CHIME Strengthens Commitment to Cybersecurity with the Appointment of Lisa Gallagher as National Advisor for Cybersecurity

Ann Arbor, MI, August 26, 2024 – The College of Healthcare Information Management Executives (CHIME) is pleased to announce the addition of Lisa Gallagher as the National Advisor for Cybersecurity, further solidifying CHIME’s commitment to empowering our executive digital health leaders across the globe to combat the rising prevalence of cyber-attacks that pose significant threats to the safety and privacy of the patients we serve in an increasingly digital healthcare landscape.

The urgency around cybersecurity has never been greater. According to the latest CHIME Digital Health Most Wired Survey, 85% of healthcare organizations identified cybersecurity as a top priority, a 15% increase from the previous year. This spike reflects the growing complexity and frequency of cyber threats, with healthcare now one of the most targeted industries. The survey also revealed that 78% of respondents have increased their cybersecurity investments in the past year, underscoring the sector’s recognition of the need for robust security measures.

In this environment, CHIME is committed to providing its members with the tools and knowledge they need to safeguard their organizations and continue driving innovation. Lisa Gallagher’s appointment is a testament to this commitment. With over 35 years of experience in cybersecurity, including senior roles in both the public and private sectors, Lisa brings unparalleled expertise to CHIME’s efforts to protect the digital health landscape.

"Cybersecurity is not just a technical issue; it’s a fundamental business challenge that impacts every aspect of healthcare," said Russ Branzell, President and CEO of CHIME. "The increasing frequency of cyber threats makes it imperative for digital health leaders to be proactive, informed, and resilient. Lisa Gallagher’s experience and leadership will help CHIME members stay ahead of these challenges and ensure they are equipped to lead in this new era."

As healthcare organizations continue to adopt new technologies and digital solutions, the risk landscape evolves in tandem. Lisa Gallagher, who most recently served as Managing Director in PwC’s Cybersecurity practice and served as Co-Chair as the HHS HIT Standards Committee, will play a critical role in ensuring that CHIME’s members have access to the latest insights, strategies, and resources to mitigate these risks.

"Joining CHIME at this critical juncture allows me to contribute to an organization that is at the forefront of supporting digital health leaders," said Lisa Gallagher, National Advisor of Cybersecurity at CHIME. "My focus will be on ensuring that our members are not only prepared to respond to today’s threats but are also equipped to anticipate and adapt to the challenges of tomorrow to build cyber resilience across the industry."

CHIME’s commitment to cybersecurity is evident in its ongoing initiatives, including educational programs, thought leadership, and industry partnerships, all aimed at empowering healthcare organizations to stay resilient in the face of emerging cyber threats.

About CHIME

The College of Healthcare Information Management Executives (CHIME) is an executive organization dedicated to serving chief information officers (CIOs), chief medical information officers (CMIOs), chief nursing information officers (CNIOs), chief innovation officers (CIOs), chief digital officers (CDOs) and other senior healthcare IT leaders. With more than 5,000 individual members in 58 countries and two U.S. territories and over 180 CHIME Foundation healthcare IT business and professional service firm members, CHIME and its three associations provide a highly interactive, trusted environment enabling senior professional and industry leaders to collaborate, exchange best practices, address professional development needs, and advocate for the effective use of information management to improve the health and care in the communities they serve. For more information, please visit chimecentral.org.