The AVP Governance & Senior Counsel, coordinates and facilitates governance functions and related activities of the Henry Ford Health Board of Directors, its Committees, the HFH Hospitals' Clinical Board and oversight of the boards of their subsidiaries, as applicable. Assists the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Chief Legal Officer (CLO) by planning, developing and coordinating governance and management activities to support the effective discharge of organizational responsibilities and achievement of strategic objectives aligned with Henry Ford Health's mission and vision. Provides leadership, strategic guidance and counsel to strengthen governance processes, enhance board engagement, and support organizational alignment. Manages a team of governance specialists. This position reports to the CLO.
PRINCIPLE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Plans and oversees the development of organizational governing documens including agendas, bylaws, governance roadmaps and policies. Oversees the preparation of board materials - including meeting minutes - for the HFH Board of Directors and its Committees, the HFH Hospitals' Clinical Board and certain highly visible boards. Ensures timely responses, appropriate preparation, quorum, and adherence to bylaws, policies, regulatory and, where applicable, canonical requirements, and best practices.
- Partners with the CEO and CLO as the primary support for System governance. Acts as a strategic advisor to the CEO and CLO on governance best practices. Coordinates planning, preparation, and follow-up from Board and committee meetings and ensures effective communication of board actions across the System.
- Drafts and collaborates on governance documents, policies, and templates. Serves as a co-sponsor of the Legal Entity Management program with the legal department.
- Participates in presentation of the System-wide orientation program and contributes to the development and delivery of a Governance Development Program for System leaders and the Board of Directors.
- Manages staff providing administrative and governance support, and ensures aligned communication and operations across governance structures.
- Engages with governance leaders at peer organizations to benchmark and assess best practices; recommends enhancements that support governance modernization and excellence.
- Applies continuous quality improvement principles - including process redesign and re-engineering - to governance operations. Leads cross-functional teams to advance governance efficiency and effectiveness and role-models a culture of learning and empowerment.
- Participates in HFH Legal Department initiatives as directed by the CLO.
- Provides coordination for the executive leadership team by facilitating governance planning, tracking follow-up items, monitoring progress toward priorities, and aligning related activities.
EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:
- Juris Doctor degree and in-depth knowledge of governance in a complex integrated health care system.
- 5-7 years of management experience in an integrated health care system required. Highly effective communication skills with the ability to engage with internal and external stakeholders at all levels.
- Health care legal experience.
- Strong technology skills to support governance operations, including board portals, document management platforms, and productivity tools.
- Demonstrated ability to educate leaders on governance roles, responsibilities, and organizational mission.
- Ability to prioritize and manage multiple complex projects and mobilize the appropriate resources for successful completion.
- Strong relationship-building and leadership skills; comfortable operating in a collaborative, shared-leadership environment.
CERTIFICATIONS/LICENSURES REQUIRED:
- License to practice law in the State of Michigan.
