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Meet the N.A.H.S.E. 2025-2027 Chicago Executive Team.
• President - Nada Bowie • President Elect - Naomi Tolbert • Secretary - Jamia Thomas • Treasurer - Zonzerrias Woods • Parliamentarian - Leslie Buckner • Immediate Past President - Tiara Muse |
president
Nada Bowie, MHA, CMA, CNA
Nada Bowie is an accomplished healthcare operations leader with over two decades of experience driving change and operational excellence across volume-based and value-based outpatient care environments. She has successfully led multidisciplinary teams spanning Women’s Health, Pediatrics, Internal Medicine, Family Medicine, Behavioral Health, Dental, Imaging, Diagnostics, Facilities, and Pharmacy, with direct operational oversight of 23 specialty programs.
Throughout her career, Nada has demonstrated a proven ability to build high-performing, empowered teams, contain operational costs, and leverage technology to streamline processes and enhance patient outcomes. Her leadership is marked by a deep commitment to advancing healthcare access, optimizing efficiency through Lean methodologies, and fostering meaningful partnerships with community stakeholders to ensure continuity of care and engagement.
Nada’s diverse experience includes serving as Regional Director of Operations, Director of Operations, and Risk and Quality leader across Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), safety-net hospital systems, and both for-profit and non-profit healthcare organizations.
She holds a Master of Healthcare Administration and a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management from Robert Morris University and is currently completing her Bachelor of Science in Nursing.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Nada is passionate about improving the patient experience, promoting equity in access to care, and leading teams that deliver compassionate, high-quality services. Outside of work, she enjoys camping, yoga, cooking, gardening, and spending quality time with her two children and family.
Throughout her career, Nada has demonstrated a proven ability to build high-performing, empowered teams, contain operational costs, and leverage technology to streamline processes and enhance patient outcomes. Her leadership is marked by a deep commitment to advancing healthcare access, optimizing efficiency through Lean methodologies, and fostering meaningful partnerships with community stakeholders to ensure continuity of care and engagement.
Nada’s diverse experience includes serving as Regional Director of Operations, Director of Operations, and Risk and Quality leader across Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), safety-net hospital systems, and both for-profit and non-profit healthcare organizations.
She holds a Master of Healthcare Administration and a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management from Robert Morris University and is currently completing her Bachelor of Science in Nursing.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Nada is passionate about improving the patient experience, promoting equity in access to care, and leading teams that deliver compassionate, high-quality services. Outside of work, she enjoys camping, yoga, cooking, gardening, and spending quality time with her two children and family.
president-Elect
Naomi Tolbert, MA
Naomi Tolbert is a strategic healthcare equity leader and current Board Secretary and Leadership Development Chair for the NAHSE Chicago Chapter. She is the founder of the Emerging Leaders Program, a five-month professional development initiative that has expanded the chapter’s leadership pipeline and increased early-career member engagement by 60%. Under her leadership, the program has equipped 18 emerging healthcare professionals annually with executive mentorship, career strategy, and community engagement opportunities.
Naomi also served as Co-Chair of NAHSE Chicago’s Spring Fling this year, leading one of the chapter’s largest annual networking events celebrating member connection and community impact.
Professionally, Naomi serves as Assistant Director of Diversity & Inclusion at UI Health, where she leads systemwide workforce engagement and advocacy initiatives supporting 5,000+ employees. Her work integrates diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging into health system strategy, professional development, and organizational culture.
Previously, Naomi served at the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE), where she supported national leadership development programs for diverse executives across ACHE’s 50,000-member network. She brings over a decade of experience advancing health equity, developing leadership pipelines, and building professional communities that empower the next generation of healthcare leaders.
Naomi also served as Co-Chair of NAHSE Chicago’s Spring Fling this year, leading one of the chapter’s largest annual networking events celebrating member connection and community impact.
Professionally, Naomi serves as Assistant Director of Diversity & Inclusion at UI Health, where she leads systemwide workforce engagement and advocacy initiatives supporting 5,000+ employees. Her work integrates diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging into health system strategy, professional development, and organizational culture.
Previously, Naomi served at the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE), where she supported national leadership development programs for diverse executives across ACHE’s 50,000-member network. She brings over a decade of experience advancing health equity, developing leadership pipelines, and building professional communities that empower the next generation of healthcare leaders.
Secretary
Jamia Thomas
In my current role as Nurse Manager of Pediatric Ambulatory Services at the University of Chicago Medicine, I oversee 13 pediatric subspecialty clinics and recently led the launch of a new Adolescent-to-Early Adult Gynecology Clinic. This initiative bridges pediatric and adult care, expands access for underserved populations, and reflects my commitment to creating sustainable, equitable health programs that dismantle barriers to care.
