Roger Lutz Named to Becker’s 2025 List of Top Hospital CIOs

BUTLER, Pa., August 5, 2025 — Roger Lutz, chief information officer of Independence Health System, has been named one of Becker’s Hospital Review’s “Hospital and health system CIOs to know” for 2025. He is recognized among 148 national leaders for driving innovation, cybersecurity and digital transformation across healthcare.

With 30 years of experience in information technology (IT), data communication and information security, Lutz oversees IT operations for Independence Health System’s five hospitals: Butler Memorial, Clarion, Frick, Latrobe and Westmoreland. He played a pivotal role in the successful merger of Butler Health System and Excela Health, unifying IT teams and systems while improving efficiency and reducing costs.

Becker’s Healthcare noted, “The CIOs featured on this list are at the helm of dynamic teams, overseeing IT strategy, integrating new tools, expanding telehealth capabilities, strengthening cybersecurity and more. Becker’s Healthcare is proud to recognize these trailblazing leaders for their commitment to advancing healthcare through technology. Their work is essential to the success and evolution of their organizations.”

Lutz led the integration of critical business and clinical systems, implemented an Enterprise Master Patient Index for more than 2 million records, and helped launch Avehealth USA — a joint AI venture with Mitsui & Co. Ltd. to advance predictive, data-driven care.

Under his leadership, the information services team now ranks in the top quartile for efficiency among peer organizations. Lutz also continues to strengthen the system’s cybersecurity posture, ensuring the protection of patient data across the newly formed, billion-dollar health system.

“Roger Lutz exemplifies what it means to be a visionary chief information officer — seamlessly leading the complex IT integration of two legacy hospital systems into a unified, health system, offering expert care to the communities we serve and serving as a model for innovation, resilience and operational turnaround,” said Ken DeFurio, CEO and president of Independence Health System.

Lutz holds multiple industry certifications, including CHCIO, CDH-E, CHISL and HCISPP Emeritus. Learn more about Independence Health System’s award-winning care at www.independence.health. Expert Care. Here.

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About Independence Health System

Nationally recognized for quality care, Independence Health System comprises Butler Memorial, Clarion, Frick, Latrobe and Westmoreland Hospitals with a combined bed count of 925. With more than 1,000 physicians and advanced practice providers and 7,300 employees, the System is the third largest in western Pennsylvania serving a population base of 750,000 in a footprint spanning more than 10 counties. 

The System includes tertiary programs rated among America’s best for cardiac care and surgery, earning accolades from a number of prestigious outlets and organizations. Locally owned and locally controlled, Independence Health System offers its patients low-cost, high-quality care across the care spectrum in such specialties as cardiology, cardiovascular and thoracic surgery, orthopedics and sports medicine, minimally invasive and robotic surgery, women’s health and obstetrics, emergency medicine, behavioral health and primary care. Its network of outpatient centers sees more than 1.2 million visits annually. The homecare division further supports patients at all stages of life with home health and hospice services. Learn more at www.independence.health

About Becker's Healthcare 

Becker's Healthcare is the go-to source for healthcare decision-makers and one of the fastest growing media platforms in the industry. Through print, digital and live event platforms, Becker's Healthcare equips healthcare leaders with information and forums they need to learn, exchange ideas and further conversations about the most critical issues in American healthcare today.