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 Distributes More Than $1 Million to Community Health Agencies
As Reno’s only locally owned, not-for-profit, integrated academic health care network, Renown Health reinvests every dollar earned back into the community — in expertise, technology, treatments, training and research — to improve health and prevent illness.
Today, Renown Health’s senior leadership team, along with the chair and members of the Board of Directors, representing more than 8,000 physicians and employees, gathered to celebrate and support 65 local not-for-profit partners working to address the area’s most critical health care needs and build a healthier Nevada.
“For more than 160 years, Renown Health has worked to improve the health of our community,” said Brian Erling, MD, MBA, president and CEO of Renown Health. “As an essential community asset, and in affiliation with the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, we appreciate the trust placed in us and take this responsibility very seriously. Our commitment has grown and evolved through careful consideration of our community’s most pressing health needs. By partnering with other mission-driven nonprofit organizations, we are working to address these issues, which include expanding access to care, enhancing affordability and ensuring that every person can live their healthiest and best life.”
He added, “Improving the health and wellness of an entire population is not easy. It is a huge task. We know that change is constant, and to take on the challenges ahead, we must work together now, with those in the field, to ensure a bright and healthy future for our kids, grandkids and future generations.”
Sandeep Randhawa Named by Becker's Healthcare as One of Nation's Chief People Officers to Know
Renown Health is proud to announce that Sandeep Randhawa, MSA, has been named to Becker’s Hospital Review’s national list of “Chief People Officer to Know for 2026.” This recognition highlights 140 chief human resources officers and chief people officers who are instrumental in shaping the workforce strategies that power hospitals and health systems.
Renown Named by Becker's as One of Nation's Top Places to Work in Healthcare
Renown Health has been named one of the nation’s Top Places to Work in Healthcare for 2026 by Becker’s Healthcare, a leading source of information and analysis for healthcare executives.
