Conemaugh Physician Group President Nikki Kushner Honored with YWCA Greater Johnstown’s Tribute to Women Award
September 23, 2021
Conemaugh Physician Group President Nicolene (Nikki) M. Kushner will be honored tonight at the YWCA Greater Johnstown’s 2020/2021 Tribute to Women Awards. Now celebrating its 34th anniversary, the ceremony will recognize the exemplary contributions of women who serve as role models for other women and young girls in the community.
Kushner has dedicated over 25 years of her career to improving healthcare in the region. Under her leadership, Conemaugh Physician Group has secured a deep roster of highly-skilled physicians and advanced practitioners to provide quality care throughout the five-county region. Kushner is instrumental in managing strategic planning, growth, development, and quality improvement. Her team has grown to include 45 practices, 134 physicians, 84 advanced practioners, and 344 support staff. She has also led the introduction of seven new medical specialty practices and helped to oversee development of multiple new facilities for patients and physicians, assuring that Conemaugh Health System can offer extraordinary care close to home.
“Nikki is an excellent leader. She always thoughtfully considers a variety of perspectives before making difficult decisions. She is very knowledgeable, and physicians trust that she really cares about their concerns. She is strongly invested in this community, in our physicians, and in the overall welfare of the health system,” said Paul Rollins, MD, Conemaugh Health System.
A St. Michael native and Forest Hills graduate, Kushner earned her Bachelor’s degree at Saint Francis University and her Master’s degree in Business Administration from University of Phoenix. She began her career at Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center in Decision Support and quickly rose to Chief Operating Officer of Conemaugh Physician Group in 2008. For several years, she also led the oncology, surgery, and trauma service lines at the system’s flagship hospital before her promotion to president of Conemaugh Physician Group in 2016.
“Nikki is an innovative leader who encourages her team to grow, take on new challenges and enhance their skills through more advanced training,” said Ann Marie Bomba, Director, Conemaugh Physician Group – Specialty Practices, wrote in her nomination of Kushner. “She nurtures a culture of collaboration and accountability while emphasizing the continued importance of quality patient care.”
“We are so fortunate to have Nikki at the helm of our physician group,” said William E. Caldwell, Market President, Conemaugh Health System. “Her passion for serving our community is evident in all that she does, both in her official role and in the way she generously shares her advice, counsel, and time with others as a leader in our community.”
In the community, Kushner serves on the Board of Directors of the Learning Lamp, where she lends her business and financial expertise. She is also a dedicated supporter of Junior Achievement, a national organization that helps young adults learn skills that will prepare them for success in their careers. An Ebensburg resident, Kushner is an active member of Holy Name Parish.