Sharlet Briggs

U.S. News & World Report Recognizes Kettering Health Main Campus as High Performing in Six Areas

Kettering Health Main Campus has been named a High Performing hospital by U.S. News & World Report as part of its 2023-2024 Best Hospitals rankings. This is the highest distinction a hospital can earn for U.S. News’ Best Hospitals Procedures & Conditions ratings.  

The annual Procedures & Conditions ratings are designed to assist patients and their doctors in making informed decisions about where to receive care for challenging health conditions or elective procedures.  

Kettering Health Main Campus earned High Performing ratings for the following procedures and conditions: 

• Aortic valve surgery 
• Colon cancer surgery 
• Heart bypass surgery 
• Hip replacement 
• Knee replacement 
• Stroke 

“Receiving this recognition affirms our employees’ commitment to our patients’ best health,” said Brenda Kuhn, chief clinical officer at Kettering Health. “We remain dedicated to raising our standards of care and achieving patient-focused outcomes, resulting in superior healthcare.” 

U.S. News evaluated more than 4,500 hospitals across 15 specialties and 21 procedures and conditions.  

“For 34 years, U.S. News has provided data-informed rankings to help patients and their doctors find the best hospital to treat their illness or condition,” said Ben Harder, chief of health analysis and managing editor at U.S. News. “Fewer than half of evaluated hospitals earned any High Performing rating. Hospitals that are High Performing have excelled in providing high quality care in specific procedures and/or conditions.” 

ACHE CEO Round Table

Dr. Briggs, along with Mike Riordan, Premier Health, were guests at a round table discussion of the current state of healthcare for the American College of Healthcare Executives of Greater Dayton area on July 10, 2023.

Greater Dayton Podcast with Dr. Briggs

Dan Edwards with the Dayton Business Journal sits down to interview Sharlet. Dan Edwards podcasts focus on conversation with Dayton’s unsung, hometown heroes who inform, inspire and entertain. It was my pleasure to be included in this group of hometown heroes.

DBJ’s Power 50 – Meet Dayton’s most influential women of 2022

The Dayton Business Journal for the ninth year is recognizing many of the Dayton region’s most influential women in the business community.

From business owners to high-level executives and elected officials, the Dayton area has many invaluable female leaders. The Bizwomen Power 50 list — compiled by the DBJ Editorial Board — features women from a variety of industries, including education, health care, manufacturing, defense, law, government and more.

This year’s honorees include Dr. Sharlet Briggs.

Kettering Health Facebook Posts on Women’s History Month Included Two Posts Regarding Dr. Briggs

It’s #WomensHistoryMonth, and we’re celebrating female healthcare heroes at Kettering Health.

Meet Sharlet Briggs. Sharlet is the current, and first female, president of Kettering Health Main Campus. Before taking the helm as president, Sharlet joined Kettering Health in 2021 as chief operating officer.

Joining the system at the height of the pandemic, Sharlet shared one of her biggest accomplishments so far is the care the system provided for its frontline workers and the community they built around their staff during perhaps the most challenging time of their lives.

“My first thought was, ‘how can we really put our arms around our staff and physicians,'” Sharlet shared. “How do we—in the midst of a very tough situation—make sure our staff feels like we’re here for them?”

Kettering Health Main Campus set up “resilience rooms,” packed with treats and ways to de-stress for our frontline workers, and Sharlet shared that this reflected her philosophy of leadership—”it’s all about our staff.”

And this philosophy is echoed in what Sharlet shared is the most important thing she learned over her incredible career. “The most important lesson is to put your people first,” she said. “If you focus on your people, celebrate with them, help them understand the work that needs to be done—that’s the most important lesson.”

For those new to their careers, hoping to enjoy the kind of career Sharlet has had, her advice is simple: work hard and jump in, look for any opportunities you can find, and most importantly, listen.”

Find someone who’s been where you want to be, have conversations with them, and implement their advice,” Sharlet shared. “And get yourself involved. I’ve had so many doors opened to me—trips to Africa, authoring books, and so much more—because I volunteered and was willing to pick something up. Make sure you’re getting involved outside of your work environment and creating community relationships.”

Thanks for being a trailblazer and history-maker, Sharlet!

Sharlet is also a clinical psychologist and has authored or co-authored numerous books.

