WELCOME TO THE NAHSE CHICAGO ELECTIONS FOR 2024 – 2025
The following candidates below are all well qualified, ready and willing to serve as a NAHSE Chicago Executive Board Member.
Please select one candidate from each category and your votes will be tallied and represented accordingly.
VOTING DATES ARE: THURSDAY, OCTOBER 19 - FRIDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2023.
Thank you for your participation and good luck to all the candidates.
NAHSE Chicago Nominating Committee:
• Trena Burke (Chair)
• Dr. Diane Howard
• Dr. Gwendolyn Oglesby-Odom
All candiates are in good financial standing with NAHSE National.
The nominees and their biographies appear below.
The following candidates below are all well qualified, ready and willing to serve as a NAHSE Chicago Executive Board Member.
Please select one candidate from each category and your votes will be tallied and represented accordingly.
VOTING DATES ARE: THURSDAY, OCTOBER 19 - FRIDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2023.
Thank you for your participation and good luck to all the candidates.
NAHSE Chicago Nominating Committee:
• Trena Burke (Chair)
• Dr. Diane Howard
• Dr. Gwendolyn Oglesby-Odom
All candiates are in good financial standing with NAHSE National.
The nominees and their biographies appear below.
PRESIDENT-ELECT
Nada D. Bowie, MHA, BA
My profound commitment to the National Association of Health Services Executives (NAHSE) emanates from a deep-seated belief in its transformative capacity within healthcare services, leadership, and mentorship.
It is this very passion that motivates my aspiration to assume the role of President-Elect for the NAHSE Chicago Midwest Chapter in 2024. I have been involved with the Chicago chapter since 2014, volunteering in several capacities. Such as the Chair of Community Engagement, Policy Chair, and Spring Fling volunteer, along with volunteering in any capacity required to serve.
Utilizing My Professional Experience for Chapter Enhancement:
As someone seasoned in healthcare operations, I am uniquely positioned to bring valuable perspectives to the Chapter’s activities and governance. My roles as South Regional Director of Operations for Cook County Health and previous Director of Operations for multiple Federally Qualified Health Care Centers have instilled in me a thorough understanding of healthcare management complexities. I intend to leverage these insights to formulate actionable strategies for enhancing our Chapter’s performance and reach within our local communities.
Prior Contributions and Future Strategies within the NAHSE Chicago Midwest Chapter:
In my existing role as a Parliamentarian, I have dedicated myself to maintaining the structural integrity and governance of our meetings and initiatives. My future vision is oriented towards elevating these standards and practices as well as developing others to continue a legacy of strong organizational leadership in the Chicago chapter of NAHSE.
I plan to use my business acumen to support the incoming President as well as create innovative fundraising initiatives, thereby bolstering the Chapter's fiscal independence. My prior success in community engagement roles has prepared me to galvanize our membership through educational forums, mentorship initiatives, and networking events. As the former Chair of Community Engagement, I successfully orchestrated philanthropic and educational activities. Drawing upon this experience, I aim to launch a series of professional development forums focusing on leadership in healthcare, ethical governance, and technological advancements.
Speak to how well you get along with the current team and that you are a team player. Helping to train others and acting as a mentor within the chapter.
Membership Engagement and Growth:
Armed with extensive experience, I seek to unveil initiatives specifically designed to expand and retain our membership base. I propose strategies that involve new members in Chapter activities right from the onset, thereby nurturing a sense of commitment and belonging. Further, I intend to utilize data analytics to assess membership trends, laying the groundwork for targeted engagement and retention schemes.
Conclusion:
My expansive professional background, coupled with my passion for NAHSE and our Chapter, equips me to serve as President-elect whose vision extends beyond mere maintenance of the Chapter to dynamic growth and meaningful engagement of chapter members. My leadership, if elected, aims to transcend the act of sustaining the Chapter's current mission. Rather, I intend to elevate our collective purpose and enrich the value we offer to both existing and prospective members.
