Introduction
Career paths are rarely linear, and some of the most successful leaders come from unexpected backgrounds. Paul Contris, now a veteran in the long-term healthcare industry, began his professional journey as a certified public accountant (CPA) before transitioning into healthcare leadership.
His background in finance provided him with a strong foundation for managing complex healthcare organisations, overseeing acquisitions, and navigating industry challenges. In this blog, you will learn how financial expertise can shape a career in healthcare leadership and the key lessons from Paul’s journey.
The Early Years: A Foundation in Finance
Paul Contris earned his bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of Puget Sound in 1982, graduating summa cum laude. His first role was at Ernst & Young, one of the world’s leading accounting firms, where he worked in the audit division.
This experience provided him with critical skills in:
- Financial analysis – Understanding how to evaluate business performance and profitability.
- Risk management – Identifying potential financial and operational risks.
- Regulatory compliance – Ensuring that businesses adhere to financial and industry regulations.
For professionals looking to enter the healthcare industry, a background in finance or accounting can provide a strong strategic advantage.
Transitioning to Healthcare: The Shift from Numbers to Operations
In 1983, Paul joined The Hillhaven Corporation as an Acquisitions Analyst. At the time, Hillhaven was one of the largest long-term care providers in the U.S. This role introduced him to the complexities of the healthcare business, from facility acquisitions to operational efficiency.
The skills he brought from accounting—financial forecasting, budgeting, and strategic planning—were directly applicable to managing and growing healthcare organisations.
His ability to combine financial insight with operational strategy led to further leadership opportunities. In 1985, he was recruited by Samaritan Health Systems to serve as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of its long-term care division.
The Move to Executive Leadership
As CFO of Samaritan Senior Services, Paul played a critical role in expanding the organisation’s long-term care facilities from 3 locations to 22. This growth demonstrated his ability to:
- Secure funding for expansion.
- Manage large-scale budgets.
- Oversee financial and operational performance at multiple locations.
By 1992, he had co-founded SunQuest HealthCare Corporation, where he transitioned from CFO to Executive Vice President of Acquisitions and New Development. This move marked his shift from financial oversight to a broader leadership role, focusing on:
- Business growth and development – Identifying opportunities for expansion.
- Strategic planning – Aligning financial goals with long-term healthcare needs.
- Leadership and decision-making – Managing teams and directing company vision.
Founding and Scaling a Healthcare Business
In 1997, Paul took the leap into entrepreneurship by founding Mission Healthcare, which later became Welcov Healthcare. Under his leadership, the company grew to 58 locations across multiple states, offering skilled nursing, assisted living, and home health services.
At this stage in his career, Paul’s financial expertise was just one aspect of his leadership. He had developed the ability to:
- Build and lead a large organisation.
- Navigate regulatory challenges.
- Adapt to industry shifts and financial downturns.
His transition from accountant to healthcare executive was complete.
Lessons from Paul Contris’ Career Path
Paul’s journey offers valuable insights for professionals looking to transition into healthcare leadership:
- Financial expertise is a valuable asset – Understanding numbers helps leaders make informed business decisions.
- Career paths are not always linear – Skills from one industry can be leveraged in another.
- Strategic thinking is key – Growth and success require long-term planning and adaptability.
- Leadership is about more than expertise – Managing teams, fostering innovation, and navigating challenges are crucial for success.
Conclusion
Paul Contris’ career is a testament to the power of financial expertise in shaping a successful healthcare leadership journey. His ability to merge finance, strategy, and operational leadership allowed him to build and scale multiple healthcare organisations.
For professionals looking to enter healthcare leadership—whether from finance, technology, or another field—his story demonstrates that diverse backgrounds can lead to success. The key is to apply existing skills in new ways, embrace change, and develop strong leadership capabilities.