February 12, 2024 – The National Center for Healthcare Leadership (NCHL) is proud to announce the appointment of Denise Brooks-Williams to the esteemed board of directors. This strategic addition reflects NCHL’s ongoing dedication to enriching its board leadership with impactful and seasoned healthcare professionals. Brooks-Williams joins the NCHL Board of Directors, where she inherits a legacy tied to the founding of NCHL. Gail L. Warden, president emeritus of Henry Ford Health, initiated NCHL as the founding board chair in 2001, setting the foundation for its continued success.
Brooks-Williams is an accomplished healthcare executive with an impressive 30-year career marked by a steadfast dedication to equity and the elimination of health disparities. Her extensive experience includes successful leadership in transformation initiatives and adept fiscal management in complex business environments.
Having served on corporate boards, Brooks-Williams brings a wealth of corporate governance experience to NCHL’s board. She is recognized as a committed servant leader, actively involved in philanthropic organizations at both the community and national levels. Notably, she is the immediate past chair of the University of Michigan Health Management and Policy Alumni Association; a board member and treasurer for Authority Health; and a participant on the Quality Committee of Bon Secours, Mercy Health.
“It is a privilege to join the NCHL board and join committed healthcare leaders from across the country seeking to make an impact on our industry. I have the honor of knowing Gail Warden and his passion for the organization,” shared Brooks-Williams.
As the executive vice president and chief executive officer of care delivery system operations at Henry Ford Health, Brooks-Williams leads a significant customer base across Michigan. She oversees operations generating over $5 billion in annual revenue and with over 430,000 ER visits and nearly 75,000 surgical procedures. Her role encompasses market strategy, hospital operations, ambulatory operations, surgical services, service lines, and emergency departments.
“We are delighted to welcome Denise Brooks-Williams to the NCHL Board of Directors. Known for her brilliance and extensive experience, Denise has had a significant impact on healthcare across Michigan and the greater Detroit area. Her commitment to advancing healthcare equity aligns seamlessly with NCHL’s mission, making her a valuable addition to the board. Her wealth of experience and commitment to health equity aligns well with our mission and will contribute to the continued success of NCHL,” stated NCHL Board Chair Jill Schwieters.
NCHL remains committed to cultivating a dynamic and forward-thinking board, with leaders like Brooks-Williams bringing invaluable insights and a proven track record of excellence to the organization. NCHL is fortunate to have nationally recognized leaders continuing to serve on our board including, Jill Schwieters, Senior Managing Director, Surgical Directions; Jeanne Armentrout, Executive Vice President & CAO, Carilion Clinic; Maxine Carrington, JD, Senior Vice President and Chief People Officer, Northwell Health; Bob Clarke, Chairman, Furst Group and NuBrick Partners; Richard “Chip” O. Davis, PhD, CEO, Rochester Regional Health; Farheen Dam, North America Health Solutions Leader, AON; David Ertel, CFO, Vizient, Inc.; David Gillan, Chief of Client Retention and Strategy, Sodexo Healthcare; Carrie Harris-Muller, Senior Vice President and Chief Population Health Officer, OhioHealth; M. Michelle Hood, Executive Vice President & COO, American Hospital Association; Beverly Malone, PhD, President and CEO, National League for Nursing; Jessica Melton, President, Suburban Hospital, Johns Hopkins Medicine; Barbara Ralston, Senior Consultant, Strategic Development, Dignity Health International; Jordan Richarson, Executive Fellow, American Hospital Association; and Jeffrey Simms, Assistant Profession and Director of Professional Development and Alumni, UNC Gilling’s School of Public Health.
Learn more about the NCHL or our Board of Directors.
