With a career that spans nearly five decades, Nancy Stratton has become a trusted voice in the health care and laboratory fields, shaping systems that strengthen quality, workforce resilience and organizational performance. As chief executive officer of COLA Inc., she leads with purpose and vision, overseeing accreditation operations, steering long-term strategy and managing key areas including finance, personnel and interdepartmental coordination. She works closely with a 12-member board of directors and serves as the organization’s primary link to external stakeholders and partner organizations. Under her leadership, COLA Inc. has expanded its reach and addressed the laboratory workforce shortage through the launch of the Workforce Action Alliance.
Ms. Stratton’s educational background is rooted in business leadership. She earned both her Master of Business Administration and Bachelor of Business Administration from St. Edward’s University. Her formal education is enhanced by a series of professional certifications, including Six Sigma green belt, emergency medical technician certification from the State of Texas, clinical laboratory technologist certification from the Health Resources and Services Administration and medical laboratory technician certification from the American Society for Clinical Pathology. Her commitment to lifelong learning has shaped her ability to lead complex health care organizations through change and growth.
Before joining COLA Inc., Ms. Stratton held executive roles at Clinical Pathology Laboratories, where she rose through the ranks from service and quality manager to vice president of quality improvement and risk management, eventually becoming division president and chief executive officer. Her efforts during this period were instrumental in embedding quality improvement practices that elevated operational standards across the organization. Earlier in her career, she contributed to health care operations at a number of hospitals, including Cuero Community Hospital, Victoria Regional Medical Center, Gonzales Memorial Hospital and Fayette Memorial Hospital. These experiences grounded her in the daily realities of patient care and laboratory work, shaping her practical approach to leadership.
Ms. Stratton has also taken an active role in advancing the laboratory profession through her participation in industry associations. She is a member of the American Society for Clinical Pathology and the American College of Healthcare Executives. Her commitment to innovation in the field is further reflected in her board involvement with Project Santa Fe Foundation, where she contributes to evolving models such as Clinical Lab 2.0 that aim to redefine the role of diagnostics in value-based care.
Beyond her professional achievements, Ms. Stratton has made a significant impact through community service. She co-founded Horses4Heroes at Flying S Ranch in Texas with her husband, offering horseback riding lessons and recreational activities for military families. Through collaborations with organizations such as Austin Vet Center, Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, Girl Scouts of the USA and faith-based groups, the program created a space for healing, connection and joy.
Born in Merced, Ms. Stratton is a dedicated mother to two adult sons. Her personal life reflects the same values of service, resilience and compassion. Horses remain a lifelong passion and a source of comfort and strength, often serving as a bridge between her professional work and community engagement. As she continues to lead with clarity and heart, she remains focused on creating solutions that support both the health care workforce and the patients they serve.