Its All About Raleigh - Frayser - North Memphis November 2015 Its All About Raleigh-Frayser-North Memphis | Page 10

The Dynamic Du

An intimate conversation with the CEO
Q: What is your title at Methodist
Healthcare North and how did you come
to be in that position?
A: CEO, Methodist Healthcare North, SVP, Methodist LeBonheur Healthcare…working in the industry for 19 years and got my start as a janitor in
a hospital about the same size as North.
Q: Are you a native Memphian?
Born in Chicago, raised in Milwaukee, WI. Lived all over the United States
(NY, GA, NE, OH, IL, FL, etc.) and now blessed to be in TN
Q: Tell us about your childhood and your background.
A: I Come from very humble beginnings. Poor at times. My Mom worked while she
obtained her Master’s degree in Psych. I did not see her much as a child, but her influence in my life has been both strong and extraordinary. She was the first to begin to
challenge me and think of the world differently and all the infinite possibilities afforded
to me through education. That said, I was not a stellar student. I was focused on basketball, friends, and girls (in that order), but the focus that she instilled me is still present to
this day. Although our means were modest, my Mother was instrumental in exposing me
to as much as possible. This allowed me to interact with people, and see things I would
not see under the normal circumstances. It is also how I met my very first mentor, Dr.
William Finlayson, who opened my eyes to college, medicine, and a world without borders. Life is all about being prepared when the opportunities present themselves.
Q: What are your daily duties and responsibilities?
A: I set the vision and strategy for the North market. Our goals are simple: We want to
be the provider of choice for the entire market…attracting patients, associates, consumers, physicians, and the community to our campus for the highest most efficient care
within the region.
Q: Walk us through a day in your shoes while at work?
A: It is wonderfully complex and transient. It is back-to-back meetings and interactions
that are hopefully propelling patient care, implementing strategy and effecting positive
change for the betterment of health and well-being in our community.
Q: What is your vision for Methodist Healthcare North?
(Continued on page 17)