Dr. Gwendolyn Oglesby-Odom

Dr. Gwendolyn Oglesby-Odom is a distinguished healthcare executive with nearly thirty years of extensive experience managing acute and post-acute care environments. Her expertise includes strategic planning, fostering internal and external engagement, and overseeing healthcare operations. She is known for effectively merging her strategic insight with operational and clinical knowledge to guide healthcare turnarounds and startups. Dr. Oglesby-Odom has held senior leadership positions within healthcare systems, insurers, and community and service organizations.

Dr. Oglesby-Odom is the Vice President of Community Engagement at Advocate Health’s enterprise. She is the primary executive liaison in this vital leadership role, bridging the community with Advocate Health’s network of 68 hospitals and over 1,200 outpatient centers across IL, WI, NC, SC, GA, and AL. Her duties involve devising programs that enhance relationships to support the organization's goals. She is also leading the community engagement strategy and efforts for Advocate Health’s $1B investment to improve healthcare outcomes on the South Side of Chicago. Previously, she was the Chief Nursing Officer and Vice President at Advocate Trinity Hospital in Chicago, IL, within Advocate Health.

Before joining Advocate Health, Dr. Oglesby-Odom worked as a Senior Healthcare Consultant for Strategic Healthcare Transformations, offering consultative services to healthcare organizations aiming to revitalize their struggling divisions. Additionally, Dr. Gwendolyn Oglesby-Odom spearheaded two startup ventures: NavCare, a national Chronic Care Management and Transitional Care Management organization, and Peak Home Health, handling talent acquisition, business contracts, organizational structure creation, development of operational policies and procedures, and obtaining accreditation.

Dr. Oglesby-Odom is deeply committed to mentoring future leaders, promoting health equity, and enhancing diversity within healthcare leadership and boardrooms. Her board service includes the March of Dimes Chicago, the Illinois Conservatory of the Arts, the National Association for Health Services Executives, Chicago/Midwest Chapter, and Chicago United. She has earned numerous local and national accolades for her leadership, health equity contribution, and mentorship dedication. Most notably, Crain’s Chicago Business honored her as one of Chicago's "Notable Black Leaders" in their September 23, 2024, issue. She recently received the 2025 Unsung Heros Award from the Chicago Chapter of the National Association of Health Services Executives and was also inducted into Chicago Vocational High School’s Hall of Fame.

Dr. Oglesby-Odom is admired for her charisma, pragmatism, and inclusivity. She believes her efforts in the healthcare sector mirror her passion for humanity.