Michael Santillo profile

Michael Santillo

The ever-evolving dynamics of the corporate world have led to a remarkable change in the function of the Chief Operating Officer (COO). The conventional duties of the COO have evolved to meet the needs of the present day as market landscapes change and technology innovations increase. More than ever, the COO is the CEO’s critical strategic ally. They are responsible for leading organizational performance in a changing environment and cultivating operational excellence.

In today’s fast-paced business environment, individuals like Michael Santillo, the COO of InCare LLC., embody the essence of this transformative role. With a keen understanding of the intricacies of operational management and a proactive approach to navigating complexities, professionals like Michael are indispensable assets to their organizations. Their ability to drive innovation, streamline processes, and foster collaboration positions them as catalysts for growth and resilience amidst uncertainty.

Shaping Values and Leadership Through Family, Athletics, and Academic Pursuits

Michael Santillo, a native of upstate NY, was raised with strong values centered around family, integrity, and personal excellence. From a young age, he learned the importance of prioritizing family and treating others with respect. Growing up as an athlete participating in football, basketball, and baseball, Michael was inspired by his father, a minor league pitcher, and dreamed of playing professionally. Despite receiving three offers for D1 sports in high school, an injury in senior year taught him the valuable lesson of adaptability in the face of adversity.

As captain of his basketball team, Michael’s leadership skills were honed, culminating in a sectional title victory during his senior year. This success propelled him into junior college, where he earned a full scholarship and achieved national recognition, finishing in the top 10 in the country.

Family played a central role in Michael’s upbringing, with fond memories of dinners with his grandparents and bonding with his tight-knit group of friends, who were like family. His father instilled in him the values of leadership and responsibility, preparing him to be a role model for his younger brother and to support his mother as “the man of the house.”

Academically, Michael excelled in math and science, demonstrating a drive to excel by taking college courses in high school and earning multiple degrees in healthcare administration. Committed to continuous growth, he pursued certifications in Lean Six Sigma, executive coaching, project management, and continuous improvement management, further enhancing his expertise and leadership capabilities.

Journey towards WJS Solutions and InCare

Michael Santillo commenced his professional journey by assuming a pivotal role at a national DME company, where he managed operations across three locations spanning two counties. Following this, he relocated to Tampa to capitalize on the burgeoning healthcare sector. Transitioning to a position with a PCP group focused on Medicare Advantage, Michael gleaned invaluable insights under the mentorship of Dr. Ross Johnson, the esteemed CMO. Despite the enriching experience, he yearned for an opportunity to make a broader impact.

This aspiration led Michael to serve as Executive Director at Florida’s largest FQHC, catering to diverse patient demographics ranging from the uninsured to Medicaid and Medicare Advantage beneficiaries. During his tenure, he spearheaded a remarkable $4 million ACO turnaround within 18 months. At this organization, Michael forged invaluable connections, friendships, and partnerships that shaped his trajectory. Subsequently, he co-founded WJS Solutions Group, a staffing and consulting firm specializing in healthcare.

Transitioning to the role of COO at an integrated healthcare company, Michael spearheaded the development of protocols for various healthcare programs, implemented process improvements, centralized revenue cycle management, and elevated primary care operations with a focus on HEDIS and quality outcomes.

Driven by a passion for making a positive impact, WJS Solutions Group and his role at InCare allow Michael to pursue his vision of advancing wellness and longevity through innovative healthcare approaches such as hormone therapy, IV treatments, and peptides, emphasizing root cause analysis and holistic well-being.

Leadership and Strategic Guidance Across Two Healthcare Realms

At WJS Solutions Group, Michael Santillo provides multifaceted support, contributing to organizational strategy, business development, and operations. Recognizing the significance of each stage in the company’s journey, he invests in these areas to ensure comprehensive success. Michael facilitates the sourcing of companies in need, matches individuals seeking opportunities, and offers coaching or consulting support to enhance organizational effectiveness, ultimately driving overall company success.

Meanwhile, at InCare, Michael leverages his expertise to craft strategic plans, introduce new programs such as men’s TRT and women’s HRT, streamline PCP workflows, and manage RCM effectively. Additionally, he advises ownership on identifying potential opportunities for growth and development.

Having navigated organizations with high turnover and conflicting leadership opinions, Michael approaches these challenges with a consistent methodology. He prioritizes understanding varying perspectives, utilizing data and facts to inform discussions, and fostering resolutions that promote collective progress. Michael endeavors to shield the team from undue stressors, providing impartial answers to the best of his ability to maintain a supportive and cohesive work environment.

Balancing Legacy and Growth

On a personal note – Michael Santillo eagerly anticipates creating lasting memories with his beloved fiancée and daughter, envisioning unforgettable adventures on bucket list trips with his family. His desire for personal and professional growth fuels aspirations to potentially launch additional ventures.

However, Michael’s paramount passion lies in honoring the legacy of his late father. Beyond being a business luminary, his father exemplified unwavering love and support as a devoted father and husband, a legacy Michael aims to emulate. For him, true success lies in being remembered as a supportive and loving figure to his own family.

Despite his dedication to his career and companies, Michael acknowledges the importance of balance. He endeavors to carve out time for cherished family moments, whether through unplugged movie nights or prioritizing exercise for mental and physical well-being.

When Michael thinks back on memorable events, he cherishes times like his high school section championship, his proud family-awarded master’s degree, and his proposal to his life partner. But what really changed Michael’s viewpoint was a moving talk he had with his father before to the latter’s cancerous decline. Michael’s unwavering pursuit of brilliance was affirmed by his father’s assurance that he had already exceeded him in greatness, and it also underlined the significance of family above all else.