President
Aurora Health Care | Milwaukee
Gabrielle Finley-Hazle became president of
Aurora Health Care in late 2023. A subsidiary of Charlotte, North Carolina-based Advocate Health, Aurora Health is the largest health care system in Wisconsin and the state’s largest private employer, with about 42,000 employees. Finley-Hazle oversees 18 hospitals and 300 sites of care across the state. Previously, she was market president and CEO of Dignity Health Arizona Central and West Valley Markets in the Southwest Division of CommonSpirit Health. She is a member of the Greater Milwaukee Committee and a board member for the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce and Milwaukee World Festival.
Education: Bachelor’s and master’s, Cornell University
How do you see the future of your industry?
“I feel so inspired by the future of health care. The continued integration of technology, the focus on preventive care and an emphasis on sustainability, AI solutions and innovations in care delivery will be part of the future of our industry.”
If you could choose any other career path, what would you want to do?
“Be an owner of an NBA team and the owner of a private equity firm. However, I love health care and feel like I was born to be a health care professional. Our patients, their care and their experience, require our entire team working together. I believe we have a championship team serving our communities in Wisconsin.”
Do you have a secret talent?
“People are surprised to learn that I ran a marathon in Alaska (to raise money for cancer patients), but I love to dance so that’s probably my true hidden talent. I grew up in a family that embraced all different cultures and music.”
What advice would you give to someone going into a leadership position for the first time?
“Make sure you know the difference between a mentor and a sponsor and it's important to have both. Also, remember that leadership is a privilege, and we are always learning and growing. Don't ever stop learning and reading. Invest in your people and invest in yourself and your growth as a leader.”
Is there anything new that you would like to learn this year?
“Two of my kids snowboard and it’s something I’ve always wanted to try. So, this winter, I’d like to take advantage of some of the great ski hills throughout Wisconsin and learn how to snowboard.”
Is there a historical figure you look up to?
“Patricia Roberts Harris was a trailblazer and an inspiration for so many women, including myself. She was a woman of firsts – the first Black woman to serve as a U.S. Ambassador, the first Black woman to become the dean of a law school, the first Black woman to serve in a presidential cabinet and the first African American to be named Health and Human Services Secretary. She was also the first Black woman to sit on the board of a Fortune 500 company when she was named to the IBM board of directors in 1971. She rose to the challenges set before her and kept public service at the forefront of everything she did.”
What was your first concert and what was your most recent concert?
“My first concert was New Edition, a concert I attended with my sister back in the 1980s. My most recent concert was at Summerfest when I saw Maroon 5.”