My experience in strategic program development, cross-continuum care coordination, and team empowerment has strengthened my ability to manage complex systems while fostering collaboration and accountability, skills that translate directly to the responsibilities of a Board Secretary.Serving as an Adjunct Faculty member at Resurrection University further deepened my commitment to developing the next generation of equity-focused healthcare leaders.
By incorporating health equity, cultural competence, and community partnership into nursing education, I aim to ensure that the principles of diversity and inclusion are woven into the foundation of healthcare leadership.
As Secretary, I would bring meticulous attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and a collaborative leadership style to support the effective governance of the Board. More importantly, I view this position as an opportunity to deepen my commitment to the organization in advancing representation and equity across the healthcare leadership landscape.
Through this role, I hope to continue bridging practice, education, and community partnership, upholding N.A.H.S.E.’s mission to transform healthcare by ensuring that leadership at every level reflects the diversity and strength of the communities we serve.
My experience in strategic program development, cross-continuum care coordination, and team empowerment has strengthened my ability to manage complex systems while fostering collaboration and accountability, skills that translate directly to the responsibilities of a Board Secretary.Serving as an Adjunct Faculty member at Resurrection University further deepened my commitment to developing the next generation of equity-focused healthcare leaders.
By incorporating health equity, cultural competence, and community partnership into nursing education, I aim to ensure that the principles of diversity and inclusion are woven into the foundation of healthcare leadership.
As Secretary, I would bring meticulous attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and a collaborative leadership style to support the effective governance of the Board. More importantly, I view this position as an opportunity to deepen my commitment to the organization in advancing representation and equity across the healthcare leadership landscape.
Through this role, I hope to continue bridging practice, education, and community partnership, upholding N.A.H.S.E.’s mission to transform healthcare by ensuring that leadership at every level reflects the diversity and strength of the communities we serve.
Treasurer
Zonzerrias Woods, MS, BS
Zonzerrias “ZeZe” Woods is a transformative healthcare leader and Chicago native with a progressive 15+ year career spanning revenue integrity, healthcare operations, and strategic performance improvement. She has led at every level—from bedside care to senior management roles—across private equity-backed, nonprofit, and community-based healthcare systems, including Duly Health & Care, Lurie Children’s Hospital, and Ascension Illinois. Her experience reflects a deep understanding of the healthcare landscape and a consistent ability to deliver financial, operational, and cultural transformation.
Zonzerrias has built a reputation for driving enterprise-wide initiatives in revenue optimization, clinical operations, and value-based care delivery—translating strategy into measurable outcomes that enhance both organizational performance and patient experience. With each opportunity, she has expanded her impact, led high-performing teams, while enhancing patient experience and organizational performance. Her leadership style is rooted in collaboration, data-driven decision-making, and a commitment to operational excellence.
Zonzerrias is an active member of the National Association of Health Services Executives (NAHSE) and the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE), reflecting her commitment to advancing leadership and equity in the healthcare industry. Beyond her professional endeavors, she is passionate about volunteering her time and voice to causes supporting financial literary, leadership development, and women’s health initiatives. She enjoys traveling, fitness, music, and new adventures- passions that reflect her commitment to growth, wellness, and exploration both personally and professionally.
She holds a Master of Science degree from DePaul University and a Bachelor of Science degree from Carroll University, where she also serves as an Alumni Engagement Ambassador.
Zonzerrias has built a reputation for driving enterprise-wide initiatives in revenue optimization, clinical operations, and value-based care delivery—translating strategy into measurable outcomes that enhance both organizational performance and patient experience. With each opportunity, she has expanded her impact, led high-performing teams, while enhancing patient experience and organizational performance. Her leadership style is rooted in collaboration, data-driven decision-making, and a commitment to operational excellence.
Zonzerrias is an active member of the National Association of Health Services Executives (NAHSE) and the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE), reflecting her commitment to advancing leadership and equity in the healthcare industry. Beyond her professional endeavors, she is passionate about volunteering her time and voice to causes supporting financial literary, leadership development, and women’s health initiatives. She enjoys traveling, fitness, music, and new adventures- passions that reflect her commitment to growth, wellness, and exploration both personally and professionally.
She holds a Master of Science degree from DePaul University and a Bachelor of Science degree from Carroll University, where she also serves as an Alumni Engagement Ambassador.
