Russ Hinz '08, Receives 2024 SPS Alumni Award

Congratulations to the 2024 SPS Alumni Award recipient Russ Hinz, MS '08. The award recognizes Russ's outstanding achievements and transformative impact in healthcare technology, clinical operations, and digital innovation.

Throughout his distinguished career, Russ has demonstrated exceptional leadership in healthcare transformation, particularly in the implementation and optimization of electronic health records (EHR) systems. Currently, he serves as a senior executive at Advocate Health, where he leads technology integration with domestic and international strategic partners and heads the organization's consulting division providing strategic advisory services to global healthcare partners.

"Russ exemplifies the innovative spirit and leadership qualities we aim to foster at Northwestern SPS. His unique combination of clinical expertise and technological vision has helped revolutionize healthcare delivery systems," said Thomas Gibbons, Dean of the School of Professional Studies.

The award was presented to Russ by Dean Gibbons during the 2024 annual SPS Symposium, with members of the SPS community in attendance including students, alumni, faculty, and staff. 

The SPS Alumni Award continues Northwestern's tradition of recognizing exemplary alumni who demonstrate outstanding leadership, community stewardship, and career impact. "Russ's journey from nurse to healthcare technology leader, including his time as a Disney 'Imagineer,' showcases the diverse paths our alumni take to create meaningful change," noted Dean Gibbons.

Russ earned his Master of Science in Medical Informatics (now the Master of Science in Health Informatics program) from SPS in 2008. His blend of clinical background, with degrees in Nursing and Political Science from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, combined with his technology expertise, has positioned him as a unique leader in healthcare transformation.