Prominent CT health system president honored as ‘Innovator of the Year’

Hartford Courant – Monday, February 2, 2026
By Hartford Courant Staff

It’s a Connecticut health care system know to be expanding in various ways across the state.

Now, Hartford HealthCare CEO and President Jeffrey A. Flaks has been named the inaugural HX26 Innovator of the Year.

Flaks received the award as a health care leader who has advanced innovation in service of access, quality and the human experience. He was to be honored at the Press Ganey’s Human Experience Conference in Orlando on Monday.

“The award was introduced in 2026 to recognize executives who embed innovation into the daily operations of healthcare, solving real problems, reducing friction for care teams, and improving the way patients experience care,” according to a statement.

Press Ganey is a provider of experience technology, data analytics, and AI-powered insights that help companies better understand and serve their customers, employees and stakeholders, according to statement.

Press Ganey serves more than 43,000 clients globally across healthcare, financial services, hospitality, market research, professional services, retail, technology and other end markets.

“This recognition is a testament to the extraordinary people and culture that define Hartford HealthCare,” Flaks said in the statement.

“Our colleagues make this possible every day by relentlessly innovating and working together to deliver world-class quality while improving affordability and access for the communities we serve,” he said. “This award reflects what happens when the best people come together with a shared purpose, to transform healthcare for everyone.”

According to Press Ganey’s statement, “Hartford HealthCare has emerged as one of the most forward-looking health systems in the country, with innovation guided by a clear purpose: making healthcare more accessible, more equitable, and easier to navigate,” under Flaks’ leadership.

Flaks has focused on “integrating virtual care, artificial intelligence and advanced analytics to improve care delivery,” according to Press Ganey.

One example includes Hartford HealthCare’s virtual primary care platform, HHC 24/7, which allows patients around the clock care available on demand. The platform is meant to “meet patients where they are” with a commitment to “reimagining access while maintaining continuity, quality and affordability.”

“Jeff Flaks treats innovation as a responsibility to move healthcare forward,” Patrick T. Ryan, chairman and CEO of Press Ganey said in a statement. “He is relentless in pushing progress that improves safety, expands access, and raises the standard of care.

“At Hartford HealthCare, Jeff has built the teams, partnerships, and operating discipline needed to scale new models of care without losing sight of reliability and trust. His leadership keeps innovation grounded in outcomes that matter most to patients, families, and caregivers,” Ryan said.

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