Rick Howard serves Ascension Information Services (AIS) as Vice President, Data and Insights and Chief Data Officer. In this role, Rick leads a team focused on technical design and the development of solutions that support Ascension’s data needs. His responsibilities include understanding the organization’s stored and in-transit data requirements, which his team then uses to develop data interoperability, exchange, analytics, and quality solutions.

Rick previously served as Senior Director, Business Development, where he led enterprise data and analytics rationalization efforts. He also oversaw the development of the Ascension enterprise solutions architecture platform, which supports the organization’s clinically integrated systems of care, enhanced and predictive analytics, and quadruple aim initiative. In 2016, Rick served as the Interim Chief Information Officer for Ascension Medical Group (AMG), working to align AMG’s technical capabilities with the needs of its employed physicians.

Prior to joining AIS, Rick spent more than 10 years in healthcare disciplines that included clinical research and regulatory filings for the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and Asian regulatory agencies, information systems operations, administration, and education. Before beginning his career in healthcare, Rick held a number of leadership positions with Verizon and Intel.

Rick holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting and a master’s degree in business administration. He is a certified professional in healthcare information and management systems.