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Steve Cline
Vice President for Strategic Partnerships at Community Care of North Carolina (CCNC)
Professional Background
Dr. Steve Cline currently serves as the Vice President for Strategic Partnerships at Community Care of North Carolina (CCNC), located in Raleigh, NC. Under his leadership, CCNC supports 14 provider-driven healthcare networks aimed directly at improving care quality and managing costs for Medicaid and dual eligible patients. With a robust network comprising over 1600 participating practices and more than 5000 physicians statewide, CCNC is dedicated to delivering healthcare services to over 1.4 million patients across North Carolina. Dr. Cline's role emphasizes collaboration and innovative strategies to strengthen partnerships that enhance the effectiveness of healthcare services throughout the state.
In his previous position, Dr. Cline was the Assistant Secretary of the Office of Health Information Technology for the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services. His vision and strategic oversight were instrumental in advancing the North Carolina Health Information Technology (HIT) Program. This initiative focuses on developing interoperable health information systems statewide, aimed at elevating healthcare quality and improving health outcomes. Dr. Cline effectively coordinated HIT efforts among various stakeholders, ensuring a unified approach toward enhancing healthcare delivery in North Carolina.
Dr. Cline brings over three decades of invaluable experience in state and local public health. His tenure as Deputy State Health Director from 2006 to 2010 in the Division of Public Health included pivotal responsibilities such as formulating division policies, managing priorities, and supervisorial oversight of various programmatic areas. His compassionate and proactive leadership style has consistently focused on improving public health infrastructure, response capability, and overall population health.
Before his role as Deputy State Health Director, Dr. Cline served as the Chief of the Epidemiology Section in the North Carolina Division of Public Health from 1999 to 2006. In this critical role, he spearheaded the state's public health response to significant crises, including Hurricane Floyd, bioterrorism threats, SARS, and other public health emergencies. His effective leadership during these challenging times showcased his commitment to public health and disease prevention.
Education and Achievements
Dr. Cline's educational background reflects a strong commitment to public health and healthcare excellence. He obtained a Master of Public Health (MPH) with a specialization in Health Policy and Administration from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he honed his expertise in health systems management and policy development. Dr. Cline also holds a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree from UNC Chapel Hill, providing him with a comprehensive understanding of dental health and its impact on community health outcomes. His academic journey began at Davidson College, where he earned a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Biology/Biological Sciences, laying the foundation for his comprehensive understanding of biological sciences and healthcare.
Dr. Cline's contributions to public health and his leadership in health information technology illustrate his relentless dedication to healthcare improvement. His career has influenced healthcare at both the state and community levels. He has led numerous initiatives focused on enhancing health information access, promoting data interoperability, and ensuring timely public health responses. These endeavors highlight Dr. Cline's commitment to fostering innovative approaches to healthcare challenges and his ability to collaborate with diverse stakeholders across the public and private sectors.
Dr. Cline’s extensive experience in public health preparedness and response has been crucial in shaping effective health policies and responsive public health systems in North Carolina. His exemplary leadership and collaborative approach have strengthened public health networks, improved healthcare access, and elevated the quality of care for countless residents.
Notable Achievements
Throughout his illustrious career, Dr. Cline has achieved numerous milestones that underscore his expertise and passion for public health. Some of the most notable achievements include:
- Leadership in Crisis Management: Dr. Cline led the North Carolina state public health response to critical events such as Hurricane Floyd and bioterrorism threats, demonstrating his capacity to manage complex crises and advocate for community health safety.
- Development of Health Information Technology Initiatives: As the Assistant Secretary for Health Information Technology, Dr. Cline was pivotal in creating interoperable health information systems across North Carolina, promoting data sharing to improve healthcare efficiency and patient outcomes.
- Policy Formulation and Development: While serving as Deputy State Health Director, Dr. Cline contributed to formulating state public health policies and priorities that align with advancing healthcare delivery and ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations.
Dr. Cline's career demonstrates a consistent focus on enhancing health systems, improving access to quality healthcare, and advancing public health responses. His skills in community engagement, strategic partnership development, and health policy make him a prominent leader in the public health landscape of North Carolina.
