Fractional Chief Operating Officer

Fractional Chief Operating Officer (Fractional COO)

Pathology Specialists of Arizona (PSA)
Location: HYBRID (Arizona) | Executive Leadership Role | .75 FTE (30 hours per week)
FLSA Status: Exempt

About the Role

Pathology Specialists of Arizona (PSA) is seeking an experienced Fractional Chief Operating Officer (COO) to provide enterprise-level operational leadership across its affiliated pathology groups, including Phoenix Pathology, Tucson Pathology Associates, Pathology Services, and Sun City Pathologists. For Clin-Path Associates, this role provides targeted strategic and contractual support related to key health system and payer partnerships, rather than day-to-day operational oversight. This role also supports broader healthcare systems, clients, payors, and organizational initiatives as requested by Group leadership.

This is a senior leadership position designed as a .75 FTE fractional role , ideal for an experienced healthcare executive who can provide strong strategic and operational leadership without a traditional full-time structure.

The Fractional COO partners closely with physician leaders, accounting teams, legal counsel, and external vendors to ensure strong performance, compliance, and sustainability across the organization.

The role reports directly to the PSA Executive Committee.

What You Will Do

Strategic Leadership and Operations

• Develop and implement strategic growth plans for PSA and its affiliated pathology groups

• Lead business process improvements to maximize efficiency across operations and billing functions

• Provide operational guidance to the PSA Executive Committee on organizational strategy and business development

• Build and maintain strong relationships with hospitals, healthcare facilities, payers, clients, and key stakeholders

• Ensure compliance with CMS, CLIA, OSHA, HIPAA, and other regulatory bodies

• Maintain operational oversight of:

  • Pathology Billing Services (PBS)

  • HR and benefits coordination

  • Credentialing and provider enrollment

• Provide operational support to individual Groups upon formal request and approval, with scope tailored to the governance and operational structure of each entity

Financial Oversight and Operational Collaboration

• Provide executive oversight of financial operations in collaboration with PSA accounting staff, Group accounting teams, and external vendors

• Partner with internal and external financial professionals to support budgeting, forecasting, reporting, and operational decision-making

• Oversee vendor relationships related to accounting, tax services, benefits administration, retirement plans, and consulting partners

• Support regulatory and compliance-related financial processes including payroll reporting, benefit plan reporting, and tax filings

• Collaborate with Group Leaders on financial planning, budget development, performance analysis, and evaluation of contract financial impact

• Support managed care strategy by providing operational and financial input related to hospital, payer, and client relationships

• Ensure operational processes support financial compliance and organizational sustainability

All financial oversight activities are performed in a collaborative, non-CFO capacity unless otherwise approved by the PSA Executive Committee.

Billing and Revenue Cycle Management

• Direct Pathology Billing Services (PBS) to ensure alignment with industry best practices

• Oversee billing workflows to maximize collections and minimize revenue leakage

• Collaborate with hospital and insurance partners to support reimbursement optimization

• Monitor payer trends, denials management, and claims performance

• Guide PBS leadership to streamline processes and maintain regulatory compliance

Partnership and Business Development

• Develop and maintain relationships with hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, clients, payers, and healthcare networks

• Lead and participate in contract negotiations for hospital, payer, and client agreements in collaboration with Group leadership, legal counsel, and financial partners

• Support contract strategy development to align with operational priorities and organizational goals

• Identify new business opportunities and strategic partnerships to support growth

• Represent PSA or individual Groups in operational discussions, hospital committees, and strategic planning forums as requested

What We Are Looking For

• Bachelor’s degree required

• Master’s degree in healthcare administration, business, or related field preferred

• 10+ years of progressive experience in healthcare administration, pathology, laboratory operations, or senior operational leadership

• Experience supporting multi-entity or multi-site healthcare organizations

• Strong understanding of healthcare compliance, managed care environments, and governance

• Experience working closely with finance and accounting teams

• Background in anatomic pathology, clinical laboratory operations, or physician practice environments strongly preferred

Skills That Lead to Success

• Proven enterprise-level operational leadership

• Strong collaboration skills with physicians, executives, and external partners

• Experience supporting or leading complex contract negotiations in healthcare environments

• Practical understanding of healthcare financial processes

• Excellent communication, negotiation, and relationship-building abilities

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, operational systems, and healthcare billing platforms

• Ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Direct oversight of Directors of Pathology Billing Services and assigned operational leaders

• Operational oversight across PSA’s affiliated pathology groups

• Collaboration with HR and Finance teams related to benefits administration, profit sharing coordination, and workforce impact

Benefits and Total Rewards

PSA offers a competitive executive-level benefits package that includes:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance

• 401(k) retirement plan

• Retirement profit sharing program

• Paid time off and paid holidays

• Flexible structure aligned with a fractional executive model

• Executive-level autonomy and meaningful influence in a physician-led organization

Why This Role Matters

This role plays a critical part in maintaining operational excellence across multiple physician-owned practices while preserving Group autonomy and strong governance. The right leader will help strengthen infrastructure, support continued growth, and ensure PSA remains a trusted partner to hospitals, physicians, and healthcare systems across Arizona.