UMMS Chief Executive Officer: Noel Sousa's Framework for Achievement and Triumph

New CFO at University of Maryland Medical System Emphasizes Data-Driven Decision Making

Noel Sousa, the new Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of the University of Maryland Medical System (UMMS), has taken the helm with a clear focus on data-driven decision making in capital planning and operational budgeting.

Sousa's extensive experience in various finance functions, spanning over almost two decades at UC Davis Health in Sacramento, California, has equipped him with a deep understanding of foundational departments such as general accounting, payroll, and payer contracting. This expertise will enable him to provide more strategic oversight, ensuring opportunities for improvement are not overlooked.

One of Sousa's near-term priorities is improving financial reporting, strengthening margin performance, and addressing any immediate gaps in capital investment oversight. He believes that system integration, real-time access to trustworthy data, and aligning technology investments with strategic decision-making are essential for driving operational and capital efficiency.

In his long-term strategy, Sousa's success is tied directly to advancing the organization's five-year strategic plan, with finance not just supporting but enabling key initiatives. He emphasizes a people-first approach to finance, focusing on clarity, accountability, and accessibility. Medical education, research, and other mission-driven areas are intentionally built into long-term financial projections.

Clear expectations and active listening are crucial for Sousa in driving accountability and team performance. His experience with system implementations and conversions, such as payroll, offers insight into operational risks and helps anticipate issues that may not be obvious to those without that background.

Sousa also stresses the importance of involving operational teams in problem-solving, as sometimes solutions do not rely solely on financial resources. This approach underscores his belief in a collaborative and inclusive leadership style.

UMMS is currently investing in ERP enhancements and overhauling systems like attendance and scheduling. Ensuring data is integrated across systems and accessible to the right decision-makers is a key concern for Sousa. He prefers robust system-generated reporting over manual tracking due to concerns about data integrity.

Visibility into vendor spend, insurance, purchase orders, and cash flow are critical on the capital side, and even more so in operations. Sousa believes that financial sustainability and the academic mission are integrated priorities within the health system's five-year strategic plan.

As interim CFO at UC Davis, Sousa managed a $7 billion capital plan. This experience, combined with his focus on data-driven decision making, positions him well to lead UMMS in its financial journey. There is no information in the available search results about Sousa taking over as CFO of any academic institution in recent weeks.

In conclusion, Noel Sousa's appointment as the CFO of UMMS marks a significant step towards enhancing the system's financial management and strategic planning. His emphasis on data-driven decision making, people-first approach, and collaborative leadership style are expected to drive accountability, team performance, and the advancement of UMMS's five-year strategic plan.

UMMS Chief Executive Officer: Noel Sousa's Framework for Achievement and Triumph