Health Information Alliance Appoints Michelle Puhlick Leader
The Connecticut health network names its chief operating officer as the new interim executive director.
Updated on Oct. 23, 2026 in People
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The Health Information Alliance has appointed Michelle Puhlick as interim executive director following the departure of Jenn Searls. Puhlick will continue serving as the organization's chief operating officer during this leadership transition.
Why it matters
The change in leadership signals a strategic pivot for the organization as it shifts its focus from network infrastructure development toward leveraging data to enhance patient care. This new direction prioritizes expanding healthcare access within rural and underserved communities across Connecticut.
The Health Information Alliance oversees a data-sharing network that connects more than 4,000 healthcare provider locations throughout Connecticut. This infrastructure supports the exchange of patient information between hospitals, physicians, insurers, and public agencies.
The players
Michelle Puhlick
She is the interim executive director and chief operating officer of the Health Information Alliance.
Jenn Searls
She recently stepped down as the executive director of the Health Information Alliance.
Health Information Alliance
This West Hartford-based organization operates the Connie health information exchange network in Connecticut.
The details
The organization recently introduced the PIQXL Gateway, a software tool designed to review collected patient data to identify and rectify quality issues. Puhlick takes the helm as the nonprofit focuses on the Rural Health Transformation Program to improve medical access.
Timeline
2021: Connie launched its statewide health information-sharing network.
February 2026: The exchange debuted the PIQXL Gateway software tool.
October 23, 2026: The organization announced the leadership transition.
Market Landscape
This leadership transition aligns with the broader institutional commitment to the Rural Health Transformation Program. It marks a strategic shift from establishing foundational network capacity to optimizing the use of shared clinical data for improved outcomes.
The organization's focus on data quality and rural access may eventually influence the efficiency and consistency of healthcare delivery for patients across the state. Residents in rural regions might experience improved service coordination as the network emphasizes these underserved communities.
The takeaway
The Health Information Alliance is prioritizing the active use of its clinical data network to drive quality improvements in patient care. This transition highlights an industry-wide trend of moving from simple digital connectivity to actionable health insights.
Further reading
For more information on state organizational updates, visit the People section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Hartford Business Journal.
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