2023 Top Consultants: Duane Harrington

Duane joined AArete in 2009 and his leadership has driven the growth of AArete during his 14-year tenure at the employee-owned firm. He has been an executive leader in AArete's Healthcare consulting practice serving more than 120 payer clients in all U.S. markets and lines of business including Medicare, Medicaid, Exchange, and Commercial plans of all sizes. Under Duane's leadership AArete teams have designed and implemented end-to-end payer solutions that balance costs and revenue impact, manage risk and improve quality of care.

Duane now provides leadership oversight for the firm's health care, Financial Services and Public Sector practices, as well as all client relationships. Duane's is a senior member of AArete's Executive Leadership Team and has helped shape the firm's culture of care and excellence. He actively mentors the firm's Managing Directors and consulting teams. Duane's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion cultivates an inclusive and innovative work setting and active participation in AArete's Women's Initiative Network (WIN), Black AAretian Network, AAreaching Out community service group and other employee resource groups.

Duane has more than 25 years of consulting experience helping organizations with strategy, performance improvement and operational initiatives. He holds a Master of Business Administration degree from Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management and a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from The Ohio State University.

What has been the biggest factor in your success so far?

Success is rarely an individual accomplishment, and I believe that my success would not have been possible without the collective efforts of AArete team members. The biggest factor in my success has been the opportunity to make a difference for my family, colleagues and clients.

What do you enjoy most about your career in the consulting industry?

One of the most enjoyable aspects of working in the consulting industry is the opportunity to work with diverse clients and people to improve business profitability and performance. Consulting is fast-paced and being able to drive impactful change for clients is a great motivator. Seeing the positive impact our work can have on a client's business and their people, for me, is meaningful and purposeful.

What is your proudest achievement to date?

First, any amount of success I've had is really the achievement of my family and the support and encouragement they've provided me over the years. Consulting can be a challenging career, and without their help, particularly the support and sacrifices from my wife, Bonnie, there is no way I would have been able to be where I am today. Professionally, I am proud of the colleagues that I have supported who are able to balance ambition and empathy. As a leader, teaming and helping others succeed has been a fulfilling experience, and I am grateful for the opportunities to make a positive contribution to our firm, clients and people.

What does this recognition mean to you?

I am incredibly honored to be recognized by Consulting Magazine for Excellence in Leadership. To me this is a recognition that reflects the many leaders and managers that I have learned from throughout my career, as well as the talented and team-oriented individuals that I'm privileged to work with every day. This honor motivates me to strive to make a positive impact on my clients and colleagues.