Ronald Ott

As Director of Healthcare Management (HCM) for UPG, Ron creates increased awareness of the new HCM program which began in January of 2018. Ron works with Leadership and other Faculty to develop curriculum and recruit new HCM Faculty. Ron teaches numerous HCM courses and works with the Healthcare Community to develop real world internship experiences for the students. Ron provides student mentorship and career path knowledge to be sure that the HCM students complete their course work on a timely basis and are well prepared for a career in the growing field of Healthcare Management. Prior to UPG, Ron has also served as the Senior Vice President for Community and Government Relations with Excela Health, Ron was the primary liaison with community leaders to connect, communicate and advance the Health System mission, vision, values and strategies. Ron also developed and has implemented a strategy to more closely align with the business community to promote and provide wellness initiatives and services, lower health care costs and improve the cost and quality of care for the businesses and populations served by Excela Health in this region. Also as the primary Government Relations representative and working closely with state and local hospital associations, Ron monitored, evaluated and educated Federal, State and local elected officials on the potential impact of federal and state legislation regulations and policies on the Health System and the Community. Ron also communicated with the business community partners on potential impacts to them as well. Working with many community leaders, Ron was responsible for coordinating and facilitating a two County-wide Community Health Needs Assessment. The priorities development from these Assessments are a focus on reducing obesity and support for increased physical activity and healthy eating in the hope of reducing the increase of diabetes, coronary heart disease and hypertension among residents of Westmoreland County. In addition the second CHNA added a focus and Implementation Plans to reduce Substance Abuse and to improve Women’s Health outcomes. As a result of establishing these priorities, Excela Health has developed strategic partnerships with Primary Care Physicians, Regional Employers such as the Westmoreland County Government, Regional Educational Institutions, Regional YMCA’s and other community based organizations throughout Westmoreland County to improve the health and well-being of our communities. The success with Excela Health employees has allowed Excela Health to be recognized as one of the Healthiest Employer’s in the region 8 years in a row and nationally Excela Health has also been ranked as the 25 Healthiest Workplace in the nation. Ron has also served as the President of Westmoreland and Frick Hospitals with Excela Health and was responsible for the daily operations of three hospitals including Westmoreland Hospital, the Westmoreland Hospital at Jeannette and Frick Hospitals as well as the outpatient and diagnostic facilities supporting these hospitals. Prior to Excela Health, Ron served as the President of UPMC McKeesport for 17 years, led the organization through the merger with UPMC and was responsible for the hospital’s operational success. This included directing the daily hospital operations in a service community of 200,000 people. UPMC McKeesport is the largest employer in this area. During Ron’s tenure as President of UPMC McKeesport, the hospital was recognized for successful achievement of the hospital’s quality, financial, operational, strategic planning and community health initiatives. As a result UPMC McKeesport achieved national recognition for its hospital quality and patient outcomes and received the John M. Eisenberg Award for Patient Safety and Quality from the Joint Commission and the National Quality Forum. Ron also served as a member of the UPMC McKeesport Board of Directors. Ron was also given responsibility as President for two additional UPMC Hospitals, UPMC Braddock and UPMC South Side. Ron also presently serves as a Board Member of The United Way of Southwestern Pa. The Chestnut Ridge Chapter of the American Red Cross, The Juvenile Diabetes Research Fund (JDRF), The Westmoreland County Chamber of Commerce, The Westmoreland County Community College Foundation and Board, The Westmoreland/Fayette Workforce Investment Board, and The Pauline Auberle Foundation. Formerly, Ron was also on the Board of Penn State Greater Allegheny, The Auberle Organization, and The Greensburg Community Development Corporation. Ron resides in Murrysville Pa.with his Wife, Susan, who is an attorney.