ABOUT
As specialists in the business of medicine, we excel in identifying opportunities for profitability and guide our clients through the many complexities inherent in starting, growing and maintaining a successful healthcare business.Â
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With over 25 years’ experience helping healthcare organizations improve their operational, financial and strategic performance, Catalyst provides comprehensive solutions for complex business challenges. Virtually every medical specialty is represented within our client base.
OUR TEAM
TAMRA SWINDOLL
Founder and President
Tamra Swindoll has been a dedicated leader in the healthcare industry since 1988, forging successful relationships with physicians, dentists, hospital systems, non-profits, and payer organizations. Her career includes executive roles with Fortune 500 healthcare organizations, where she excelled in new market development, physician recruiting, sales, strategic planning, and contract negotiations.
Recognizing the complexities healthcare businesses face when starting, growing, and maintaining successful operations, Tamra founded Catalyst Consulting in 1998. Her vision was to create a quality healthcare consulting firm that offers affordable, outsourced solutions to meet the unique needs of physician practices, ancillary providers, and hospital groups. Under her leadership, Catalyst Consulting has expanded its reach to serve clients nationwide, providing expert guidance to help healthcare organizations thrive in an ever-changing industry.
Tamra’s strong networking and negotiating skills, combined with her deep understanding of the logic, mechanics, and political dynamics of the healthcare landscape, provide Catalyst’s clients with a distinct competitive advantage. From strategic planning to operational management, Catalyst Consulting empowers healthcare businesses to achieve long-term success while navigating industry challenges.
Beyond her professional endeavors, Tamra is deeply committed to community service. She holds board positions with several non-profits, participates in medical mission work in Central America, and actively supports local initiatives to improve healthcare access and outcomes.
PATRICK BOYLE
Vice President of Operations
Patrick Boyle brings over 20 years of expertise in managed care contracting, serving as the Vice President of Operations for Catalyst Consulting. His extensive experience spans collaborations with a diverse range of healthcare organizations, including physicians, 501(a) groups, hospitals, urgent care centers, imaging facilities, and other ancillary providers. Patrick also has deep knowledge of Independent Physician Associations (IPAs), Physician/Hospital Organizations (PHOs), and Management Services Organizations (MSOs).
Patrick has played a pivotal role in negotiating contracts for practice mergers of large specialty groups, as well as some of the most prominent multispecialty 501(a) organizations across Texas. His ability to navigate the complexities of managed care contracting has made him a trusted partner for healthcare organizations seeking to optimize their payer relationships and financial performance.
With a career that includes working with hundreds of insurance companies, Patrick has cultivated strong, long-standing relationships with health plan medical directors and provider relations representatives nationwide. His industry knowledge and network have consistently delivered results, supporting organizations in achieving their strategic goals in an ever-evolving healthcare landscape.
Patrick holds a BA in Healthcare Administration from Texas State University and remains committed to driving operational excellence and fostering partnerships that benefit healthcare providers and their patients alike.
ZACHARY RAGSDALE
Director of Credentialing & Contracting
Zachary Ragsdale is a seasoned leader in managed care credentialing with extensive experience working with medical groups, physicians, hospitals, and outpatient opioid treatment and recovery centers. Throughout his career, Zachary has developed a strong reputation for streamlining complex credentialing and provider enrollment processes while ensuring compliance with payer and regulatory standards.
As a former Credentialing Supervisor for the nation’s largest Medicaid payer—a Fortune 100 company—Zachary honed his expertise in Primary Source Verification (PSV) and multi-state credentialing and recredentialing requirements. His deep understanding of payer requirements and attention to detail enable him to deliver tailored solutions that meet the needs of diverse healthcare organizations.
In addition to his technical knowledge, Zachary has a proven track record in personnel and account management. His established relationships with Provider Relations Specialists and Network Managers across numerous Managed Care Organizations allow him to effectively bridge the gap between providers and payers. His expertise is particularly valuable in supporting outpatient treatment centers, where he helps navigate the unique challenges of credentialing and enrollment in a highly regulated space.
Zachary earned his BA in Healthcare Administration from Texas State University and is committed to helping healthcare organizations optimize their operations and focus on delivering exceptional patient care.
ELIDA PETTYJOHN, PESC
Sr. Credentialing Account Manager,
Team Lead
Elida Pettyjohn is an experienced Credentialing Account Manager with extensive knowledge in managed care contracting and provider credentialing, working directly with medical groups, physicians, infusion clinics, Federally Qualified Healthcare Centers (FQHCs), and more. Elida brings health plan credentialing expertise with her earned Provider Enrollment Specialist Certificate (PESC). Elida facilitates prompt provider enrollment and has expansive knowledge and understanding of the different enrollment forms, compliance risks and penalties, and the Provider Enrollment, Chain, and Ownership System (PECOS). Elida is responsible for organizing and managing the credentialing and contracting processes for medical organizations and practitioners and acts as a liaison between clients and government payors as well as commercial health plans.
