Welcome to LEAD North
Founded in 2021, LEAD North is a woman-owned IT consulting firm specializing in healthcare interoperability. We’re committed to revolutionizing the industry by combining a 100% remote workplace with a forward-thinking approach. Our goal is to deliver high-quality services at competitive rates to our clients.
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Leveraging decades of combined experience in the HIE, provider and payer space, we have a deep understanding of all forms of health data. Our expertise spans a wide range of modern data structures, including FHIR, CDA, and HL7. We provide comprehensive implementation services and ongoing interoperability support to ensure seamless data exchange.
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At LEAD North, we challenge the status quo and embrace continuous improvement. We specialize in acceleration frameworks and innovative approaches to simplify interoperability, delivering rapid results and streamlining integration processes. This ensures that our solutions are at the forefront of technology and provide long-term value.
HEATHER CAPEL, CEO
Heather Capel is a seasoned leader and entrepreneur with a rich background in the healthcare technology industry. With over 25 years of expertise in InterSystems technology, Heather is uniquely suited to lead as the Founder and CEO of LEAD North, a pioneering healthcare IT consulting firm specializing in InterSystems products.
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Heather's commitment to diversity and inclusion is at the core of LEAD North's mission. Believing that real change in the industry begins with broadening the candidate pool, she champions initiatives to provide opportunities for underrepresented groups and works to foster a more inclusive work environment.
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Prior to founding LEAD North, Heather held leadership roles where she was pivotal in driving innovation and organizational growth and transformation. With a track record of success, Heather's leadership and expertise guide LEAD North to new heights of excellence in the ever-evolving healthcare technology landscape.


CHI NGUYEN-RETTIG, CTO
With extensive experience in healthcare technology, Chi is a visionary architect and renowned thought leader. Her expertise traverses diverse sectors, with a strong focus on HIEs and payers, where she's dedicated to spearheading revolutionary changes within the healthcare industry.
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Beyond her role as a seasoned technologist, Chi is a passionate educator, committed to nurturing the next generation of tech talent. Her influence extends beyond traditional boundaries, as she actively shapes and builds technical teams, both within and outside of LEAD North.
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As a humane technologist, Chi is committed to using technology to improve people's lives. She believes in designing systems that prioritize human needs and drive meaningful change. Her ethos revolves around the belief that the most effective systems are those that prioritize human-centric design.
For Chi, pushing boundaries isn't merely a professional pursuit—it's a deeply ingrained philosophy. While some may refer to it as the leading edge, for her, it's just another day at the office. With a well-established track record of innovation and transformation, Chi continues to chart new frontiers, relentlessly shaping the future of technology with each endeavor.
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