Health systems with a strong culture of diversity, equity and inclusion can better serve patients and their workforce, and it takes a talented leader to successfully drive those efforts.
Becker's has compiled a list of 40 diversity and inclusion leaders from hospitals and health systems across the nation who have led successful transformations and continue to drive positive change within their organizations. The leaders are named in alphabetical order.
Contact Laura Dyrda at ldyrda@beckershealthcare.com with any questions about this list. To nominate healthcare leaders for future Becker's lists, click here.
Adrienne Austin. Director of Diversity and Inclusion at RWJBarnabas Health (New Jersey City, N.J.). Ms. Austin has served as the director of diversity and inclusion at RWJBarnabas Health since 2022. She has several years of experience working within diversity and inclusion programs. Prior to this role, Ms. Austin worked at the New York City Department of Education as the deputy chancellor, chief operating officer for the division of community empowerment, partnerships and communications, and chief of staff to the office of general counsel.
Shiva Bidar-Sielaff. Chief Diversity Officer and Vice President at UW Health (Madison, Wis.). Ms. Bidar-Sielaff has served as the chief diversity officer and vice president of UW Health since 2020. She has over 20 years of experience in community relations and diversity leadership. Previously, Ms. Bidar-Sielaff served as the director of community partnerships for UW Health. She is also the associate dean for diversity and equity transformation at UW School of Medicine and Public Health.
Brenda Battle. Senior Vice President for Community Transformation and Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer at the University of Chicago Medicine. Ms. Battle has been at the University of Chicago Medicine for 10 years, serving multiple roles including chief diversity, equity and inclusion officer. In her various roles, she is responsible for eliminating health disparities and providing greater access to care for persons living on the South Side of Chicago. In addition, she crafts strategies and programs to support diversity, equity and inclusion in their care delivery models.
Bridgett Battles. Director for Community Engagement and Supplier Diversity at Thomas Jefferson University Hospitals (Philadelphia). Ms. Battles has been the director for community engagement and supplier diversity at Thomas Jefferson University Hospitals since 2021. One of her major responsibilities is to cultivate relationships that impact and improve the lives of communities that the hospitals serve. Ms. Battles is also the vice president of diversity and inclusion of The National Association of Asian American Professionals Philadelphia chapter.
Dana Beckton, Chief Diversity Officer at Sentara Healthcare (Norfolk, Va.). Ms. Beckton has been the chief diversity officer at Sentara Healthcare since 2019. She is skilled in conflict resolution, coaching and team building. Ms. Beckton also volunteers as a board member for the Virginia Community College System.
Arthur Breese. Director of Diversity and Inclusion at Geisinger (Danville, Pa.). Mr. Breese has been the director of diversity at Geisinger since 2007. He is tasked with making every employee at Geisinger feel welcome and included. Prior to joining Geisinger, Mr. Breese was the director of the Northeastern Pennsylvania Diversity Education Consortium.
Barbara Belk. Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Pacific Northwest Market at Kaiser Permanente (Oakland, Calif.). Ms. Belk has been the director of diversity, equity and inclusion at Kaiser Permanente since 2020. She has skills in leadership, organizational development and effectiveness and strategic planning. Ms. Belk also volunteers as a board member of the International Relation Coordination Consortium.
Brandon Buchanan. Director of Health Equity Impact Team at NorthShore University HealthSystem (Evanston, Ill.). Mr. Buchanan has been the director of the health equity impact team at NorthShore University HealthSystem since 2021. He works to improve healthcare equity for all patients in all communities. He is skilled in healthcare management, team building and data analysis.
Lakesha Butler, PharmD. Chief Diversity Officer at UF Health (Gainesville, Fla.). Dr. Butler began her position as chief diversity officer at University of Florida Health in August. She was previously at Southern Illinois University's Edwardsville School of Pharmacy as a professor of pharmacy practice and director of diversity, equity and inclusion. She has 20 years of experience as a pharmacy professor. At UF Health, she collaborates with six health colleges: the UF Health hospitals in Gainesville, Jacksonville and Central Florida and the Lake Nona campus in Orlando.
Rosalyn Carpenter. Senior Vice President of Diversity and Inclusion at CommonSpirit Health (Chicago). Ms. Carpenter became the chief diversity officer at CommonSpirit Health in April 2019. She previously worked at Catholic Health Initiatives, serving multiple roles including chief diversity officer and vice president, diversity and inclusion. She received bachelor's degrees in healthcare administration and planning from Meharry Medical College and Tennessee State University and an executive master's degree in business administration form Tennessee State University, Nashville.
