Dr. Kaveh Houshmand Azad has more than 25 years of experience improving systems across large and complex health organizations, advancing the teaching and implementation of Continuous Improvement, and strengthening the maturity of performance excellence models.

He earned his doctorate in Organizational Change Management from the University of Southern California, building on a foundation in Industrial Engineering. His work focuses on Performance Excellence, exploring knowledge systems, motivational factors, and organizational dynamics that support sustained adoption of improvement frameworks. Dr. Houshmand Azad has extensive experience with performance excellence models, including serving on the Baldrige Board of Examiners, and has contributed to the broader body of knowledge by presenting at numerous national and international forums on organizational transformation.

In his current role as Associate Administrator of the Keck Operating System and Continuous Improvement at Keck Medicine of USC, Dr. Houshmand Azad partners with exceptional team members and worldclass physicians and clinicians to further elevate the care delivered to patients across the region and beyond.

He lives in Los Angeles with his wife, son, and daughter, and spends his spare time exploring the beauty of Southern California, following the world of soccer devotedly, and immersing himself in the captivating study of history.