Cordially,
Nada D. Bowie
It is this very passion that motivates my aspiration to assume the role of President-Elect for the NAHSE Chicago Midwest Chapter in 2024. I have been involved with the Chicago chapter since 2014, volunteering in several capacities. Such as the Chair of Community Engagement, Policy Chair, and Spring Fling volunteer, along with volunteering in any capacity required to serve.
Utilizing My Professional Experience for Chapter Enhancement:
As someone seasoned in healthcare operations, I am uniquely positioned to bring valuable perspectives to the Chapter’s activities and governance. My roles as South Regional Director of Operations for Cook County Health and previous Director of Operations for multiple Federally Qualified Health Care Centers have instilled in me a thorough understanding of healthcare management complexities. I intend to leverage these insights to formulate actionable strategies for enhancing our Chapter’s performance and reach within our local communities.
Prior Contributions and Future Strategies within the NAHSE Chicago Midwest Chapter:
In my existing role as a Parliamentarian, I have dedicated myself to maintaining the structural integrity and governance of our meetings and initiatives. My future vision is oriented towards elevating these standards and practices as well as developing others to continue a legacy of strong organizational leadership in the Chicago chapter of NAHSE.
I plan to use my business acumen to support the incoming President as well as create innovative fundraising initiatives, thereby bolstering the Chapter's fiscal independence. My prior success in community engagement roles has prepared me to galvanize our membership through educational forums, mentorship initiatives, and networking events. As the former Chair of Community Engagement, I successfully orchestrated philanthropic and educational activities. Drawing upon this experience, I aim to launch a series of professional development forums focusing on leadership in healthcare, ethical governance, and technological advancements.
Speak to how well you get along with the current team and that you are a team player. Helping to train others and acting as a mentor within the chapter.
Membership Engagement and Growth:
Armed with extensive experience, I seek to unveil initiatives specifically designed to expand and retain our membership base. I propose strategies that involve new members in Chapter activities right from the onset, thereby nurturing a sense of commitment and belonging. Further, I intend to utilize data analytics to assess membership trends, laying the groundwork for targeted engagement and retention schemes.
Conclusion:
My expansive professional background, coupled with my passion for NAHSE and our Chapter, equips me to serve as President-elect whose vision extends beyond mere maintenance of the Chapter to dynamic growth and meaningful engagement of chapter members. My leadership, if elected, aims to transcend the act of sustaining the Chapter's current mission. Rather, I intend to elevate our collective purpose and enrich the value we offer to both existing and prospective members.
Cordially,
Nada D. Bowie
Secretary
Naomi Tolbert, MA
Naomi Tolbert currently serves as the Diversity Equity, Inclusion, and Learning Specialist within the Department of Professional Development at the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE). This role encompasses the support and delivery of the strategic vision and tactics regarding diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) for ACHE. As a skilled communicator and through her ability to work with diverse audiences, Naomi seeks to expand educational offerings, programming and outreach initiatives, leadership development, creative problem solving, and mentorship opportunities for healthcare executives within the diversity and inclusion sector of ACHE. Naomi is also an entrepreneur specializing in virtual restaurants and frozen consumer packaged goods (CPGs). Her company, Goddess Good Food, offers frozen Cauliflower Pizzas in local grocers throughout Chicago, IL.
She graduated with a Master of Art degree in International Relations from the Committee on International Relations at The University of Chicago in 2018, following the completion of her undergraduate degree in Political Science with a specialization in International Affairs and a regional focus in Middle East and Northern African studies in 2017. Outside of academics, Naomi received the opportunity to work within various roles at Southern Illinois University, serving as the Director of the Office of Diversity and Inclusion within the College of Business at SIUC, the Diversity Specialist within the President’s Office of Diversity to the SIU system where she contributed to the establishment of a system wide diversity plan, and as Program Assistant to the McNair Scholars program and the Office of Student Engagement working primarily in marginalized student success and support services. Naomi also has lived in Brazil, completed non-for-profit work in South Africa, and has traveled extensively. She can be reached by email at
[email protected] and by phone at (618) 305-4737.
