Articles

1. Tell us about yourself. 

I have been Associate Director/Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Jesse Brown VA Medical Center (JBVAMC) since May 2024. My portfolio includes Biomedical Engineering, Emergency Management, Engineering, Facility Master Planning, Fleet Services, Occupational Safety and Health (including Radiation Safety), Privacy, Supply Chain Management, and Veteran Transportation Services/Beneficiary Travel. I also liais with the Great Lakes Acquisition Center, Fiscal Service, and Human Resources.

I joined the Department of Veterans Affairs in 2012 as a Graduate Healthcare Administration Training Program (GHATP) Fellow. My administrative and supervisory experience spans Nursing, Ambulatory Care, Patient Administration Service (PAS), and VA Central Office’s Pharmacy Benefits Management (PBM). After serving as JBVAMC’s Assistant Chief of PAS, he became Acting Health System Specialist to the Medical Center Director in October 2019 and Assistant Director in January 2021.

 A Chicagoland native, I earned a Master of Health Administration (MHA) and Master of Public Health (MPH), with a Policy concentration, at the University of Iowa. I am a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives (FACHE), and have served in  Committee Chair and Board roles with ACHE’s local chapter, Chicago Health Executives Forum (CHEF), to advance the profession.

2. Describe your career opus, or something you are most proud of. 

From VA administrative fellow to JBVAMC’s COO and Associate Director, I’ve come to appreciate the people, systems, and partnerships behind exceptional Veteran care.

I’m proud of mentoring and empowering others to make a difference for Veterans. Leadership means service, integrity, collaboration, and developing people, helping teams navigate challenges, improve operations, and feel valued.

Earning FACHE and serving in CHEF leadership reinforced my commitment to lifelong learning, professional growth, and giving back.

3. What is a famous quote that resonates with you?

“Everything happens for a reason,” “Keep it simple,” and “WAIT – Why Am I Talking?” capture my approach: listen first, lead purposefully, learn from life, and remember what matters.

“WAIT – Why Am I Talking?” recognizes that our best insights often come from listening more than speaking. This quote reminds me to listen, understand different perspectives, and make space for others, and not have every answer or the loudest voice.

4. What book or podcast do you recommend as helpful to your career?

“The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” by Stephen R. Covey shaped my leadership, relationships, and decisions at work and beyond. I value Covey’s emphasis on accountability, growth, and integrity in all areas of life.

Habit 5: “Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood” resonates most. Empathetic listening builds trust, strengthens relationships, and guides thoughtful decisions amid complex challenges and differing perspectives.

5. Describe the benefits you derived from CHEF membership and involvement. 

ACHE supports my education and personal and professional growth. Earning FACHE marked my commitment to lifelong learning, ethical leadership, and healthcare management excellence.

ACHE and CHEF connect me with healthcare leaders and fresh perspectives on our profession’s changing challenges and opportunities.

My CHEF Committee Chair and Board roles broadened my perspective and strengthened my leadership through collaboration across organizations and career stages. Those relationships reinforced the value of mentorship and giving back.

My ACHE and CHEF experience has taught me  that leadership means continually learning from and investing in one another. These friendships and experiences are among my career’s greatest rewards.

6. What pearl or piece of advice did you learn from a mentor?

A mentor taught me to make time to rest, recharge, and care for myself. In healthcare, caring for others and juggling priorities can overshadow our own well-being. Leadership is a marathon, not a sprint. Knowing when to rest matters as much as pushing forward.

My mentor introduced HALT — Hungry, Angry, Lonely, or Tired. It reminds me when to pause, reflect, and recharge. Self-care isn’t selfish - it helps us lead and show up for others. 

Recharging can be simple: a walk, time with a friend, a staycation, or your birthday off can renew your energy and outlook.

7. What are your personal interests outside of work?

I enjoy physical fitness to support my mental and physical well-being,  and spending time with my partner, family, and friends. International travel is a passion, where I aim to visit one new destination each year to experience different cultures, meet new people, and gain perspective.

Whether traveling, exploring Chicago’s food scene, or spending time with loved ones, I value shared memories and living fully, embracing new experiences, and finding everyday joy.

Connect with Ryan Landi on LinkedIn.