Meet James Feen: The Man Powering Southcoast Health’s Digital Future

Not everyone making a big difference is loud about it. Some people let their work speak for itself. James Feen is one of those people. You won’t see him posting every day on LinkedIn or doing flashy interviews. But behind the scenes, he’s been changing how healthcare technology works, step by step.

As the Chief Information Officer (CIO) at Southcoast Health, Feen is helping doctors, nurses, and patients get better tools, faster access, and smoother systems. He’s not trying to be famous. He’s just focused on doing great work. In this article, we’ll explore who James Feen is, what he does, and how his ideas are shaping the future of healthcare in smart and simple ways.

Who Is James Feen?

James Feen is a tech leader who has spent more than 25 years working in healthcare technology. Right now, he’s the CIO and Senior Vice President at Southcoast Health, a big nonprofit health system in Southeastern Massachusetts.

He’s the kind of leader people trust—not because he talks big, but because he actually gets things done. Whether it’s fixing systems, building new platforms, or helping teams grow, Feen is known for his calm, steady, and smart way of working.

People in the healthcare world really respect him, even if the general public hasn’t heard his name. And that’s just how he likes it—quiet impact, strong results.

James Feen’s Early Career in Healthcare IT

James Feen didn’t fall into this field by accident. From the start, he chose to work at the point where technology and healthcare meet. He wanted to make a real difference in people’s lives through systems that actually help.

In his early days, Feen worked in several hands-on tech roles. He managed networks, handled IT systems, and kept things running smoothly—even when things got tough. These jobs might not sound exciting, but they gave him a deep understanding of what hospitals and clinics really need.

Because he did the hard work on the ground, Feen knows what works and what doesn’t. And that’s what makes him such a strong leader today—he’s walked the walk.

Education That Shaped His Path

Feen didn’t just rely on experience. He also took the time to study and grow his knowledge. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Information Systems, which gave him a strong tech base. Later, he went back to school and earned an MBA focused on IT strategy.

This mix of skills helped him understand both the technical and business sides of healthcare. It’s one thing to build a good system—it’s another to make sure it fits into a hospital’s goals, budgets, and workflows. Feen understands both worlds.

Thanks to his education and hands-on experience, Feen became the kind of leader who can build systems that actually make things better for both workers and patients.

Leading Digital Growth at Southcoast Health

Southcoast Health is no small place. It runs three hospitals and over 450 physicians, all across Southeastern Massachusetts. That means a lot of data, a lot of systems, and a lot of people depending on technology that works every day.

As CIO, Feen is in charge of digital operations, including cybersecurity, DevOps, application development, data systems, and much more. But he doesn’t just manage tech—he connects all the moving parts so that doctors, nurses, and patients all benefit.

For example, if a doctor needs faster access to a patient’s record or if a nurse needs a safer, more secure system, Feen’s team makes that happen. His leadership makes sure that technology doesn’t slow people down—it helps them do their job better.

James Feen’s Smart Vision for Healthcare Technology

James Feen doesn’t believe in using technology just because it’s “new.” He believes in using it to solve real problems. His goal is to create a smarter, easier, and more connected healthcare experience.

That means:

• Using cloud systems so hospitals can grow and stay flexible.

• Using real-time data to help doctors make faster decisions.

• Adding automation to speed up tasks (without making things harder).

• Building tools that actually help patients—like apps and portals that are simple and clear.

Feen also cares about making sure tech helps patients feel more in control of their care. From telehealth to mobile access, he supports tools that make it easier to book appointments, ask questions, or check records—all without needing to wait in line.

Major Projects Led by James Feen

James Feen has led many important projects, even if you don’t read about them in the news. His work may not be loud, but it makes a huge difference.

Here are just a few examples:

• DevOps and Agile Development: Feen helped Southcoast shift to a faster, more flexible way of building systems—so new features roll out quicker, and bugs get fixed faster.

