Tracy Hoeft-Hoffman
Tracy Hoeft-Hoffman is a highly accomplished healthcare professional with a career spanning nearly four decades in nursing and healthcare administration. She began her journey as a nurse in 1984, and over the years, her roles have evolved as she expanded her expertise and leadership skills. In 2005, she earned a Master’s in Business, complementing her clinical foundation and positioning her for executive leadership in ambulatory surgery centers. Currently, Tracy serves as the Administrator at Heartland Surgery Center in Kearney, Nebraska, where she oversees all aspects of facility operations. She works closely with the Board of Directors to ensure strategic objectives are met, while also ensuring that staff and the organization have the resources and support necessary to deliver exceptional patient care.
Tracy’s career is distinguished not only by her operational leadership but also by her advocacy and legislative contributions to healthcare. One of her most notable achievements includes collaborating with her local councilperson to enact new laws that enhanced the quality and scope of care provided at her facility. Her dual Master’s degrees in Nursing Administration and Healthcare Administration have been instrumental in shaping her approach to leadership, financial stewardship, and patient-centered care. She is an active member of the Ambulatory Surgery Center Association and contributes her expertise as a member of the advisory board of the Planning Committee alongside her local councilman, helping to guide healthcare policy and community initiatives.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Tracy is deeply committed to her family and personal growth. She enjoys traveling with her daughter, a competitive figure skater, to support her in competitions, often combining these trips with visits to friends and extended family. Tracy is also an enthusiastic participant in family trivia nights, a devoted theatergoer with a love for musicals, and a lifelong reader. Her personal interests reflect her dedication to cultivating meaningful relationships, embracing lifelong learning, and maintaining a balanced, fulfilling life alongside a demanding professional career.
• Certificate for Ambulatory Surgery
• The University of Dallas - MBA
• Clarkson College - MSN
• 2023 Ambulatory Surgery Nurse of the Year
• Ambulatory Surgery Center Association (ASCA)
• Alzheimer’s Walk and Relay for Life
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to a combination of hard work, surrounding myself with talented people, and a commitment to continuous learning, as well as a very supportive family. Healthcare is constantly evolving, and I’ve always tried to stay curious, adapt quickly, and focus on solutions that benefit both patients and the teams I work with. I also believe strongly in empowering others—when you build a strong, collaborative team, everyone succeeds.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve received is to be willing to step outside your comfort zone. Some of the greatest opportunities for growth come from taking on challenges you may not feel completely ready for and I have been given those opportunities by others throughout my career. I wouldn't be where I am at today if I had not started stepping out of my comfort zone while I was developing in my career.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Believe in your abilities, stay curious, and don’t be afraid to take on challenges. Find mentors, ask questions, and keep learning. Healthcare needs strong, compassionate leaders, and your voice and perspective matter For me, one of the most effective ways to connect with like-minded professionals has been through nursing memberships and associations, which provide valuable opportunities for mentorship, learning, and growth
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest opportunity in our field right now is the continued migration of procedures from hospitals to ambulatory surgery centers. Patients, physicians, and payers are increasingly recognizing that ASCs can provide exceptional outcomes with greater efficiency and lower cost. The challenge is keeping pace with regulatory requirements, reimbursement changes, and evolving healthcare partnerships while continuing to maintain the high standards of quality and safety that patients deserve.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
I’m excited about the future of healthcare and the role ambulatory surgery centers will continue to play in delivering high-quality, patient-centered care. If I can help strengthen teams, support innovation, and contribute to better experiences for both patients and providers, then I know the work we’re doing truly matters. At the end of the day, success in healthcare isn’t about titles or numbers—it’s about building teams that deliver exceptional care to every patient who walks through our doors. If my work helps deliver exceptional care for patients and shows my daughter the value of integrity, hard work, and supporting others, then I consider that real success.