Quick Facts Education: 2021, Master of Health Administration, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York; 2014, juris doctor, Brooklyn Law School, Brooklyn, New York; 2011, Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, Union College, Schenectady, New York Personal: Age: 36 Residence: Glen Cove, New York Place of birth: Flushing, New York First job: Business development associate at Gramercy Surgery Center One-word self-description: Motivated Favorite hobby: Brazilian jiu-jitsu “Happy” place: With family Three people, living or dead, you would like to have dinner with: George Washington; Abraham Lincoln; and Franklin D. Roosevelt

Katy Chiang, Cheng’s mother, founded Gramercy Surgery Center in 2006 as the first wholly woman-owned, non-surgeon-owned multispecialty ASC in New York. “She started it as a proposition to her community, which needed more access to surgery and operating rooms,” Cheng says.

Cheng began his career at Gramercy Surgery Center as a business development associate in 2012 and stayed till 2015. He then joined the US Army Judge Advocate General’s (JAG) Corps. While Cheng was practicing as an attorney for the US Army in Washington State, his mother was diagnosed with a terminal illness. The family considered selling the ASC, but that option did not feel right. “This was my mother’s baby,” Cheng says. “I told her I would come back and take over Gramercy.”

Cheng returned to New York and Gramercy Surgery Center in late 2019 and spent five meaningful months with his mother before her passing. That time helped him transition into his leadership role, supported by several longstanding team members. Her death came just as the COVID-19 pandemic shutdowns began. “It was a whirlwind of an experience, to say the least,” Cheng says.

Suddenly at the helm of a nearly 100-person organization in the midst of a global crisis, Cheng was driven by the responsibility to carry forward his mother’s legacy while carving his own path. “I did not know what I would think about healthcare administration, but I have found myself very passionate about the ASC space,” Cheng says.

His legal background has proven invaluable in helping him settle into his new career. “Being a lawyer gives you the foundation to understand a wide range of problems and how to approach solving them,” Cheng says. “That experience definitely has made this job easier.”

Above all, he remains focused on honoring Gramercy Surgery Center’s roots while building for the future. “I know the way we operate today is something my mother would be happy with and proud of, and I hope to continue building on that legacy,” he says.

She became the manager of the Spine Team Texas ASC in 2018. “I love creating systems that support staff, foster collaboration and give us measurable insight into what is working and where we can improve,” she says. “Seeing a team thrive under strong leadership and knowing patients are safer because of it is what keeps me going.”

Lamb can walk into a room and “know exactly what needs to be tightened, taught or celebrated,” Lamb says. Leadership, she admits, comes with its own lessons. “I care deeply, and sometimes too deeply,” she says. “I am learning that boundaries are a form of leadership too.”

Lamb finds fulfillment in watching her team grow, whether it is a new nurse gaining confidence or a scrub tech mastering a new skill. “I love helping others see what they are capable of,” she says. Central to her leadership is a belief in the power of being present. “A patient once told me, ‘You did not fix the pain, but you made me feel like I mattered.’ That stuck with me,” Lamb says.

She credits much of her leadership style and dedication to her upbringing. “My mom showed me the strength of compassion and grace. My dad brings humor, grit and a work ethic that never quits,” Lamb says. “I like to think I am the best of both of them—someone who leads with heart, stands her ground and stays rooted in what matters.”

That motivation comes from what Wokocha calls his “pillars”—the people who hold him up. The youngest of four boys, he has long tried to emulate two older brothers who push him to be his best. He also credits his mentor, Godwin Maduka, MD, pain management specialist and medical director of Spring Valley Surgery Center. “They have all had a significant influence on me, providing the guidance and support that shaped my professional growth and confidence as an ASC administrator,” he says.

Wokocha is working to be that kind of influence for others. “I hope to leave a legacy of compassion and innovation in the ASC community, inspiring future leaders to prioritize quality of care and patient outcomes.”

A colleague once told him that empathy can be just as important as efficiency—a reminder that continues to shape his leadership. “When you do not take the time to see through someone else’s lens, you might miss what is actually going on,” Wokocha says.