Elida maintains great relationships with many of the Network Managers and Provider Relations Representatives for health plans and networks, large and small across the nation, as well as regional Independent Physician Associations and Physician Hospital Associations.
Elida holds an Associate Degree in Medical Office Administration from Fayetteville Technical Community College.
ROB HARDY
Practice Management Consultant
Rob has over 30 years of healthcare operations and management experience across various healthcare settings. Beginning his career as a Licensed Paramedic and Commander with one of the most prestigious EMS services in the country, he has served in C level positions in hospital administration, academic medicine, multispecialty practice management, and has most recently led Accountable Care Organizations to achieve some of the highest level of quality metrics in the country. He recently became a Licensed REALTOR ®, which is a benefit both in his healthcare practice as well as learning the Farm and Ranch real estate business in the Hill Country.
He is a Life Fellow and Board Certified in Healthcare Management through the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE) and is a Certified Medical Practice Executive of the American College of Medical Practice Executives (ACMPE). In addition, he holds a Bachelor of Science from the University of Texas, a Master of Healthcare Administration from Texas State University, and is All But Dissertation (ABD) for a PhD in Organizational Behavior from the University of Texas.
CAROL GIBBONS, RN, BSN, NHA
Practice Start Up Consultant/ Compliance Officer
Carol Gibbons brings 30 years of nursing and healthcare management experience to Catalyst. She provides practice management oversight for Catalyst’s clients, with emphasis on improving operational efficiency, effectiveness and cash flow. She has worked with physician practices, hospitals, surgery centers, ancillary providers and is very experienced with workflow improvement and the integration of technology to streamline processes.
Prior to consulting, she was the COO of a Maryland healthcare company and was integral to their expansion to multiple sites including the largest for-profit nursing and rehabilitation center in the state. She developed management structures for multiple sized operations and strategies to increase revenue in a diminishing reimbursement environment.
LYNNE PERRY
Marketing Specialist
Lynne Perry is a creative marketing consultant who brings more than 25 years' experience in marketing, advertising and professional event production to Catalyst Consulting. In addition to producing post-graduate CME programs, Lynne has produced full-scale branding and marketing programs including website design, SEO, content development, video production, PR, social, digital and traditional marketing programs for a wide range of medical, retail and B2B companies throughout the US. Lynne provides writing, editing and research support for various Catalyst Consulting projects.
In addition to her marketing expertise, Lynne has also served her community as a farmers' market advocate; a school and civic volunteer; and professional liaison for the city and historic district businesses.
Lynne is Catalyst Consulting's Media Contact, and is special advisor to select Catalyst Consulting clients.
SOPHIA AGUIRRE
PHO Account Manager
Sophia is responsible for organizing and managing the credentialing and contracting processes for physicians and providers and acts as a liaison between clients and government payors, as well as commercial health plans. She maintains great relationships with many of the network managers and provider relations representatives for health plans and networks, large and small, across the state, as well as regional independent physician associations and physician hospital associations.
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Her attention to detail and her organization and follow-through for these critical processes is a valuable asset to the Catalyst teams and for our clients.
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Sophia holds a BA in healthcare administration from Texas State University.
KAREN SKIBA
Credentialing Account Manager
Karen Skiba has extensive Project Management experience in addition to knowledge based credentialing & contracts involving both single provider practices and multi practice locations across the US. Karen has successfully worked with various medical specialty groups such as podiatry, urology, urgent care, telemedicine, wellness centers, and general PCP’s. Karen manages many different enrollment types and has experience in addressing compliance issues or concerns.
Karen’s background includes Primary Source Verification (PSV) for a biopharmaceutical fortune 500 company. Managing medical device projects for a global organization. Credentialing for specific specialties of radiation, medical and surgical oncology services.
Karen holds an Associates Degree in Liberal Arts from American River College, certified in American Sign Language translation, and currently learning Portuguese.
LISA GARCIA
Credentialing Maintenance Manager
Lisa Garcia comes to Catalyst Consulting with a background in financial business management, bringing over 25 years of exemplary customer service and managerial skills. She has worked with multiple CEOs and their member base among the banking and credit union industry throughout Texas.Desiring a change of pace Lisa sought to open new doors in the healthcare industry where her skills set could make a difference. She joined the Catalyst Consulting team in June of 2017 to broaden her knowledge in the industry. Lisa has expanded her knowledge specializing in contracting and credentialing with healthcare networks all over the United States. Her passion is assisting provider groups from the ground-up and is supported by her ability to provide her clients with exceptional personal attention and dedication throughout their professional contracting needs.
