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Forbes ranks Penn State Health among best employers for diversity

Penn State Health was among 29 hospitals and health systems to make Forbes’ 2019 list of the “Best Employers for Diversity.” Credit: Penn State Health / Penn State. Creative Commons

HERSHEY, Pa. — Penn State Health was among 29 hospitals and health systems to make Forbes’ second annual list of the “Best Employers for Diversity.”

Penn State Health ranked 127th out of the 500 employers that made the national listing. That’s up from No. 192 last year.

“When we seek and value diverse perspectives, we see the world in broader strokes, and are better able to achieve excellence in patient care, education, research and service,” said Dr. Craig Hillemeier, dean of Penn State College of Medicine, Penn State’s senior vice president for health affairs and chief executive officer of Penn State Health. “I am proud that our organization strives to be an employer, health care provider and educational institution of choice and to create a welcoming environment for all patients and their families, learners, and faculty and staff.”

Lynette Chappell-Williams, chief diversity officer and associate dean of diversity and inclusion for Penn State Health and Penn State College of Medicine, said the ranking is a testament to the system’s efforts to increase diversity and establish an inclusive work and patient care environment. The recognition will assist in Penn State Health’s future recruitment of talent from diverse backgrounds, she said.

“Penn State Health is honored to be recognized by Forbes for our commitment to diversity and inclusion,” she said. “We know that diversity drives us to excellence and greater innovation, and that inclusion means a more respectful work and patient care for everyone. This recognition inspires us to strive for greater diversity and a continuing commitment to inclusion and respect.”

Forbes selects its “Best Employers for Diversity” from the results of a survey of 50,000 U.S. employees working for companies that employ at least 1,000 people within the United States. Penn State Health scored highly in all the categories.

In particular, its Key Performance Indicators, which included the existence of a position or department responsible for diversity and proactive communication of diverse company culture, were among the best in the country. 

Penn State Health also ranked among the best in the nation for diversity among its top executives and board members.

View the complete listing here.

Last Updated March 6, 2019

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