ELEVATE Organization Prepares Next Generation of Black Healthcare Executives
ELEVATE, an initiative comprised of seasoned Black C-suite current and former leaders of major healthcare systems, has founded a unique development program to mentor and guide other C-suite leaders who are on an upward trajectory in their healthcare careers.
The program takes individuals through three 2-day sessions, where healthcare leaders with seniority pass on their knowledge to senior executives as they continue to excel in their roles and take on responsibilities at larger and more advanced healthcare systems. The sessions address complexities of healthcare and potential pitfalls. The inaugural cohort includes eight executives and began in late April with its first session in Washington, D.C. The next session will be in June in Atlanta, and the last session will be in September in Las Vegas.
ELEVATE is the brainchild of Kevin Lofton, LFACHE CEO Emeritus of CommonSpirit Health in Chicago and Eugene Woods, FACHE President and CEO of Atrium Health in Charlotte. They collaborated with other veteran leaders, some of whom are retired and most of whom have run billion-dollar healthcare systems, to host workshops and share their experiences.
“This program is a metaphorical ‘passing of the torch’ but with specific tips and tools that can only be shared if you’ve experienced it,” said Lofton. “Our goal is to prepare these talented individuals for a higher level of performance in their job and hopefully help them have greater career advancing opportunities.”
According to a 2021 survey from the Chartis Group, 46 percent of surveyed hospitals had at least one Black leader in the C-suite and 10 percent of total C-suite positions were filled by Black leaders. Six percent of the CEOs were Black.
ELEVATE’s goal is to provide a safe environment and an organized and structured way for executives to learn more about the industry. One of the desired outcomes upon program completion is to increase executives’ chances of securing open positions with major healthcare enterprises, and in turn, increase diversity in such roles.
“The executives in the program are immensely talented and have made great strides in their profession. We want ELEVATE to assist in bridging any industry gaps and help with the positive trajectory they are already on,” said Woods.
ELEVATE is funded through corporate sponsorship and personal donations.
To learn more about the ELEVATE program contact elevateblackleaders@nahse.org.
