CEO Named One of the Most Powerful Figures in Health Care

DETROIT – Nancy Schlichting, CEO of Henry Ford Health System, has been selected as one of the 50 Most Powerful People in Healthcare by Becker’s Hospital Review, as a person with “considerable sway over health care policy, operations and opinion in 2013.”

The recognition follows Schlichting being recently named one of the 100 most influential people in health care by Modern Healthcare magazine.

Of its selection of Schlichting, Becker’s said: “She is credited with leading the health system through a dramatic financial turnaround and for implementing award-winning patient safety, customer service and diversity initiatives.

“Henry Ford Health System is currently planning a ‘mega-merger’ with Detroit's Beaumont Health System, touting better and more convenient care for metro Detroit residents as a key selling point. The systems would also share electronic medical records to offer a safer and more efficient way to look at patient history.”

Says Sandy Pierce, chair of board of trustees at Henry Ford Health System: “Nancy personifies leadership and vision in health care, turning Henry Ford Health System into a financially successful organization that ranks among the best in the nation and was named a 2011 Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award recipient.

“Her influence extends far beyond southeast Michigan and I am so proud to see her tireless work and leadership receive such outstanding recognition.”

Schlichting joined Henry Ford in 1998 as its Senior Vice President and CAO. She was named President and CEO in 2003. Her career in health care administration spans 30 years of experience in senior level executive positions.