Issue link: https://beckershealthcare.uberflip.com/i/549045
53 53 Thought Leadership 3 Health System CEOs on Role Models, Nonnegotiables and Summer Reads By Molly Gamble and Emily Rappleye Question: Who is a CEO, in healthcare or any other industry, who you most admire? Why? Nancy Howell Agee, President and CEO of Carilion Clinic (Roanoke, Va.). I don't have a particular CEO in mind (there are so many I admire, respect and from whom I learn!). I do oen think of a colleague of mine who was a constant mentor to me. Dr. Charles "Buck" Crockett was the associate dean of the School of Medicine for the University of Virginia and the head of Carilion's medical education department. He specialized in in- ternal medicine and hematology, but his true passion was teaching and helping develop the future generation — including me, a fledgling admin- istrator at the time. Buck was brilliant and kind and had a wonderful, engaging personality. He never met a stranger, was always supportive and yet, was clear, compelling and disciplined, expecting the best from others. His curiosity — asking 'Why?' and 'What if ?' — allowed us to dream big and achieve much more than we ever imagined! He changed how I think, and that characteristic is one I constantly try to emulate. Chris Van Gorder, President and CEO of Scripps Health (San Diego). is might be a different answer than you wanted, but I've always admired General Colin Powell. As Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, he pulled together all of the different branches of the military, worked with the lead- ers of multiple countries, the President of the United States and the Con- gress to manage the Persian Gulf War. He had many personalities to deal with and did so effectively. He went on to be National Security Advisor and Secretary of State. My wife and I met him once and spent some time privately with him. He was generous with his time and humble. ose are the characteristics I admire in a leader and a CEO. Randy Oostra, President and CEO of ProMedica (Toledo, Ohio). A man I really admire and who has served on our ProMedica board is Russ Ebeid, the former Chairman of the Board at Guardian Industries and President of the Guardian Flat Glass Group. Russ is an incredibly modest man who made some extremely significant accomplishments in the glass and glazing industry during his career. He helped launch 28 glass float plants worldwide, but he will always tell you his biggest pleasure was in watching his managers grow and succeed. He is a man from humble roots who had an incredibly blessed and successful career, but he never forgot his roots and always takes the opportunity to help others. He is a tremendous example for us all. Q: What is a "nonnegotiable" that you look for in employees or colleagues? What character trait, habit or philosophy must they possess for you to work well together? Ms. Agee: Compassion and commitment. Working in healthcare, those two qualities are vital. I have been fortunate to be a part of a team of amaz- ing people who put their hearts into their work. It's no secret that high- quality care and exceptional service are characteristic of America's best hospitals and healthcare organizations. And to achieve that kind of quality, service and experience, employee commitment and engagement are criti- cal.