Heritage Health names Leslie Allen chief operations officer

Heritage Health has named Leslie Allen as chief operations officer, recognizing nearly 10 years of leadership, growth and service within the organization.

Allen joined Heritage Health in 2017 and has grown through several key areas of the organization, including clinical care, nurse triage, patient access, call center operations, clinic operations and executive leadership. 

“Heritage Health exists because of the people who show up every day for our patients: our providers, clinic teams and support staff,” said Allen.

Mike Baker, chief executive officer of Heritage Health, said Allen has grown with Heritage Health, and Heritage Health has grown because of her.

“She has earned this role through steady leadership, hard work and deep commitment to our mission," Baker said. "There is something special about nurses in leadership."

As chief operations officer, Allen will help lead operational execution across Heritage Health’s medical, dental, behavioral health, pediatrics, pharmacy and support services. Her work will support Heritage Health’s next five years of growth in rural access, women’s health, integrated care, workforce development and the continued development of the Center for Healthy Living.

A major part of Allen’s role will be bringing the operational side of the organization together around the Center for Healthy Living Phase II as teams move in, integrate and bring the full strength of Heritage Health’s services to life for patients and families. 

She will also continue leading the operational execution of CDA Pediatrics’ integration into Heritage Health as one team with shared systems, support and purpose.

Allen will work closely in dyad partnership with Dr. Patricia Iris, Heritage Health’s newly named chief medical officer, to align operational execution and clinical leadership across the organization. Together, they will help strengthen care teams, improve access, support quality and build the systems needed to serve patients across North Idaho.

“Leslie and Dr. Iris bring different strengths and a shared commitment to patients, teams, and mission,” Baker said. “That partnership is exactly what Heritage Health needs right now. Leslie is a strong leader on an even stronger team, and she will help us build the best teams around the work our communities need.”

Allen holds a Master of Business Administration in Healthcare Administration and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Western Governors University, along with an Associate of Science in Nursing from Excelsior College. She is a registered nurse in Idaho.

“I believe deeply in this organization and in growing our people," Allen said. "My focus as COO will be building operations that give our teams what they need to do their best work, so patients get the care they deserve close to home. Heritage Health’s mission has shaped me as a leader, and I’m grateful for the chance to continue serving our patients and communities in this role.”