meet empierus

who we are

Financial improvements on both ends of the income statement come when curiosity and logic are supported with data. Our firm name is derived from the word ‘empirical’, which emphasizes Empierus’ fact-driven approach to achieving sustainable client results.

With decades of healthcare operational and supply chain experiences and an entrepreneurial passion for helping our clients navigate beyond the status quo, we look forward to teaming up on your next project.
Taking notes on an ipadTaking notes on an ipad

driven by our shared passion for results

bridging the gap between data and action

data
action
A strong command of the facts, backed up by good data, will always lead to a confident outcome. Our team excels at extracting data from a variety of sources and leveraging it in the context of supporting an important decision or negotiation. We sort out the good from the bad; incorporating client data, vendor data, stakeholder knowledge, and market insights into a complete picture that enables our clients to be successful in any initiative.

45+

combined years of industry experience

We are rooted in healthcare with a diverse background of subject matter expertise.

30+

healthcare systems supported

We are fortunate to serve many organizations of all sizes across the country.

$500m+

benefit dollars implemented

Our clients realize meaningful financial benefits that can be reinvested in patient care and the communities served.

meet empierus

our team of experts

Jeffrey Dineen
Jeffrey Dineen

managing partner

Jeff has nearly two decades of consulting and business experience in the healthcare, manufacturing and financial services industries. He has led many large-scale client implementation engagements delivering over $100M in recurring financial benefits and sustainable process improvements across various areas of non-labor expense. Jeff’s healthcare clients have included top tier academic medical centers, large integrated delivery networks and small community hospitals.
Andrew Gastwirth

managing partner

Andrew has nearly two decades of experience providing high-quality service to supply chain and procurement professionals and finance and operational executives. Formerly with Huron Consulting, Andrew worked in the Legal and Healthcare practice units. There he managed a broad range of engagements with strategic, operational, and cost reduction focus. At ICG Commerce (now Accenture), Andrew was the North American Category lead for two Fortune 500 accounts, and had supply chain responsibility for over $300M in annual professional service spend.
Andrew Gastwirth
Jonathan Vito

managing partner

Jonathan has extensive experience identifying and implementing cost reduction and performance improvement opportunities for his clients. In his nearly two decades of consulting, he has worked with clients in many industries including: Healthcare, Higher Education, Technology, and Financial Services. Since 2008 Jonathan has primarily advised healthcare providers and has led several multi-year engagements for some of the largest health systems in the country. Utilizing a “hands on” leadership style, Jonathan has delivered over $250 million of cost savings to clients.
Joanna Guziak

Senior manager

Prior to joining Empierus, Joanna worked in both large and small consulting firms. Her career has been focused on transformational projects aimed at performance improvement and strategic cost optimization for healthcare clients. Joanna earned her bachelor’s degrees in Finance and Business Administration from DePaul University and currently resides in Northwest Indiana. In her free time, Joanna enjoys spending time with her big Polish family or traveling the world with her husband.
michael krueger

Senior Consultant

Michael joined Empierus after earning his Finance and International Business Bachelor of Science degrees from Indiana University. Michael also studied in Copenhagen, where he honed skills in sustainable supply chain practices. Based in Denver, he has supported clients across the country in areas such as clinical improvement, supply chain cost reduction, and internal governance. In his free time, Michael enjoys golfing, skiing, and exploring the great outdoors of Colorado.
Bryan Knight

Senior Consultant

Bryan has extensive experience in healthcare finance, accounting, systems, and data analytics. His current client focuses include delivering cost reduction opportunities, operational improvements, and strategic business support. Bryan has implemented and supported data warehousing, business intelligence, analytics, and dashboard reporting solutions.  Born and raised in Southern California, Bryan’s Bachelor of Science degree in Finance is from San Diego State University. He enjoys traveling and the rewards that come with visiting new places, experiencing different cultures and cuisines.
Abby Gaughan

Consultant

Abby joined Empierus after graduating from the University of Michigan. She received a Bachelor’s in Health Sciences from the School of Public Health. Through her previous experience working within the healthcare system, she gained valuable knowledge of healthcare operations.  She combines that experience with her analytical capabilities to support clients of all sizes ranging from small community hospitals to large academic medical centers.  Abby lives in Chicago and enjoys walking, biking, and running the lakefront as well as appreciating various restaurants throughout the city.
Patrick Sternberg

Consultant

Patrick joined Empierus after receiving a Bachelor’s degree in Finance and minor in Economics from The Ohio State University.  His passion for consulting was ignited by his involvement in the TAMID organization at The Ohio State University, where he engaged with several startups to study the operational impact of their strategic decisions.  Patrick combines his professional experience along with his analytical and problem-solving capabilities to drive meaningful change for his clients.  Patrick grew up in New York and now resides in downtown Chicago. In his free time Patrick enjoys golfing, watching sports, and spending time with his friends and family.
Lexi Smith

Consultant

Lexi joined Empierus after graduating from The University of Chicago, where she graduated with a Bachelor's in Biological Sciences and in Statistics. Her passion for the healthcare industry stemmed from her former role researching pancreatitis and her patient interactions within The University of Chicago Medicine. She draws upon her background in health sciences in conjunction with her analytical perspective to determine how she can best help clients. Lexi grew up in Florida and now calls Chicago home. She enjoys swimming, biking, watching football, and discovering new places to eat in the city.
Isaac Solloway

Consultant

After earning both a Master's degree in Finance and a Bachelor's degree in Biochemistry from Indiana University, Isaac joined Empierus. With a deep-rooted passion for the healthcare sector, Isaac has developed his proficiency through numerous internships and practicums in the life sciences, healthcare data storage improvement, and operational optimization. As he begins a career in professional services, Isaac seeks to build upon his educational background to bridge the gap between the intricacies of healthcare operations and the financial aspects crucial to success. Residing in Chicago, he enjoys solo travel around the globe, immersing himself in diverse and vibrant cultures.

meet empierus

our culture

Hospital building

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