Oswego Health Announces Ashley Hein as New Director of Laboratory Services

OSWEGO – Oswego Health has announced the promotion of Ashley “Mervine” Hein to Director of Laboratory Services, marking the next chapter in a career that began at Oswego Health more than a decade ago in an entry-level position.

Hein joined Oswego Health in 2012 as a phlebotomist, beginning what would become a 14-year journey of professional growth within the health system. What initially was intended to be a stepping stone before pursuing graduate school quickly became a career she found deeply rewarding.

“I completely fell in love with the lab, the environment and the people,” Hein said. “I’ve always said that I stayed at this organization for the people.”

Encouraged by colleagues, Hein returned to school to earn her Medical Technology degree with support from Oswego Health. After continuing to grow within the organization, she pursued her MBA, completing the three-year program while balancing leadership responsibilities and raising her family.

Her career progression has included increasingly responsible supervisory roles, ultimately preparing her for her new position as Director of Laboratory Services, effective August 31.

For Hein, the promotion represents more than a professional milestone. It is the realization of a goal she has worked toward for years — and an opportunity to give others the same opportunities she received throughout her career.

As Director, Hein plans to elevate the visibility and understanding of the laboratory’s important role throughout Oswego Health. Oswego Health operates 11 laboratory draw stations throughout the community, in addition to managing inpatient laboratory services at Oswego Hospital. Laboratory services play a critical role in patient care, with laboratory results influencing approximately 70% of medical decisions, according to Hein.

“I want to showcase what we really do here in the lab, but also what we are capable of doing and how we can collaborate and make a difference,” she said. “I want to have a bigger voice.”

Her leadership philosophy is rooted in collaboration, service and creating opportunities for others. Hein describes herself as a collaborative and servant leader who believes people learn and grow when they are given the tools and support to succeed.

“I think it’s my job to give the fishing pole, not the fish,” Hein said. “I want to create an environment where mistakes are just tools to learn and everybody feels safe to grow.”

That philosophy extends to her approach to succession planning and developing future leaders. Hein said one of her priorities will be bringing together the department’s newer and more experienced leaders, creating opportunities for collaboration and continued internal growth.

Hein credits the support of colleagues, mentors and her family for helping her reach this point, including former Oswego Health leaders who recognized her potential early in her career.

“I’m just really excited to take the opportunity,” Hein said. “I’m really grateful for the opportunity that I’ve been given.”

Outside of Oswego Health, Hein and her husband are raising their two children, ages 5 and 7. Their family stays active year-round, with activities ranging from hockey and soccer to dance, Girl Scouts and other youth sports. Hein even plays in a women’s hockey league with other Oswego Health employees from departments throughout the organization.

Her commitment to activity, growth and leading by example is something she hopes to pass along to her children.

“I want my kids to grow up and say that they learned work ethic, and they learned to be happy while doing it,” Hein said. “I really hope they can say they learned that from their mom and dad.”

As she steps into her new role, Hein said she is excited to build on the talent already within the laboratory and help the department reach its potential.

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About Oswego Health:
The mission of Oswego Health is to provide accessible, quality care and improve the health of residents throughout Central New York. As a nonprofit healthcare system established in 1881, Oswego Health is proud to be one of Oswego County’s largest private employers. More than 1,500+ employees spread throughout its 25 campuses, work for the Oswego Health system, which includes the 132-bed community Oswego Hospital, a 32-bed psychiatric acute-care facility with multiple outpatient behavioral health service locations, The Manor at Seneca Hill, a 120-bed skilled nursing facility, and Springside at Seneca Hill, an independent retirement community.  The health system also operates Oswego Health Home Care, the only hospital-based certified home healthcare agency in the County, as well as two outpatient centers, including the Fulton Medical Center, offering urgent care, lab, medical imaging, physical therapy, and occupational health services, and the Central Square Medical Center, offering urgent care, lab, medical imaging, and physical therapy services. In addition, the healthcare system includes Oswego Health Medical Practice, a multi-specialty medical group offering the community accessible, high-quality healthcare. 300+ physicians and advanced practice providers offer an extensive array of services across CNY, including primary care and specialty care in orthopedics, cardiology, ENT, gastroenterology, breast care, general surgery, urology, pulmonology, and bariatrics; for more information about Oswego Health, visit www.oswegohealth.org.