Tiffany Capeles. Chief Equity Officer at Intermountain Healthcare (Salt Lake City, Utah). Ms. Capeles became the first chief equity officer at Intermountain in 2022. She leads Intermountain's health equity, diversity and inclusion expansions while also focusing on community inclusion. Prior to this role, Ms. Capeles served as the city commissioner for the City of Richardson, Texas while also serving as system director of health equity, diversity and inclusion of Christus Health in Irving, Texas.
Lynette Chappell-Williams. Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer at Penn State Health (Hersey, Pa.). Ms. Chappell-Williams has served as the first systemwide vice president and the inaugural chief diversity officer at Penn State Health since 2020 and 2015. She also served as the associate dean for diversity for the Penn State College of Medicine. Within her roles, Ms. Chappell-Williams established affinity groups for diverse employees and created the Inclusion Academy Diversity educational programs, established medical student recruitment partnerships and restructured the organization's diversity council while also leading the ongoing development of the health system policies, programs and practices. Prior to these positions, she served as the associate vice president for diversity at Cornell University.
Carlos Cubia. Chief Inclusion, Equity, Diversity and Sustainability Officer at Corewell Health (Grand Rapids, Mich.). Mr. Cubia was announced to be the new chief inclusion, diversity and sustainability officer at Beaumont Health on June 20, which has since become Corewell Health after merging with Spectrum Health. He previously served as the senior vice president, global chief diversity, equity and inclusion officer for Walgreens Boots Alliance. He graduated from Michigan State University and serves on the boards of the Chicago Urban League, The Chicago Sinfonietta, Hope Chicago and the National Diversity Council.
Marcos DeLeon. Chief Human Resources Officer and Chief Diversity Officer at Rush System (Chicago). Mr. DeLeon became the chief diversity officer at Rush in February 2022. He leads their health office of diversity, equity and inclusion in addition to his responsibilities as senior vice president, chief human resources officer. Mr. DeLeon leads the Diversity Leadership Council and Racial Justice Action Committee.
Jeanetta Darno. Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer at UCHealth (Cincinnati). Ms. Darno is the first chief diversity and inclusion officer at Cincinnati-based UC Health. Starting the position in January 2020, she has been responsible for advancing the system's culture of inclusion, and the development of diversity and inclusion behaviors at all levels. She was previously the vice president and global chief diversity and inclusion officer for Abercrombie and Fitch Co.
Pamela Dixon Ridgeway. Chief Diversity Officer and Vice President of Talent at ChristianaCare (Newark, Del.). Ms. Ridgeway has served as chief diversity officer and vice president of talent at ChristianaCare since 2020. Her responsibilities include implementing strategic talent plans and strategies. Previously she served as the corporate director of talent acquisitions and strategy of ChristianaCare. Prior to working at ChristianaCare, Ms. Ridgeway served as the senior manager of human resources at Siemens Healthcare.
Brian Gibbs. Vice President and Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer at UMass Memorial Health Care (Worcester, Mass.). Mr. Gibbs started his role at UMass Memorial Health Care in December 2020. He has previous experience in similar initiatives for academic institutions including Oregon Health and Science University, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine and Harvard School of Public Health.
Deborah Grimes. Chief Diversity Officer at Ochsner Health (New Orleans). Ms. Grimes has been the chief diversity officer at Ochsner Health since 2021. She is skilled in inpatient care, clinical research and customer service. Before joining Ochsner Health, Ms. Grimes spent more than 30 years as the chief compliance officer of UAB Hospital.
Janet Harding. Director of Cultural Awareness and Inclusion at Frederick (Md.) Health. Ms. Harding has served as director of cultural awareness and inclusion at Frederick Health since 2012. While holding this position, she also serves as the civil rights and ADA coordinator for the health system. Prior to this role, Ms. Harding served as the coordinator of diversity and inclusion programs for Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center.
Peggy Harris. Regional Chief Diversity Officer at Atrium Health (Charlotte, N.C.). Ms. Harris has served as the regional chief diversity officer at Atrium Health since 2009. She is responsible for advancing and supporting Atrium Health. Ms. Harris also serves on the board of directors of the Institute for Diversity in Health Management and is the chair of the American Leadership Council for Diversity in Healthcare.
