Olga “Kiki” Nin, MD, MBA
University of Florida, Warrington College of Business
Age: 44
“An anesthesiologist and healthcare leader, I optimize OR operations, mentor clinicians, and drive team-based excellence.”
Hometown: San Juan, Puerto Rico
Family Members: Wife (Waleska Vega), 9-year-old Son (Nikolas Nin-Vega)
Fun fact about yourself: I played competitive tennis growing up and represented Puerto Rico in the Federation Cup.
Undergraduate School and Degree:
- Brown University, B.S. Neuroscience ‘99-‘03
- Thomas Jefferson Medical School, MD ’06-‘09
Where are you currently working? University of Florida, Gainesville as an Associate Professor in the Department of Anesthesiology, Medical Director of Ambulatory Surgery Centers, Assistant Chair of Clinical Affairs.
Extracurricular Activities, Community Work and Leadership Roles: I serve as Medical Director for two ambulatory surgery centers with a combined 12 operating rooms, overseeing approximately 600 surgical cases per month. In addition, I am the Assistant Chair for Clinical Affairs in the Department of Anesthesiology and an active member of several key institutional committees, including the Surgical Governance Committee, OR Operations Committee, Resource Utilization Committee, and the Quality and Safety Committee. Outside of work, I enjoy watching sports—especially tennis—and, most importantly, spending quality time with my 9-year-old son as I help guide him to become a kind and compassionate young man.
Which academic or extracurricular achievement are you most proud of during business school? The academic achievement I’m most proud of during business school is serving as Assistant Chair of Clinical Affairs in the Department of Anesthesiology, where I joined the five-member leadership team. In this role, I mentor over 100 faculty in their clinical, research, and academic development, while also overseeing all clinical scheduling. Balancing this leadership responsibility alongside my Executive MBA has deepened my strategic thinking, strengthened my operational management skills, and reinforced my commitment to developing high-performing teams in complex healthcare environments.
What achievement are you most proud of in your professional career? One of the achievements I am most proud of in my professional career has been serving as a key member of the strategic leadership team responsible for the development of two ambulatory surgical centers. This role allowed me to contribute meaningfully at every stage of the project—from initial architectural design planning to operational implementation. I was involved in designing clinical workflows, selecting and budgeting for surgical equipment and instruments, and ensuring that the facility infrastructure would support safe, efficient, and high-quality care.
Beyond the physical space, I played an integral role in recruiting physicians, anesthesia providers, and support staff, fostering a culture rooted in teamwork, accountability, and clinical excellence. These projects now support approximately 600 surgical cases per month across 12 operating rooms. The opportunity to help create high-functioning surgical centers from the ground up—while aligning them with broader institutional goals and patient care priorities—has been one of the most rewarding and impactful accomplishments of my career.
Who was your favorite MBA professor? My favorite professor in the Executive MBA program has been Dr. Thomas Knight. His teaching profoundly transformed my understanding of business, making complex concepts accessible, relevant, and applicable to real-world challenges. Through his dynamic teaching style and thoughtful case discussions, he consistently bridged the gap between theory and practice in a way that resonated deeply with me as a physician and leader in a complex healthcare environment.
What stood out even more was Dr. Knight’s genuine commitment to his students. He fostered an inclusive and intellectually stimulating learning environment, encouraging curiosity, collaboration, and critical thinking. Beyond the classroom, he demonstrated authentic care for our growth—not just as business professionals, but as individuals navigating demanding careers. His mentorship and enthusiasm elevated the learning experience and inspired me to think more strategically and lead with greater purpose.
Why did you choose this school’s executive MBA program? I chose the University of Florida’s Executive MBA program because of its strong national reputation, rigorous academic curriculum, and the recommendation of trusted colleagues within the UF Health system. As a physician leader, I sought a program that would not only enhance my business acumen, but also align with the high standards of excellence and innovation I value in healthcare. The UF Executive MBA offers a unique opportunity to learn alongside accomplished professionals across industries, while maintaining close ties to the healthcare environment where I work. Additionally, the program’s emphasis on leadership, strategic decision-making, and real-world application made it an ideal fit for my goal of driving operational excellence and organizational growth within academic medicine.
What is the biggest lesson you gained during your MBA and how did you apply it at work? The most significant lesson I gained during my MBA has been the value of critical thinking—the ability to approach challenges with structured analysis, intellectual curiosity, and a solutions-oriented mindset. Through coursework, case discussions, and leadership training, I learned to pause, assess information from multiple perspectives, and make decisions based not only on data, but also on long-term strategic alignment.
I have applied this mindset directly in my role as Assistant Chair of Clinical Affairs. It has shaped how I approach problem-solving, whether navigating operational bottlenecks, addressing faculty concerns, or aligning clinical initiatives with the department’s broader vision. By taking time to truly listen, synthesize input from multiple stakeholders, and evaluate options through a strategic lens, I’ve become more intentional and effective in how I communicate and lead. This shift has enhanced my ability to guide my team through change, build consensus, and support a culture of thoughtful, mission-driven progress.
Give us a story during your time as an executive MBA on how you were able to juggle work, family and education? One of the most challenging yet rewarding experiences during my Executive MBA journey occurred over the Christmas and New Year’s holidays. As the Assistant Chair for Clinical Affairs in the Department of Anesthesiology, I hold responsibility for faculty scheduling, including managing vacation requests and ensuring clinical coverage during peak holiday times—a period that requires delicate balancing of professional obligations and personal commitments.
This past year, I had traveled to Puerto Rico to spend the holidays with my extended family, a rare and meaningful opportunity to connect with loved ones. While physically away from the hospital, I remained deeply engaged in coordinating the daily operating room schedule, responding to last-minute changes, and fulfilling the clinical needs of the department. This required real-time communication with staff and surgical leadership, careful navigation of competing vacation requests, and strategic staffing decisions to maintain patient safety and operational efficiency.
