Meet the Team: Chad Dehmer and Dana McHenry

Chad Dehmer, Senior Manager, and Dana McHenry, Business Analyst, are a part of the Operations, Opportunities, and Investments team at UPMC Enterprises. Within their roles, Chad and Dana, along with Rachel Cawley, are collectively the new operational team for the PHDA.

What led you to the PHDA?

Chad: Responsibility for the PHDA transferred over to my team when Zariel Johnson left (we miss her dearly). I’ve been tangentially involved for a while as Rachel Cawley has spent 50% of her time managing the program. I was also a part of a successful pitch when I was a part of the Department of Radiology (FastMRI).

Dana: Working at UPMC Enterprises, I had the chance to witness the PHDA’s work for some time now. I have always been interested in healthcare innovation, specifically how data can be leveraged to transform care throughout the continuum, so I am excited for the opportunity to work with our partner universities in the program and to see what the PHDA is able to accomplish in the years to come.

Where are you originally from?

Chad: Originally from Minnesota. Born and raised. I came to Pittsburgh when I started as an Administrative Fellow at UPMC Presbyterian Shadyside. I had never visited Pittsburgh before my initial interview.

Dana: Originally from Punxsutawney, PA (home of Groundhog’s Day), I moved to Pittsburgh in 2010 to attend the University of Pittsburgh. A few years after graduation, I went on to receive my MBA at Pitt’s Katz Graduate School of Business. I’ve stayed here ever since for my love of this city and also for the perogies.

What trends are you most excited about today in data and healthcare? Why?

Chad: I’m really excited about what large, well-indexed and thoughtful healthcare data sets can do for research, tech development, and patient care. Unlocking the transformational insights that exist in these big data sets with new technology tools (e.g., AI, ML, NLP, NLU) is allowing some really exciting work to be done. The PHDA is at this nexus and we get to see some very interesting applications first hand.

Dana: In the next 5-10 years, I think Pittsburgh will continue to advance as a national leader in education, healthcare, and technology. With the alliance of the PHDA comprising of two highly acclaimed universities and UPMC’s impressive integrated delivery and finance system, I believe the program is set up well for future successes in this thriving environment.

What’s a fun fact that most people don’t know about you?

Chad: My family and I are obsessed with Roger Federer (professional tennis player), and tennis more generally. My siblings and I once slept in a field overnight in a “que” for Wimbledon tickets. We luckily got tickets to see Roger play that day, but we were so tired from jet lag and the cold night that we could barely stay awake during the match. Anyways, it was a dream come true.

Dana: One fun fact about me is that I am an avid reader of just about all genres. I know that may not sound super “fun,” but it most definitely is for me (and luckily, my fiancé too). I will happily take any, and every, book recommendation. Also, Harry Styles gave me a kiss on the cheek once… maybe that sounds more fun!