Lloyd Dean currently serves as president and CEO of San Francisco-based Dignity Health.
Prior to joining Dignity Health in 2000, he served as executive vice president and COO of Downers Grove, Ill.-based Advocate Health Care. Mr. Dean, who has more than 20 years of 
healthcare operations and leadership experience, earned his bachelor's and Masters degrees from Kalamazoo-based Western Michigan University. He also has an honorary doctorate from the University of San Francisco.
On Tuesday, April 18, Mr. Dean will speak on a keynote panel at the Becker's Hospital Review 8th Annual Meeting. As part of an ongoing series, Becker's is talking to healthcare leaders who plan to speak at the conference, which will take place April 17 through April 20 in Chicago.
To learn more about the conference and Mr. Dean's panel, click here.
Question: What's your favorite part of being a CEO of a healthcare system?
Lloyd Dean: I love being part of a team. There is a lot of power in bringing people together for a common goal. I especially enjoy talking with our incredible caregivers on the front lines, hearing their stories and suggestions about how to best care for our patients. I am also privileged to work with a very talented and diverse leadership team. Combined, we have the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the communities we serve every day. And for me, there is no better honor than that.
Q: Who is someone you consider a role model in your life and why?
LD: My mother was a person of great faith and character. She was able to see the positive in anything and with great compassion for everyone. I believe those early life lessons made me into the person I am today. From her inspiration, I strive to see the best in the most difficult of situations.
Q: What's the best decision you ever made? What's the worst decision you ever made?
LD: Undoubtedly, the best decision I ever made was pursuing the opportunity to come to Dignity Health (at the time Catholic Healthcare West). I remain as dedicated to our ministry today, if not more, than when I started.
Hindsight is always 20/20. Looking back, I think I will always regret that I never ran for public office. But ultimately, my goal has always been to influence lasting and positive change for the health of our communities, which I think my current position in healthcare allows me to do.
Q: What's one thing hospital leaders should keep top of mind throughout 2017?
LD: First, last and always, the top thing hospital leaders need to focus on is the patient — they are at the center of everything we do. Looking ahead, in my experience, the most successful leaders are flexible, nimble and always prepared for change.