AJAY RAMARAO
Information & Technology Executive
Delivering substantial cost savings, digital transformation, and enhanced technical capabilities have been key outcomes of a successful career in IT leadership. Known for developing effective solutions to operational challenges and generating a lasting impact on business growth and success. Passionate about pushing boundaries with technology solutions to drive performance and the effectiveness of large-scale healthcare organizations.
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​Expertise in translating business goals into actionable technology plans and roadmaps that enable rapid, cost-efficient growth. Exceptional record leading cross-functional teams and managing multi-million-dollar IT budgets. Recognized for leading integration efforts in M&A environments for four of the largest companies in their respective industries.
EXPERIENCE
January 2021 | December 2023
Vice President, Infrastructure and Cloud Transformation
Developed and executed strategy, vision, and roadmap to advance the company’s technology capabilities into a competitive advantage with lower IT costs and improved efficiency. Directed infrastructure and cloud transformation, architecture, cybersecurity, projects, and IT compliance for three divisions while managing five direct reports and 110 professionals with a $30M+ budget.
January 2020 | January 2021
Director of Information Technology
Recruited to the newly-created role to provide strategic leadership, an IT roadmap, and tactical management of IT initiatives during a period of hyper-growth from acquisitions and new business lines. Led three direct reports and a team of 60 professionals with a $21M+ IT budget.
January 2015 | December 2019
Associate VP/Chief Architect, Enterprise Architecture & Engineering
Designed and executed the company’s first strategic IT roadmap, integrating teams from three separate health systems, transitioning to the cloud, and establishing a data center consolidation plan. Oversaw 80 direct and indirect reports and managed the $15.5M IT budget.
January 2012 | December 2015
Infrastructure Delivery Director
Strategically guided a 50-person team while reducing technology service costs, improving data reporting, and streamlining the operational footprint of the fast-growing health system.
RESULTS
Renegotiated Microsoft licensing into a 3-year Enterprise Agreement, elevating product feature sets, standardizing to three products, and saving more than $2.2M.
Created a technology roadmap to modernize an aging fleet of clinics with 35,000 end-users by capitalizing on Virtual Device Infrastructure (VDI) and Software-Defined Wide Area Networks (SD-WAN) technologies, reducing operational outages by 20%.
Establishing IT strategy and vision to advance technology capabilities while lowering IT costs and improving overall operational efficiency and productivity.
EXPERTISE
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Strategic Technology Planning
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Technology Operations
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Cloud Transformation
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Vendor Relationships
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Budget Management
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Resource Allocation
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Technology Team Leadership
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Operational Excellence
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IT Integration
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Digital Transformation
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Roadmaps
EDUCATION
(BS) Management Information Systems
(BS) Public Health Administration
MEET AJAY
Q & A
Why did you choose your profession?
I chose the profession I’m doing today for two influencing factors. This first is wanting to be around service to patients and making an impact in healing. I believe this fostered in my earlier years while volunteering at my Dad’s hospital where he worked at as a staff physician. It was truly humbling to see what really matters in changing someone’s life. The second is the love of technology. Ever since the days in working at a family friends computer store and assembling desktop computers from ground up; it gave me a real sense of accomplishment and interest that this is what I wanted to be around. So that is how my career path developed in managed information technology of Health Care systems as a natural fit.
Who is the one person who has done the most, to shape you into who you are today? How was the person significant to you?
I would have to say that an early manager of mine who gave me my first break into the industry. I served with him for over 15 years in the Health Care system we worked for. He installed always the drive and focus of always trying to do our best and had a real passion for managing his team. There was never a time I can remember that I wasn’t always supported no matter how ambiguous the technical challenge or business situation got, Mike was always steadfast in his support and guidance.
What has been the greatest accomplishment of your life so far? Is there anything you wish to do even better?
Outside of my family… 😊
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In my years of service in Information Technology, I believe my greatest accomplishment is transformation of the IT organization in companies into innovators. Far too long has Information Technology simply been a utility and something that the organization required to just keep the lights on. I and my peers have successfully approached this culture into a transformative nature where IT exists to truly enable and enhance the business. I wish to continue to take this approach and see where Information Technology can just support and enable, but also act as revenue centers for the organization in certain business models.
How would your peers and team members describe your responsiveness as a leader?
My peers and team members would describe me as a leader always jumping in to help engage them in guidance of any issues they are having. Servant leadership that always puts the team first before anything else and ensures they have what they need to get the job done. Also very technical to be able to come to and bounce ideas and strategies to come up with solutions. Finally, a fair but very accountable leader that holds his people and teams to favorable outcomes or ensures they take the proper time to learn for bad ones.
INTERESTS & HOBBIES
FAMILY
GOLF
MOVIES
TESTIMONIALS
"I've known Ajay for almost 10 years and have been a vendor for the teams he managed. All of my interactions with Ajay have been positive and constructive. The teams he oversees in every work environment enjoy working with him and for him.
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Ajay understands what it requires to deliver on timelines and work with multiple teams to so. I respect his work ethic and the manner in which he conducts himself. I have been honored to work him and look forward to the positive impact he will continue to deliver to organizations."
Michael Bencic
"I have known and worked with Ajay since 1999 when we started our professional relationship as associates at Advocate Health Care. Our relationship continued and grew into me being a direct report of his for the last 7 years in the Alexian Brothers Health System->Ascension Health Care->AMITA Health Care web of evolution. Ajay has always proven to be a very talented technician and troubleshooter, a driven and passionate leader and a collaborative mentor. He has a wonderful ability to take his deep technical and strategic thinking and transfer that to the team in a way that provides a smooth knowledge transfer and results in the personal growth of his team members. His passion for what he does, and his dedication and drive become infectious.
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I personally have grown and learned a great deal as a direct result of reporting to Ajay and working side by side with him. I have the highest respect for him."
Geno Tucci
"I have had the pleasure of working with Ajay for the past 5+years. Ajay exemplifies what it means to be a leader and it always ready to help his team out in any way he can. Being technically strong, he has proven he can work through some of the toughest projects by utilizing his leadership along with his technical skills. He is transparent to his team with objectives and treats everyone with respect. Being a client of mine, Ajay has always looked at my team and I as a part of his, which ultimately leads to his continued success. All said and done, Ajay's passion for IT and leadership is infectious and appreciated."
Jonathan Sobinsky
"Everyday, Ajay brings his passion and love for what he does to the office. This is demonstrated by his deep understanding of the business and how he can help solve complex problems to advance his organization's mission, values and capabilities. He constantly goes above and beyond to ensure that his team, business partners and leadership are on the same page, and moving in the same direction. His technical knowledge and leadership are unmatched as demonstrated by everything he has accomplished. It has and always will be a pleasure to work with him."