Contact: Kathleen Taggersell
207-661-7582 / kathleen.taggersell@mainehealth.org
“MaineHealth is committed to creating a workplace that is inclusive, welcoming and free of discrimination,” said CEO Bill Caron. “In Ryan we have a highly regarded leader, trusted partner and educator who is ideally qualified to drive forward our diversity, equity and inclusion efforts across the health system.”
For over 10 years Polly successfully led organizations and leaders through innovative programs to advance a culture of engagement, equity and inclusion through the consulting firm he founded, Community Inspired, LLC. He leveraged this expertise as Manager of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion/Leadership and Organizational Development at the University of Vermont Medical Center (UVMMC), where he created and led its five-year Diversity and Inclusion Strategic Plan; founded and chaired UVMMC’s multidisciplinary Diversity Advisory Council; and led the communication, training and change strategy to implement Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (SOGI) across the UVM Health Network – among other enterprise-wide transformation initiatives.
Since he joined MMC/MaineHealth last year, Polly spearheaded MMC’s first three-year DEI Strategic Plan and launched a successful DEI ambassador program that will soon roll out across the health system. Under his leadership, the newly formed MaineHealth Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council has begun its work to expand DEI education and awareness programs across the system and foster a culture of inclusion.
“I am proud to be chosen to lead this effort and to continue moving our system forward on our diversity, equity and inclusion journey,” said Polly. “Our DEI goal is to ensure that every care team member is able to bring their whole self to work and to be valued for the differences they bring. This work requires a hard look at who we are and how we interact, and an understanding about health care disparities that may be impacting our patients and families. During this year we will be developing a shared vision for DEI and a system-wide strategy that will not only impact each of us but will also work to reduce health disparities and improve the experience of our patients and families.”
“I am confident that with Ryan’s leadership and guidance, we are well-positioned to continue on our path to create a more inclusive, welcoming and diverse culture across MaineHealth,” said Caron.
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About MaineHealth
MaineHealth is a not-for-profit integrated health system consisting of nine local hospital systems, a comprehensive behavioral healthcare network, diagnostic services, home health agencies, and more than 1,700 employed and independent physicians working together through an Accountable Care Organization. With close to 22,000 employees, MaineHealth is the largest health system in northern New England and provides preventive care, diagnosis and treatment to 1.1 million residents in Maine and New Hampshire. It includes Franklin Memorial Hospital/Franklin Community Health Network in Farmington, LincolnHealth in Damariscotta and Boothbay Harbor, Maine Behavioral Healthcare in South Portland, MaineHealth Care at Home in Saco, Maine Medical Center in Portland, Memorial Hospital in North Conway, N.H., Mid Coast-Parkview Health in Brunswick, NorDx in Scarborough, Pen Bay Medical Center and Waldo County Hospital in Rockport and Belfast, Southern Maine Health Care in Biddeford and Sanford, Spring Harbor Hospital in Westbrook and Stephens Memorial Hospital/Western Maine Health Care in Norway. MaineHealth Affiliates include Maine General Health in Augusta and Waterville, New England Rehabilitation Hospital in Portland and St. Mary's Regional Medical Center in Lewiston. It is also a significant stakeholder in the MaineHealth Accountable Care Organization in Portland.