GVP and GM of Oracle Health Consulting
As Group Vice President and GM of Oracle Health Consulting, Leroy Harris Jr.’s career journey is unique. He honed his leadership skills as an officer in the 1st Cavalry Division where he led teams of up to 250 personnel. His later transition to healthcare came from a desire to make a lasting impact, and at Oracle Health, his professional journey has come full circle.
Today, Leroy is at the forefront of Oracle Health’s partnership with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, delivering an electronic health record system fit for modern Veteran care. Oracle Health is committed to revolutionizing Veteran healthcare services, and Leroy leads a team of professionals designing and implementing solutions for federal agencies.
As a disabled Veteran and VA patient himself, he understands the challenge ahead better than most—and the incredible impact it promises for those who have served.
Thanks for talking to us today, Leroy. Can you share what attracted you to a career in healthcare and tech, and how your time in the military influenced your decision?
Beyond the influence of my father’s 30-year career as a civil service engineer in the Airforce and my own service experiences, I was drawn to the intersection of healthcare and technology because of its potential to revolutionize patient care. The military’s emphasis on efficiency, innovation, and problem-solving aligns perfectly with the challenges and opportunities in the healthcare industry.
You’ve had an impressive rise to becoming a Group Vice President and GM at Oracle Health Consulting. What experiences and lessons drove your progression?
My journey to this role has been marked by challenges and triumphs. From my early days in the military, I learned the importance of discipline, teamwork, and adaptability. My experiences in pharmaceuticals and medical devices taught me the value of understanding customer needs and building strong relationships.
At Oracle Health Consulting, I’ve had the opportunity to lead teams through complex projects, driving innovation and delivering results. Throughout my career, I’ve always sought out opportunities to learn and grow, both personally and professionally.
Speaking of Oracle Health Consulting… Can you tell us more about its mission and the services it provides to the healthcare industry?
Oracle Health Consulting is a leading provider of healthcare technology solutions. We offer a wide range of services, including strategic consulting, implementation, and ongoing support for Oracle Health’s cloud-based platforms. Our goal is to help healthcare organizations improve patient outcomes, enhance operational efficiency, and reduce costs.
That sounds rewarding—and challenging! What is the main issue to be aware of in implementing cloud-based technologies in healthcare, particularly in terms of improving patient care?
One of the biggest challenges in implementing cloud-based technologies in healthcare is ensuring data security and interoperability. However, the rewards are immense. Cloud-based solutions can enable more efficient workflows, improve data access and analytics, and ultimately lead to better patient outcomes. For example, cloud-based electronic health records can ease seamless care coordination and personalized treatment plans.
These are exactly the advantages Oracle Health promises to deliver in Veteran healthcare. As a Veteran yourself, how did you feel when you heard that Oracle Health had won the business of U.S. Veterans Affairs?
Hearing that we had won the business of U.S. Veterans Affairs was a truly exciting moment. As a former Army officer, disabled veteran, and VA patient, I have a deep appreciation for the sacrifices made by our Veterans and am honored to have the opportunity to contribute to their well-being. Oracle’s partnership with U.S. Veterans Affairs is a significant step forward in modernizing Veteran care and ensuring that our heroes have access to the highest quality healthcare.
Veterans will often say they face a lack of joined up medical record-keeping. How will Oracle’s involvement change this?
Oracle’s involvement here will help to address the issue of fragmented medical records by supplying a unified, cloud-based platform. This will enable Veterans to access their complete medical history, regardless of where they receive care. By improving the continuity of care, Oracle’s solutions can help to enhance the overall standard of care.
How does your experience as an officer in the 1st Cavalry Division translate to your current role in terms of inclusive people leadership?
My experience as an army officer has been invaluable in developing my leadership skills. The military’s emphasis on discipline, teamwork, and resilience has helped me to build strong teams and navigate challenging situations. I believe that my ability to inspire and motivate others is a direct result of my time in service.
We always say ‘Veteran belong at Oracle’ and are known as an extremely supportive company for Veterans at all career stages. What advice would you give to people transitioning into civilian careers, especially healthcare, IT, and leadership?
Veterans bring a unique set of skills and experiences that are highly valued in the civilian workforce. My advice to anyone transitioning into civilian careers is to use their military training and experience, network with industry professionals, and seek out mentorship opportunities. Additionally, you should take advantage of the many resources and support programs Oracle has available to help them succeed in their new careers.
This is a period of huge growth and opportunity at Oracle Health. Can you describe the ideal candidate for your team? What skills and attributes do you look for when hiring, and are there any specific opportunities for Veterans within your team?
The ideal candidate for my team is a passionate and driven individual with a strong work ethic and a commitment to excellence. I look for candidates who have a deep understanding of the healthcare industry and a proven track record of success. We are always looking for talented Veterans to join our team and offer a variety of opportunities for those with military experience.
This sounds like a golden opportunity for people who want to make a difference. What impact do you hope to have on the healthcare industry at Oracle?
My vision is to help transform the healthcare industry by using technology to improve patient outcomes, enhance operational efficiency, and reduce costs. I believe that Oracle Health Consulting is uniquely positioned to make a significant impact on the future of healthcare, and I am committed to driving innovation and delivering value to our clients. As for Veteran care, I hope to see a continued improvement in the quality and accessibility of care, with a focus on leveraging technology to address their unique needs.
Are you ready to join the cloud healthcare revolution in Veteran healthcare? Oracle Health is hiring for multiple positions right now—explore our latest roles and create the future with us.