Aparna R. Priyadarshi, MHA, PMP
Aparna R. Priyadarshi, MHA, PMP, is a seasoned Health Informatics and Digital Transformation leader with more than 25 years of experience driving large-scale healthcare modernization across public health, payer, provider, pharmaceutical, and life sciences environments. She began her career in the finance sector during her undergraduate studies before pursuing her Master’s in Healthcare Administration at the Tata Institute of Social Sciences in Mumbai, India, where she developed a strong interest in information management and the power of data to improve healthcare delivery. Since entering the IT space in 1996, she has been instrumental in enabling healthcare technology standards, including HIPAA 4010 implementations and continued advancement of HIPAA and HL7 standards across 2.x and 3.x versions, while designing enterprise data models that support interoperable and data-driven healthcare ecosystems.
Throughout her career, Aparna has led complex transformation initiatives across the United States, Canada, Singapore, and India, implementing national and regional interoperability frameworks and centralized health information platforms. She has contributed to major programs including Affordable Care Act implementations in Washington, D.C., as well as integrated solutions supporting provider, payer, commercial, and life sciences organizations. Her leadership philosophy focuses on solving business challenges through technology by leveraging modern capabilities such as cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and machine learning while ensuring organizations adopt solutions that align with their operational maturity. She is known for her pragmatic approach of meeting organizations where they are, guiding strategic modernization while prioritizing real-world usability, regulatory compliance, and measurable outcomes.
Currently serving as a Chief Informatics Officer and Deputy Commissioner at the Chicago Department of Public Health since 2023, Aparna leads data architecture, informatics, information systems operations, and population health epidemiology initiatives that strengthen public health outcomes. Her work has supported critical public health response efforts, including outbreak control through public-private partnerships and rapid response analytics strategies. She attributes her success to her deep understanding of the healthcare industry, her commitment to continuous learning and innovation, and her ability to translate complex technology into meaningful business and clinical value. Outside of her professional work, she enjoys spending quality time with her family, which remains an important source of balance, inspiration, and personal fulfillment.
• HL7 2.x Certified
• Project Management Professional
• Tata Institute of Social Sciences - MHA
• University of Mumbai - B.Com
• Financial support to various charities
• Developing mobile healthcare services for pets (emergency and ambulatory care)
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my deep and comprehensive understanding of the healthcare industry across multiple levels, combined with a strong commitment to continuous learning, innovation, and practical problem solving. Over the years, I have built my career by staying focused on how technology and data can truly enable business and clinical outcomes rather than simply implementing tools for the sake of advancement. I believe success comes from the ability to bridge business, clinical, and technical perspectives while meeting organizations where they are in their transformation journey. By balancing strategic vision with operational execution, staying adaptable to evolving technologies such as cloud, AI, and advanced analytics, and maintaining a strong focus on regulatory and patient-centered outcomes, I have been able to drive meaningful, sustainable impact across the healthcare ecosystem.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Focus on practical problem-solving and continuous learning. Be willing to adapt or unlearn when moving between private-sector technology expectations and government/public-health realities. Balance professional ambitions with personal priorities where needed.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Challenges include uneven technology maturity across jurisdictions, bureaucratic processes and funding constraints for public health. Opportunities lie in interoperable standards, focused data-management solutions, and public–private partnerships to rapidly respond to outbreaks and population-health needs.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Problem-solving, continuous learning, collaboration, public service, and maintaining a balance with family commitments.