The finalists for WashingtonExec’s 2023 Pinnacle Awards were announced Sept. 25, and we’ll be highlighting some of them until the event takes place live, in-person Nov. 16.
Next is Steven Sousa, senior vice president of Health and Social Services at CGI Federal, who’s the Healthcare Executive of the Year, Public Company, finalist. Here, he shares recent key achievements and what has made him successful in his current role.
What key achievements did you have in 2023?
In 2023, my key achievements revolved around spearheading groundbreaking advancements in federal healthcare technology. Leading a dedicated team, we successfully laid the foundation for an Application Programming Interface that will revolutionize the aggregation and distribution of healthcare data in real time from decentralized sources.
Even in its developmental stages, this API empowers users like law enforcement and the Office of the Inspector General to access and analyze real-time data, enabling proactive strategies to combat fraud and abuse. This paradigm shift has not only saved millions of taxpayer dollars but has also preserved valuable resources, marking a departure from CMS’s traditional pay-and-chase approach.
Additionally, we directly impacted patient outcomes by completing modernization of a critical prescription drug system. Through advanced data analytics and streamlined processes, we contributed to substantial cost savings and improved patient care.
Notably, our efforts reduced administrative overhead by 15%, translating to over $100 million in annual savings, while also achieving a 20% decrease in prescription errors, thereby enhancing patient safety.
These achievements underline the tangible results my team and I have been able to deliver for both beneficiaries and the broader federal healthcare ecosystem.
What has made you successful in your current role?
I attribute my success to several key factors. With over 25 years of experience in health IT, I’ve honed my skills as an innovator and leader in driving significant IT modernization efforts across healthcare agencies. I’ve led diverse teams in modernizing critical systems and implementing IT enhancements, ensuring federal agencies are well-prepared to adopt innovative technologies and comply with legislative mandates.
My unique blend of a pre-med education background and technology expertise allows me to approach healthcare challenges with a deep understanding of their impact on civilian and defense health outcomes. Throughout my career, I’ve consistently delivered broader impacts through innovation, scalability, and the effective use of emerging technologies.
Beyond my professional endeavors, I’m a dedicated community advocate, particularly for empowering youth, including the LGBTQ+ community. I’ve been actively involved with D.C.-based nonprofits focused on leadership development, after-school programs, and counseling services to enhance self-reliance among young individuals.
Additionally, my support extends to community health centers, especially in HIV/AIDS and LGBTQ+ healthcare. As a board member of Spur Local, participation in global health initiatives, and involvement in professional associations like HIMSS and the Northern Virginia Technology Council, I continue to contribute to positive change in both the healthcare industry and our community.