Susan Stuard, MBA, Executive Director

Susan Stuard is executive director of THINC, the not-for-profit convening organization that establishes research-based criteria to enhance health care quality and value in the Hudson Valley. The organization uses its active leadership board and market leverage to advance accountable, patient-centered delivery models. She works with a multi-stakeholder board, research teams and more than 60 community leaders to champion and implement a pay-for-performance program, quality improvement and health system transformation. THINC also sponsors the Hudson Valley Health Information Exchange and an EHR adoption program, the patient-centered medical home program and the community pay-for-performance program. Stuard serves as the primary liaison with THINC's constituent organizations, its board of directors and its committees. The organization is actively engaged in evaluation of physician and consumer attitudes and opinions of the patient centered medical home and health IT.

Prior to THINC, Stuard was the director for technology policy development at the New York-Presbyterian Hospital (NYPH). Stuard managed NYPH’s health information exchange projects and developed the hospital’s position relative to legislation and regulation of health IT. Ms. Stuard was also the vice president of regulatory affairs for the Greater New York Hospital Association (GNYHA) where she led GNYHA’s efforts with respect to clinical information technology and the HIPAA Privacy and Security rules. She has also held regulatory affairs and operation roles at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. She holds an M.B.A. from the Yale School of Management and a bachelor’s degree from Hamilton College.

Meghann Hardesty, MPA, Program Director

Meghann Hardesty has served as THINC’s program director since October 2009. She functions as second-in-command to the executive director and is responsible for overseeing day-to-day operations of key programs. Hardesty maintains a strong working knowledge of THINC’s programs, handles key interactions with THINC’s constituents and committees, and briefs the THINC Board of Directors as needed. In her current and past roles she has demonstrated the ability to successfully administer projects, collaborate across organizations and systems, and communicate effectively with a variety of stakeholders.

After graduating from Vassar College cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in political science, Hardesty worked as associate grants administrator for the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. She also spent more than seven years in administration and development roles at Open Door Family Medical Centers, a federally-qualified community health center based in Westchester County, as well as Families First New York, a human services agency in Dutchess County. She holds a masters degree in public administration with a concentration in health policy from Baruch College, where she was inducted into the Pi Alpha Alpha honor society for public affairs.  She earned her certification as a medical practice executive from ACMPE in 2007.

Allison Laquidara, Administrative Coordinator

Allison Laquidara has served as THINC’s administrative coordinator since January 2009. She is responsible for the coordination of meetings and events for the THINC Board of Directors and the organization’s five committees. Laquidara responds to inquiries regarding THINC and serves as the point of contact for marketing and special events. She participates in the management of THINC projects and initiatives and assists with development of reports and and external communication materials.

Laquidara previously worked in the hospital setting among inpatient units, a behavioral health unit, and an emergency department, where she worked directly with patients and clinical staff. She has also worked in pharmaceutical marketing with a focus on specialized promotional programs for the health care industry.