NASHVILLE, TN — Meharry Medical College is proud to announce that Walter D. Woods was appointed as the College’s new Senior Vice President of Institutional Advancement. Woods’ will provide comprehensive advancement and development initiatives, efforts to innovate with the health care sector and further develop the College’s strategic community initiatives.
A recognized leader known for his unique blend of business acumen and humanitarian pursuits, Woods has driven robust business strategies to generate business value and increase community impact across federal, nonprofit and philanthropic sectors. He has deployed and raised over $200M in strategic funding through partnerships and foundation management. Woods holds a keen lens to improve and sustain equitable health outcomes, partnership development, strategic investments and community relationships in every role he has served.
“We are elated to welcome Walter into the Meharry family,” said James E.K. Hildreth, Ph.D., M.D., President and Chief Executive Officer of Meharry Medical College. “A highly regarded leader for his philanthropic impact, his personal and professional endeavors align with the College’s mission to serve the underserved. Walter knows the iimportance of achieving equitable health outcomes for all, especially through community impact. His expansive experience and business strategies will aid our efforts to reach and support new and underserved communities.”
Woods most recently served as a strategic advisor to The Humana Foundation, advising on operational, policy and programmatic issues critical to advancing the mission of the Foundation. He previously served as CEO of The Foundation where he led all efforts to improve and sustain positive health equity outcomes, including partnership development, strategic investments, and community relationships. Additional past roles with the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), American Gas Foundation and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Washington have empowered his teams to new heights through funding, social impact and strong community roots.
“There is truly no better time to be at Meharry and its incredible success right now,” said Woods. “I am humbled to join this family of bright-minded and impactful individuals who are driving change every day and in every community they serve. Equity is a process and Meharry’s laudable efforts have continued to play a pivotal role in addressing social determinants of health and pursuit of trust and health outcomes in minority and underserved communities.”
Outside of work, Woods enjoys international adventure travel, skydiving, downhill skiing, and classical piano. He holds a bachelor’s of business administration in finance from Howard University, a master’s of business administration in marketing, managerial economics and decision sciences from Northwestern University and has participated in an executive education program for nonprofit leaders at Stanford University.