Steve Rudolf, JD/SPHR/SHRM-CP
Baptist Healthcare System, Inc.
Job Title: System Vice President, Human Resources
Member of the KHC for: 7 years
Steve currently oversees HR strategic initiatives, total rewards (compensation and benefits), employee health, and workforce intelligence/analytics. In his participation with the KHC, he represents both employer and provider perspectives.
What are you currently working on that you are most excited about? How do you think it will drive improvements to health and healthcare in the community?
We are working with our benefits analytic partner to gain better insights into health equity for our members. This seemed to be a “greenfield” pursuit for our partner, and we are excited to be paving the way for both us (and others) to glean valuable insights from our data and these analytics.
What do you see as the biggest threat to our community’s health? How do you feel it needs to be addressed?
Two of the largest threats are adequate staffing and rising costs – and there is no silver bullet. Part of the answer is to re-instill the sense that health care is a calling to serve, increase access to care, and increase reimbursements to cover inflationary costs and prevent hospitals from going bankrupt.
Why do you think a multi-stakeholder coalition like the KHC is needed in the community?
Healthcare is complicated and it takes a village to help address the challenges. We need employers, payors, providers, and community leaders working together to identify potential solutions that will lead to better outcomes, higher quality and equitable care, and lower costs without asking for one part of the system to bear the bulk of the burden.
What is the KHC’s biggest contribution to improving community health and healthcare?
KHC serves a critical role for the community by providing a common forum and voice for all healthcare stakeholders; it encourages awareness and growth through education; and seeks to provide insight through collective data gathering.
What do you do in your spare time? Provide a fun fact about yourself.
I enjoy building sand sculptures – which takes sandcastle building to the extreme. Many of my creations stand several feet tall and stand for days (until kids or weather take their toll.)
What is your dream vacation spot?
My family is fortunate to have a place on Siesta Key – one of the world’s best beaches with near perfect sand for building sand sculptures!
