Joel T. Allison, FACHE, and the Baylor Scott & White Holdings Board of Trustees have announced plans for Allison 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, Allison's 69th birthday. In his new role, Allison will advise the Board chairman in the areas of advocacy, philanthropy and medical 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 Allison. "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."
Allison 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 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."
Allison 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. FIAI has helped communities in dozens of countries through medical missions, disaster relief, and by providing supplies to local free-access clinics and ministries.
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 Allison. "I have been honored to work with so many dedicated and talented individuals who like me, feel they are called to serve here."
Allison's major focus on providing high-quality 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.
"There is no doubt that Joel has helped shape the health care landscape not only in Texas, but in the country," added Turner. "In our national search for the next CEO, the Board will be looking for someone who can continue to carry the exceptional momentum he has built. We know we are on the right course with the right strategy, and we plan to consider both internal and external candidates who are also high-integrity servant leaders."
Known as a sought-after thought leader in the health care industry, Allison 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" — the first health care CEO and the first CEO of a not-for-profit to ever earn the honor.
Following his transition on Feb. 1, 2017, Allison will office in Temple, Texas; and he and his wife of 46 years, Diane, will live in Waco, Texas, near their alma mater — Baylor University — where he serves currently on the Board of Regents, has been recognized as a "Distinguished Alumnus," has been honored with the "George W. Truett Distinguished Church Service Award" and has been inducted into the "B" Association's "Wall of Honor."
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About Baylor Scott & White Health
As the largest not-for-profit health system in the state of Texas, Baylor Scott & White promotes the health and well-being of every individual, family and community it serves. It is committed to making quality care more accessible, convenient and affordable through its integrated delivery network, which includes the Baylor Scott & White Health Plan, Baylor Scott & White Research Institute, the Baylor Scott & White Quality Alliance and its leading digital health platform – MyBSWHealth. Through 51 hospitals and more than 1,200 access points, including flagship academic medical centers in Dallas, Fort Worth and Temple, the system offers the full continuum of care, from primary to award-winning specialty care. Founded as a Christian ministry of healing more than a century ago, Baylor Scott & White today serves more than three million Texans. For more information, visit: BSWHealth.com