As Chief Diversity Officer at Baptist Health, Tiffany Chaney ensures one of the region’s largest employers is a diverse, inclusive place to work and that the essential care it provides is equitable.
How long have you worked with Baptist Health? I began in 2006. In 2009, I discerned a call to ministry and moved to Philadelphia to attend seminary, then to Boston for my first pastoral call. I continued to work remotely with Baptist Health. In 2016, I returned to Montgomery and resumed on-site work with Baptist Health as System Director of Business Development before being promoted to Chief Diversity Officer in August 2020.
What are the main duties of your position? I lead strategic development, promotion and implementation of health system initiatives to ensure commitment and accountability across all spectrums of diversity. Some responsibilities include: Ensuring organizational plans reflect a lens towards diversity, equity and inclusion. Engaging efforts that will support equitable patient care for underrepresented segments of the service area. Working closely with internal departments to ensure a culture with equitable practices and inclusive environment for sourcing, hiring, compensating, supporting and developing diverse team members at every level. Educating team members in cultural sensitivity.
Why is diversity so important in today’s workplaces? When serving a diverse community, having a team reflective of the community often helps people feel like the company will better understand and be sensitive to their needs. Also, having a diverse team widens the perspective of voices and lived experiences at decision-making tables.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of your work? Engaging and collaborating with team members and with community members on ways to best address diversity, equity and inclusion at Baptist Health. This work so often requires vulnerability, next-level understanding and grace for self and others. I consider it a privilege that people trust me as a source for conversations about sensitive topics.
Top Marks
Due in part to its commitment to diversity, Baptist Health was recently recognized by Forbes as No. 17 among top employers in Alabama. It was the only healthcare provider listed in the state. The honor was earned by the votes of Baptist Health team members. Chaney raised an important point. “The time period for surveying was from October 2019 to May 2020, covering the time before and after the onset of the coronavirus pandemic, meaning even in the midst of what is quite possibly one of the most difficult times in their career, our team members recognized Baptist Health as an employer of choice,” she said.
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