Ashley Hines. Director of Diversity and Inclusion at Advocate Aurora Health (Milwaukee). Ms. Hines has been the director of diversity and inclusion at Advocate Aurora Health since 2021. She is a leader with the mission of creating spaces where every person is safe, valued and respected. Ms. Hines has a record of developing organizations and programs that focus on equity, diversity and inclusion.
Kimberly Keaton Williams. Vice President of Talent Acquisition and Development, and Chief Diversity Officer at McLaren Health Care (Grand Blanc, Mich.). Ms. Keaton Willimas has served as the chief diversity officer and vice president of talent acquisition and development for McLaren Health Care. Her responsibilities include leading talent management strategies across the McLaren Health Care System and ensuring the development of programs as well as practices to ensure a diverse and inclusive workplace. Prior to this role, Ms. Williams served as the vice president of technical workforce solutions for Tata Technologies. She also serves on the board of directors for Inforum and is the vice chair of the board of directors for the Rhonda Walker Foundation.
Jessica Kingston. Systems Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at North Memorial Health (Robbinsdale, Minn.). Ms. Kingston has served as the system director of diversity, equity and inclusion at North Memorial Health since 2020. She has experience in equity and human rights issues. Prior to this role, Ms. Kingston worked as the director of the department of human rights and equal economic opportunity. While holding these positions, she also is a self-employed executive consultant.
Margaret Larkins-Pettigrew. Senior Vice President and Chief Clinical Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer at Allegheny Health Network (Pittsburgh). Ms. Larkins-Pettigrew joined the Allegheny Health Network in December 2020. She was previously at University Hospitals/Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine in Cleveland, where she served as a professor of obstetrics and gynecology, chair of clinical diversity and inclusion and assistant dean of students. In her current position, she prioritizes the talent acquisition, retention, mentorship and promotion of underrepresented minority trainees and faculty.
Andre Lessears. Chief Diversity Officer at UAB Medicine (Birmingham). Mr. Lessears was named the chief diversity officer at UAB Medicine in early 2021 and currently leads a strategy of inclusive leadership. He has 15 years of experience in implementing diversity and inclusion strategies at Cleveland Clinic Akron General, the city of Dubuque, Iowa, and Midwestern State University in Texas.
Amy Linsin. Executive Vice President, Chief Human Resources and Diversity Officer at Prisma Health (Greenville, S.C.). Ms. Linsin joined Prisma in 2018 to lead the human resources operation and became chief human resources and diversity officer a year later. She has previous experience as senior regional director of human resources at Community Health Systems based in Franklin, Tenn. Ms. Linsin leads the office of diversity and inclusion alongside the health system's Diversity Action Council to ensure Prisma has a culture of belonging.
Fernando Little. Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer at Atrium Health (Charlotte, N.C.). Mr. Little has served as the chief diversity officer and vice president of Atrium Health since 2020. His responsibilities include leading broad, collaborative efforts throughout Atrium's operations and academic programs. Previously, Mr. Little served as the assistant vice president of human resources and assistant vice president of diversity and inclusion for Atrium. Prior to Atrium, he worked as the director of compensation and diversity at Family Dollar.
David Mafe. Chief Diversity Officer and Vice President of Human Resources at UCHealth (Aurora, Colo.). Mr. Mafe has been the chief diversity officer and vice president of human resources at UCHealth since 2021. He is responsible for leading the organization in support of diversity, equity and inclusion for patients, employees and the community. Mr. Mafe is skilled in strategic planning, employee engagement and performance management.
Lisette Martinez. Executive Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer at Jefferson Health (Philadelphia). Ms. Martinez has served as the chief diversity officer and executive vice president of Jefferson Health since 2020. Her responsibilities include leading the company's integration of diversity, equity, and inclusion initiative and practices. Prior to this role, Ms. Martinez served as the chief diversity and inclusion officer at Yale New Haven Health.
Charles Modlin Jr., MD. Director of Health Equity and Medical Director of the Office of Inclusion, Diversity and Equity at MetroHealth (Cleveland). Dr. Modlin has been the medical director in the office of inclusion, diversity and equity at MetroHealth since 2021. He is skilled in healthcare management, program development and community outreach. Dr. Modlin is also the author of It Isn’t Difficult to Do it if You Know How to Do It.
