100 Most Influential People in Healthcare - 2024

Woods brings more than 30 years of healthcare leadership experience to his role at Charlotte, North Carolina-based Advocate Health. His commitment to sustainability, operational efficiency and patient safety has had major impacts throughout the health system. Woods has led efforts to recycle waste, resulting in the elimination of 3,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions. Advocate Health has also opted for sustainable, more cost-effective alternatives to plastic water bottles. In 2022, Woods traveled to Washington, D.C., to sign a sustainability pledge at the White House alongside other health organization leaders, committing to reduce emissions 50% by 2030 and achieve net-zero carbon by 2050. His advocacy for diversity, equity and inclusion within the industry is reflected in the health system’s annual “For All” conference, which draws experts from many aspects of multicultural care.