She graduated with a Master of Art degree in International Relations from the Committee on International Relations at The University of Chicago in 2018, following the completion of her undergraduate degree in Political Science with a specialization in International Affairs and a regional focus in Middle East and Northern African studies in 2017. Outside of academics, Naomi received the opportunity to work within various roles at Southern Illinois University, serving as the Director of the Office of Diversity and Inclusion within the College of Business at SIUC, the Diversity Specialist within the President’s Office of Diversity to the SIU system where she contributed to the establishment of a system wide diversity plan, and as Program Assistant to the McNair Scholars program and the Office of Student Engagement working primarily in marginalized student success and support services. Naomi also has lived in Brazil, completed non-for-profit work in South Africa, and has traveled extensively. She can be reached by email at
[email protected] and by phone at (618) 305-4737.
Treasurer
Tabari Woodson, MS, BS
Goals Statement
My primary goals for the Chicago Midwest Chapter are to accelerate growth in membership and increase member engagement. I believe there are students, early careerists and front-line managers yearning for a professional network of individuals that possess the knowledge and experience to help them reach the next level. I have direct experience leading nonclinical teams at multiple academic medical facilities.
Tapping into the pipeline of new recruits will allow future executives a safe space to fellowship with like-minded industry leaders. Increasing our numbers will not only ensure our financial footing but also bring fresh perspectives into our inventory of programming ideas. The Illinois Medical District and the Greater Chicagoland Area contains a large number of health care facilities and academic programs geared towards both clinical and nonclinical workforce. The goal is to share the benefits of the Chicago Midwest Chapter of NAHSE and bring these enthusiastic students, early careerists, and front-line managers into a professional organization that was designed to help them succeed.
New and existing members want to be engaged. We are competing for an ever-shrinking window of time that is becoming more and more valuable. As we move into the next phase of the pandemic, there is an opportunity to further expand our innovative suite of programs. We have some amazing speakers that can offer advice on careers, promotions, subject matter expertise, networking opportunities, and good old-fashioned fun times. I have many fond memories of gatherings where NAHSE members were able to speak from the heart in a safe space.
There are opportunities to partner with other organizations to offer in-person and online programming.
We can also expand programming to allow members to connect with clinical partners through community service opportunities. I cannot begin to count the number of times I have encountered a current or future colleague while volunteering at a community service/charity event. Perhaps we can partner with organizations to grant us a vendor booth at relevant resource fairs and health fairs.
We will maintain an open line of communication with all of our members and provide the necessary programming to keep new and existing members engaged… while being fiscally responsible of course.
Rationale
I am interested in serving on the NAHSE Chicago Executive Board because underrepresented communities need to see a successful professional organization that reflects the values of the community they serve. I can remember being the first or only African-American to ever sit in a particular office space. I may not have realized it at the time, but the mere fact that I was a qualified individual occupying a Director level office space gave hope to others that desired advancement to the next level in their respective careers. I have received gratitude from staff level former employees for encouraging them to dream bigger. And as a member of NAHSE I’ve taken countless of opportunities to express my gratitude to senior executives and professionals for demonstrating what is possible.
Last and certainly not least, I have a proven track record for keeping the Chicago Midwest Chapter proverbial financial house in order. With over 20 years of leadership experience, I have the knowledge and experience to get the job done.
I sincerely appreciate being considered for the role of Treasurer and if given the opportunity, I will serve on the executive board with excellence and integrity.
My primary goals for the Chicago Midwest Chapter are to accelerate growth in membership and increase member engagement. I believe there are students, early careerists and front-line managers yearning for a professional network of individuals that possess the knowledge and experience to help them reach the next level. I have direct experience leading nonclinical teams at multiple academic medical facilities.
Tapping into the pipeline of new recruits will allow future executives a safe space to fellowship with like-minded industry leaders. Increasing our numbers will not only ensure our financial footing but also bring fresh perspectives into our inventory of programming ideas. The Illinois Medical District and the Greater Chicagoland Area contains a large number of health care facilities and academic programs geared towards both clinical and nonclinical workforce. The goal is to share the benefits of the Chicago Midwest Chapter of NAHSE and bring these enthusiastic students, early careerists, and front-line managers into a professional organization that was designed to help them succeed.
