Tom Halloran and Tom Wiffler, both alumni of Iona University, have been appointed as the first executives-in-residence for the university’s new Master of Science in Healthcare Leadership & Innovation program. Halloran, a former CEO of Fidelis Care New York, and Wiffler, CEO of One Pass and former CEO of UnitedHealthcare Specialty Benefits, will mentor students and lead in-person residency weekends for this online degree designed for working professionals.

The program is a collaboration among the NewYork-Presbyterian Iona School of Health Sciences, the LaPenta School of Business, and the Hynes Institute for Entrepreneurship & Innovation. It aims to provide interdisciplinary education by combining healthcare, business, artificial intelligence, and innovation. The 30-credit curriculum includes flexible online coursework along with in-person residencies and practical experiences such as guest lectures and case studies involving leading healthcare organizations.

Halloran brings nearly two decades of C-suite experience to his new role at Iona. He previously led Fidelis Care through significant industry changes and managed its growth during his tenure as CEO. Reflecting on his appointment, Halloran said: “Health care leaders are being challenged in today's environment to drive innovation to improve long-term quality of care while reducing administrative burden and enhancing customer engagement. I am excited to have a role in the MS in Healthcare Leadership & Innovation at Iona University, which will equip future health care professionals with the skills and knowledge to navigate and transform a rapidly evolving and complex health care landscape.  I believe this program will develop leaders through data-driven decision-making to translate research into practice, shape health policies and drive systemic innovation that enhances patient outcomes and public health. Iona's values of service, community and leadership will prepare students to excel in health care systems and lead with compassion, ethical responsibility and commitment to social justice.”

Wiffler has over 30 years’ experience across finance, operations, business development, strategic relationship management, military service as a Marine Corps officer, as well as various executive roles at UnitedHealthcare. He stated: “Health care leaders must continue to actively engage across the broad and complex U.S. health care ecosystem to help people become and stay healthy. It is imperative to foster innovation, deliver simplicity, and address significant challenges with courage and determination. The MS in Healthcare Leadership & Innovation at Iona University empowers professionals to lead with the vision and integrity needed to reimagine care delivery and build resilient, patient-centered systems and organizations. I am honored to be part of this transformative program and help develop the next generation of health care leaders who will make a lasting impact.”

The university reports that demand for medical and health services managers is projected to grow significantly over the next decade according to data from the U.S. Department of Labor.

Iona University was founded in 1940 as a private Catholic institution located just north of Manhattan with campuses in New Rochelle; Bronxville; as well as an international campus in County Mayo, Ireland. With about 4,000 students enrolled across undergraduate programs in liberal arts, science,and business administration—and graduate degrees including MA,MBA,and MS—Iona emphasizes small class sizes,a diverse student body,and academic excellence.The LaPenta School of Business holds AACSB International accreditation,a distinction held by only six percent of business schools worldwide.Iona has recently been recognized by The Princeton Review,the Wall Street Journal,and Forbes among top national colleges.U.S.News & World Report also ranked it highly for social mobility,and Georgetown University's Center on Education placed its degree within the top six percent nationally for long-term return on investment.

For more information about applying or details on the new program,Iona directs prospective students or interested parties to contact Suzana Pavisic,director of graduate admissions for LaPenta School of Business.