Simultaneously, I was managing coursework and team projects for the Executive MBA program, including preparing for upcoming exams. I often found myself working on academic assignments in the early mornings or late evenings to ensure I could be present with my family during the day. It was a period of intense multitasking and discipline, requiring me to compartmentalize, prioritize effectively, and rely on time management strategies that I had honed through the MBA program itself.
This experience reinforced my ability to lead under pressure, maintain clarity in high-stakes environments, and stay connected to my personal values while honoring my professional and academic responsibilities. It was a real-time application of the leadership, communication, and organizational skills I’ve developed through the program—and a reminder of the importance of resilience, adaptability, and purpose-driven leadership.
What advice would you give to a student looking to enter an executive MBA program? Entering an Executive MBA program is a significant investment of time, energy, and commitment—but it is one of the most rewarding decisions you can make for your personal and professional growth. My advice to anyone considering this path is to approach it with passion, openness, and purpose. Be eager to learn not only from faculty, but also from your peers—your classmates bring a wealth of diverse experiences and perspectives that can deepen your understanding and challenge you to think differently.
Equally important is staying organized and disciplined with your time. Balancing the demands of a rigorous academic schedule alongside career and family responsibilities requires thoughtful planning and prioritization. The more structure you build into your routine, the more space you create to truly engage with the material and contribute meaningfully to group discussions and projects.
Take advantage of every learning opportunity—the insights you gain throughout the program will continue to add value at every stage of your career, from day-to-day decision-making to long-term strategic leadership. Most importantly, embrace the journey with pride. Being a part of the University of Florida Executive MBA program means joining a strong, supportive, and accomplished Gator network. Represent that legacy with pride and pay it forward by uplifting those around you.
What was your biggest regret in business school? My greatest regret during business school was not being able to share the experience with my father. He was a Harvard MBA graduate and one of the most inspiring and dedicated individuals I have ever known—both as a professional and as a parent. His passion for learning, commitment to excellence, and belief in the power of education deeply shaped my own academic and professional journey.
Tragically, he passed away unexpectedly just a few months before I began the Executive MBA program. It was a profound personal loss, especially given how much I had looked forward to sharing this chapter with him—discussing ideas, comparing experiences, and celebrating milestones along the way. He had always been a guiding force in my life, and I know he would have taken great pride in this achievement.
Although he wasn’t physically present, I felt his influence and support throughout the program. His legacy motivated me to approach every assignment and every challenge with integrity and purpose. His memory reminded me to lead with humility, to value the pursuit of knowledge, and to strive not only for success but for impact.
This experience reinforced for me that education is not just about personal advancement—it’s also about honoring the people who shaped us, and using what we learn to make others proud, even in their absence.
Which MBA classmate do you most admire? One of the classmates I most admire from my Executive MBA cohort is Heather Jennings, Vice President of Marketing for Ruth’s Chris Steak House. From the very beginning of the program, Heather brought an infectious energy and optimism to every interaction. Her presence in the room was always uplifting—she had a natural ability to bring people together, foster collaboration, and lead with both confidence and compassion.
Heather consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership, not only in her professional accomplishments but also in the way she supported and engaged with her peers. She was always willing to offer insight, lend a helping hand, or contribute a creative perspective, regardless of how busy she was. Her thoughtful approach to teamwork and her ability to navigate complex discussions with grace made her a standout in group projects and classroom dialogue.
What I admired most was her balance of strategic thinking with genuine empathy. She was as committed to excellence as she was to creating an inclusive, positive learning environment. Heather exemplifies the type of leader who inspires others not just through titles or achievements, but through her authenticity, generosity, and unwavering professionalism. She made our cohort stronger, and I am grateful to have shared this journey with her.
What was the main reason you chose an executive MBA program over part-time or online alternatives? The primary reason I chose an Executive MBA program over part-time or online alternatives was the value I place on immersive, in-person learning and the opportunity to engage deeply with peers from diverse professional backgrounds. As someone in a senior leadership role within academic medicine, I wanted a program that offered not only rigorous academic instruction but also the chance to develop meaningful connections through face-to-face collaboration, real-time dialogue, and shared experiences.
In-person learning allows for a level of engagement, spontaneity, and nuance that is difficult to replicate in a fully virtual environment. I knew I would benefit most from the energy of the classroom—where ideas are challenged, perspectives broadened, and professional relationships organically grow. The Executive MBA format also fostered a cohort-based model, which offered a built-in support system and a network of professionals who, like me, are balancing demanding careers while seeking to elevate their leadership capabilities.
Ultimately, I selected the Executive MBA because I wanted to be fully present—to learn not just from the curriculum, but from the lived experiences of classmates and faculty in real time. The structure, intensity, and community of the in-person program aligned perfectly with how I learn best and how I aspire to lead.
How did you finance your EMBA and what did you do to make tuition and associated costs more affordable? As a faculty member at the University of Florida, I was fortunate to receive a tuition discount as part of the university’s employee education benefit. This support made pursuing the Executive MBA program more accessible. I personally financed the remaining tuition and associated costs, carefully budgeting and planning ahead to manage expenses. This combination of institutional support and personal investment allowed me to pursue the program while maintaining my professional and family responsibilities.
What is your ultimate long-term professional goal? My long-term professional goal is to continue contributing meaningfully to the leadership team within the Department of Anesthesiology, with the aspiration of positioning myself to be a candidate for the Chair position within the next 6 to 7 years. I am committed to advancing the department’s clinical excellence, academic mission, and strategic growth. Through continued leadership development, mentorship, and collaboration, I hope to play an integral role in shaping the department’s future and driving innovation in patient care, education, and research.
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