Mark O’Leary has been named the deputy director and chief operating officer for the National Center for Interprofessional Practice and Education. In this role, O’Leary will oversee many of the center’s programs and manage day-to-day operations.

The addition of O’Leary to the National Center leadership team is in response to the growth experienced during its second fiscal year, which saw research sites expand to 11 states, the launch of the National Center Data Repository and Resource Exchange and requests for advice and counsel from more than 700 organizations.

“Our first two years were about building an infrastructure for connecting individuals and conducting applied research,” said Barbara Brandt, PhD, director, National Center. “In year three we are preparing for the ‘big leap,’ which will allow us to share more broadly how the Nexus can contribute to the Triple Aim of enhancing the patient experience, improving population health and reducing cost.”

As deputy director and chief operating officer, he will work closely with Dr. Brandt to provide leadership and oversight to many of the center’s hallmark initiatives and provide guidance on the long-term sustainability of the National Center’s work past its grant period.

O’Leary brings 25 years of executive leadership experience in healthcare and financial services. Most recently he was chief marketing officer for Phreesia, a New York-based healthcare technology firm. O’Leary holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of St. Thomas and a master’s of business administration from Creighton University. He is a member of the advisory board for the Office of Technology Commercialization at the University of Minnesota and volunteers with several non-profits addressing poverty.