Inside the C-Suite: The CFO’s Role in Capital Program Investment and Decision-Making with Gail Kosyla

Capital is the cornerstone of healthcare infrastructure, and building large-scale projects without it is impossible. 

 

Joining us today is Gail W. Kosyla, Executive Vice President and CFO at Yale New Haven Health System, to explore the intersection of healthcare, finance, and infrastructure. With over 38 years of experience, Gail has navigated the complexities of mergers, capital allocation, and strategic planning in a not-for-profit healthcare model, overseeing $6 billion in annual operations. 

 

In this engaging discussion, Gail shares how her team balances immediate needs with long-term investments, including a billion-dollar neurosciences tower project adapted in the wake of the pandemic. She also reflects on the challenges of fostering innovation while maintaining access and quality in a system under financial pressure. 

 

Gail’s career path offers valuable lessons for leaders across industries. Her focus on mentorship, collaboration, and lifelong learning underscores the importance of shared knowledge and diverse perspectives in tackling today’s challenges. 

 

Tune in for a fresh perspective on leadership in complex, dynamic systems!

 

Key Points From This Episode:

•   Balancing quality care delivery with financial sustainability in nonprofit healthcare.

•   Unpacking the role of mergers and acquisitions in the healthcare industry.

•   How leadership makes decisions that balance core services and new growth opportunities.

•   Gail’s experiences as a woman in finance and healthcare and how it’s shaped her leadership.

•   The future of healthcare real estate, including supplementing ownership of core facilities.

•   Examining the challenges and opportunities of managing large-scale projects.

•   The need for strategic planning and investment in technology and growth.

 

Quotes:

“[As a non-profit] we don't exist to make a profit, but we need to make a profit to be able to fund important projects, to fund growth, and to have that security net of care for our community.” — Gail W. Kosyla 

“Everyone should be involved in finance. We’ve all got to be stewards of our resources – I just consider myself the shepherd of that. It’s up to all of our people – down to every employee in the organization of just being good stewards of our resources.” — Gail W. Kosyla  

“Building those connections and having safe spaces to have conversations is so important. – I don’t think that any one person can know everything, we’re just better when we talk to people and share.” — Gail W. Kosyla 

 

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Gail W. Kosyla on LinkedIn

Yale New Haven Health

Lean In Circles
Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead

Leadership Blueprints Podcast

MCFA

MCFA Careers

BJ Kraemer on LinkedIn

What is Leadership Blueprints?

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With a background in military service and experience leading teams in business, infrastructure, and complex projects, BJ understands that success comes down to execution, adaptability, and leading people well. Through in-depth interviews with accomplished leaders across business, sports, the military, and beyond, Leadership Blueprints will help you bring your vision to reality on projects that shape communities and industries.

Whether you’re leading in the boardroom, on the field, in the military, or within your own organization, this podcast is designed to provide the tools and mindset needed to lead with clarity, resilience, and purpose. Subscribe now and start building your Leadership Blueprint.