Dane Ruccio, Senior Product Director at Axxess, has been named to the Future Leaders Class of 2026 by Home Health Care News.
To become a Future Leader, an individual is nominated by their peers. The candidate must be a high-performing employee who is 40 years of age or younger, a passionate worker who knows how to put vision into action, and an advocate for seniors, and the committed professionals who ensure their well-being.
Ruccio sat down with Home Health Care News to share what drew him to the home health & home care industry, the biggest leadership lessons he has learned, his thoughts on the future of home health & home care, and much more. To learn more about the Future Leaders Awards program, visit https://futureleaders.wtwhmedia.com/.
HHCN: What drew you to the home health & home care industry?
Ruccio: After graduating from college, I joined Maxim Healthcare Services as a healthcare recruiter. What started as an opportunity to build a career quickly became a passion for helping connect caregivers with patients who depended on quality care in their homes.
Later on, I worked on a company-wide software implementation which gave me firsthand insight into both the people and processes that make home-based care possible. As my career progressed I became increasingly drawn to the industry’s ability to improve lives while embracing innovation.
The combination of purpose-driven work and the opportunity to solve meaningful challenges is what has kept me engaged throughout my career.
HHCN: How would you describe your leadership style, and how has it changed over time?
Ruccio: I would say that my style is collaborative. Throughout my career, I’ve had the opportunity to work across recruiting, operations, implementation, and product management, which has taught me the importance of bringing people together around a common goal. I enjoy building relationships, aligning different perspectives, and helping teams understand not just what we’re trying to accomplish, but why it matters.
Over time, my leadership style has evolved from being focused on execution to being focused on influence. Early in my career, I measured success by how much I could personally contribute to solving a problem. Today, I measure success by how effectively I can empower others, create clarity, and help teams succeed together.
HHCN: What is the biggest leadership lesson you’ve learned while serving the home health & home care industry?
Ruccio: I’ve learned that adaptability is critical. The home health and home care industry is constantly evolving — from regulatory changes and reimbursement models to workforce dynamics and advancements in technology. Leaders who resist change often find themselves reacting to challenges, while those who embrace change can help shape the future.
HHCN: In one word, how would you describe the home health & home care industry and why?
Ruccio: Essential.
Home-based care is essential in our healthcare system because it’s all about helping patients receive quality care where they are most comfortable, in their home. As our population ages and care continues shifting into the home, the importance of this industry will only continue to grow.
HHCN: What do you see as the biggest opportunities and challenges currently facing the home health & home care industry?
Ruccio: One of the biggest opportunities in our industry is the growing demand for care in the home. More patients want to receive care where they are most comfortable, and healthcare organizations are increasingly recognizing the benefits of home-based care. Technology can also help agencies work more efficiently and give clinicians more time to focus on patient care.
One of the biggest challenges in the immediate short term is the increased scrutiny around compliance in the wake of CMS’ enrollment moratorium. Now is the time to shore up operational processes that can create compliance issues. It’s also important to work with partners, like Axxess, to leverage technology and systems that are built to ensure regulatory compliance and mitigate risk.
HHCN: If you had a crystal ball, what do you think will impact the home health & home care industry over the next 5-10 years?
Ruccio: I believe the continued convergence of technology will have the greatest impact on the industry over the next decade.
Artificial intelligence across healthcare settings will help providers identify risks earlier, improve outcomes, and streamline operations. However, the organizations that succeed will be those that use technology to support — not replace — the human relationships that remain at the heart of home-based care.
HHCN: In your opinion, what qualities must all Future Leaders possess?
Ruccio: Future Leaders must be adaptable, curious, and empathetic. The healthcare landscape is evolving rapidly, and leaders must be willing to continuously learn, embrace change, and challenge conventional thinking.