40 Under 40 - 2025

Marque Macon credits a combination of engineering and team-building skills for helping him improve and expand ambulatory services at Inova.

Macon, who started in his role at the Fairfax, Virginia-based health system two years ago, designed a strategy to improve the efficiency of its ambulatory operations. The plan helped Inova reduce operating expenses in that unit by more than $1 million, increase patient volume by 14% and increase gross revenue by 24%, according to Macon.

As an industrial engineer, Macon said he has a knack for improving processes. He said he realized as a teenager he might be able to improve healthcare delivery as he watched his stepfather struggle to get services following a stroke and other chronic illnesses. 

“I saw that things were falling through the cracks and the teams weren’t communicating effectively," Macon explained. “I knew there was a need for my skill set in healthcare that would be a lot more rewarding than working in a manufacturing plant.”

Macon is accountable for operations and administrative reporting procedures for 2,100 team members across 280 physician practices and 10 service lines. He said his talent for building relationships with colleagues helps teams accomplish their goals. He also credits his mother in part for helping him develop that skill.

“She used to tell me to listen before speaking,” Macon said. “She said, 'You have two ears and one mouth for a reason.’”

— Diane Eastabrook