Craig Deao

Since 2006, Craig Deao, MHA, has been a member of the Senior Executive Team at Studer Group, a Huron solution. He leads the Education, Speaking, and Publishing teams and directs thought leadership across Huron’s broader healthcare practice. Deao is recognized as a national speaker on topics such as leadership, accountability, patient experience, and quality and safety. His work involves collaborating with healthcare systems throughout the United States and Canada to foster highly reliable organizations where employees are engaged, physicians want to practice, and patients receive excellent care. He played a pivotal role in Studer Group receiving the Malcolm Baldridge National Quality Award in 2010.

Craig Deao's expertise in healthcare is further demonstrated through his book, “The E Factor: How Engaged Patients, Clinicians, Leaders, and Employees Will Transform Healthcare,” published in 2016. Deao emphasizes evidence-based practices in his presentations, tailored to align with the specific goals and needs of his audience.

In addition to his leadership roles at Studer Group and Huron, Deao also serves as faculty for the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE). He has authored numerous articles in healthcare publications and speaks extensively to leaders. Deao's previous experience includes working for VHA (now Vizient), focusing on patient safety improvement and executive networking. A native of New Orleans, he earned two bachelor’s degrees from Louisiana State University and a master’s degree in healthcare administration from the University of Minnesota. Deao now resides in Pensacola, Florida, with his wife Julie and their two sons, Sam and Jack, and serves on the quality committee of his local health system.