The activation phase of a healthcare facilities project is an intense period of readying a newly constructed space for the start of operations, and when not planned and executed thoughtfully, it can create significant operational and regulatory risks. Common New Facility Activation and Regulatory Issues — and How to Best Avoid Them brings together seasoned healthcare leaders who have supported the activation of acute care hospitals, pediatric hospitals, ambulatory facilities, and behavioral health environments. Drawing from real-world experience, the panel will highlight the most common pitfalls encountered during the building activation and regulatory readiness efforts, including challenges in planning, documentation, coordination, and execution. Participants will gain practical insights to proactively identify risks, strengthen readiness plans, and ensure a safe, compliant, and confident Day 1 of operations.
Sr. Project Manager, Strategic Space Planning & Transition Strategy
Stanford Children’s Health (Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford)
Jen Correa is a Senior Project Manager & Medical Equipment Planner at Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital, Stanford (LPCH), focused on hospital activations, training, and licensing readiness. Jen’s most recent projects include the activations of a neonatal intensive care unit, a maternity unit, and an ambulatory cancer center within the hospital footprint. Prior to working in the pediatric healthcare delivery environment, Jen held project management roles in healthcare quality improvement at the California Quality Collaborative and in clinical trial software at Bracket (now Signant Health). Jen earned an MBA from UC Davis Graduate School of Management and a PMP from the Project Management Institute.
President
Simoes Group; Sr. Project Manager for El Camino Health
Sicy Simoes is President of Simoes Group, an owner's representative firm specializing in healthcare transition and activation, operational readiness, and move management. With more than 25 years of experience leading complex healthcare capital programs totaling over $1 billion in aggregate value, Sicy brings a rare combination of construction knowledge and operational insight to every engagement. As a long-standing Owner's Representative for El Camino Health, Sicy has supported the organization through some of its most transformative projects — from a $296M replacement hospital to major pavilion expansions — spanning the full lifecycle from stakeholder programming through go-live command center operations and post-occupancy stabilization. Sicy is a trusted advisor to healthcare executives, clinicians, and design-build partners, known for bridging the gap between construction delivery and patient care operations — ensuring that when the doors open, the organization is truly ready.
