Meet Lisa Aurilio, Chief Operating Officer

In her free time, Lisa enjoys cycling on the Summit County Bike and Hike Trail.

Having grown up in Girard, Ohio in the Mahoning Valley, Lisa Aurilio, chief operating officer (COO), says she is proud to work for an organization that is bringing high-quality care to her family and friends who still live in the area.

As COO, Lisa oversees Akron Children’s Hospital’s operations and is responsible for all medical and surgical ambulatory practices, patient services, professional and support services, accreditation and the Center for Operational Excellence.

She earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in nursing, as well as her MBA, from Kent State University. In 2016, Lisa was awarded the Diversity in Nursing Award from Modern Healthcare.

Lisa is active in the community serving as a board member for Stark State Akron’s Presidential Advisory Board, Kent State University’s National Alumni Board, the Boys and Girls Club of Northeast Ohio and the Akron Roundtable. She is also past president for the Ohio Organization of Nurse Executives and board president of Children’s Home Care Group.

Tell us about your background and role on ELT.

I began my career working as an obstetrics nurse and in OB nursing leadership roles at University Hospitals. In 2004 I joined Akron Children’s as a nursing director for acute care and the neonatal intensive care unit. In 2010 I became chief nursing officer, and in 2017 I was named COO.

When she’s not at work, Lisa enjoys traveling. Here she is on a beach walk in St. Augustine, FL.

Tell us a little about your role as COO. 

As COO, I work to ensure the hospital operations and care and services we provide meet the organization’s overall goals and mission to serve our communities. I support the clinical and administrative team by making sure we have the right resources (people, equipment, supplies, buildings and processes) to provide high-quality, accessible care.

What do you like about working at Akron Children’s? 

I became a nurse because I love science, and I love helping people. At Akron Children’s I am able to fulfill both of these loves. I get to work with exceptional providers, clinicians and staff who are on the cutting edge of delivering evidence-based care. I like helping patients and families by ensuring the Akron Children’s team has the best resources to provide excellent care. The hospital’s values of collaboration, patient and family-centered care and the people who work at Akron Children’s keep me coming back every day.

An outdoor enthusiast, Lisa hiked the Siamese Twins Trail, at Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs, CO.

Why is employee engagement important to you? 

The people who work at Akron Children’s are what set the organization apart. Our employees make a difference in the lives of our patients and families every day, and they don’t hesitate to go above and beyond. How employees feel about our organization is reflected in the care they provide. In order to guarantee we are giving great care, we need staff to feel supported and engaged in the hospital and care they provide. Positive employee engagement is critical for Akron Children’s success.

If you didn’t work in health care leadership, what would your dream job be?  

I’m very passionate about children. I would likely be doing child advocacy work or teaching, but definitely something related to making the lives of children better.

Tell us about your family.  

My partner, Dianne, and I live in Twinsburg with our two cats, Sophia, a diluted calico and Grady, a grey tabby. My parents, two sisters and their families live in the Mahoning Valley. I have three nieces, Sidnee, Ava and Gianna, whose many events (band concerts, soccer and basketball games) we enjoy attending in our free time.

Yoga was one of Lisa’s favorite stress relievers during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

How do you relax? 

Yoga is my go-to activity to relax and center myself. I have done a lot of yoga since COVID came on the scene. I also like to hike, bike and take long walks on the beach.

Most interesting place you’ve been and why?   

I’m 100% Italian, so the most interesting place I’ve been is Italy. I loved being in the country of my great-grandparents and experiencing the architecture, people and of course, the gelato!

What was your first paying job?   

I worked as a banquet server at Mahoning County Club where I served and cleaned-up for all the weddings and parties.

What would you change about yourself if you could?   

I would be more mindful, and I would spend more time in gratitude of every single moment.

Do you have a favorite quote or mantra you live by?   

Leap and the net will appear.

Tell us something about yourself that most people don’t know.   

I am a crazy closet Candy Crush Saga gamer!