New and existing members want to be engaged. We are competing for an ever-shrinking window of time that is becoming more and more valuable. As we move into the next phase of the pandemic, there is an opportunity to further expand our innovative suite of programs. We have some amazing speakers that can offer advice on careers, promotions, subject matter expertise, networking opportunities, and good old-fashioned fun times. I have many fond memories of gatherings where NAHSE members were able to speak from the heart in a safe space.
There are opportunities to partner with other organizations to offer in-person and online programming.
We can also expand programming to allow members to connect with clinical partners through community service opportunities. I cannot begin to count the number of times I have encountered a current or future colleague while volunteering at a community service/charity event. Perhaps we can partner with organizations to grant us a vendor booth at relevant resource fairs and health fairs.
We will maintain an open line of communication with all of our members and provide the necessary programming to keep new and existing members engaged… while being fiscally responsible of course.
Rationale
I am interested in serving on the NAHSE Chicago Executive Board because underrepresented communities need to see a successful professional organization that reflects the values of the community they serve. I can remember being the first or only African-American to ever sit in a particular office space. I may not have realized it at the time, but the mere fact that I was a qualified individual occupying a Director level office space gave hope to others that desired advancement to the next level in their respective careers. I have received gratitude from staff level former employees for encouraging them to dream bigger. And as a member of NAHSE I’ve taken countless of opportunities to express my gratitude to senior executives and professionals for demonstrating what is possible.
Last and certainly not least, I have a proven track record for keeping the Chicago Midwest Chapter proverbial financial house in order. With over 20 years of leadership experience, I have the knowledge and experience to get the job done.
I sincerely appreciate being considered for the role of Treasurer and if given the opportunity, I will serve on the executive board with excellence and integrity.
Parliamentarian
Gwendolyn Oglesby-Odom, Ed.D., MSN, BSN, RN-BC, NEA-BC
Greetings,
I am Dr. Gwendolyn Oglesby-Odom, an accomplished healthcare executive with nearly 30
years of extensive healthcare operations experience in acute and post-acute care settings. My
expertise includes strategy development, building and sustaining internal and external
engagement, and healthcare operations.
Most recently, I assumed the role of Enterprise Vice President of Community Engagement for
Advocate Health. I serve as the senior executive liaison between the community and Advocate
Health’s 67 hospitals and over 1,200 outpatient facilities in IL, WI, NC, SC, GA, and AL. I am
a strategic thought leader who develops programs that maximize relationships and support the
organization’s mission. My responsibilities include developing strategies and programs that
maximize relationships and support the mission. Furthermore, I am responsible for developing
and implementing an integrated community engagement strategy.
I am excited for the opportunity to further support the mission of the Chicago Chapter of
NAHSE in advancing its mission of increasing membership engagement, high-quality program
development and implementation, and developing future leaders.
I am Dr. Gwendolyn Oglesby-Odom, an accomplished healthcare executive with nearly 30
years of extensive healthcare operations experience in acute and post-acute care settings. My
expertise includes strategy development, building and sustaining internal and external
engagement, and healthcare operations.
Most recently, I assumed the role of Enterprise Vice President of Community Engagement for
Advocate Health. I serve as the senior executive liaison between the community and Advocate
Health’s 67 hospitals and over 1,200 outpatient facilities in IL, WI, NC, SC, GA, and AL. I am
a strategic thought leader who develops programs that maximize relationships and support the
organization’s mission. My responsibilities include developing strategies and programs that
maximize relationships and support the mission. Furthermore, I am responsible for developing
and implementing an integrated community engagement strategy.
I am excited for the opportunity to further support the mission of the Chicago Chapter of
NAHSE in advancing its mission of increasing membership engagement, high-quality program
development and implementation, and developing future leaders.