Managing Director
Huron
Craig Deao, MHA, Managing Director at Huron and National Speaker, has provided consulting services to healthcare organizations for two decades. He is a trusted advisor to boards and executive teams, with a focus on governance, strategic planning, growth, engagement and patient experience. His expertise extends to board education, governance restructuring, and the facilitation of strategic and leadership development initiatives.
Craig's work emphasizes the importance of creating high-performing governance structures and leadership teams that drive both cultural and operational success. Over his career, he has guided healthcare boards through complex strategic challenges, helping them clarify vision, improve efficiency, and strengthen accountability frameworks. He is highly sought after for his ability to facilitate effective strategic planning and governance processes, enabling senior leaders and boards to develop actionable, forward-thinking goals.
Craig is a frequent speaker at national and international healthcare leadership conferences, including events hosted by the American College of Healthcare Executives, the American Hospital Association, and more than 25 state hospital associations. He has delivered more than 400 presentations across the United States, Canada, and Australia, consistently earning top ratings from participants.
Craig has authored numerous publications, including the book The E Factor: How Engaged Patients, Clinicians, Leaders, and Employees Will Transform Healthcare, which has over 20,000 copies in circulation. His insights on governance and leadership have appeared in publications such as AHA Trustee Insights, Health Executive, Trustee Magazine, Modern Healthcare and the Journal of Healthcare Philanthropy.
Before joining Huron, Craig held leadership roles at VHA (now Vizient). His educational background includes a Master of Healthcare Administration from the University of Minnesota and dual undergraduate degrees from Louisiana State University.
Building an Ambulatory Strategy that Elevates Access, Experience, and Growth
Wednesday, March 4, 2026
9:30am - 10:30am CT