Jeffrey Flaks

Jeffrey A. Flaks is one of healthcare’s most progressive leaders, transforming care delivery over the course of nearly three decades. As President and Chief Executive Officer of Hartford HealthCare, he leads a $5 billion enterprise caring for more than 1.7 million patients and customers. Hartford HealthCare’s network is an integrated ecosystem across more than 400 locations, unified by its innovative Access Center and singular, electronic health record and imaging system. Hartford HealthCare is a vital contributor to Connecticut’s economy as the second largest private employer in the state, with 33,000 colleagues and 4,000 providers on its medical staff.

A bold and visionary leader, Mr. Flaks championed the Institute model at Hartford HealthCare, which offers the highest standards of integrated care across six clinical areas. Through this model, Hartford HealthCare’s Cancer Institute became the charter member of the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Alliance, extending access to world-renowned cancer research in Connecticut. The Heart & Vascular Institute performs more transplants than any organization across New England and is consistently recognized as one of the best programs in the nation. The award-winning Bone & Joint Institute and Connecticut Orthopaedic Institutes helped Hartford HealthCare usher in a new era for musculoskeletal care in New England, providing access to sub-specialty orthopedic expertise and innovative sports rehabilitation and analysis programs.

Mr. Flaks began his tenure at Hartford HealthCare in 2004 and has served in a variety of executive and operational roles prior to his current position. Before joining Hartford HealthCare, he held leadership roles in health systems in New York and Detroit. He is a proud Connecticut native who is passionate about the culture of the organization. He believes business leaders must lead by example and has made a commitment to creating an organization that values its colleagues and celebrates diversity and inclusion, and was honored by the National Association of Hispanic Healthcare Executives for his leadership.

Mr. Flaks was appointed to the American Hospital Association’s Health System’s Council, providing leadership in advocacy and public policy issues nationally and regionally. In addition, he serves as co-chair of the Connecticut Governor’s COVID-19 Health System Response Team and was appointed to the Governor’s Workforce Council.

Mr. Flaks was elected to and served on the Board of Trustees of George Washington University and received the Distinguished Alumnus of the Year and Alumni Service Awards. Among his numerous governance appointments, he is a director of the Connecticut Science Center, Connecticut Public Broadcasting Inc., The Bushnell Center for Performing Arts and the Connecticut Hospital Association.

Mr. Flaks has been recognized widely within the community and the healthcare industry, receiving numerous honors throughout his career.

Mr. Flaks is widely published and has been an invited speaker at many national and international conferences. He was awarded an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters by Trinity College and Eastern Connecticut State University for his leadership. Flaks earned a master’s degree in health services administration at The George Washington University, where he is a member of The George Washington University School of Public Health Dean’s Council and the University’s President’s Advisory Council. He received a Bachelor of Science degree at Ithaca College.