Topic: “Transformation: How to Bring that Strategy into Execution"

Speaker: Maria Houchins, VP, Head of Program Management Office, Chief of Staff, North America Market; Philips Healthcare

Presentation:
Maria says, “An important new path for CFOs today is to stay closer to operational and transformational needs and to actively think about and help position their companies for the future. They can do this, for example, by helping drive strategy and turning initiatives into breakthroughs.” Maria looks forward to speaking on this topic and to answering questions afterwards.

Speaker's bio:
As Head of Program Management Office and Chief of Staff for Philips North America, Maria Houchins leads the delivery of key strategic initiatives through the North America Program Office. She also designs and manages the governance and operating cadence for the Philips North America executive team, which drives more than $7 billion in annual sales of health technology solutions across the health continuum from healthy living and prevention to diagnosis, treatment and home health.

Maria’s experience with Philips spans more than 20 years, including senior leadership roles in business excellence, transformation and program management for Philips’ healthcare sector, through which she drove efficiencies that helped save the company hundreds of millions of dollars annually. She also served as chief of staff for the CEO of Philips’ global healthcare sector.

Earlier in her Philips career, Maria held responsibility for all financial activities of Philips’ North America healthcare organization after progressing through multiple financial planning and accounting roles with Philips’ consumer electronics business. Prior to joining Philips, Maria held accounting roles at House Hasson Hardware Company and Harb Goldstine and Associates.

Maria has been twice recognized with the prestigious Philips President’s Award, reflecting her outstanding leadership.

A Certified Public Accountant and Six Sigma Black Belt, Maria holds a degree in accounting and finance from the State University of New York at Buffalo.