Laurie McGraw is speaking with Inspiring Woman Leslie Snavely, CEO of CHG Healthcare, the largest physician and clinician staffing organization in the U.S. Leslie shares her journey of rising through the ranks over 14 years at CHG, transitioning from roles in marketing and sales to leadership and eventually CEO. She credits her success to continuous learning, a strong work ethic, and a willingness to take risks when opportunities arose, such as stepping into a leadership role in technology despite it being outside her comfort zone.
Key Insights:
1. Career Growth: Leslie emphasizes the importance of finding the right company, working hard, staying curious, and being willing to take leaps into new challenges. She highlights how the pandemic served as a pivotal moment, building her confidence and purpose for assuming the CEO role.
2. Leadership Philosophy: Leslie encourages women to reflect on their “why” to move from uncertainty to a confident “heck yes” when pursuing leadership opportunities. She advocates for authenticity and surrounding oneself with mentors and colleagues who enable you to be your true self.
3. CHG Healthcare's Mission: Leslie provides an overview of CHG’s work, particularly its focus on placing locum tenens (temporary) physicians in areas of need. The organization plays a vital role in addressing the national clinician shortage and ensuring access to quality care, especially in rural and underserved communities.
4. Challenges in Healthcare Staffing: Leslie discusses the burnout crisis among healthcare workers and the challenges of recruiting in a constrained talent pipeline. CHG’s approach involves supporting physicians with career planning, credentialing, and licensure to let them focus on patient care.
5. Building a Strong Workplace Culture: Under Leslie’s leadership, CHG has implemented inclusive policies like gender pay equity, flexible work arrangements, and expanded parental leave. These initiatives have driven business success, including higher retention rates for postpartum employees, saving millions in recruitment and training costs.
Leslie closes by advising young professionals to focus on finding environments where they can be their authentic selves and invest their energy into the work, rather than projecting an image that doesn’t align with who they are.
About Leslie:
CHG Healthcare has announced the promotion of Leslie Snavely to president, taking on more responsibility in the leadership of CHG, the nation’s largest physician staffing company. Snavely currently serves as chief sales officer, a role that will now be filled by Bill Heller. They will assume their new roles effective July 1.
“Since joining CHG, Leslie has continued to bring a deeper significance to each position she has held,” said Scott Beck, CEO. “I have every confidence that her extensive sales and marketing knowledge and commitment to our people and our culture will further strengthen our company as she takes on the role of president.”
Snavely joined CHG in 2010 as vice president of marketing and communications. She has held a wide range of positions within the company, including senior vice president of marketing and business development and chief strategy and digital officer. As a member of CHG’s executive leadership team, Snavely led the development of CHG’s strategic plan and the acquisition of two tech companies, Modio Health and Locumsmart. Prior to being named president, she served as chief sales officer.
Snavely is also an executive sponsor of CHG’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion efforts. “Putting people first is a huge part of who we are at CHG Healthcare. I’m so appreciative of the role this company has played in my life and the role our people have played in the healthcare community,” Snavely said. “I look forward to continuing to drive our business, grow our people, and strengthen our culture as president of CHG Healthcare.”
Snavely made Utah Business Magazine’s “40 Under 40” in 2014 and was named CXO of the Year in 2021. She is passionate about elevating the status of women’s leadership and previously served as the vice chair of the Women’s Leadership Institute of Utah. She has also volunteered with the Park City Community Foundation. She graduated Summa Cum Laude from Miami University with a
Bachelor of Science in Finance and Accounting.
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