Healthcare System Board Composition

A regional healthcare system's board had served the organization well for decades, but the composition no longer matched the system's strategic needs. The board lacked expertise in digital health, cybersecurity, and consumer engagement, capabilities increasingly important as healthcare delivery evolved.

Additionally, the board's demographic composition didn't reflect the increasingly diverse communities the system served. The nominating committee wanted to address both gaps through a deliberate board refreshment process.

We took a comprehensive approach to board development:

Board Assessment: Conducted a thorough assessment of current board composition, including skills inventory, demographics analysis, and comparison to governance best practices.

Gap Analysis: Identified specific capability gaps by comparing current composition to strategic needs. Prioritized gaps based on strategic importance and board retirement timing.

Profile Development: Created detailed profiles for two new directors: one focused on digital health and technology, one bringing healthcare consumer experience and diversity.

Targeted Search: Used our networks in healthcare technology and consumer industries to identify non-obvious candidates, leaders who might not be on traditional healthcare board radar screens.

Cultural Evaluation: Assessed candidates not just for skills and experience, but for fit with the board's collaborative culture and commitment to mission.

We placed two new directors over a twelve-month period:

- A former Chief Digital Officer from a major health insurer, bringing technology and digital health expertise along with demographic diversity - A healthcare consumer advocate and former hospital executive, bringing patient perspective and community connection

Both directors have become active contributors, bringing new perspectives to strategic discussions while respecting the board's culture. The board's skills composition now aligns with strategic priorities, and its demographic composition better reflects the community served.