Quick Facts Education: 2020, Doctor of Nursing Practice in Nurse Executive Leadership, University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences, St. Augustine, Florida; 2012, Bachelor of Science in Nursing, West Coast University, Anaheim, California Personal: Age: 37 Residence: Georgetown, Texas Place of birth: Fremont, California Family: married to husband Tyler, two sons First job: Gymnastics coach One-word self-description: Passionate Favorite hobby: Cooking “Happy” place: When her toddler runs to hug her after coming home from daycare Three people, living or dead, you would like to have dinner with: Her grandfather, Sam; Kendra Scott, founder of Austin, Texas-based jewelry company; Simon Sinek, inspirational speaker on business leadership

Her plans changed when her grandmother was hospitalized and Hovland stepped in with her cousin Jenalynne, who is a nurse, to help. “That was when I knew I wanted to go into nursing and take care of people, just like my grandmother.”

Hovland’s service industry experience seamlessly translated over into nursing. She started her career on the night shift caring for brain and spine patients, then moved into the recovery room, where she learned to support surgical patients. Trying to determine where she wanted to grow professionally, she picked up per diem shifts at a few California ASCs. That led to a part-time position as a director of nursing at one of the ASCs. “At the time, I did not feel ready to be a leader, but I knew I wanted to become one,” she says.

Determined to grow, Hovland earned her doctor of nursing practice in nurse executive leadership. Her leadership style is rooted in the principles of transformational leadership. “It is about inspiring and intrinsically motivating people to work at their highest standard,” she says. Hovland often starts meetings with inspirational quotes, videos or leadership case studies that encourage her team to reflect and grow together.

Today, Hovland leads the first ASC at The University of Texas at Austin—a milestone she takes to heart. “We are making history as the university’s first surgical team, and that means the world to me,” she says. “We have cultivated a true surgical family. The energy we pour into each other shows in how we care for patients.”

Hovland credits many influences for her career path and success, especially her mother, who worked in laboratory services quality assurance and management. “She has worked hard in her career and balanced her family life at the same time,” Hovland says.

Her biggest motivation now is her children. “I want to leave a legacy behind for my kids—to have them look back and say, ‘Look what my mom did,’” Hovland says.

Pond’s father worked in human resources, and he showed her the importance of communication, fairness and supporting people behind the scenes. Together, they shaped her approach to leadership, which she describes as a blend of clinical empathy and operational clarity. “That balance is what drew me to healthcare administration and continues to guide how I lead in the ASC space,” Pond says.

Already a surgery center leader for more than 10 years, Pond has developed a strong ability to coordinate across clinical and administrative teams to ensure smooth operations while keeping patient safety and staff morale at the forefront. However, her experience does not prevent her from learning. One of the most impactful lessons came from a patient who told her, “You made me feel like more than just a case.”

“That moment reminded me that even in the busiest, most structured environments like an ASC, the human connection is what patients remember most,” Pond says. “It taught me that no matter how efficient or clinical our processes are, compassion should always lead.”

“I want my impact to be seen in the culture I help build—to create a place where people feel valued, patients feel cared for and excellence is the standard,” she adds.

Quick Facts Education: 2014, Bachelor of Science in Accounting, State University of New York at Old Westbury, Old Westbury, New York; expected in December 2025, Master of Health Administration, Capella University, Minneapolis, Minnesota Personal: Age: 33 Residence: Commack, New York Place of birth: Manhattan, New York First job: Front desk receptionist at an ASC One-word self-description: Passionate Favorite hobby: Traveling “Happy” place: Anywhere with a beach or pool Three people, living or dead, you would like to have dinner with: Johnnie Cochran, attorney; Vivian Thomas, surgeon; Michelle Obama

A self-described “nepo baby,” Auguste started off in the ASC space supporting front desk operations during high school summer breaks at a surgery center run by her mother, Emilie Calixte, RN, CASC, who was the administrator and director of nursing at the time. After college, Auguste returned to the ASC as a receptionist.

What began as a temporary role quickly turned into a career with purpose. Over the past 11 years, Auguste has worked her way up across multiple centers and several positions and now serves as the administrator of Precision Care Surgery Center, which she has led for nearly five years. “I was really good at this work,” she says. “It also helped that I found it interesting and enjoyable.”

Auguste enjoyed it so much that even after being accepted to law school, she turned down the offer when told she would need to leave her job and not work during the first year—a requirement she was not willing to accept.

Auguste views herself as more than an administrator. She describes her role as that of a strategist and disruptor, committed to transforming outpatient care. She is passionate about using technology and automation to enhance efficiency, improve patient access and close healthcare literacy gaps. “Too many people do not understand their healthcare options,” Auguste says. “That confusion leads to delays, missed care and unnecessary suffering. We can—and we must—do better.”

