Pioneering Healthcare Excellence
Professional Portfolio
Showcasing my expertise and accomplishments in Healthcare Executive Leadership
About
My name is Daisy Frias
An Executive healthcare leader with 15+ years of experience driving cultural transformation, operational excellence, and financial growth across hospitals, multi-site clinics, and behavioral health systems. Proven record of leading organizations through turnaround initiatives, regulatory compliance, and accreditation success. Skilled in multi million-dollar budget management, workforce optimization, and patient experience improvement. Recognized for building collaborative partnerships, leading diverse teams, and delivering sustainable results in complex, high-stakes healthcare environments.
​
​

Expertise & Specializations
I have acquired valuable experience in diverse, fast-paced healthcare environments, consistently receiving outstanding recommendations from industry leaders.
Educational Background
I hold a solid educational foundation in Healthcare and Business Administration, complemented by advanced training and certifications that equip me with the knowledge and skills to lead effectively in any complex healthcare environments.
Education
2011-2014
Master's in Business Administration (MBA)
Saint Leo University
I earned my MBA, where I developed strong skills in strategic planning, leadership, finance, and operations management. Throughout the program, I worked on projects that enhanced my problem-solving and decision-making abilities, preparing me to tackle complex business challenges. I also gained valuable experience in teamwork and communication, which are essential for effective management. A significant milestone was leading a capstone project that allowed me to apply business concepts to real-world scenarios, demonstrating my ability to develop practical solutions and drive organizational success.
2009-2011
Bachelor's of Science (BS)
Human Resources (Minor)
Saint Leo University
I earned my Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration with a minor in Human Resources, where I gained a solid foundation in healthcare systems, management principles, and workforce development. My studies developed key skills in healthcare operations, patient services, HR management, and organizational behavior. Throughout my degree, I completed projects that focused on improving healthcare delivery and managing human capital effectively. I also gained experience in recruitment, employee relations, and compliance with healthcare regulations. This combination prepared me to contribute to both the administrative and human resource aspects of healthcare organizations.
2007-2009
Associates of Arts
Saint Leo University
I earned my Associate of Arts in General Business Studies, where I developed foundational knowledge in key business areas such as marketing, accounting, management, and economics. This program helped me build essential skills in problem-solving, communication, and analytical thinking. Through diverse coursework, I gained practical insights into business operations and decision-making processes, preparing me for entry-level roles in various business environments and for further education in the field.
Certifications
2023
Leadership Certification
Dale Carnegie
Dale Carnegie's leadership programs equip individuals with the skills and mindset essential for confident leadership in today’s dynamic and fast-paced work environments. Emphasizing self-awareness, communication, interpersonal skills, and the ability to inspire and influence, these programs help participants unlock their leadership potential.
2019
Six Sigma Green Belt (SSGBC)
Management and Strategy Institute (MSI)
​
The core purpose of Six Sigma certification is to educate individuals on analyzing processes and outcomes to reduce waste and decrease defects. It demonstrates a thorough understanding of statistical analysis, problem-solving strategies, and project management abilities. Six Sigma practitioners can lead projects for process improvement, influence organizational transformation, and produce quantifiable outcomes.
2019
PM Lean Process (PM-LPC)
Management and Strategy Institute (MSI)
Lean project management incorporates the waste-reduction principles commonly used in Six Sigma. Its main objective is to ensure maximum project value by eliminating process waste. Within the scope of a project, lean helps you measure the current state, define the future state, then set standards and processes in place that help you achieve the future state.
​
2019
Executive Management (EMC)
Management and Strategy Institute (MSI)
The Executive Management Certificate (EMC) program is designed to equip executive managers with the essential skills and knowledge needed to lead effectively and drive business success. This certification program focuses on helping managers understand the true nature of management—not just directing people but coordinating and organizing teams in alignment with organizational policies and objectives. Focuses such as the qualities of effective managers, ethical leadership, social responsibility, information management, decision-making processes, operational control, and organizational strategy.
Experience & Qualifications
-
Executive Leadership & Strategic Planning – Proven ability to set vision, design multi-year strategies, and lead organizations through growth and transformation.
-
Multi-Site Healthcare Operations Management – Expertise managing hospitals, outpatient clinics, and physician practices across multiple counties and facilities.
-
Process Improvement & Operational Excellence – Skilled at redesigning workflows, cutting inefficiencies, and driving measurable performance improvements.
-
Financial & Budget Management – Oversight of budgets, including cost optimization, variance analysis, and revenue cycle improvements.
-
Human Resources & Culture Transformation – Experience leading HR strategy, recruitment, retention, conflict resolution, and employee engagement initiatives.
-
Compliance & Accreditation Leadership – 100% success in accreditation recertifications (JCAHO, AHCA, NCQA, etc.) with strong regulatory knowledge.
-
M&A Integration & Business Consolidation – Directed clinic consolidations, billing centralization, and post-expansion integration of people, processes, and systems.
-
Change Management & Organizational Development – Ability to guide teams through cultural, structural, and technological change while building accountability.
