Downers Grove resident among the Crain's Chicago Business 2019 Notable Women in Health Care
The American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS), the leading organization that oversees the standards for physician board certification in the United States, has announced the naming of its Chief Operating Officer, Laura Skarnulis to the Crain's Chicago Business 2019 Notable Women in Health Care.
In only its second year, the Notable Women in Health Care features some of the most influential health care leaders in the city of Chicago and recognizes their efforts to inform and effect change in the city's health care community.
In addition to her leadership of the ABMS strategic, operational and business development strategies, Skarnulis is dedicated to the "customer experience", ensuring that all interactions with ABMS and its 24 Member Boards reflect the vision of "Higher Standards. Better Care", exemplifying the commitment to improving the quality of health care provided to the patients, families and communities the organization and its more than 900,000 physicians serve. She has also been instrumental in efforts to transform the manner in which board certified physicians complete their continuing certification, spearheading the adoption of the ABMS CertLink® platform, and assessment tool that better reflects a physician's practice, increasing relevance and value while decreasing burden and cost, while enabling them remain current on emerging healthcare developments.
"I am extremely honored to be recognized by Crain's Chicago Business and to be among this impressive collective of women health care leaders," stated Skarnulis. "Making a real difference in the lives we serve is a central element of my career and I am excited about the impact these innovations are bringing and the future of these programs."
Prior to joining ABMS, Skarnulis served as the COO and Chief Financial Officer (CFO) for United Way of Metropolitan Chicago where under her stewardship the organization successfully launched its 10-year LIVE UNITED 2020 community impact plan, stretching across a six-county region. She was also the CFO for the Arena Football League, formally based here in Chicago, as well as a CFO consultant for established and startup ventures. Beginning her career as an auditor at Grant Thornton, she also held various financial roles with increasing responsibility at World Book Publishing.
A civic leader with a passion for community service, Skarnulis is involved with a variety of organizations including the Chicago Finance Exchange where she is a current member and Giving Back Exchange Co-chair and member of United Way of Metropolitan Chicago's Women's United. With a particular commitment to the professional and personal growth of women in business, she most recently founded SLIC, an intergenerational women's network, bringing women across generations together to learn, share their business knowledge and expertise to support their development.
Skarnulis is a graduate of Northern Illinois University in DeKalb, earning her Bachelor of Science in Accountancy and is a certified public accountant. She and her family reside in Downers Grove, IL.
Established in 1933, the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) is the leading not-for-profit organization overseeing physician certification in the United States. ABMS establishes the standards its 24 Member Boards use to develop and implement educational and professional evaluation, assessment, and certification of physician specialists, helping to improve the quality of care to the patients, families and communities we serve. More than 900,000 physicians are certified in one or more of the approved 40 specialties and 87 subspecialties offered by the ABMS Member Boards.