Her efforts to improve healthcare do not stop at her own ASC. Among other initiatives, Auguste serves as vice president of the New York State Association of Ambulatory Surgery Centers and mentors rising professionals through ASCA’s ASC Administrator Development Program.

Auguste has her sights on educating the next generation about ASCs. She is launching a high school shadow program to introduce students to clinical and nonclinical careers within the ASC space. “Students cannot aspire to what they have never seen,” she says. “This program is about visibility, opportunity and building early confidence.”

Later this year, Auguste will complete her Master of Healthcare Administration, with plans to attend law school on the horizon.

Driven by a deep sense of altruism, Nguyen is quick to credit those around him. He highlights his team’s dedication, saying he loves “supporting someone’s growth in their role, then seeing them empowered to surpass it,” while also acknowledging the importance of vendor and interdepartmental relationships in helping his ASC thrive. “It is an honor to know all that comes into play when helping a patient,” Nguyen says.

He believes his colleagues see him as “consistent,” which is a quality he actively works to uphold. “Day to day, I try to show up with a steady temperament—through both wins and setbacks—so we can grow as a better, battle-tested team,” Nguyen says.

Surrounded by mentors with expertise in both business and healthcare, Nguyen is working to grow into a more well-rounded leader. “I know I still have a lot to learn,” he says. “I want to help build systems that are both smart and human—that pair technology and people to deliver empathetic and high-quality care.”

Nguyen makes a conscious effort to embrace and remember the following advice he once received: “People will forget policies and procedures, but they will always remember how you made them feel.”

Peyton entered the ASC space after working in a hospital operating room, initially drawn by the work-life balance. “At the time, I had one daughter, and the idea of a Monday–Friday schedule with no weekends or holidays was exactly what my family needed.”

The ASC setting quickly became more than just a better schedule, it became a perfect fit. “I love the fast-paced environment, and here I get to see patients come in and go home the same day, feeling happy and healthy. That is incredibly rewarding.”

Peyton describes herself as organized, a strong communicator and someone who can manage many moving parts. “I used to think I had to know everything,” she says. “Now I know how important it is to lean on others. I am surrounded by talented, capable leaders, and deferring to their expertise is critical to our success and what we do every day in our ASC.”

When asked who has influenced her most, Peyton says, “I truly believe I am the leader I am today because I surround myself with people who challenge and inspire me. They complement my strengths with their own talents. You really are the company you keep.”

What does she hope others take away from her leadership? “That I made things better for patients, physicians and my team, and that I approached each day with intention and heart.”

Pagel’s path to working in ASCs was unexpected. While serving as a nurse case manager for a hospice provider, she gave birth to her son at just 31 weeks and needed a more flexible schedule. That led her to a part-time role at an ASC. She quickly fell in love with the setting. The role soon became full-time, and she has now spent a decade at OAM Surgery Center at MidTowne.

Her decision to become a nurse was shaped by her grandfather’s end-of-life care. “He could tell me the name of every nurse who cared for him but struggled to come up with the names of his doctors,” she recalls. “I have always been interested in medicine but truly understanding how much more time I would get with my patients helped push me toward nursing”—a goal she achieved in 2010.

Pagel strives to bring that same sense of empathy and advocacy to her patients. This commitment is deeply influenced by one patient in particular. “As a new nurse, I witnessed so much inequity and so many misunderstandings in his care attributable to cultural differences. He taught me how to fight for my patients, and I will never forget him.”

Quick Facts Education: 2009, Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Oregon Health & Science University, Klamath Falls, Oregon Personal: Age: 38 Residence: Medford, Oregon Place of birth: Ashland, Oregon Family: married to husband Steven First job: Courtesy clerk at Safeway One-word self-description: Chameleon Favorite hobby: Horseback riding “Happy” place: Beach Three people, living or dead, you would like to have dinner with: Jesus Christ; Florence Nightingale; President Donald Trump

“I had already gone through the whole process as a patient, so I knew what to expect,” Thompson says. “Most people are nervous. They have never had surgery or only something minor. I could tell them, ‘You will meet the doctor and anesthesiologist, they will walk you back, it will be cold, and you will feel anxious, but someone will be with you the whole time.’ Helping people feel at ease is what drew me to periop and has kept me here.”

Thompson spent nearly six years at her first ASC, a large, five-operating room (OR), multispecialty center in Oregon. She initially worked as a staff nurse in preop and post-anesthesia care unit and moved steadily into leadership, eventually becoming nurse manager. “Every job I have had, I just kind of get pushed into leadership,” she says. “People hesitate to make decisions, and I am usually the one who says, ‘We should go in this direction.’”