-
Digital Healthcare & Technology Integration – Led EMR upgrades, telehealth rollouts, and adoption of analytics/HRIS platforms (Epic, NextGen, Cerner, ADP, Power BI).
-
Board, Stakeholder & Community Engagement – Trusted advisor to boards, executives, and community partners, skilled in building alliances and advancing mission-driven goals. ​

Peter Kennedy, MHA, FACHE
"I wholeheartedly endorse Daisy Frias and am confident that she will bring immense value to any organization, fortunate enough to have her on their leadership team. She possesses the experience, qualities, and vision necessary to drive growth, innovation, and sustainable success in today’s dynamic and ever-evolving healthcare environment."
Bob Ganzak
"I have had the pleasure of working with Daisy in many different venues. I saw a leader committed to her team, a process driven “People” person who was highly respected amongst the staff and ownership. When she was on my Leadership Podcast you heard from a person that was creative, transparent and humble."​​​​
Debbie Touchette, MHA, FACHE
​"Her ability to balance strategic planning with day-to-day execution was impressive. Daisy's leadership, professionalism, and dedication to excellence made a significant impact on patient care and program success."​​
Ernesto Lamadrid, MD
"Her remarkable ability to identify barriers and implement efficient, effective solutions is truly impressive. With her extensive experience in both inpatient and outpatient operations, Daisy has a unique capacity to tailor solutions that align specifically with the objectives of our hospital and clinic."​
Kim Abbott, Sr. HR Executive
"One of the things I appreciated most about Daisy was how approachable and compassionate she was in dealing with employee relations matters. She earned tremendous respect from staff across all levels, and was widely regarded as trustworthy, knowledgeable, and tireless in her follow-through."
Leadership Philosophy
A Leadership Philosophy Built on Service, Structure, and Human Connection
By Daisy Frias
Leading with Purpose
In today’s ever-evolving organizational landscape, leadership must be more than operational oversight or title-driven authority. True leadership, transformational and sustainable leadership, requires emotional intelligence, accountability, and an unwavering focus on people. After more than a decade in executive roles across healthcare and behavioral health systems, I’ve focused a leadership philosophy rooted in three pillars: servant leadership, structured execution, and culture transformation.
1. Servant Leadership: The Foundation of Trust and Team Empowerment
Leadership begins with service. Regardless of title, whether as CEO, COO, VP or Operations Manager, a leader’s first responsibility has always been to support the people doing the work. Servant leadership means asking, "What barriers can I remove?", "What tools do you need?", and most importantly, "How can I help you grow?" Throughout my career, I’ve led multidisciplinary teams across medical practices, psychiatric hospitals, rural clinics, home care and provider networks. Across every setting, one truth remains: people are the heartbeat of any organization. When employees feel supported, heard, and respected, performance naturally improves. An open-door policy, paired with strategic mentorship, will consistently result in reduced turnover, increased engagement, and stronger cross functional collaboration.
2. Structured Execution: Vision Without Strategy Is Just a Wish
While empathy is essential, empathy alone doesn’t drive enterprise-level results. That’s where structured execution comes in. Integrating tools like Lean Six Sigma and other strategic planning frameworks into your leadership style will create rigorous oversight to ensure that mission and margin are aligned. Leadership, in this regard, is about building systems that outlast individuals, creating efficient workflows, ensuring compliance, and continuously measuring performance so organizations can sustain and scale impact.
3. Culture Transformation: The Catalyst for Long-Term Success
I've learned that no strategic plan or operational framework can survive without a healthy, intentional culture. Culture is not just about “being nice” it’s about creating a place where excellence is expected, growth is encouraged, and accountability is a shared value. In every leadership position, I’ve prioritized cultural alignment as the foundation for organizational growth. Great leaders don’t just change policies; they change mindsets. And mindsets drive everything.
Final Thoughts: Leadership Is Legacy
I believe that a leadership philosophy is simple:
-
Lead with clarity.
-
Serve with compassion.
-
Operate with integrity.
Whether managing a $100M budget, launching community health initiatives, or mentoring new managers, show up each day with the intention to leave things better than you found them.
Leadership is not about control, it’s about cultivation. It's about building strong teams, refining systems, and creating an environment where people feel safe to succeed. As a leader continues to grow, it is crucial to remain committed in using leadership to elevate organizations, communities, and the people within them.
Because at the end of the day, real leadership isn’t about the leader… it’s about the legacy!
Life Outside Leadership
​​
Outside of my role as a healthcare executive, I’m a mentor, lifelong learner, and community advocate. I’m passionate about personal development, coaching others toward success, and creating meaningful connections. Whether I’m volunteering, sharing business insights with up-and-coming professionals, or spending time with loved ones, I find joy in contributing to others' growth and well-being. I believe in leading with purpose—both in and out of the workplace.
Passions That Keep Me Balanced
Get in Touch
Open to Relocation:
Alabama
Florida
Georgia
South & North Carolina
Open to 80% Travel within USA
352.642.5651