Heather Gallagher

Biography

Heather Gallagher was promoted to Vice President of Human Resources and Interim Chief Human Resources Officer at Erie County Medical Center (ECMC) in July 2026.

Since joining ECMC in 2015, Heather Gallagher has become an integral member of the organization’s leadership team, driving transformational initiatives that have strengthened Human Resources operations, modernized technology, enhanced workforce planning, and supported ECMC’s continued growth. Throughout her tenure, she has earned a reputation as a trusted strategic partner, collaborative leader, and innovative problem solver whose work has directly advanced ECMC’s mission and long-term objectives.

As Vice President and Interim Chief Human Resources Officer, Heather will provide executive leadership for all Human Resources functions, including talent strategy, compensation, benefits, payroll, HR technology, employee and labor relations, leave administration, workforce analytics, and organizational development. She will continue partnering with Executive Leadership and the Board of Directors to develop workforce strategies that support ECMC’s commitment to exceptional patient care and operational excellence.

Most recently serving as Senior Director of Compensation, Benefits & HRIS, Heather led enterprise Human Resources operations supporting more than 4,500 employees and over $400 million in annual payroll. In 2023, she established and now leads Human Resources operations for Premier Health Partners, PC and Grider Support Services, LLC, creating the HR infrastructure necessary to support organizational expansion while successfully integrating multiple physician practice acquisitions.

Throughout her career at ECMC, Heather has successfully led complex, enterprise-wide initiatives that have modernized operations and strengthened organizational performance. She spearheaded the migration of ECMC’s Human Resources technology platform through the successful implementation of integrated Workforce Management and HR/Payroll systems, enabling enhanced workforce analytics, streamlined business processes, and improved employee and manager experience.

Heather has also demonstrated exceptional leadership during periods of significant organizational challenge. During two separate cyber incidents, she led the restoration of critical Human Resources and Payroll systems while ensuring uninterrupted payroll processing and operational continuity for thousands of employees. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she developed compensation strategies to address critical workforce shortages and led the implementation of OSHA emergency standards, helping ECMC navigate one of the most challenging periods in healthcare while maintaining a safe and supported workforce.

Under her leadership, ECMC has achieved measurable improvements in workforce performance and organizational effectiveness. Strategic compensation and workforce initiatives contributed to a 5.2% reduction in employee turnover, a 2.8% improvement in retention, the elimination of agency staffing, and a 46% reduction in lost-time workers’ compensation claims through collaborative safety and risk management initiatives. These accomplishments reflect her commitment to using data-driven decision-making to improve employee engagement, financial stewardship, and organizational outcomes.

Heather earned a Master of Business Administration from the State University of New York at Oswego and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Marketing from the State University of New York at Fredonia.

Beyond ECMC, Heather is committed to advancing the Human Resources profession and serving the Western New York community. She serves on the Board of the Labor Management Healthcare Fund and the Erie County Deferred Compensation Committee and previously served as Treasurer of the Western New York Chapter of the National Human Resources Association.