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It’s #WomensHistoryMonth, and we’re celebrating the contributions women have made in healthcare history—and the impact women make at Kettering Health every day. Sharlet Briggs, president of Kettering Health Main Campus, gathered women leaders from around the medical center to honor and thank them for their leadership and commitment.

“The sisterhood we share as women is a special bond,” Sharlet said. “I am proud to serve this community alongside you, and as we look back on the accomplishments of women throughout history, let’s also celebrate the many impactful achievements of today and look forward to a bright future together.”

Praying for Ukraine

Kettering Health recently conducted a prayer vigil for Ukraine.

Leader Recognition

If only you could have been here today at Kettering Health Main Campus as we recognized one of our leaders with the TLC award.  Today’s special leader was Carol Dirks, Operating Vice President. Staff shared their appreciation for her commitment to them and to the department. 

Community Partnership

The story was documented in a short film that opened with Sharlet Briggs, president of Adventist Health Bakersfield, explaining why they partnered with CityServe. “We feel like
we have a responsibility to the community to live our mission, which is living God’s love by inspiring health, wholeness, and hope. It calls us to not only take care of what we have within the hospital but to take care of our community, whether that community be somewhere in the world or in our own backyard. That’s where CityServe came in, because not only do they have the communication that we needed, they have the connections with the churches.” – Pacific Union Recorder August 2020

COVID-19 Interview

Hospital Week at Adventist Health Bakersfield TikTok Engagement

Addressing Care Delay’s due to COVID-19

Award-winning Chest Pain Center and STEMI Receiving Center – Six Straight Years

Homelessness and Adventist Health – Point-In-Time Count

Hospital Announcement Following Employee Forum

Adventist Health Bakersfield’s joins Mission Trip

COVID – 19 Discussion with KGET

West Rotary Donates Money to Cancer

Mask Challenge – over 10,000 made!

Pray for Adventist Health Bakersfield – Thank you United We Stand

Kern Leadership Alliance – Michelle (Public Health), Steve (Life Coach), Mayor Goh, Sharlet

This African mission trip was a powerful team bonding for staff and physicians. It was a life-changing experience that broadened perspectives, taught new skills, and enhanced resilience. We worked and played hard while learning about African culture with colleagues around the world.

As a CEO, I thank you for your interest. Healthcare is about fostering relationships, from staff, to physicians, to the board, to our patients, to the community, to other hospitals, and to state and local officials.

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Just wanted to send you a quick note that it was fantastic to meet with you yesterday.  I had recently listened into your interview on “A Greater Dayton” podcast and really enjoyed your perspective on how much of a hidden gem Dayton is as a community- very much agree here. I very much appreciate your trailblazing as a top female executive in healthcare here in the Dayton community. Thanks for spending some time on our campus and I look forward to working with you in the future.

—Jennifer D

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Greatly appreciate your leadership, in a style that enables our ownership of our campuses yet pulls us together as a team.

Well done!

May God continue to bless and guide you in your leadership and life.

Peace

—Mike B

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Thank you for your consistent, thoughtful, patient-centric leadership. Our anesthesia transition, while difficult, was/is a success thanks to a great team under your leadership.

It a joy to work for/with and learn from you. I’m thrilled you chose Kettering Health!

Thank you!

—Wendi B

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I just had my evaluation with Chrissie yesterday and learned how much she (and the culinary services team) appreciated you coming down to the Nutrition department and helping out during the post fire/code-red last week.

I wanted to reach out to express my respect and thanks to you for supporting the team doing dishes and helping in a practical way where they needed it most. (I am sorry that I wasn’t there beside you to lend a hand).

With sincere appreciation,

—Derek

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Eating a slice of the gifted cinnamon bread this morning, I spent time meditating on this thought; “How will I lead differently, if I internalize the concept of me as the leaven for my teams?”

The past 2 years, leadership has felt like pushing a boulder up a hill. I am so ready to embrace the vision of myself as leaven. Leaven just has to be present, then by its nature it activates all the other ingredients to do what they do best.

I would like a coach to help me develop my “nature”. I desire to grow my abilities to communicate in the most meaningful ways and to just “be” the leader my teams deserve. My teams are asking for better communication and more recognition.  I want to optimize my ability to activate the new leaders I now have in my ANMs and CNLs. The concept of me as leaven is very motivating as I visualize my potential to create success and see my team “rise up”.

