Community at the Helm: Interoperability as a Priority for Minnesota’s Health Data

October 30, 2025

By Liz Cinqueonce, MBA
President & CEO of MNCM

At MN Community Measurement (MNCM), we believe that the most meaningful progress in health care comes when the community is at the center—when those closest to the work and most affected by outcomes help shape the path forward. Building on this foundation, we are making interoperability a top priority. Interoperability isn’t just a technical goal—it is a commitment to ensuring that providers, payers, and other community partners have access to timely, usable, and actionable information. When data flow seamlessly, it empowers more informed decisions, reduces burden, and supports equitable care and improved outcomes.

To help lead this important work, MNCM is pleased to announce the hiring of Nila Hines as Vice President of Data Integrity and Interoperability. Nila is a proven data leader with over a decade of experience advancing data integrity, modernization, and governance across Minnesota state agencies. As the first person in Minnesota government to both launch an enterprise data governance program and serve as Chief Data & Analytics Officer, she has been at the forefront of building sustainable systems that strengthen data trust, accessibility, and usability. In her new role, she will lead MNCM’s interoperability strategy—advancing the organization’s efforts to build a more connected, transparent, and effective health data ecosystem across Minnesota.

Minnesota has a strong foundation for collaboration, with health systems, clinics, health plans, public health agencies, employers, community organizations, and patients all contributing unique insights and expertise. MNCM is committed to strengthening partnerships across this ecosystem, ensuring that every voice is heard and that data efforts are aligned toward common outcomes.

New federal initiatives are expanding opportunities for connectivity and shared infrastructure, and MNCM is actively engaging with partners to explore how Minnesota can begin to lead the way in interoperable health data. This includes aligning with national standards, piloting innovative approaches where gaps exist, and fostering shared governance models that reduce duplication and increase the usefulness of data for all.

Our goal is clear: a community-centered, interoperable, and trusted health data ecosystem that supports bold action to improve care, close disparities, improve outcomes, and strengthen Minnesota’s health system for the future.

Your voice matters. We invite you to share your thoughts and perspectives on how MNCM can continue to advance interoperability and strengthen Minnesota’s health data landscape by reaching out to support@mncm.org .

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