Rani Morrison. Chief Diversity and Community Health Equity Officer at UI Health (Chicago). Ms. Morrison has been the chief diversity and community health officer at the University of Illinois Hospital and Health System since August 2021. She works to address health disparities and support health equity. In this role, she has led efforts to use technology to connect with healthcare patients, structure case management to better serve under-supported communities and improve their patient advisor program.
Sherri Neal, JD. Chief Diversity Officer at HCA Healthcare (Nashville, Tenn.). Ms. Neal joined HCA Healthcare in 2006 and since has been involved in promoting the system's culture of inclusion. As chief diversity officer, she and her team are responsible for leading the design, development and implementation of diversity, inclusion, equity and cultural competence strategy and programs. She has over 25 years of experience as a diversity practitioner and, before HCA, led workforce diversity initiatives as the COO for New Directions Management Services.
Natasha Ovuoba. Associate Director of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion at the Huntsman Cancer Institute (Salt Lake City). Ms. Ovuoba has served as the equity, diversity, and inclusion associate director at the Huntsman Cancer Institute since 2021. Her responsibilities include overseeing, leading, promoting and creating multiple implementations and practices. Prior to this role, Ms. Ovuoba served as the diversity, equity and inclusion consultant at Intermountain Healthcare.
Trina Parks. Executive Vice President and Chief Corporate Diversity and Inclusion Officer at RWJBarnabas Health (West Orange, N.J.). Ms. Parks is responsible for corporate diversity and inclusion, including leadership and board accountability and communication, employee development and training, diverse community engagement and patient inclusion. She also launched the Corporate Office of Diversity and Inclusion at RWJBarnabas Health and has onboarded nine diversity and inclusion site directors to expand the system's DEI strategies.
Avonia Richardson-Miller, EdD. Senior Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer of Hackensack Meridian Health (Edison, N.J.). Dr. Richardson-Miller is responsible for Hackensack Meridian Health's diversity, equity and inclusion department. She oversees strategic initiatives for the system, which was ranked No. 4 on the 2022 DiversityInc Top Hospitals & Health Systems list. She leads the network's efforts to implement the American Hospital Association's Equity Roadmap and is a member of the Healthtrust Supplier Diversity Council. Before joining Hackensack Meridian Health, Dr. Richardson-Miller was director of the Bronx Workforce 1 Career Center's career advancement program.
Jacqui Robertson. Chief of Diversity and Inclusion at Cleveland Clinic. Ms. Robertson has served in her current role at Cleveland Clinic since March 2022. She oversees the office of diversity and inclusion, and leads global diversity and inclusion strategies and initiatives across the health system. She has nearly 20 years of national and international experience in leading diversity and inclusion strategies and previously worked at William Blair and Company as the global head of talent, diversity and inclusion.
Toiya Sosa. Chief Diversity Officer at Riverside Health System (Newport News, Va.). Ms. Sosa has served in her current role since April 2021 where she is responsible for the ongoing development, implementation, and oversight of the organizations' diversity, equity and inclusion strategy. She previously served in the regional public affairs and community relations division at Geico, where she worked for over 22 years.
Odessa Stapleton. Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer at Bon Secours (Marriottsville, Md.). Bon Secours named Odesa Stapleton as chief diversity and inclusion officer in January 2020. She leads the effort to promote a unified culture of inclusion through diversity and inclusion initiatives. She was previously the director of human resources and operations at Neighborhood Health Services Corporation.
Barbara Warren, PsyD. Senior Director for LGBT Programs and Policies in the Office for Diversity and Inclusion at Mount Sinai Health System (New York City). Dr. Warren is the senior director for LGBT programs and policies at Mount Sinai Health System. She is responsible for leading the health system's implementation of LGBT culturally and clinically competent healthcare. Dr. Warren is also an assistant professor of medical education at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.
Christin Zollicoffer. Vice President and Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer at Lifespan (Providence, R.I.). Ms. Zollicoffer left her post as Midwest regional director of diversity, equity and inclusion at Trinity Health in October to become the vice president and chief diversity, equity and inclusion officer at Lifespan. While at Trinity, she was the driver of Trinity's commitments to create an inclusive and culturally welcoming environment, to increase supplier diversity and to eliminate health disparities. Ms. Zollicoffer also served as the vice president of community health and well-being at Trinity.