Mr. Lessears is a seasoned diversity and inclusion leader with over 15 years of experience in healthcare, higher education and local government. He currently serves as the chief diversity officer at the University of Alabama Birmingham Health System, where he has established a strategic plan for the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, created an organization commitment statement, and implemented performance outcomes for people leaders’ annual reviews. Under his leadership, the UAB Health System has achieved Healthcare Equity Index leader designation, recognition as one of the Best Places for Men in Nursing from the American Association for Men in Nursing, and inclusion in U.S. News & World Report’s inaugural Best Regional Hospitals for Equitable Access list, which highlights efforts to improve care in historically underserved communities by meeting criteria related to socioeconomic deprivation, racial and ethnic minority patient representation, and Medicaid patient representation. Additionally, under his leadership, The Lown Institute has recognized UAB Health System as one of the most socially responsible hospitals.