Thank you for the inspirational meeting yesterday, and for considering me for the coaching opportunity.   

—Sarah

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I wanted to take a moment to send a very genuine thank you from me and the entire Culinary Team at Kettering Health Main. I understand there was a fire in the kitchen at the main campus while I was out of town last week. I also heard the culinary team worked together in an amazing way to pull the kitchen back to operations within 2 hours of the fire. Your presence and support during this time was more impactful than you may ever know. Every team member I have spoken with highlighted the fact that “our President and our CFO came down to help us!” I heard things like “our President put on scrubs and was washing dishes!” and “our CFO offered to help with anything we needed!” I can’t express how meaningful your help and encouragement was during this stressful time. Your willingness to roll up your sleeves and get in the thick of it during a time of crisis showed this team they are valued and appreciated in a way that tops all.

Thank you for your exceptional leadership and support. Your actions made a positive impact that will last for a very long time!

—Chrissie

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Hi Sharlet-

I wanted to take a moment to send a note of gratitude based on a recent interaction shared by our new hire, Moises. At a team meeting today, he spoke specifically about your kindness, your willingness to share your experiences, and genuine advice you gave him during your time together – and he left feeling very inspired by your demeanor as someone at the peak of the organization.

What may have seemed like an everyday conversation to you, really impacted him as a new member on our team.

Since he’s onboarded, we’ve intentionally exposed him to various parts of the organization encouraging him to learn and interact with all the great people that make up Kettering Health – and have to admit, some experiences have been more positive than others. But as we look to recruit and retain talented individuals, it is reassuring to hear stories like this that help made our staff’s experience a great one.

So simply put, thank you. And I hope you have a great week!

—Katie

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I want to take a moment to say thank-you for your leadership and poise. I’ve learned a great deal by your example and appreciate your clear and direct approach.

You’ve been able to accomplish so much in a short time and have allowed us to celebrate and appreciate our staff. I and our team are very blessed by your leadership. Thank you.

With great respect,

—Stephen O’Neal

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I’d like to thank you for your incredible partnership and advocacy for the Grimm Family Education Foundation and the Edible Schoolyard Kern County. Without your generous support, our Mobile Kitchen Classroom might still be a blueprint and the KGET Channel 17 Wellness Wednesdays only a good idea. Your support for the CSUB’s micro farm also provided energy around and validation of a good idea with measurable community impact.

—RJ Valentino

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Thank you for taking a change on me and giving me the gift of being part of your team. I knew when I accepted this job that you were the way. I am forever grateful to have worked with such a strong leader. You get it done and get it done right. Thank you for being bold and amazing.

—Melissa Fernandez

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Thank you for leading our hospital and leading in our community. Your leadership an dedication to this community has made a tremendous difference. You have inspired so many including myself to have a voice. I will forever be grateful for you and your leadership.

—Tonya Baker

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Thank you for all you are doing for our people. You are truly the most caring and transparent leader and I appreciate you for that!

—Chantal

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Sharlet is one of the most professional yet personal executives I have ever worked with. Her ability to lead with grace, have a mindset for business, and truly care about people is extraordinary. She is a problem solver, visionary, and hard worker. I have been honored to work for her and appreciate her leadership.

—Christine Lollar

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A HUGE Thank You to Sharlet Briggs and Adventist Health for your partnership and for your encouragement today! Thank you, Sharlet, for taking the time to stop by and drop off some Smith’s bakery “love” and for the banner! We already have it up and know that it will be a source of encouragement each day! We are grateful!

—Robin Robertson, CityServe

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Just a note to thank you for your leadership in our community during this crazy time. You have brought a spirit of collaboration to the hospitals. You send out a text to see how I am doing at needed times. You are amazing!!

—Russell Judd, CEO Kern Medical

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As we start our Friday morning leading into our weekends it is essential to stop, take a deep breath, and exhale the difficulties of the week as we begin the day’s work. However, it is through these difficult struggles that we become aware of our strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, priorities and passions. It is through our struggles that we gain good character.

I wanted to personally thank everyone for their continued diligence, adaptability, willingness to dialogue and focus upon caring not just for our patients, but for each other. Sometimes in our interactions and encounters that comprise a days work we traverse conversations that produce feelings of empathy, sadness, defeat, frustration, and then reward, compassion, understanding and inspiration. Some of these emotions are quite opposite each other, but have the capacity to create the best version of ourselves, after all, how much can we grow in understanding without experiencing an array of feelings and situations.

