NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. (September 12, 2025) – Hoag Senior Vice President and Chief Digital & Customer Innovation Officer Kathy Azeez-Narain has been honored with the “2025 Innovator of the Year” award by Orange County Business Journal. The award was presented to five trailblazers in Orange County at the annual Innovator of the Year event in Irvine on September 10, 2025.
Azeez-Narain has pioneered Hoag’s digital strategy, championing groundbreaking initiatives such as Hoag Compass, a longevity and preventative wellness program; Nona, a digital companion for new and expecting mothers; Hoag on Demand, a real-time virtual care platform; and a robust technology and artificial intelligence infrastructure that is raising the bar for healthcare systems nationwide.
“It’s an honor to be recognized by the Orange County Business Journal as one of the Innovators of the Year,” said Azeez-Narain. “Innovation in healthcare isn’t just about technology; it’s about designing frictionless experiences that put people first. This recognition reflects the bold thinking and commitment of the Hoag team to reimagine care with empathy, creativity and purpose. What we are doing here in Orange County is helping shape the future of healthcare delivery.”
Azeez-Narain’s patient-centric approach has transformed how Hoag delivers care and embraces agile, human-centered and tech-forward solutions that prioritize access, equity and patient empowerment.
A recognized thought leader in digital health, her insights have been featured in Forbes, Becker’s Hospital Review, and other national publications. She also advocates for digital health equity by designing tools that are inclusive and accessible to diverse populations. With a background in digital strategy at American Express, Azeez-Narain brings a proven track record of impactful, innovative leadership to Hoag.
Orange County Business Journal’s 2025 Innovator of the Year Awards celebrated 74 exceptional nominees whose groundbreaking products, services, and business models are shaping the future of Orange County. These innovators represent diverse industries, each demonstrating vision, creativity, and leadership in addressing real-world challenges and seizing new opportunities.
ABOUT HOAG
Hoag is a nonprofit, regional healthcare delivery system in Orange County, California. Delivering world-class, comprehensive, personalized care, Hoag consists of 1,800 top physicians, 18 urgent care facilities, 13 health & wellness centers, and two award-winning hospitals. Hoag offers a comprehensive blend of healthcare services that includes seven institutes providing specialized services in the following areas: cancer, digestive health, heart and vascular, neurosciences, spine, women’s health, and orthopedics through Hoag’s affiliate, Hoag Orthopedic Institute, which consists of an orthopedic hospital and five ambulatory surgical centers. Hoag is the highest ranked hospital in Orange County by U.S. News & World Report and the only OC hospital ranked in the Top 10 in California, as well as a designated Magnet® with Distinction hospital by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). For more information, visit hoag.org.