Spotlight
World Class Leadership and Commitment to Culture Drives Success Pat Bauer, President, CEO and DeAnn McClain, EVP, COO
H
eartland Dental Leaders, Pat Bauer, President and CEO and DeAnn McClain, EVP and COO share their leadership journeys.
With more than 50 years of combined experience at Heartland Dental, the nation’s largest DSO, Pat Bauer and DeAnn McClain are an unmatched leadership pair. As members of the company’s Senior Leadership Team, Pat and DeAnn drive strategy for the organization and ensure they stay true to their doctor-led culture and support model in all aspects of the business. EARLY YEARS
community where people take care of each other and help when they can. Her parents, a teacher and a farmer, instilled in her a strong work ethic and a love for the land. Her roots in Hidalgo taught her the importance of looking out for one another, and she has carried this spirit into her professional journey, where she is committed to building a compassionate and supportive community throughout the organization. A PIVOTAL CAREER MOMENT Pat and DeAnn joined the company at different junctures in their personal career journeys.
Pat grew up in a large family with 15 siblings. After watching his father work in healthcare, Pat knew he also wanted to build a career in the industry. For Pat, the important thing was establishing a career helping people, and he has done exactly that. Pat gained experience working with people from an early age and has continued to build these skills over the years.
Pat had a chance meeting with the company’s Founder and Executive Chairman, Rick Workman, DMD, in an elevator at a dental convention in 1995. Fast forward a few years later, as Dr. Workman’s vision truly began to take flight. Pat stayed in contact with Dr. Workman’s team, and in 1997, the team said, “We need someone like Pat Bauer,” so Dr. Workman asked Pat if he knew anyone just like him to join his management team.
DeAnn, on the other hand, grew up in Hidalgo, IL, a tight-knit
Pat simply responded, “What about me?” Pat joined the com-
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