Guiding Healthcare into the Future: How Shane Pilcher Leads with Strategy, Service, and Strength
Shane Pilcher
Administrative Director, Chief Information Officer and Information Security Officer
Website: www.siskinrehab.org
A Strategic Leader in Healthcare Innovation
In this episode of the Leaders in Tech podcast, host David Mansilla welcomes a powerhouse of transformational leadership, Shane Pilcher—a man equally at home in the boardroom, the war room, or alongside clinicians solving real problems. Shane is a Transformational Healthcare Strategist, CIO, CISO, and trusted growth architect. With over 20 years of executive leadership across hospitals, consulting firms, and military service, he has guided enterprise digital transformations, reduced cyber risk, scaled innovation, and improved patient outcomes through strategic foresight and faith-driven resilience.
As someone who “helps healthcare organizations navigate complexity, unlock growth, and align innovation with mission,” Shane joins David to reflect on how military discipline, healthcare service, and a deep-rooted passion for purpose have shaped his leadership philosophy. What unfolds is a compelling conversation on courage, clarity, and the call to lead with vision—even when the road ahead is unknown.
From Battlefield to Boardroom – Leading Through Service
Shane’s leadership journey began in an unexpected place: the U.S. Navy. Originally on track for medical school, he found himself called to serve—what he described as “a God thing.” That divine redirection would become a recurring theme in his life. After two decades in the military, including both active duty and reserves, Shane carried with him more than technical knowledge. He brought a servant-leader’s mindset.
“In the military, you learn to step in whether it’s your job or not,” Shane said. “Leadership doesn’t require a title—it’s who people naturally follow.”
That spirit of initiative and humility prepared Shane for executive leadership in healthcare. Whether leading a consulting team, an IT department, or a national transformation effort, he’s always kept one foot in service.
“Leadership begins with willingness—willingness to serve, to adapt, and to lead without needing recognition.”
Aligning Innovation with Mission – The CIO’s Calling
Shane doesn’t just manage technology—he aligns it with purpose. As a CIO and CISO, his role goes far beyond infrastructure or systems. “My job,” he said, “is to understand every service line, anticipate their needs, and make sure technology is there before we even know we need it.”
This proactive leadership style is driven by clarity of mission and a strategic lens. Shane knows that technology is only valuable when it serves people—clinicians, patients, and communities. He’s not impressed by shiny tools or fleeting trends. His focus is on meaningful innovation—solutions that elevate care, reduce risk, and bring long-term value.
“It’s not about tech for tech’s sake. It’s about helping people. When you keep that in focus, the right innovations reveal themselves.”
Embracing the Unknown – The Hallmark of Courageous Leaders
Throughout the episode, a recurring theme emerges in Shane’s leadership philosophy: the ability to walk into the unknown. Whether navigating the COVID-19 pandemic, implementing a new EHR, or responding to organizational crises, Shane credits his military training and faith for his steady approach.
“You have to lead people before they even know they need to go somewhere,” he explained. “Leadership is about seeing farther down the road than those around you—and preparing them for what’s coming.”
It’s this forward-thinking mindset that distinguishes exceptional leaders from average ones. The willingness to embrace uncertainty, to take calculated risks, and to guide others through chaos—that’s what transforms organizations.
“What got your organization here won’t get it where you want to go. The future belongs to those willing to walk into it.”
Leading People, Not Just Projects
One of Shane’s most compelling insights is that great leadership is rooted in developing people. While his resume reflects massive IT successes—scaling national service desks, reducing disaster recovery times, driving multimillion-dollar savings—it’s his people-first mindset that drives those outcomes.
“I love being the dumbest person in the room,” Shane said with a laugh. “Because it means I’ve surrounded myself with brilliance—and my job is to pull out of people what they didn’t know they had inside them.”
For Shane, true leadership is not about being the hero. It’s about building a team of heroes. That means creating space for growth, mistakes, mentorship, and trust.
“Great leaders don’t create followers—they create other leaders.”
Passion Trumps Everything – Fueling the Future
If Shane had a message on a billboard along the busiest highway in America, it would be simple: “Passion trumps everything.” Passion is the fuel behind vision. It’s what enables leaders to push past resistance, persist through setbacks, and innovate boldly.
“Skills can be taught,” he said. “But passion—that’s what drives people to learn, adapt, and lead.”
As he looks to the future, Shane isn’t chasing titles. He’s pursuing purpose. Whether it’s leading a full organization or mentoring a small team, his aim is the same: to make people better because he was there.
“Live by passion. Then learn as you go.”
A Blueprint for Purpose-Driven Leadership
Shane Pilcher’s journey is a living blueprint for what it means to lead with integrity, strategy, and soul. From the Navy to the NICU to the executive suite, his calling remains unchanged: to serve with excellence, lead with vision, and love what you do.
In a world hungry for clarity, Shane reminds us that great leaders are not born—they are built through conviction, courage, and a willingness to keep walking when the way ahead is still unfolding.
So whether you’re a young professional or a seasoned executive, the lesson is the same: Be bold. Be clear. Be passionate. And above all, be ready to lead.
Written by Jovilyn A. Dela Cruz
At ISU Corp, we specialize in custom software development and Ai integration, helping enterprises streamline operations and drive innovation. Trusted by industry leaders, we deliver scalable, high-performing solutions tailored to your business needs.
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“Passion trumps everything. You can always learn the skills—but it’s passion that drives growth, innovation, and leadership.”
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