the torch Spring 2016, Issue 1 | Page 19

Baylor Scott & White Health CEO Joel T. Allison to retire in 2017 Joel T. Allison, FACHE, and the Baylor Scott & White Holdings Board of Trustees have announced plans for Joel to transition from his current role as president and chief executive officer of Baylor Scott & White Health, to senior advisor to the chairman of the Board. The transition is set for Feb. 1, 2017, Joel’s 69th birthday. In his new role, Joel will advise the board chairman in the areas of advoc ac y, phila nt hropy a nd med ic a l education. “I’ve been blessed – I was called into this career that I love. So while I’ve spent the past 40-plus years working in health care, I feel I haven’t worked a day in my life,” said Joel. “Now, I’m looking forward to the next phase — one in which I’ll still remain engaged in an advisory role to the chairman, while enjoying more time with my wife and six grandchildren.” Joel joined legacy Baylor Health Care System as senior executive vice president and chief operating officer in 1993, and was promoted to president and CEO in 2000. He became CEO of Baylor Scott & White Health following the 2013 merger of Baylor and Scott & White Healthcare. Over his 23 years with the organization, he has worked to grow the system from five hospitals and just a few outpatient facilities in the Dallas/Fort Worth area, to 48 hospitals and more than 900 patient access points across North and Central Texas. “A remarkable testament to Joel’s servant leadership is that he was able to build what today is the largest not-for-profit health care system in Texas, while remaining steadfastly dedicated to the organization’s mission to serve as a Christian ministry of healing,” said Jim L. Turner, chairman, Baylor Scott & White Holdings Board of Trustees. “It is in large part because of his personal integrity, character and work ethic that this organization has grown through many strong partnerships, including one of the largest health care mergers in U.S. history, yet it never sacrificed its culture or values.” Joel has woven service into the fabric of Baylor Scott & White. In the wake of the 2010 earthquake in Haiti, he created Baylor’s Faith In Action Initiatives (FIAI), which has since flourished to become a multifaceted program dedicated to spreading Baylor’s ministry of healing to those in need at home and overseas. He has also left his mark on Baylor Scott & White by creating several recognized programs designed to build and enhance a strong culture where employees feel valued, empowered and encouraged to find meaning in their work. “I have always said the people of Baylor Scott & White are the difference,” said Joel. “I have been honored to work with so many dedicated and talented individuals who, like me, feel they are called to serve here.” Joel’s major focus on providing high-quality Joel T. Allison care helped the organization become a nationally recognized leader in this arena. Also under his leadership, the organization created an Accountable Care Organization (ACO) — the Baylor Scott & White Quality Alliance, now one of the largest ACOs in the country. Known as a sought-after thought leader in the health care industry, Joel has received numerous honors and accolades through the course of his career including the prestigious B’nai B’rith “National Healthcare Award.” He serves nationally on the Healthcare Leadership Council, the WSJ CEO Roundtable and the United Surgical Partners, International board. Locally, he has chaired the United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, the Dallas Regional Chamber and the Dallas Citizens Council boards. He has been ranked annually by Modern Healthcare as one of the “Most Influential People in Healthcare.” And in 2014, he was named D Magazine’s “D CEO of the Year”