40 Fast & Future Leaders: Angie Oakie on Leadership in Surgical Services
Whitman Partners is proud to feature Angie Oakie, RN, BSN, MHA, Manager of Surgical Services at UnityPoint Health Grinnell Regional Medical Center, as part of our 40 Fast & Future Leaders of Surgical Services series. Angie’s journey in perioperative leadership is a testament to her resilience, dedication, and ability to build meaningful connections with her team and physicians.
Through her diverse career experiences and people-focused leadership style, Angie has made a significant impact on patient care and team performance at every level.
Professional Challenges That Have Shaped Leadership
Angie’s career in surgery began in 2001, where she worked on the General/Peripheral Vascular team for 11 years. This hands-on experience, paired with her academic achievements, laid the foundation for her leadership journey.
In 2012, she was asked to step in as an interim team leader, where she spearheaded a project analyzing the cost/case of laparoscopic appendectomies. This experience gave her invaluable insight into the operational and financial aspects of surgical services, preparing her for roles as Senior Operation Manager for the Operating Room and Director of the Cardiac/Electrophysiology Lab.
Angie transitioned to her current role as Surgical Services Manager at UnityPoint Health Grinnell Regional Medical Center in 2022, where she thrives in a regional hospital setting.
“We are a small hospital, but we are mighty! We have fewer physicians to work with, so we can develop closer relationships with them and really get to know them,” Angie explains. This close-knit environment has allowed her to make a measurable impact on patient experience scores and foster stronger connections with her team.
Retaining and Engaging the Team
Angie believes the key to retaining and engaging a team is building genuine relationships.
“I have learned to get to know the people we work with on a more personal level. What engages them? What is important to them?” she says.
By understanding what drives her team members and showing a sincere interest in their concerns, Angie creates a work environment where employees feel seen, heard, and valued. This connection not only boosts engagement but also fosters open communication, making it easier to address issues and find solutions collaboratively.
Secret Sauce: Leading by Example
Angie’s “secret sauce” as a leader is her willingness to roll up her sleeves and help out wherever she’s needed.
“To jump in and help when help is needed—it could be mopping the floors on a busy day or answering phones and scheduling cases,” she explains.
Working alongside her team allows Angie to build stronger connections and better understand the day-to-day challenges they face. Whether it’s identifying broken equipment that needs attention or addressing inefficiencies in workflows, her hands-on leadership approach enables her to provide meaningful support.
“When you work beside your staff members, you feel more connected to them, and it’s easier to relate to their struggles. It shows them you care and that you’re part of the team,” she adds.
A Leader Making a Difference
Angie Oakie embodies the qualities of a true leader—resilient, approachable, and committed to the success of her team and patients. Her journey from hands-on surgical roles to management showcases her ability to adapt, grow, and lead with purpose.
At UnityPoint Health Grinnell Regional Medical Center, Angie continues to make a difference by fostering strong relationships, creating a supportive team environment, and leading by example.
Whitman Partners congratulates Angie on her well-deserved recognition as part of the 40 Fast & Future Leaders of Surgical Servicesseries. Her dedication to her team and her ability to drive meaningful change are an inspiration to perioperative leaders everywhere.