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WASHINGTON (December 17, 2018) – Today, the Institute for Diversity and Health Equity (Institute) of the ���������� Association (AHA) named Duane Elliott Reynolds as its new president and CEO. Reynolds will lead the Institute’s efforts to reduce health care inequities, and advance diversity and inclusion across the health care field.

“Duane brings more than 17 years of experience in the health care field to this role and has devoted much of his work to pushing the field forward in diversity, inclusion and health equity leading to results,” said Jay Bhatt, AHA senior vice president and chief medical officer. “He has demonstrated wonderful leadership and we are excited to have him lead the Institute as hospitals and health systems strive to be innovators and connectors in their communities in the areas of diversity, inclusion and health equity.”

Most recently, Reynolds served as chief for diversity and inclusion and director of consulting, leading both internal efforts and the Health Equity and Inclusion practice at Optum/UnitedHealth Group by way of acquisition of the Advisory Board Company. His duties included designing access to care and service line strategy, developing and implementing diversity and inclusion initiatives, and blazing new trails to elevate the significance of health equity as a pillar of quality. Under Reynolds’ leadership, the organization launched new practice areas focused on addressing health inequities, the social determinants of health and inclusion within health care payer and provider organizations. He also spearheaded the development of the company’s LGBTQ business resource group, which earned them recognition as a 2017 and 2018 “Best Place to Work for LGBTQ Equality” by the Human Rights Campaign.

Reynolds brings previous experience in academic and community health systems, and consulting organizations to his new role. His prior experience includes time at Johns Hopkins Medicine in Baltimore, where he served as administrator of the Division of Rheumatology, and various leadership roles at Emory Healthcare in Atlanta. Reynolds has been recognized for his values-driven commitment to redefine the health care field, and, in 2018, was recognized as a “Healthcare Up and Comer” by Modern Healthcare.

Reynolds holds a bachelor’s in public health from Indiana University and received a master’s in health administration from The Ohio State University.
 

About the Institute for Diversity and Health Equity

The Institute for Diversity and Health Equity leads the hospital and health system field in increasing the diversity of America’s health care leadership, maintaining an inclusive working environment and enabling equitable care for all individuals. Part of the ���������� Association, the Institute delivers expertise and education, while serving as an agent of change. For more information, visit our website at

About the ���������� Association

The AHA is a not-for-profit association of health care provider organizations and individuals that are committed to the improvement of health in their communities. The AHA is the national advocate for its members, which include nearly 5,000 hospitals, health care systems, networks and other providers of care. Founded in 1898, the AHA provides education for health care leaders and is a source of information on health care issues and trends. For more information, visit the AHA website at .

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Contact:         

Arika Trim, (202) 626-2319 

Marie Johnson, (202) 626-2351