Parliamentarian
Leslie Buckner, PT, DHS, MPT, MBA, NCS, CSRS
Leslie Buckner PT, DHS, MPT, MBA, NCS, CSRS is a licensed physical therapist currently serving as a Director of Rehabilitation Services at Methodist Hospitals in Northwest Indiana. Leslie has been a therapist for the past 23 years and is a graduate of Marquette University, University of Indianapolis, and Southern Illinois University of Edwardsville.
She is Board Certified in Neurological Physical Therapy and has spent time in critical care, acute care, wound care, and sports medicine throughout her career. Leslie has a passion for seeing people attain goals they once deemed impossible and assisting them to return to the life they desire. She enjoys doing community education and fighting for health equity. Additionally, Leslie serves as adjunct faculty in the Governors State University DPT program and guest lectures for other PT programs in the Chicagoland area.
She is a charter member of the Tau Psi Zeta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc, where she has previously served on all levels of the organization including as chapter president, and currently serves as the community education chair. Leslie is a member of the Black Alumni Association Board for Marquette University, the corporate advisory board for Larabida Children’s Hospital, and currently serves as the membership chair for N.A.H.S.E. Chicago. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, leading the dance ministry at church, spending time with friends, and staying fit as a Certified X-treme Hip Hop Instructor.
She is Board Certified in Neurological Physical Therapy and has spent time in critical care, acute care, wound care, and sports medicine throughout her career. Leslie has a passion for seeing people attain goals they once deemed impossible and assisting them to return to the life they desire. She enjoys doing community education and fighting for health equity. Additionally, Leslie serves as adjunct faculty in the Governors State University DPT program and guest lectures for other PT programs in the Chicagoland area.
She is a charter member of the Tau Psi Zeta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc, where she has previously served on all levels of the organization including as chapter president, and currently serves as the community education chair. Leslie is a member of the Black Alumni Association Board for Marquette University, the corporate advisory board for Larabida Children’s Hospital, and currently serves as the membership chair for N.A.H.S.E. Chicago. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, leading the dance ministry at church, spending time with friends, and staying fit as a Certified X-treme Hip Hop Instructor.
immediate past president
Tiara Muse, MPH
Tiara D. Muse is a seasoned executive search professional, serving as Managing Director within the CEO practice at DSG | Koya.
In her role, she partners with mission-driven organizations across private, nonprofit, and public sectors to identify and recruit senior leaders—particularly CEOs and presidents—while also advising on board governance, organizational excellence, and equity.
Tiara has cultivated deep expertise in healthcare, higher education, and social impact organizations. Before joining Koya, she served as a consultant at Furst Group, a national boutique executive search firm specializing in healthcare leadership, where she led C-suite and senior-level engagements for integrated delivery systems, academic medical centers, and payers. She began her career at Spencer Stuart, one of the world’s leading executive search and leadership consulting firms, supporting its Healthcare Services Practice.
Tiara holds an MPH in Health Policy & Administration from the University of Illinois at Chicago School of Public Health and a BA in Sociology & Anthropology from Spelman College.
In addition to her service with the National Association of Healthcare Services Executives Chicago–Midwest Chapter, she serves as the Co-Chair of the Strategic Planning Committee for NAHSE National. Tiara also serves on the Women’s Executive Council for United Way of Metro Chicago and is a founding circle member of Women's Health Advocates.
Recognized for her ability to connect people, purpose, and performance, Tiara is deeply committed to helping organizations build diverse leadership teams that reflect the communities they serve and drive lasting impact.
In her role, she partners with mission-driven organizations across private, nonprofit, and public sectors to identify and recruit senior leaders—particularly CEOs and presidents—while also advising on board governance, organizational excellence, and equity.
Tiara has cultivated deep expertise in healthcare, higher education, and social impact organizations. Before joining Koya, she served as a consultant at Furst Group, a national boutique executive search firm specializing in healthcare leadership, where she led C-suite and senior-level engagements for integrated delivery systems, academic medical centers, and payers. She began her career at Spencer Stuart, one of the world’s leading executive search and leadership consulting firms, supporting its Healthcare Services Practice.
Tiara holds an MPH in Health Policy & Administration from the University of Illinois at Chicago School of Public Health and a BA in Sociology & Anthropology from Spelman College.
In addition to her service with the National Association of Healthcare Services Executives Chicago–Midwest Chapter, she serves as the Co-Chair of the Strategic Planning Committee for NAHSE National. Tiara also serves on the Women’s Executive Council for United Way of Metro Chicago and is a founding circle member of Women's Health Advocates.
Recognized for her ability to connect people, purpose, and performance, Tiara is deeply committed to helping organizations build diverse leadership teams that reflect the communities they serve and drive lasting impact.
