Cayuga Health appoints Alexander as chief diversity officer

ITHACA, N.Y. — Cayuga Health recently named Herb Alexander its chief diversity officer, a new position, to enhance diversity programs and create a more inclusive culture at the health-care organization.

He started his new job on Aug. 2.

Alexander most recently was chief diversity officer and associate dean of students at Roberts Wesleyan College, located near Rochester. He holds a master’s degree in strategic (business) leadership and a bachelor’s degree in history from Roberts Wesleyan.

During his tenure at Roberts Wesleyan College, Alexander launched a diversity program that promoted diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout the college and focused on students, faculty, staff, and community outreach.

“I am thrilled to join the Cayuga Medical Center/Cayuga Health team and work with an organization embracing the valuable work of diversity, equity and inclusion. It is an honor to serve as a voice for access in this influential organization and industry. As we take this journey, I am committed to approaching diversity, not as an issue needing to be solved, but as a way of life that allows us all to thrive,” Alexander said in a release. “We each have the responsibility to promote equity and inclusion and I look forward to collaborating with our community as we strive to embody this change together.”

In 2020, Cayuga Health formed a systemwide Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Committee consisting of employees, across the organization and members of their regional community. They have been focusing on human-capital diversity metrics, workforce practices, leadership accountability, talent programs, supplier diversity and philanthropy. The committee also held focus groups in the community.

Cayuga Health has two hospitals — Cayuga Medical Center and Schuyler Hospital — as well as a multi-specialty group, Cayuga Medical Associates. It employs more than 2,500 people total, including affiliated organizations.