Like so many healthcare professionals, Dia Nichols said he is driven by a desire to positively influence the health, wellness and vibrancy of the communities served. “To do that, we know our focus cannot only rest on treating the sick but on working to keep people well,” he said.
At Advocate Health Care, Nichols and his team are constantly seeking innovative ways to build trust within its communities, provide greater access to preventative care, improve health outcomes and disrupt the root causes of health inequities.
Founded in 1995, Advocate Health Care is the largest health system in Illinois and part of Advocate Health, the second-largest nonprofit integrated health system in the U.S. With a mission to redefine care and improve health equity, the organization operates 11 hospitals, 300 sites of care, and serves millions annually through innovative strategies that combine traditional, virtual and home-based care.
Nichols’ career spans over 26 years, during which he has demonstrated operational and financial leadership across various organizations, including HCA, Ascension and Advocate Health. Over the years, he has advanced from managing a small community hospital to overseeing Illinois’ largest healthcare system with over 37,000 employees and a multi-billion dollar budget.
Under Nichols’ leadership, Advocate Health Care has experienced significant growth, including the expansion of its outpatient footprint through new ambulatory sites and enhanced virtual services. These efforts have reduced hospital readmissions by 47%, and hospital stays by 55% through virtual chronic care management. Nichols’ vision for the future involves continued investment in outpatient and home care strategies, as well as addressing health disparities, particularly on Chicago’s South Side.
“His inclusive and solutions-driven leadership style allows him to effectively turn crises into opportunities, demonstrating resilience and adaptability in the face of adversity,” said his staff.
Nichols’ focus on innovation extends to education, precision medicine, and workforce development, ensuring Advocate Health Care remains at the forefront of transformative care delivery. He is a distinguished fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives and an active member of the National Association of Health Services Executives. His board roles include the American Cancer Society of Illinois and World Business Chicago. Recognized for his leadership, he has been named among Chicago’s notable Black leaders by Crain’s Chicago Business and one of Modern Healthcare’s notable executives of color in health care.
Driven by a passion for improving community wellness, Nichols is committed to mentoring the next generation of healthcare leaders. “I’m honored to be able to mentor the next generation of healthcare leaders,” he said. “It’s my greatest privilege to be able to work alongside such talented, dedicated individuals with a shared passion for improving the lives of those we serve.”