In mid-2021, Thompson stepped into the role of administrator and clinical director at Crater Lake Surgery Center, a two-OR facility specializing in pain management and small spine procedures. The smaller size of the center, she notes, requires staff to be versatile and willing to take on a range of responsibilities. “That variety keeps people engaged and growing.”

The setting also plays to Thompson’s natural strengths. “I am resilient, flexible and ready to help wherever I am needed,” she says. “Those qualities come from years of hands-on nursing experience in fast-paced, high-pressure environments where adaptability and teamwork are essential.”

She credits much of that mindset to her father, Ted, who worked multiple jobs while always being present for his family. “Watching him taught me to step in, figure things out and do what needs to be done,” Thompson says.

Over time, experience also taught her the importance of boundaries. While working in dialysis, she was quick to volunteer for extra shifts and responsibilities, often at the expense of her own well-being. A colleague’s advice during that period left a lasting impression: constantly saying yes can lead to burnout. “That stuck with me,” Thompson says. “You cannot pour from an empty glass. To lead effectively and be the best nurse, you have to take care of yourself.”

She has spent more than 10 of the past 12 years in the ASC environment, drawn by opportunities for growth and the chance to apply lessons from earlier work in diverse fields, including reception, accounting, human resources, payroll, operations, real estate and legal assistance. “Plus, I love that I can see the immediate impact of my work and enjoy the fast-paced, challenging, yet rewarding environment,” she says.

Today, as a clinical manager, Kang thrives on collaborating with her ASC’s clinical and administrative teams to solve problems and see solutions take shape. “While the daily workflow has its routine, every day brings something different because new challenges come up, which keeps things interesting.”

She points to adaptability, goal orientation and strategic thinking as her strongest qualities—skills she traces back to her mother, who raised six children largely as a single parent. “Her resilience, problem-solving skills and ability to adjust to whatever life threw at her taught me the importance of staying flexible, focused and forward-thinking,” Kang says.

A lesson from her current supervisor about the importance of meaningful conversations has also resonated deeply. “As an introvert, I sometimes find communication challenging, but this lesson has encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone and engage more deeply with my colleagues.”

Ultimately, Kang hopes to be remembered as someone who helped others and created a better patient experience and work environment. “When people say I made their work or life a bit easier—that is what really makes me happy.”

Quick Facts Education: 2012, Bachelor of Arts in Communication, Kean University, Union, New Jersey; Master of Health Administration, New York University, New York, New York Personal: Age: 40 Residence: Matawan, New Jersey Place of birth: Marlboro, New Jersey Family: married to wife Jamie, four kids First job: Nurse’s aide at an ophthalmology ASC One-word self-description: Resourceful Favorite hobby: Basketball “Happy” place: Making s’mores with family around a fire pit Three people, living or dead, you would like to have dinner with: Muhammad Ali; Vince Lombardi; John Wooden

Klein’s path into the ASC industry began with a chance connection during his time as a sales representative for ophthalmic devices. One of his biggest clients was ophthalmologist Ben Cohen, MD, founder of Retinal Ambulatory Surgery Center of New York. Cohen would go on to become Klein’s mentor—and in Klein’s words, “like family.”

“Dr. Cohen took a liking to me,” Klein recalls. “When a role opened at his ASC, he asked if I was interested in becoming the compliance officer. I said yes, and I have never looked back. I am still grateful for the opportunity he gave me.”

Klein immersed himself in the position, handling everything from credentialing to preventive maintenance, while attending seminars and reading as much literature as he could about the business. “I dedicated myself to learning all facets of the ASC industry,” he says.

That dedication paid off. Just over two years after joining Retinal Ambulatory Surgery Center of New York, Klein was promoted to administrator, which is the role he continues to hold today. Along the way, he earned a Master of Health Administration to help him succeed in the position. “Being a leader here is something that excites me every day,” Klein says. “I want to help educate people and improve what we do.”

Outside of work, Klein devotes his time to his family. “Anytime I am not at work, I am with my kids and my wife,” he says. He remains close with his father, Steve Klein—a longtime ASC administrator turned full-time grandfather—who continues to be his greatest influence.

Klein starts each day guided by two principles that have shaped his career: “Failing to prepare is preparing to fail,” and “Always finish what you start.” His professional motivation is simple: “I just hope I make a positive difference in the ASC community.”