Dr. Airica Steed recognized as one of Modern Healthcare’s Top Women Leaders
Modern Healthcare has named MetroHealth President & CEO Airica Steed, Ed.D, RN, MBA, FACHE, as one of its Top Women Leaders for 2023.
This prestigious recognition acknowledges and honors women executives from all sectors of the health care industry for their contributions to care delivery improvement, health equity, policy and gender equity in health care leadership. Dr. Steed is also recognized among Modern Healthcare’s Top Women to Watch for 2023.
As the first Black female to serve as MetroHealth’s CEO, Dr. Steed is fighting passionately to reverse racial disparities and make sure every person – in Cuyahoga County and beyond – has an equal chance at a long and healthy life. She plans to turn that vision to reality by using her favorite leadership tools: partnering with others and listening.
“The women named to our 2023 class of the Top Women Leaders in Healthcare are helping guide their organizations and improve the communities they call home,” said Mary Ellen Podmolik, editor-in-chief of Modern Healthcare. “Internally, they are innovators and team-builders advancing their organizations. They are mentoring co-workers while inspiring others to pursue careers in the industry. And externally, they are forging coalitions to improve access to care for all patients. The women we’ve selected this year, from hundreds of nominations, are leading important advancements in the nation’s health care system.”
Since her arrival in early December as MetroHealth’s chief executive, Dr. Steed has hosted a series of listening and engagement sessions to hear directly from MetroHealth’s 8,000+ caregivers and the individuals they serve. These healthy conversations with patients, staff and community members are designed to give everyone a voice in the health system’s future.
“I am humbled by this recognition from Modern Healthcare. This is a true honor,” Dr. Steed said. “As the first Black woman and nurse to lead this storied institution, I understand all eyes are on me. And working with our more than 8,000 caregivers, we will make history by eradicating health disparities and ensuring everyone has equal access to quality health care. MetroHealth will be the national model for advancing health equity. Together, we will build healthier and more equitable communities.”
“This recognition from Modern Healthcare is a testament to the visionary leadership Dr. Steed has demonstrated since her arrival in Cleveland and throughout her career,” MetroHealth Board Chair Vanessa Whiting said. “MetroHealth and the Cleveland community are fortunate to have such an engaged and compassionate leader who is committed to operational excellence and tearing down the systemic barriers that prevent far too many of our neighbors from living their healthiest lives.”
Click here to learn more about Modern Healthcare’s Top Women Leaders for 2023.
Founded in 1837, MetroHealth is leading the way to a healthier you and a healthier community through service, teaching, discovery, and teamwork. Cuyahoga County’s public, safety-net hospital system, MetroHealth meets people where they are, providing care through five hospitals, four emergency departments and more than 20 health centers. Each day, our nearly 9,000 employees focus on providing our community with equitable healthcare — through patient-focused research, access to care, and support services — that seeks to eradicate health disparities rooted in systematic barriers. For more information, visit metrohealth.org.
