Craig Deao

Since 2006, Craig Deao, MHA, has been an integral part of Studer Group, a Huron solution, as a senior leader for the organization’s speaking and conferences teams, and he now directs thought leadership across Huron’s broader healthcare practice. Craig is a highly regarded national speaker on leadership, engagement, quality and patient safety. He works with medical staffs and healthcare executives to create highly reliable organizations where employees want to work, physicians want to practice and patients want to receive care. He also co-led the organization’s journey to become a recipient of the Malcolm Baldridge National Quality Award in 2010. In 2016, Craig harnessed his field experience in healthcare to author the book, “The E Factor: How Engaged Patients, Clinicians, Leaders, and Employees Will Transform Healthcare.” In addition to his full-time work with Studer Group and Huron, he serves as faculty for the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE). Born and raised in New Orleans, Craig received two bachelor’s degrees from Louisiana State University. He received a master’s degree in healthcare administration from the University of Minnesota. Craig now lives in Pensacola, Florida, where he serves on the quality committee of his local health system. He is married to Julie and is the proud father of Sam and Jack.