• Infrastructure Upgrades: He quietly improved the hospital’s tech backbone, making systems more stable and reducing downtime.

• Telehealth Rollout: When COVID hit, Feen’s team launched virtual care tools quickly, helping thousands of patients get care from home.

• Improved Patient Portals: Under his leadership, Southcoast built better online tools that help patients view records, book visits, and get results more easily.

None of these were headline-grabbing moments. But together, they made the whole system stronger, smoother, and more useful.

How James Feen Keeps Data Safe and Systems Secure

In healthcare, keeping patient information safe is a big deal. Hackers and data leaks are real threats. That’s why James Feen takes cybersecurity very seriously.

Under his leadership, Southcoast Health uses strong firewalls, secure networks, and encrypted data systems. But it’s not just about locking things down. It’s about building trust. Doctors and nurses need to know the system is safe. Patients need to feel confident their private health info won’t fall into the wrong hands.

Feen also believes that security should never slow things down. He makes sure his team adds protection in a smart, seamless way—so people can keep working without extra stress or confusion.

James Feen’s Leadership Style: Calm, Clear, and Caring

Talk to people who work with James Feen, and they’ll likely say the same thing: he’s a kind and steady leader. He doesn’t shout or show off. He listens first. Then he acts with care and confidence.

Feen’s leadership style is all about teamwork. He doesn’t treat IT like it’s a separate group. He sees it as a partner to every other part of the hospital—from nurses to billing to front desk teams. Everyone matters, and everyone has a voice.

He also stays flexible. Healthcare changes fast. New rules, new tools, new needs—Feen keeps his team moving forward, adjusting as needed without losing focus.

Challenges James Feen Faced—and How He Solved Them

Being a CIO isn’t easy. Things break. New tech doesn’t always work right away. And change can make people nervous. But James Feen doesn’t panic. He takes a deep breath, listens to his team, and finds smart, simple solutions.

One big challenge came during a time of fast growth at Southcoast Health. Different departments were using systems that didn’t work well together. Instead of a quick fix, Feen led a full integration plan. It took time—but now, everyone can share data more easily, saving time and cutting down on errors.

Another test came during the pandemic. Everything had to go digital—fast. Feen led the move to telehealth and remote care, making sure doctors could still treat patients even when clinics were closed. He turned a crisis into progress.

Mentoring the Next Generation of Tech Leaders

James Feen isn’t just building better systems—he’s also helping build better people. He believes the future of healthcare tech depends on the next generation of smart, caring leaders.

Feen spends time mentoring interns, junior developers, and clinical IT staff. He answers questions, shares stories, and helps others grow. He also creates a work culture where people feel safe to speak up, try new ideas, and learn from mistakes.

His message is simple: Good ideas can come from anyone. And when teams feel supported, they do their best work.

James Feen’s Vision for the Digital Future of Healthcare

So, what’s next? For James Feen, the goal is clear: build a healthcare system that’s more connected, more helpful, and more human.

He’s working on:

• Expanding AI and predictive tools to help doctors make faster, smarter decisions.

• Improving remote care and telehealth, so people can get help from home.

• Connecting with wearables and health apps, so patients stay in control of their own health.

• Using real-time data to help with everything from managing staff to ordering supplies.

In Feen’s vision, technology is never the star. It’s the support system—quietly working in the background to help people feel better, live healthier, and get care when and where they need it.

Final Thoughts

James Feen may not be famous. You won’t find him trending on social media. But talk to anyone in healthcare IT, and you’ll hear the same thing—he’s one of the best.

He builds systems that work. He leads teams that care. He makes hard things simple. And he does it all without asking for attention or applause.

In a world full of noise, Feen’s quiet, steady leadership is a breath of fresh air. He reminds us that big change doesn’t always need a big stage. Sometimes, the most powerful work happens quietly—one smart choice at a time.

And that’s exactly what makes James Feen the man powering Southcoast Health’s digital future.

You may also read about Irita Marriott