Interview with Jason Douglas, NaphCare CTO and Birmingham 2023 C-Suite Award Winner
June 30, 2023NaphCare is proud to announce that Jason Douglas, NaphCare’s Chief Technology Officer, was recognized as one of Birmingham’s top C-Suite leaders in 2023 by the Birmingham Business Journal. The Birmingham Business Journal created this award to recognize Birmingham's best and brightest C-level executives.
Nearly 20 years ago, Jason began his career with NaphCare as a software developer. He was hired to design a novel electronic health record (EHR) specifically for correctional healthcare, which ultimately became NaphCare’s industry-leading EHR and medical management system, TechCare.
Understanding the important impact technology would play in correctional healthcare, NaphCare invested in building a dynamic tech team based in its Birmingham, AL, headquarters. As NaphCare grew its Technology Division, Jason rose through the ranks of leadership. Now, as Chief Technology Officer, Jason oversees the development of all software systems at NaphCare, including the architecture and implementation of TechCare. Jason’s ability to understand the complexities of correctional healthcare has allowed him to identify and apply technologies to streamline NaphCare’s Proactive Care Model and provide superior service to our partners.
In an interview, Jason spoke about his career and leadership style, attributing his success to his unwavering determination and strong support system at NaphCare.
What is the most pivotal moment or experience of your career thus far?
TechCare was originally developed as an internal software solution to improve patient care provided by NaphCare clinical teams. Seeing the positive impact the system had on patient care, we were able to market and sell it to outside agencies. This catapulted NaphCare’s emergence as an industry leader investing in both health services and innovative technologies.
What helps you succeed in your demanding role?
A demanding role isn't bad when you have a great support system. I'm lucky to have a great team at work and an amazing wife and family that support and encourage me. When I started at NaphCare, I was a team of one. Our Technology Division now has more than 70 health IT professionals including web and software developers, data analysts, information systems administrators, customer service representatives, cyber security experts, and many more roles.
Who is a mentor for you and what have you learned from him or her?
Our owner and chairman of the board, Jim McLane. In my early days with NaphCare, we worked side-by-side to develop the first version of TechCare. His passion, work ethic, and innovative spirit are contagious. He has empowered us with the trust and support to grow ourselves and our organization. For that, I am very thankful.
What is your favorite thing about working at NaphCare?
At NaphCare, I have the ability to work with an extremely creative and productive team. Every day the challenges are different, but seeing how our work impacts others and the organization as a whole is energizing.
Which of NaphCare’s core values aligns best with your leadership style?
My core leadership value would be going above and beyond. It is mirrored by everyone I’ve been lucky to work with. This value is what continues to make NaphCare great for our clients and allows us to attract the best team.
What is your favorite memory from working at NaphCare?
I’ve grown up at NaphCare and have many great memories over the last 19 years. Remembering the early days of fitting the entire company into a break room for a holiday party and even our move from the downtown office to our current location. It’s fun looking back at how small ideas and processes have grown into their own departments with so many great people. I’m very thankful for the opportunity to grow with NaphCare.
Jason exemplifies NaphCare’s values through his commitment to NaphCare’s mission – to improve and save lives.
Read more: C-Suite edition of the Birmingham Business Journal