1. Nicholas “Nick” Jacobs is the international director for SunStone Consulting, LLC. In that capacity he provides transformational administrative strategic solutions to various companies and individuals. He has more than 20 years experience in hospital management, with an acknowledged reputation for innovation and consumer-centered leadership.

Throughout his career, Mr. Jacobs has developed a reputation for innovative leadership that focuses on effective delivery of service that puts the patient’s needs and concerns first. He speaks extensively on this topic and has spoken for the American College of Healthcare Executives, American Hospital Association, and the World Health Organization numerous times.

The author of the book, “Taking the Hell out of Healthcare” and the first hospital CEO to publish his own blog, Mr. Jacobs has contributed articles to healthcare and general interest publications and industry Internet sites, Atlanta Hospital News, Western Pennsylvania Hospital News, Chicago Hospital News, Our Town, The Somerset Daily American, Johnstown Tribune-Democrat, and numerous others.

Prior to joining SunStone, Mr. Jacobs was president of Windber (PA) Medical Center and the Windber Research Institute, a translational proteomic and genomic research center for heart and reproductive diseases, co-founded by Mr. Jacobs.

Prior to entering the healthcare arena, he held positions as president of the Laurel Highlands Convention and Visitors Bureau in Ligonier, Pa., taught in several school districts in southwestern Pennsylvania, and as a professional trumpet player and musical conductor for more than 20 years.

Mr. Jacobs also served as adjunct instructor for St. Francis University in Loretto, Pa., and has been a guest lecturer at various regional, state, and national conferences and workshops, as well as numerous colleges and universities.

Mr. Jacobs holds a master’s degree in public management/health systems management from Carnegie Mellon University, and master’s and bachelor’s degrees in education from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, and a certification in health systems management from Harvard University. He serves on numerous boards, committees, and councils for healthcare, community service, and the arts.

The Power of Delegation

Health,