Ed Marx, SVP, Advisory Board & CIO (GO), NYC Health & Hospitals, Chapter 1

When Ed Marx got a call a few years ago about a position in New York City, he knew right away it was a winner. Not only because of the opportunity it offered to lead an Epic implementation and provide much-needed leadership, but because he had long had his sights set on the Big Apple for personal reasons. In this interview, Marx opens up about what he loves most about his role as interim CIO, what Larry King taught him about building relationships, and the key qualities he looks for in future leaders. He also gives his thoughts on work-life balance, and why everyone should have a mentor.

Chapter 1



* About NYC Health & Hospitals

* Complexities of a public health system

* Coming to NYC — “It was a no-brainer.”

* Larry King’s advice on building relationships

* The tight-knit CIO community — “Iron sharpens iron.”

* “Golden nuggets” from mentors

* Presence versus presents



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Bold Statements

There are a lot of really good, very well-intentioned people, and the opportunity to come in and help with the development of leadership that will last long after I leave, that’s very rewarding.

I was a wallflower, but I knew that success really was predicated upon the ability to develop relationships both quickly and deeply.

If I try things on my own, I’d be pretty mediocre, but by extending my capabilities through others and by leveraging the things that they’ve learned, I make myself a lot stronger, and therefore, I provide a higher level of service for those who I work for.

You’re going to make mistakes. If you have a good relationship with someone, they’re going to be pretty quick to forgive you and realize that, yes, you made a mistake, but that’s not who you are.

Stop using email or hiding behind a phone, and be there. When there’s a difficult situation, it’s really important that you go there in person and they see you, because that speaks of volumes.

Gamble:  Thank you, Ed, for taking some time to speak today.

Marx:  My pleasure. Thanks for having me.

Gamble:  Sure. Now, in your current role, you’re part of the IT leadership team for New York City Health and Hospitals and that’s through the Advisory Board Company?

Marx:  Correct. I am the executive vice president of Advisory Board, and my 100 percent-focused assignment is to help with IT leadership for the City of New York Health and Hospitals Corporation.

Gamble:  That’s a pretty big system.

Marx:  Yeah. I’m not sure people realize this, but it’s the second largest public health system in the world, and the largest in the United States.

Gamble:  We spoke a little while ago with Kathryn Crous, who is with Kings County Hospital, which is part of NYC H+H. She referred to you as a CIO consultant. Is that an accurate description of your role there?

Marx:  It’s complicated as most things can be in a large public health system. I am definitely a consultant. The title I’m given is Interim CIO. My specific focus is to help make sure they’re successful with implementing electronic health records.

Gamble:  What do you enjoy most about that role?

Marx:  I enjoy making a difference. We all want to live a life of significance and leave our mark in helping others and serving others.  Being in the public healthcare sector for the first time in my career is very, very rewarding. I’ve worked in for-profit health systems. I’ve worked in community hospitals. I’ve worked in academic medical centers. I’ve worked in standalone hospitals. I’ve served in large integrated health delivery systems, but this is my first time in public health. There are a lot of unique rewards that come along with that, and that’s one of the things that I enjoy.