Patti Fischer
Patti Fischer is a healthcare executive with more than 25 years of experience in hospital operations, physician services, and strategic leadership. She currently serves as Vice President at Optum, where she leads strategic partnerships and operational transformation initiatives. Her focus on optimizing revenue cycle performance and enhancing client engagement has driven measurable outcomes across complex healthcare systems.
Before joining Optum, Patti was President and CEO of HSHS St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in O’ Fallon, Illinois, beginning in May 2018 after serving as interim in the role. In that capacity, she championed community-based care and guided the hospital through critical expansions, including a major cancer care center groundbreaking. Her leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic was especially visible – she publicly addressed regional transmission dynamics, testing capacity, and hospital preparedness.
Earlier in her career, Patti was Chief Operating Officer at HSHS St. John’s Hospital in Springfield, Illinois, and prior to that, served as President and CEO of HSHS St. Francis Hospital in Litchfield. She also led physician services for Saint Anthony’s Health Center in Alton and began her professional journey as a critical-care nurse at St. Luke’s Hospital in St. Louis, MO.
Patti holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance from Florida Atlantic University and an MBA from Washington University. She is a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives, underscoring her commitment to professional excellence in healthcare leadership.
Outside of her career in healthcare, Patti has served on the boards of United Way, Riverbend Growth Association, and Alton Women’s Home Association.