Anna Falvey of Becker’s writes, “New technological advancements are driving innovation and growth across the healthcare landscape, with bold CIOs leading the charge. These forward-thinking executives are quick to embrace emerging tech and develop inventive IT strategies that support both patients and providers.
In their announcement, Becker’s highlighted that, “Charles “Chuck” Podesta, CIO of Renown Health (Reno, Nev.)has an impressive track record spanning almost 45 years, 30 of which have been spent as a CIO. Mr. Podesta has driven digital transformation across academic healthcare organizations in the U.S. He leads efforts in cybersecurity, data and analytics, clinical technology, digital automation and AI.
He also co-leads best-in-class technology to create one holistic customer experience that is digital when wanted and human when needed. Implementing a unified Electronic Health Record, MyChart smartphone app and real-time information, the system allows consumers to choose a physician, have online video visits, self-schedule appointments via website, refill medications and receive text appointment reminders.
As a result, 30% of new patient appointments are made online, and visits have reached record highs. Partnering with the medical group, Mr. Podesta’s team utilized AI-driven analytics for physician workload management to streamline administrative tasks, alleviate provider burnout, and enhance patient and provider satisfaction. Since he joined the system in 2021, Renown Health has been recognized as a “Most Wired” health organization by the College of Healthcare Information Management Executives each year and has achieved Epic “10 Stars” status.”
“We are fortunate to have Chuck Podesta leading Information Technology at Renown, "said Brian Erling, MD, MBA. “In today’s rapidly evolving healthcare environment, success hinges on strong IT leadership. Chuck is helping to drive strategy, innovation and align digital strategy with our clinical goals and strategic plan. Chuck fosters collaboration across departments and is always focused on improving and simplifying processes for both patients and clinicians. His recognition as one of the best CIOs in the nation highlights his leadership in healthcare technology and care delivery and is well deserved. Congratulations Chuck!”
The Becker's Hospital Review editorial team accepted nominations for this list and curated it to highlight the accomplishments of these leaders. Leaders and organizations cannot pay for inclusion on this list.
As the region’s only Level 2 Trauma Center for adults and children, Renown serves over 1 million people and 100,000 square miles.
Renown Health is Nevada’s largest, not-for-profit integrated healthcare network serving Nevada, Lake Tahoe, and northeast California. With a diverse workforce of more than 8,000 employees, Renown has fostered a longstanding culture of excellence, determination, and innovation. The organization comprises a trauma center, two acute care hospitals, a children’s hospital, a rehabilitation hospital, a medical group and urgent care network, and the locally owned not-for-profit insurance company, Hometown HealthTo join the Renown Health team, visitrenown.org/careers.
Becker's Healthcare is the go-to source for healthcare decision-makers and one of the fastest-growing media platforms in the industry. Through print, digital and live event platforms, Becker's Healthcare equips healthcare leaders with information and forums they need to learn, exchange ideas and further conversations about the most critical issues in American healthcare today.
Renown Health Welcomes Scott Seaton as VP of Supply Chain
Renown Health is proud to announce the appointment of Scott Seaton, MBA, as its new Vice President of Supply Chain effective August 18, 2025. Mr. Seaton brings more than two decades of progressive leadership in healthcare operations, supply chain strategy, and process improvement to the organization.
Renown Regional Emergency Room Recognized for Exceptional Patient Care and Employee Well-Being with Emergency Nurses Association 2025 Lantern Award
This month, the Emergency Nurses Association (ENA) recognized the Renown Regional Medical Center Emergency Department with the 2025 ENA Lantern Award for demonstrating outstanding leadership, practice, education and advocacy, resulting in improved patient care, experience and staff well-being. Renown Regional Medical Center was the only Emergency Department team in the state to be recognized with the award.
Renown Health CEO Named 'CEO of the Year' by Ragan Communications for Fostering a Healthier Work Environment and Putting People First
Dr. Brian Erling is a CEO who leads by example, creating a positive work environment where professionals can thrive and grow in their careers, ultimately leading to improved healthcare for our community.
Dr. Brian Erling, President and CEO of Renown Health, has been named CEO of the Year by the Ragan Communications Workplace Wellness Awards. As CEO of the Year, he is recognized for promoting physical health, mental resilience, and a culture of work-life balance.
Ragan Communications writes, “Under Dr. Erling’s leadership, Renown Health launched a range of programs supporting mental, emotional and physical wellness, including expanded behavioral health access and personalized wellbeing services. His vision has made employee health a system-wide priority embedded into the organization’s operational strategy.”
Ragan is the industry leader in providing professional development, training and intelligence to communicators, marketers, HR professionals and business leaders worldwide, and holds its annual Workplace Wellness Awards program, presenting the award to a CEO who leads by example, and makes employee well-being a top priority in their organization.
Dr. Brian Erling, CEO and President of Renown Health, is a seasoned healthcare executive with over twenty-five years of experience in diverse healthcare settings. During his career, he has led teams at not-for-profit hospitals, integrated health systems, physician practices and publicly traded healthcare companies.
Dr. Erling joined the Renown team in November of 2022. He leads with a people-first mindset, prioritizing employees in the organization’s decision-making process. Dr. Erling believes that when employees have the involvement and tools to excel in their roles, the result is an engaged workforce and exceptional care for the community. Having previously spent over 20 years serving the people of Colorado, he believes that long-term leadership is essential for an organization to grow and thrive. His background as a physician enables him to connect with healthcare workers who devote their nights, weekends and holidays to their work.
Dr. Erling emphasizes the importance of teamwork and believes it’s the key to a successful healthcare system. Being part of a high-performing, mission-driven team is his primary motivation. He considers Renown’s more than 8,000 employees to be the organization’s greatest resource. While Renown’s modern technologies, like advanced robotic surgical systems and imaging equipment, are valuable, Dr. Erling believes the main reason patients choose their services is because of the trusted care in their hometown.
Dr. Erling’s goals for Renown are to create a positive work environment where employees can thrive and grow in their careers, ultimately leading to improved healthcare for our community. Since the beginning of his leadership, he has implemented numerous initiatives to enhance the organization, always prioritizing people first.
Putting employee wellness at the forefront of strategic planning, and making People First the first value of Renown Health, the following initiatives have been introduced in the past 12 months:
