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Published:  November 28, 2020

Aaron Austin joined the CHI Health Midwest team during the spring of 2019.  Austin has hit the ground running.  His innovative approach to human resources is responsible for measurable results in the area of diversity and inclusion at CHI Health.

“When I came to CHI, the CEO Cliff Robertson told me ‘we want to reflect the community’,” said Austin.  “Cliff said, ‘my challenge to the leadership team is this is important to me and we need to make this a priority’.”

“Commitment from leadership has to be the top priority,” emphasized Austin.  “Leadership must be on board to make this work happen and make sure things are getting done.”

As part of his initial work, Aaron has introduced the use of candidate slates for all positions at the Director and above level.  In just one year, the strategy has achieved 40% of positions having a diverse group of candidates.  His work is already making an impact as leadership in the company is on its way to increasing diversity and inclusion.

Aaron shared these insights at the recent African-American Leadership Conference.

“My first thoughts were to talk about and implement candidate slate.  In order to become more diverse in our leadership ranks, we need to slate.”

“Right now, we are at about 40% of our director and above positions are being slated.  We are making progress as our demographics are changing within the organization.  In the first year, we brought in six new diverse leaders.  This year, COVID has slowed us down, but we have brought in two more leaders.  In the next three years, we would like to get to 100% in our slating.”

Austin and his team are expanding initiatives to make CHI Health a more diverse organization and more closely resemble its client base and the community.  The group is also working with recruitment firms that have strong records of success in identifying and selecting talented minority candidates.  They are recruiting locally and nationally.

“When you talk about inclusion, you are really talking about courage,” said Austin. “You must have courage to take on this work.  You must also be intentional.”

Austin also became immediately engaged in the community by partnering with the 100 Black Men of Omaha and the Empowerment Network.  For the past two years, Austin has been a featured speaker at the Empowerment Network’s annual African-American Leadership Conference.

He’s also active with the Empowerment Network’s CHRO Leadership Roundtable.  Austin is helping to drive change and prepare a better future for young men in Omaha through his support and involvement with the 100.

Aaron is the Division Senior Vice President/Chief Human Resources Officer of Human Resources for CHI Health and St. Alexius Health, serving 18 hospitals in 3 states. He also serves as a key member of the Human Resources Leadership Council of CommonSpirit Health, which is the nation’s largest nonprofit, Catholic health system.

Created in February 2019 through the alignment of Catholic Health Initiatives and Dignity Health, CommonSpirit Health is dedicated to advancing health for all people through delivering exceptional patient care, and ensuring every person has access to quality health care.

Aaron has a real commitment to helping people develop and grow into the best versions of themselves. That is the passion that drove him into Human Resources where he felt he could make real differences in the lives of those he served.

Aaron served his country for over 20 years in the United States Navy, where he obtained a bachelor’s of science degree in Workforce Development, graduating Cum Laude. During his service, he was responsible for promotions, recruitment, leadership development, employee relations and combat information systems, Aaron retired and went to work in the banking industry. Aaron later transitioned into healthcare and later earned an MBA with a concentration in Health Care Administration, again graduating Summa Cum Laude. He has served healthcare systems across the Midwest.

Aaron is forward-thinking and accomplished, particularly in the areas of employee engagement, talent acquisition and leader development. He and his wonderful wife Janice have three adult children and seven grandchildren. When he’s not working, he enjoys family time, sports, jazz and urban ballroom dancing.

Source:  Revive Omaha Magazine

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Careers

2024 African-American Leadership Awards presented by Urban League of Nebraska

The Urban League of Nebraska hosted the annual African-American Leadership Awards on Saturday, August 24, 2024 at the Hilton Downtown Omaha.  The organization celebrated thirteen extraordinary leaders in various fields with a beautiful, inspiring and wonderfully planned and executed event.

Dr. Andrea Jones
Health

Dr Andrea “Drea” Jones is an Associate Professor in the Department of Family Medicine at UNMC and Nebraska Medical Center.

Gregory Johnson
Business

Gregory A. Johnson is currently Senior Shareholder with Hayes & Associates, LLC CPAs and Consultants.

Jasmine Harris
Government

Jasmine Harris is the Director of Public Policy and Advocacy at RISE.

John Farmer
Community

John Farmer is Fire Captain for the City of Omaha’s Fire Department.

Marquisha Frost
Someone Special

Marquisha Frost is the Senior Vice President of Strategic Engagement and Initiatives for Nebraska Children and Families Foundation.

Latunya Sumpter
Education

Latunya Sumpter is a Kindergarten teacher at Bellevue Elementary with 30 years of experience as an educator.

Pastor T. Michael Williams
Faith

Pastor T. Michael Williams is the Senior Pastor of Mt. Moriah Baptist Church.

Tina Forte
Education

Tina Forte is the Director of Title I in the Department of School Improvement with the Omaha Public Schools.

Caroline McDonald
Youth

Caroline McDonald is a junior attending Marian High School in Omaha, Nebraska.

Ashlei Spivey
Advocacy and Empowerment Award – Presented by 2024 Urban League Young Professionals

Ashlei Spivey is the Founder and Executive Director for I BE Black Girl and candidate for State Senate.

 

Leontyne Evans
Young Professional

Leontyne Evans is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Founder of The Relationship Corner.

 

John Jackson
Community Catalyst Award

John Jackson is the Founder and Director of Black Student Leadership Council

 

Ty Nared
Social Entrepreneur of the Year Award

Ty Nared is the Director of Belonging, Diversity and Inclusion at Marian High School and Co-Founder of Melanin Market.

