Director of Operations Excellence

Education/Background: 

• Pre-Business-  Kirkwood Community College, Cedar Rapids
• Finance and Operations Management- University of Iowa, Iowa City
• Master in Business Administration- University of Iowa, Iowa City

Randy has extensive experience in manufacturing.  He worked for Greater Buffalo Press, a printing company for 18 years before moving to Pella Corporation where he was a department manager.  At Pella he was introduced to the principles of process improvement and participated in Kaizen “Improvement” events.

Randy became the plant manager for the startup company, Brazeway in Dewitt, Iowa, which produced refrigeration parts.  Here Randy trained in Lean through the University of Kentucky and became certified as a Six Sigma Green Belt.  He used his leadership and Lean skills to develop his people.  Central to this plant was the concept of the “self-directed” workforce, where employee ownership and joint decision making were fundamental to the success of the business.  Leadership supported the team, established boundaries, and provided training, but the team was accountable for outcomes.

From manufacturing to healthcare, Randy started as a management engineer in the Department of Pathology here at UIHC in 2004.  He transitioned to the Department of Operations Excellence, where he presently holds the director position.

Randy’s favorite process improvement tool is the process map.   “The step by step mapping of who does what, allows the team to see how they actively influence each other.  It shows you where you are at presently and this insight allows you to make simple changes quicker.  It is the road to PDSA (Plan – Do – Study – Act).”

Outside of work you will find Randy “process mapping” his next motorcycle ride or find him in his shop as he continuous improves his original 1969 Mustang.

Responsibilities:

• Facilitate process improvement activities through-out the healthcare enterprise with a strategic focus on streamlining patient processes and services.
• Lead Lean activities including rapid improvement events.
• Train on Lean methodologies and tools to improve patient care.
• Assist clients with identifying metrics to monitor and sustain improvements.

Contact:

Phone: 319-356- 4275
Office: C51-U GH
randy-fry@uiowa.edu

When asked, “What inspires you?”

“It is seeing a team – people become successful.  You give them insight into seeing work in a new way and then you see them take this insight and become successful.”