CEO Denise Brooks-Williams: Strengthening Operating Performance at Bronson Battle Creek

Denise Brooks-Williams is president and CEO of Henry Ford Hospital Wyandotte (Mich.). Prior to that role, she served as president and CEO of Bronson Battle Creek (Mich.) formerly Battle Creek Health System, a 218-bed, all private room community hospital.

"I've always had an interest in helping people; I enjoy making a positive impact in the communities in which I live and work. And what better place than through our healthcare systems," says Ms. Brooks-Williams.

Ms. Brooks-Williams was named Battle Creek CEO in 2009. In July 2011, the health system — then named Battle Creek Health System — entered into a partnership with Bronson Healthcare Group and she was chosen to fill the leadership role of the resulting entity. Ms. Brooks-Williams has more than 20 years of healthcare leadership experience at Michigan hospitals, including St. Joseph Mercy Oakland (Mich.) and Detroit Medical Center. She has worked to strengthen operating performance in numerous areas, including physician networks, ambulatory development and patient advocacy. Prior to her position with Bronson Battle Creek, Ms. Brooks-Williams served as vice president of operations at St. Joseph Mercy Oakland. She was responsible for ancillary and diagnostic services and oncology program development.

Ms. Brooks-Williams currently serves on the boards of the Battle Creek Area Chamber of Commerce, the University of Michigan Health Management and Policy Alumni Association, Albion Health Care Alliance, Integrated Health Partners, Bronson Battle Creek Hospital Community Partners and the Institute of Diversity. She also serves as the alternate delegate to Regional Policy Board 5 of the American Hospital Association's Section for Health Care Systems. In addition, Ms. Brooks-Williams is a former president and current board member of the National Association of Health Services Executives.

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