Carle Health President and CEO receives national recognition for Healthcare Innovation
URBANA — Carle Health has announced that James C. Leonard, MD, President and CEO of the integrated health system, is the 2025 recipient of the American Hospital Association (AHA) Justin Ford Kimball Innovators Award. The prestigious honor is the national organization's highest award and recognizes Dr. Leonard's forward-thinking leadership and Carle Health's commitment to providing transformative care in the communities it serves under his leadership.
AHA will present Dr. Leonard with the award at the AHA Annual Membership Meeting later this month. AHA selects one healthcare leader from its 5,000 membership organizations each year to celebrate leaders whose innovation advances access, coordination and health outcomes. Leaders receiving the recognition demonstrate innovation that has reshaped the future of healthcare.
'Innovation doesn't happen in a vacuum,' Dr. Leonard shared. 'It's the result of thousands of people working together every day with purpose, care and dedication. I'm honored to receive this award and I'm grateful for our team – because awards like this represent a collective commitment.'
Throughout his 25-year tenure as President and CEO, Dr. Leonard has guided Carle Health's evolution into an integrated health system comprising of eight hospitals, a multispecialty family physician group, numerous outpatient sites, a research institute, and the Carle Illinois College of Medicine, the world's first engineering based medical school.
'Jim Leonard is an accomplished leader and a strategic thinker whose contributions to advancing excellence have benefited not just Carle Health but the entire healthcare field,' said Rick Pollack, AHA president and CEO.
Never losing touch with his foundation as a family medicine provider, Dr. Leonard brings together a focus on community-based access to care with value-driven, modern healthcare solutions.
'With Jim at the helm, I've really been able to see the trajectory of the healthcare system and our ability to provide more inclusive and specialized care for those we serve,' Napoleon Knight, MD, Carle Health executive vice president and chief medical officer said. 'From fortifying access to care in rural communities to bringing unmatched technology to the region, his vision for creating sustainable, patient-centered healthcare has been our driving force and put Carle Health in the position to make an incredible impact.'
Under Dr. Leonard's leadership, the Carle Health system has:
Expanded to include eight hospitals and a research institute.
Established the Carle Illinois College of Medicine.
Extended its commitment to community health, exponentially increasing Carle Health's access and impact in supporting underserved communities.
Opened the Mills Breast Cancer Institute and Digestive Health Institute.
Launched the Carle Illinois Advanced Imaging Center with 7 Tesla MRI technology.
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