Ekerete E. Akpan, C.P.A , F.A.C.H.E

Ekerete Akpan brings over two decades of expertise in finance leadership to his role as Chief Financial Officer at ACCESS. With a proven track record in financial strategy and operational oversight for large complex organizations, Ekerete is dedicated to advancing ACCESS’ mission through sound fiscal management and innovative solutions. 

Prior to joining ACCESS, Ekerete served as Chief of Finance, Administrative Reviews, and Compliance for Illinois Human Services (IHS), where he managed financial, budgetary, regulatory, and compliance operations for over 300 health care and human services organizations. He also served as System Chief Financial Officer for Cook County Health and Hospitals System, overseeing the financial performance of Stroger Hospital, Provident Hospital, fourteen primary care clinics, a correctional health care service, and the Medicaid managed care plan, CountyCare. 

At ACCESS, Ekerete leads key areas including Accounting, Financial Services, Pharmacy and Lab Services, Managed Care, and Revenue Cycle departments, ensuring sustainable financial growth while supporting ACCESS’ commitment to delivering quality care and services. 

Ekerete is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and a Fellow of the America College of Healthcare Executives (FACHE) and the Healthcare Finance Management Association (HFMA). From 2019 to 2023, Ekerete served as a Board Member for the HFMA First Illinois Chapter. Ekerete earned his Master’s degree in Public Administration from Rutgers University, Newark - New Jersey and his Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, with honors, from the University of Nigeria.