Aurora Health Care has named Cristy Garcia-Thomas as its first chief diversity and inclusion officer, adding to her responsibilities as president of the Aurora Foundation.
In her new position, Garcia-Thomas will partner with leaders throughout the Aurora system to incorporate diversity and inclusion into the fabric and culture of the entire health system. Her work on this front will touch all parts of the organization, including patient care and experience, caregiver recruitment and engagement, retention and organizational development to supplier diversity, marketing, community relations and service quality programs.
In the role, Garcia-Thomas will seek input on diversity and inclusion matters from people inside and outside of Aurora Health Care to develop practical ideas that can infuse diversity and inclusion throughout the organization.
“Aurora Health Care is committed to providing for the needs of every community we serve,” Garcia-Thomas said. “We’re building teams that reflect the diversity of our patients to help us in our mission to provide the very best patient care possible.”
Added Dr. Nick Turkal, president and chief executive officer of Aurora Health Care, “I am enthusiastic about Cristy taking on this important position and transforming how we address diversity and inclusion in the same way she has successfully done so in just a short time with the Aurora Foundation and our community engagement efforts.”
Aurora Health Care is a not-for-profit Wisconsin-area health care provider and a national leader in efforts to improve health care quality. Aurora offers services at sites in more than 90 communities throughout eastern Wisconsin and northern Illinois.
