Influential Woman · Hospice

Kimarie Ellis

Chief Financial Officer, Northern Illinois Hospice

Rockford, IL

10Years experience

Certifications · Degrees · Memberships

Degree Master's degree from Liberty University (completed 2022 Degree Online) Degree Undergraduate degree from local college

Her Story

About Kimarie

I've been in healthcare for nine years, working in the hospice care field, which is a kind of specialty area. I currently serve as Chief Financial Officer, a position I've held for almost a year now. Throughout my time with my current employer, I've been promoted four times, which I consider my greatest achievement - it really shows how I've grown and the efforts I've put into place for cost savings and showcasing my strengths and value to the organization. My day-to-day responsibilities include analyzing metrics and KPIs to see how we're performing, forecasting future cash flows, processing reimbursements from payers such as Medicare and Medicaid, and handling strategic planning efforts, budgeting, and monitoring. What I love most about working in hospice is that while there's a stigma that hospice is death, it's also life. We offer a lot of great programs like complimentary therapies, massage, and music therapy - things that can still make the end as pleasurable as it can be. We have special programs like our Wishes program and Pet Peace of Mind, all these above and beyond things that can make the end not just seem like it's the end.

Her Interview

Ten minutes with Kimarie

01What do you attribute your success to?

I would say probably just my overall passion for the field in accounting. I took it in high school, and I knew instantly that's what I wanted to do, so I think when you truly like what you're doing, it's enjoyable, and you just want to keep going.

02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?

I would say don't be afraid to speak up and walk in your power. You know, a lot of times you got this job or this role for a reason. Someone believes you could do it, so remember that.

03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?

I would say, just in healthcare and in general, as I mentioned, don't be afraid of the power that you have and the influence. And, you know, be strong and take charge. Don't let, you know, others dominate you.

04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?

I would say probably one of the biggest challenges in the hospice space specifically is that it's becoming way more for-profit dominant. And so learning how to still stay true to the nonprofit and the community as that percentage of domination, and we're being monopolized by the for-profits are incurring. So learning how to navigate that.

05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?

I would say they probably cross the line. As hospice, we're a non-profit, so a lot of the mission and our core values is integrity, compassion, community, and gratitude. Those are all things I take into both professionally as well as personally, you know, being a good person, walking in integrity, and all those things.

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