from the lens of my country, my state, my community. But perhaps if we all help out, we can change this world for the better. Some change will only be realized if we all contribute.

A big thank you to Steven McWilliams from Georgia Hospital Association for sharing his journey to date.