NNCC Executive Director Sarah Hexem was one of 19 honorees across 13 categories for the Philadelphia Business Journal's inaugural Healthcare Leadership Awards. Take a look at the interview from the Philadelphia Business Journal below, and you can read the article here.
Community Champion
Sarah Hexem’s work as managing director of community health services for Public Health Management Corp. centers around one goal: Ensuring that every person in Greater Philadelphia regardless of income, insurance status or ZIP code has access to high-quality, patient-centered care. Hexem oversees the Community Health Services portfolio, which includes PHMC Health, Health Promotion Services and two PHMC subsidiaries. Through PHMC’s network Hexem and her team provide care to 20,000 adults and children, regardless of their ability to pay. While navigating an environment of federal uncertainty and shifting priorities at the local and state levels, Hexem worked to mitigate the impact on frontline staff and vulnerable communities, who often bear the brunt of funding disruptions. During her time with PHMC, she has led the organization from annual revenue of $8 million to more than $18 million, expanding both its reach and capacity to care for the community.
Originally from: Devon
A word that best describes me: Collaborative
Education: B.A., Pomona College; J.D., Temple University
What drew me to healthcare: In law school, I wanted to advance social justice through public interest law and advocacy. I found the potential for systems level impact in the healthcare space, specifically within public health and community nursing. Finding ways to help people live their healthiest lives strengthens communities in ways that reach far beyond physical health and healthcare.
My most significant career accomplishment so far: Helping stabilize programming at PHMC's Public Health Campus on Cedar. The opportunity to bridge health and social services, bolster academic-practice-community partnerships, and invest in programs like medical respite has been an inspiring and critically important project that I get to support alongside HUP, CHOP, Penn Dental, and the Visiting Nurses.
What excites me about my field right now: Organizations are working more collaboratively in the current economic/political environment. Institutions that have historically competed are finding ways to align services and build capacity that can support the larger healthcare ecosystem.
How I’d describe my leadership style: I aim to be a transformational leader. I seek to optimize my colleagues' strengths and deeply value the perspective that diverse teams offer. I also challenge others to explore different options while retaining focus on shared vision, mission and values.
My advice to young or aspiring healthcare professionals and leaders: There are many "right" choices. Your decisions will shape your career, but you get to choose the narrative that ties them all together. There isn't one path to follow.
Favorite hobbies: Barre and parenting three strong-willed boys.
Favorite Philadelphia-area restaurant: Talula's Garden.
A healthy habit I have: Early bedtime.
A bucket list item: Writing young adult historical fiction.
Something I can’t do my job without: My colleagues.
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