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Careers

Anthony Ashby announced as President of CHI Health Immanuel

On Wednesday, August 28th, CHI Health Market President of Nebraska and Iowa, Cary Ward, announced Anthony Ashby as the new President of CHI Health Immanuel in Omaha, Nebraska.

“Anthony has been a valuable part of the Immanuel team since 2019, serving as Vice President of Operations,” said Ward.  “He has a deep understanding of our hospital’s operations and strategic goals and has been instrumental in helping support the Immanuel leadership team. In April, he stepped in to serve as Interim President providing steady guidance during a period of change.”

Prior to being promoted to President, Ashby was Vice-President and COO at CHI Immanuel where he provided leadership with strategic planning, clinical ancillary support services, culture, engagement, performance improvement and community relations.

Ashby is already highly engaged in the community.  He is the founding President of the Regional Heartland Chapter of the National Association of Health Service Executives. Anthony has served on several other local boards, including Heartland Family Service, Omaha-Council Bluffs American Red Cross, and the Mayor’s Community Advisory Board to develop a Strategic Plan for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion for the City of Omaha.

Anthony is currently the President for the Nebraska & Southwest Iowa Chapter of the American College of Healthcare Executives and is a Board-Certified Fellow through that same institution.

“I am honored to accept the privilege and responsibility of being the next President of CHI Health Immanuel,” said Ashby.

Anthony is a native of Baltimore, MD, and earned his BS in Accounting and MBA in Healthcare Administration at University of Baltimore. He is an ACHE Fellow and serves on the Board of the Nebraska & Western Iowa ACHE Chapter and chairs its Membership Committee.

“It is with great commitment and passion that I take on this role to make Immanuel the best place to work, practice and receive care,” said Ashby.  “I look forward to continuing to serve our community in this capacity and bringing the Mission of Common Spirit beyond the walls of our hospital.”

Ashby will begin his duties on Sept. 15, 2024.

“I am confident Anthony will be a great fit and will continue to build upon Immanuel’s legacy of providing the best care to the North Omaha community,” said Ward. “Please join me in congratulating Anthony on his new role and offering him your continued support.”

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Curtis Morgan to lead MBK Omaha programs for Empowerment Network

Published:  July 21, 2024

The Empowerment Network is pleased to announce the addition of Curtis Morgan as the My Brother’s Keeper (MBK) Omaha Program Manager. Morgan brings a wealth of experience in public administration, youth development, community engagement, and nonprofit management to his new role.

Morgan has spent more than a decade working in various leadership roles, demonstrating a deep commitment to fostering community development and youth empowerment.

He previously served as program coordinator for TeamMates, a school-based mentoring program from Omaha Public Schools, where he recruited community members to mentor students in schools across the district. Morgan has also served as the re-engagement specialists for D2 Center, where he helped high school students with chronic absenteeism and truancy find a path to graduation. Additionally, he’s managed and facilitated after-school programming for elementary and middle school students in North and South Omaha. As a proud member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., he also volunteers as the director of the Omaha Kappa League.

“I am humbled and truly honored to join the Empowerment Network team as the MBK Omaha program manager,” said Morgan. “I’ve had the pleasure of volunteering and participating in several Empowerment Networks events and collaborations over the last decade. Now I’ll have the opportunity to lead a collaborative effort with a mission that is closely related to my passion for mentoring and youth advocacy. Together, we will fill the voids that exist for young men of color in our community and provide them the tools they need to be successful.”

In his new role, Morgan will work with Jonathan Chapman, vice president of community collaboratives, and the Cradle to Career director, to lead the MBK Model Community initiatives for the city of Omaha. This initiative aims to achieve a measurable shift in outcomes for boys and young men of color. This role will play a pivotal part in strengthening local collaborations and establishing new partnerships to help the community achieve the six key milestones to success identified by the Obama Foundation’s MBK Alliance.

“We are excited to welcome Mr. Morgan as the MBK Omaha Program Manager,” said Willie Barney, founder and CEO, Empowerment Network. “His dedication to fostering community development and youth empowerment aligns perfectly with our mission, and we look forward to the innovative and impactful programs he will help us create and implement.”

Supported in part by the My Brother’s Keeper Alliance, a program of The Obama Foundation, the Empowerment Network is dedicated to building safe and thriving communities through economic, educational and social success. Programs like Omaha 360 and Step-Up Omaha exemplify these efforts. My Brother’s Keeper Alliance promotes supportive communities for boys and young men of color, ensuring they feel valued and have clear pathways to opportunity.

With Bachelor’s degrees in Sociology and Psychology from Nebraska Wesleyan University, and a Master’s degree in Public Administration from Bellevue University, Morgan is currently completing his certification in Fundraising Management at University of Nebraska-Omaha.

To stay connected with the Empowerment Network and learn about upcoming events, visit https://empoweromaha.com/. Follow Empowerment Network on Facebook at Facebook.com/EmpowermentNetwork.

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About the Empowerment Network
The Empowerment Network is a nonprofit organization committed to advancing economic, social, and civic progress within Omaha’s African American community, North Omaha and the region. Through collaborative efforts and innovative initiatives, the Empowerment Network strives to create opportunities for empowerment and transformation in every zip code and neighborhood in Omaha and beyond.

Vicki Quaites-Ferris
The Empowerment Network
402-502-5153

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