WellSpan Health names Brister as chief diversity, equity and inclusion officer 

WellSpan Health’s senior director of talent acquisition, diversity and inclusion will lead the York-based system’s efforts to build its workforce diversity and inclusivity as its first ever chief diversity, equity and inclusion officer. 

Kimberly Brister previously led the system’s diversity and inclusion efforts along with her talent acquisition role. She will now do so as vice president and chief diversity, equity and inclusion officer, WellSpan announced on Tuesday. 

In the new role, Brister will focus 100% of her capacity on advancing WellSpan’s efforts to build a diverse workforce and strengthen its inclusive culture, the system wrote in a press release. 

“Kim has been instrumental in strengthening and representing WellSpan’s position and response to issues of discrimination, bias and racism in our institutions and communities,” said Dr. Roxanna Gapstur, president and CEO of WellSpan Health. “And she is the dynamic leader needed to guide our continued focus on recognizing and appreciating our unique differences as individuals, and advance a culture where every person feels respected, included and valued.” 

Brister has a Master of Business Administration in healthcare administration from the University of Phoenix and earned her Diversity & Inclusion Certificate from Cornell University. 

Brister was one of this year’s recipients of the Central Penn Business Journal 2021 Women of Influence Awards. She also received the York County Economic Alliance’s Diversity Impact Award for her efforts on the Confronting Racism Coalition.  

Brister has held numerous roles at WellSpan Health for over 15 years, including director of talent acquisition and human resources manager. She has led the system’s diversity and inclusion strategy since 2019. 

“At WellSpan our mission is to provide exceptional care for all and to do that we must understand and respect the differences of everyone in our care,” Brister said. “We gain strength when our diverse workforce is empowered to serve our diverse community, and it all starts when an organization creates a place where everyone feels safe to share ideas that reflect their unique experiences.”