Catherine McKinnies
Littleton
Summary
Strategic healthcare operations leader with extensive experience directing Utilization Review, multidisciplinary clinical teams, and large-scale operational workflows. Proven ability to optimize authorization processes, elevate clinical and financial outcomes, strengthen organizational culture, and develop high-performing teams. Adept at process design, workforce planning, and cross-functional leadership within complex healthcare environments.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
UR Director
Lifepoint Health
01.2026 - Current
- Directed end-to-end Utilization Review operations across all inpatient and outpatient levels of care, achieving 100% authorization completion, reducing denials, and improving reimbursement outcomes.
- Standardized UR operational workflows to enhance authorization tracking and cross-department communication.
- Led staff development initiatives that increased engagement and improved competency completion rates, strengthening departmental performance.
PBX Operator
Advent Health
11.2024 - Current
- Managed high-volume switchboard operations for five hospitals and multiple provider offices, delivering exceptional customer service and efficient call routing.
- Collaborated with clinical teams to prioritize urgent calls and ensure critical messages reached the appropriate personnel.
- Executed overhead paging and internal communications to ensure timely dissemination of critical information.
- Monitored alarm panels across multiple facilities to facilitate prompt emergency response.
Center Operations Director
Soar Autism Center
12.2023 - 10.2024
- Led multidisciplinary teams of Speech, Occupational, and Behavior Therapists to ensure high-quality clinical outcomes.
- Built strong relationships with families to enhance trust and strengthen the organization’s brand presence.
- Drove culture and engagement initiatives that improved employee belonging and increased NPS scores.
- Managed HR functions including evaluations, coaching, performance improvement, and promotions.
- Oversaw daily center operations, including staff meetings, training, labor metrics, maintenance coordination, inventory, and client communications.
Centralized Operations Manager
Optum
07.2021 - 08.2023
- Standardized workflows and quality metrics for eligibility and referral teams responsible for 1,000+ specialist referrals weekly and coverage verification for 40+ clinics.
- Managed HIM operations and supported multiple EMR software implementations, including AI-driven filing enhancements.
- Improved employee, provider, and customer satisfaction while consistently increasing engagement scores.
Manager of Utilization Review / Pre-certification & Prior Authorization
National Jewish Health
05.2018 - 07.2021
- Led teams of RNs, LPNs, and clerical staff responsible for authorizations for high-tech imaging, surgical procedures, inpatient admissions, and specialty medications.
- Ensured accurate insurance verification and referral completion, enhancing patient access to necessary care.
- Redesigned reporting workflows, minimizing denial rates and supporting revenue retention.
- Recruited and led the RN intake team supporting all specialty outpatient clinics.
- Built and managed telecommuting program for UM staff, improving flexibility and workforce engagement.
Patient Access Manager
Parallon Business Services
05.2014 - 06.2017
- Established standards for productivity and accuracy in registration, pre-registration, prior authorization, and financial counseling teams across multiple locations, enhancing operational effectiveness.
- Led teams of 30-60 staff across two hospitals, ensuring consistent performance and operational alignment.
- Resolved patient concerns regarding access, estimates, and front-end billing, enhancing patient experience and trust.
- Coached staff on AIDET communication standards, resulting in improved patient satisfaction scores for outpatient and emergency services.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Healthcare Management, Communications
Metropolitan State University of Denver
12-2009
Skills
- Utilization Review & Authorization Management
- Healthcare Operations Leadership
- Employee Engagement Strategies
- Healthcare Financial Management
- Process Improvement & Quality Assurance
- Workforce Planning & Staff Development
- HR Processes & Performance Management
- Multidisciplinary Team Leadership
Timeline
UR Director
Lifepoint Health
01.2026 - Current
PBX Operator
Advent Health
11.2024 - Current
Center Operations Director
Soar Autism Center
12.2023 - 10.2024
Centralized Operations Manager
Optum
07.2021 - 08.2023
Manager of Utilization Review / Pre-certification & Prior Authorization
National Jewish Health
05.2018 - 07.2021
Patient Access Manager
Parallon Business Services
05.2014 - 06.2017
Bachelor of Science - Healthcare Management, Communications
Metropolitan State University of Denver