Healthcare Finance and Innovation Leader Guides wellconnectedWNY Native Bringing Social Care Together

The inspiration for the startup seeking to change social services through unifying technology and process comes from Duane Conners's extensive experience in Western New York's health and social care systems.

Conners, the co-founder and CEO of wellconnected, has positioned himself as a key player in the fields of healthcare finance and innovation for a generation.

Conners, a 2000 Pioneer Central graduate, studied at the University at Buffalo School of Management and graduated with a B.S. in Financial Analysis.

Kaleida Health brough Conners on in 2008. His career with the region's largest health organization led to his tenure as a Senior Decision Support Advisor at Buffalo General Medical Center. Here, he provided invaluable financial and clinical analysis, aiding project and management teams in navigating complex decisions.

Conners's expertise grew as he transitioned to the role of Manager of Budget and Financial Analysis at Kaleida Health, where he led a team dedicated to developing a service line-based budget across the organization. His analytical skills and leadership paved the way for future opportunities.

In 2015, he briefly served as a Financial Analyst at North American Breweries, Inc. before taking on the challenge of Network Finance Manager at HealthNow New York Inc., where he played a pivotal role until May 2016. His tenure showcased his ability to blend financial acumen with strategic insights, strengthening healthcare finances.

In addition to his extensive healthcare experience, Conners founded rprt in October 2015, serving as CEO until August 2022. Under his leadership, rprt specialized in creating reporting environments and implementing solid data practices that benefited nonprofit and non-tertiary care providers. This entrepreneurial venture solidified his status as an innovator in the field.

Conners’s commitment to enhancing healthcare solutions can be found in his work with VBP Forward from September 2018 to April 2021, where he helped healthcare organizations develop value-based care solutions and improve population health outcomes. His collaborative spirit led to co-founding the Center of Excellence for Infection Prevention and Control (COEIPAC) in January 2017, dedicated to spearheading innovative strategies in infection prevention.

His early career included significant roles at organizations like Infonaut, where he served as Vice President of Business Development, and the Western New York Impact Investment Fund as an Investment Associate. These experiences equipped him with a broader understanding of healthcare investment and operational strategies.

It led to wellconnected, the newest portfolio company of Brown and White Ventures. Founded four years ago, the company's platform "allco" works directly with community-based organizaqtions to create a secure, central data hub that removes silos, allows collaboration and ultimately provides better social care services.

Conners' s SaaS introduced itself in Buffalo and Erie County before making inroads into West Virginia and New Jersey. It's big break came months ago, when it engaged in a five-year agreement with Chicago and Cook County, Illinois.

Conners continues to be a driving force for positive change in the industry, proving that a dedication to data-driven practices and innovative solutions can lead to significant advancements in health care delivery.