Becker’s Hospital Review has named Sutter’s Dana Beckton among the country’s 111 Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officers to Know—national recognition reserved for those leaders who are “spearheading initiatives that cultivate safe, forward-thinking healthcare environments where all individuals feel embraced, appreciated and secure,” according to the publication.
After a robust, nationwide search, Beckton became Sutter Health’s first-ever Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer (CDIO) in January of this year. She brings a wealth of experience and expertise to this role guiding diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) efforts for an integrated healthcare system that serves 3.4+ million patients in one of the most diverse areas of the country.
A seasoned leader, Beckton plays a critical role in further building trust and belonging with staff, physicians and clinicians, along with partnerships with Sutter’s communities. She oversees organizational efforts to enhance diversity in recruitment, training and development to help grow careers at Sutter Health while attracting and hiring more diverse candidates.
In just her first few months at Sutter Health, Beckton has already established Sutter’s first Office of Diversity and Inclusion, nearly doubled an already-active network of Employee Resource Groups, launched intensive “inclusive leader” training across the organization, begun laying the groundwork for a robust supplier diversity program, and expanded Sutter’s relationships with professional organizations that will help build strong and diverse talent pathways.
Beckton sits on the advisory committee for Sutter’s partnership with Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, a Historically Black University, through which Sutter is funding one of the largest scholarship programs in CDU’s history and creating opportunities for students to participate in rotations at Sutter facilities.
Earlier this year, the Nob Hill Gazette and San Francisco Examiner also named Beckton among a list of “Women Who Inspire.” More broadly, Sutter Health was named to Forbes’ Best Employers for Diversity list, as well as Newsweek’s list of America’s Greatest Workplaces for Diversity. Read more about Beckton’s recognition from Becker’s, and see who else made the list, by visiting the publication’s website.