I wanted to take a moment to especially recognize Sarah Shelbourne for her tireless efforts to bring equity, peace, understanding and progress to each and every one of us as we strive to use the God given talents entrusted to each person, with humility I truly want all of you to know the countless meetings, after hours conversations, sacrifice of personal time, enduring circumstances and difficult subject matter Sarah has constantly been immersed in during this Pandemic and certainly within this time of practicing in an atmosphere riddled with ambiguity, risk, and adversity. Sarah, we appreciate you, you are a force for good.

Lastly, we cannot forget to recognize Sharlet for her leadership, guidance and support during this time of terrific pain and suffering for so many people in our organization. Thank you Sharlet for being there for us and for your endurance, wisdom and dedication.

—Stephen Strategos, MD

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Thank you to everyone who is a part of the staff at Adventist Health Bakersfield. My is Erin, and I am a member of the National Society of Leadership and Success. I have great appreciation and so thankful for all that you do to help through this time. I am also a member of the Bakersfield community, an right now, both my parents are working for you. Thank you so much again for all your help in protecting us in our community.

—Erin

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Thanks for your true leadership!! It is tough but bring that power to inspire hope and to generate love with every step that you do! The power to take care of each other is all in our hands! We are here to support our mission! We are here to stand with you! Tears may drop suddenly but always transform that with joy because everyone surrounding you will be with you side by side. In the midst of everything, you are God’s way to lead our organization and for that He will guide and lead you in bringing wisdom and courage to many unknown challenges we are faced with. You will see many angels around you!!! Thank you from the bottom of my heart! I am so humbled knowing someone with a great heart, love and compassion to everyone! God be with you! Always with you in prayers! 

—Ana Marie

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As we are facing a difficult time like this, I want to take this opportunity  to thank you for your  brave leadership to this company. These are difficult time for all of us. Both management and employees. I myself is privileged to work for Adventist Health for the past year. Knowing the heart of this administration, I can assume how much difficulty  you are facing to keep your employees, to flex them and to let  go even some of them. I just want to let you know that I am praying  for God’s strength and wisdom to rest upon you.  May God continue to be with you in leading this hospital. I am well assured that even this difficult times will pass and we all will be overcomers. Thank you for your time.

—Lincy

Thousands of BCSD teachers received your letter for Teacher Appreciation Week and I’ve been asked to tell you that it was very well received and much appreciated. In fact, here are some specific comments that I thought you would like to see:

“That was so nice of Sharlet Briggs!  Please let her know we appreciate her kind words and that we wish her a happy Nurse Day.  Nurses are special.  They are our front-line workers serving our community.  We salute them.” – Florence Flesche, Agriculture Academy Instructor, Munsey Elementary.

“That was so thoughtful.  I truly appreciate that she wrote that.  We love our nurses too!” –  Sandi Brown, 2nd Grade, Stella Hills School.

“Well this was just the most beautiful thing ever…thank you for sharing these heartfelt words of hope with our teachers. The fact that it came from the healthcare field is even more extraordinary!”

—Dee Dee Harrison, Coordinator, Family and Community Engagement Extended Learning

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“We thank you for showing up to work everyday and making a difference in the lives of people in our community during these challenging times. It take courage, dedication, and commitment to continue to press on in the midst of this pandemic. We are grateful for your service and sacrifice. You are loved, appreciated, and in our thoughts and prayers.” 

—Cain Memorial AME Church

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“You certainly lead an amazing team! However, talent attracts talent… Thank you for your unwavering leadership especially during these trying times. Keep up the good work.  Best Regards”

—Greg Garrett, City Manager

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“I just wanted to take a minute to say thank you for all you have done to help CityServe be in a position to meet the needs in our community! Your support and trust in us and our mission has been such a source of encouragement for me.  Thank you! We are so grateful for this opportunity to serve with you and your team! We are praying for you all daily.  Thank you for your leadership and your love for our community.”

—Robin

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“My wife was admitted to Adventist Hospital for surgery. We wanted to acknowledge those who provided such outstanding service from the time we check in to your very impressive hospital. Everyone was professional, knowledgeable, and personable. We wanted you to know how grateful we are for having such a pleasant experience with your hospital and staff.”

—Robert