Joan Stroud Cox is a seasoned healthcare leader with over 20 years of expertise in perioperative operations, workforce optimization, and process improvement. As the former Executive Director at Prisma Health’s Level I Trauma Center, Joan oversaw 32 operating rooms handling 32,000+ annual cases while managing a team of 960 FTEs. Joan’s innovative leadership has driven measurable improvements, including reducing surgical patient length of stay by 50%, increasing block utilization by 30%, and achieving 80% on-time first case starts.
Known for her ability to foster collaboration among physicians, nurses, and administrative teams, Joan has spearheaded initiatives such as implementing a centralized scheduling system, launching the Center for Perioperative Optimization, and reducing reliance on travel nurses—eliminating agency labor costs within six months.
Joan holds an MBA in Healthcare Management, a BSN, and an ADN, and has received multiple accolades, including the prestigious Palmetto Gold Award. An advocate for operational efficiency and patient safety, Joan continues to help hospitals and health systems optimize surgical services, enhance financial performance, and deliver exceptional patient care.