MELISSA TORRES
Credentialing Account Manager
Melissa is responsible for project management and provider credentialing enrollment with government payors as well as commercial health plans. She was formerly a credentialing specialist with the nation’s largest Medicaid payer and fortune 100 company. She worked under the supervision of Zachary Ragsdale our Credentialing director. She is knowledgeable with Federal Qualified Healthcare Centers (FQHC’s), National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA), Primary Source Verifications (PSV’s), giving her a perspective from different vantage points in managing her credentialing projects.
Melissa has extensive experience in various healthcare settings and human resource department which lends her to always responding promptly, therefore she keeps a great line of communication with her clients, provider relations representatives and network managers.
CATHY BOWDEN, MHA, CPCS, CPC, CPMA, CHISP, CH-CBS
Lead CVO Consultant
Cathy is a proven professional adept at prioritizing and completing multiple projects within strict budgetary/time restrictions. She has 25 years of extensive accomplishments as a healthcare leader and is extremely knowledgeable in credentialing and privileging, billing and coding, compliance, and documentation auditing. Cathy has been a qualified leader in the area of primary source verification for health system and hospitals and is adept at developing and maintaining professional standards, procedures, and policies for various institutional activities. She has proven successful in analyzing an organizations' critical support requirements, identifying deficiencies and opportunities and developing innovative solutions for improving productivity.
Cathy has a Masters in Healthcare Administration with a Minor in Information Systems from Ashford University. She is a Certified Provider Credentialing Specialist (CPCS), Certified Professional Coder (CPC), Certified Professional Medical Auditor (CPMA), Certified Health Informatics Systems Professional (CHISP), the American Society of Health Informatics Managers (ASHIM), and is Certified in FQHC Billing & Coding as a Community Health Billing and Coding Specialist (CH-CBS).
PAIGE MORGAN
Credentialing Account Manager
Paige Morgan is responsible for project management and provider enrollment with Catalyst. She has experience working in various healthcare settings, giving her a perspective from different vantage points.
Previously, she managed a pediatric dental office specializing in insurance contracting, credentialing, billing and communication. Paige was also responsible for the coding and billing services, staff education, chart audits and financial reporting. She has also gained experience through working with large hospital systems. Her background in business management lends her a skill set in organization, customer service and attention to details.
Paige holds an Associate Degree in Liberal Arts from Hillsborough Community College.
LISA KINCART
Admin & Credentialing
Account Manager
As a Provider Credentialing Specialist and Project Manager for Catalyst Lisa is responsible for several internal administrative functions. Lisa joined Catalyst in 2009 and has developed and customized internal processes, controls and systems for use in Catalyst’s credentialing department.
Her background in executive assistance and administrative management positions lends her a skill set in organization, customer service and attention to details.
Lisa holds a B.A. in journalism from Sam Houston State University.
CANDIE RENNER
Client Maintenance Manager
Candie is responsible for maintaining provider credentialing enrollment with government payors as well as commercial health plans. Prior to Catalyst Consulting, Candie was the office manager for a growing physical therapy clinic responsible for credentialing with payors.
She has extensive experience in various healthcare management and entrepreneurship. Customer Service is very important to company success and growth which lends her to always responding promptly, therefore she keeps a great line of communication with her clients, provider relations representatives and network managers.
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Candie is a Black Belt candidate.
SARITHA BIST
Credentialing Account Manager
Saritha has an educational background of Commerce and Computer Sciences. She has 13 years of Credentialing experience, has extensible knowledge in Project Management, credentialing & contracting experience for both single provider practices and multi practice locations across the US. She has successfully worked with various Medical and Behavioral specialty groups. She manages many different enrollment types and has experience in addressing compliance issues or concerns related to contracts and Panel closed requests.
Saritha’s background experience includes Payer Credentialing, EFT ERA set ups for the clinics, contract negotiations for various clients. Capable of providing resolutions for the unpaid claims due to Contractual issues.
HEATHER SCHIPPEL
Credentialing Account Manager
Heather has over 25 years' experience working with Medical and Dental groups, Surgery Centers, Imaging and Urgent Care facilities. She has experience in revenue cycle management, facility licensing/credentialing, provider credentialing, payer enrollment.
Previously, Heather was Credentialing Director for large multi-specialty organization, and part of a credentialing committee with knowledge of National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) and Primary Source Verification (PSV).
KRISTIN PARKER
Relationship Marketing Specialist
Kristin's is an accomplished healthcare marketing and outsourcing professional with over 20 years' experience in medical sales and practice marketing. She has helped train, staff and oversee marketing programs throughout the US with physician groups, hospital systems and healthcare businesses. Her training and recruiting skills are renowned for empowering medical practices with systems and tools that build internal relationship outreach programs in order to grow and thrive in today's rapidly-evolving medical marketplace.
Kristin's long-time experience as an award-winning pharmaceutical sales professional established her success and served as a foundation for launching her successful contract sales organization, providing a new sales model for the modern healthcare industry.
Kristin writes articles for medical publications, and is a sought-after public speaker for healthcare companies and industry events.