Denise Brooks-Williams is a name that carries power, grace, and unwavering dedication. Her recent promotion to Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at Henry Ford Health stands as a monumental moment—not just for her but for the entire community. Williams has spent years building a legacy rooted in service, leadership, and a commitment to the kind of healthcare that sees every individual, every family, every need.
For over a decade, Williams has been a driving force at Henry Ford Health. Starting as President and CEO of Henry Ford Wyandotte Hospital in 2013, she brought her expertise and heart to a community that needed a leader who truly cared. Her leadership wasn’t just about overseeing operations. It was about making sure that the healthcare system worked for the people it was designed to serve. Whether it was guiding a hospital with 2,400 employees or leading the charge on ambulatory services and surgical departments, Denise has shown us all what it means to lead with both strength and compassion.
“It is a privilege and honor to have this opportunity to serve our communities and team members,” said Williams. “I look forward to partnering on the delivery of high quality and affordable care , while seeking to eliminate health disparities.”
This new role will place her in charge of crucial areas of care delivery. From regional and hospital leadership to supply chain and facility services, Williams will ensure that every facet of the system is functioning at its best. It’s no small task, but if anyone is up for it, it’s Denise Brooks-Williams. “I am so grateful for the expertise Denise has already brought to this area, and I’m thrilled for the opportunity to further promote her,” said Robert Riney, President and CEO of Henry Ford Health. That gratitude extends across the board, as her leadership has consistently elevated not just the institution but the communities they serve.
William’s journey is deeply rooted in Michigan. Born and raised here, she earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in health services administration from the University of Michigan, laying the foundation for a career that has always been about giving back. Her professional path began at Mercy Hospital in Detroit, where she honed her skills and began to see the impact of healthcare on a community level. It’s no surprise that she would go on to lead one of Michigan’s largest healthcare systems, bringing with her a wealth of knowledge and an unwavering dedication to creating spaces where quality care is a given.
Her impact goes far beyond the hospitals she leads. Williams is actively engaged in numerous organizations that share her mission for healthcare equity and community support. She serves on the boards of Authority Health, the Detroit Wayne County Health Authority, and the Quality Committee of Bon Secours Mercy Health, ensuring that healthcare delivery is always at the forefront of these initiatives. Her leadership is not confined to boardrooms. It extends into neighborhoods, where she has worked with the United Way and the Ennis Center for Children to improve outcomes for families across Michigan.
Williams has always understood that leadership means more than holding a title. It means creating opportunities for others. Through her involvement with the National Association of Health Services Executives (NAHSE), she has been a champion for minority healthcare professionals, helping to open doors and build networks for people of color in an industry where representation matters. Her leadership within NAHSE, particularly as a past president, is a reflection of her ongoing commitment to equity in healthcare.
Her dedication has been recognized time and again. Williams has earned accolades such as Modern Healthcare’s Top 25 Minority Executives in Health Care, Michigan Chronicle’s Women of Excellence, Michigan Chronicle’s Power 50, the University of Michigan’s Five Under Ten alumni award for civic and professional service, and the NAHSE Young Healthcare Executive of the Year Award. Yes, these honors mark career milestones but they also celebrate her unwavering commitment to bettering the healthcare system for everyone and her undeniable footprint in our community.
Williams promotion is more than an achievement. It’s a call to action. A reminder that leadership must be rooted in service, community, and the unshakeable belief that healthcare should be accessible, equitable, and compassionate. As she steps into this role, there’s no doubt she will continue to bring that belief into every decision, every meeting, and every hospital under her care.
Her story is one that we all can learn from. Denise Brooks-Williams is a leader who stands tall in the face of challenges, a woman who has never forgotten where she comes from or who she serves. Her new role as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer is not just a win for Henry Ford Health—it’s a win for Michigan, for the Black community, and for every person who believes in the power of dedicated, compassionate leadership.
Williams shows us what is possible when talent meets purpose. This moment is a celebration of her journey, but it’s also a glimpse into the future of healthcare in Michigan. We can all take comfort knowing that with her at the helm, our healthcare system is in good hands.
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