HRET Selects Nancy Schlichting as 2014 TRUST Award Recipient

The Health Research & Educational Trust (HRET) of the American Hospital Association (AHA) has selected Nancy Schlichting, chief executive officer of Henry Ford Health System in Detroit as the recipient of the 2014 TRUST Award. As this year’s award recipient, Schlichting was noted for her commitment to create tremendous clinical excellence, an extraordinary patient experience and a great environment for all health care professionals.

Established in 2003, the TRUST Award honors individuals who have exhibited visionary leadership in the health care field and who symbolize HRET’s mission to use research and education to improve health care quality in policy and practice. The TRUST Award is presented annually by HRET to a health care leader who has made significant contributions to improving the U.S. health care delivery system.

Schlichting has served in her current role since 2003, after joining Henry Ford Health System in 1998 as senior vice president and chief administrative officer. In 1999, she became the health system’s executive vice president and chief operating officer. In 2001, she assumed an additional role as president and chief executive officer of Henry Ford Hospital, and is credited for its financial turnaround. Today the health system is nationally recognized for its patient safety, customer service and diversity initiatives.

“Nancy’s work transcends the usual accolades bestowed to honorees,” said Michael Rock, M.D.,chief medical officer, Mayo Rochester Hospitals/Mayo Foundation, and chair of the HRET Board of Trustees. “Through her leadership, patients are better cared for, communities are bourgeoning and her organization is a model of quality.”

Founded in 1915 by auto pioneer Henry Ford and now one of the nation’s leading health care providers, Henry Ford Health System is a not-for-profit corporation comprised of hospitals, medical centers and one of the nation’s largest group practices. With more than 23,000 employees, Henry Ford Health System is the fifth-largest employer in metropolitan Detroit and among the most diverse. Generating more than $1.7 billion of annual economic stimulus, the health system is a key contributor to Michigan’s economy.

“It is truly our honor to recognize Nancy with the TRUST Award,” said Maulik S. Joshi, Dr.P.H., HRET president and senior vice president of research at the AHA. “Nancy’s vision and accomplishments have created an organization committed to improvement in the most complete sense.”

Schlichting has received numerous awards and considerable recognition during her career. In 2011, Henry Ford Health System was named a Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award recipient, America’s highest honor for innovation and performance excellence, and presented by the office of the President of the United States.

As a health care leader, Schlichting is committed to working with community, legislative and business leaders to improve health services while providing affordable care. Henry Ford Health System has achieved success, in part, by valuing and embracing the wealth of diversity reflected in patients, their families, the health system’s workforce and partners and the many communities served.

Schlichting serves on numerous community, professional and corporate boards that reflect her professional and personal interests. She is a member of the Kresge Foundation Board, Walgreen Company Board, Federal Bank of Chicago Board – Detroit Branch, Detroit Regional Chamber Board, Greater Detroit Area Health Council Board, Citizen’s Research Council of Michigan, Detroit Economic Club Board, Downtown Detroit Partnership Board and United Way of Southeastern Michigan Board. She is also a member of the American College of Healthcare Executives and the Michigan Women’s Forum.

This is HRET’s 12th year of the TRUST Award. HRET will honor Schlichting at a reception on July 20, 2014, in San Diego, during the Health Forum/American Hospital Association Leadership Summit. To learn more about the TRUST Award, click here.