Her Story
About Tricia
Tricia Wollam, CASC, is an accomplished healthcare administrator and ambulatory surgery center leader serving as the Administrator of an Ambulatory Surgery Center in Traverse City, Michigan. With seven years of experience in her current leadership role, she oversees the operational, financial, and clinical functions of the surgery center, helping ensure the delivery of high-quality patient care while fostering a supportive and effective environment for staff. Her expertise spans business operations, financial oversight, regulatory standards, healthcare administration, and ambulatory surgery center management.
Tricia has long been drawn to leadership and has demonstrated a strong commitment to professional growth throughout her career. Stepping into the administrator position initially presented significant challenges, but she embraced the opportunity to expand her knowledge and capabilities. Through continuing education, networking with experienced professionals, and learning from trusted mentors, she developed the confidence and expertise necessary to lead successfully. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration from the University of Phoenix and earned her Certified Administrator Surgery Center credential in 2023, reflecting her dedication to excellence in the ambulatory surgery field.
Beyond her day-to-day responsibilities, Tricia is committed to advancing the profession through her service as a board member of the Michigan Ambulatory Surgery Association. She believes strongly in the value of building meaningful relationships, maintaining a strong professional network, and learning from others. Her leadership philosophy is grounded in kindness and respect while remaining decisive, accountable, and resilient when making important decisions. Through this balanced approach, Tricia continues to make a meaningful contribution to her organization, her colleagues, and the broader ambulatory healthcare community.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Tricia
01What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I have received has come through the guidance and support of multiple mentors throughout my career rather than from just one individual. One particularly influential mentor was an administrator from an orthopedic clinic who provided valuable professional guidance and perspective. I have also built strong relationships with other surgery center administrators throughout Michigan, and those connections have become important sources of collaboration, advice, and support. These experiences have reinforced my belief in the power of mentorship and networking, because learning from other professionals can provide valuable insights and perspectives that might otherwise take years to develop independently.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering my industry is not to wait until they feel completely ready to pursue an opportunity. When an opportunity presents itself, I encourage them to take it, ask questions, seek out mentors, and immerse themselves in every aspect of the business. Building strong relationships and a professional network is equally important, as meaningful connections can open doors and provide valuable guidance throughout their careers. Most importantly, be confident, decisive, and accountable for your actions while always leading with kindness, integrity, and respect.
03What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenge in my field is maintaining flexibility and adaptability in an ever-changing environment. Each day can bring new situations, unexpected challenges, and different priorities, requiring me to remain poised, focused, and prepared to respond effectively. I view this as an opportunity for continuous growth, as embracing change allows me to strengthen my problem-solving skills, remain resilient, and approach each new challenge with confidence and professionalism.
04What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in both my work and personal life are family, kindness, accountability, continuous learning, strong relationships, integrity, and a commitment to quality care. Professionally, I believe effective leaders should hold themselves and others accountable while always treating people with kindness, respect, and understanding. I also place great importance on collaboration and building meaningful relationships, because healthcare leadership is not something that has to be navigated alone. My colleagues and mentors have helped me grow, learn from different perspectives, and become a stronger resource for those around me. Personally, my greatest priority is being a mother and being present for my family, as they are at the heart of everything I do.
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