Leonard Achan '99, healthcare executive and entrepreneur, is being recognized for his outstanding leadership in New York state during and prior to the coronavirus pandemic, by Crain's New York Business and Healthcare Leaders of New York (HLNY).
Leonard Achan ’99, healthcare executive and entrepreneur, is being recognized for his outstanding leadership in New York state during and prior to the coronavirus pandemic, by Crain’s New York Business and Healthcare Leaders of New York (HLNY).
Since earning his Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the College of Nursing and Public Health, Achan has spent over 20 years in the academic and clinical sectors of healthcare in a variety of leadership roles, from operational and digital to strategic planning, marketing, communications, innovation and more.
Leadership in a Crisis—Becoming a Crain’s New York Business Notable in Healthcare 2020
When the pandemic hit in early March 2020, Achan, who currently serves as the president of the Innovation Institute at the Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS), was called upon for his expertise in crisis management. Acting as a leader in the hospital’s Situation Room (emergency command center), Achan coordinated with all internal and external stakeholders while HSS transformed its specialty hospital to treat COVID-19 patients in response to the virus as it spread across New York state. His efforts during this challenging time have earned him a place on Crain’s New York Business’s prestigious Notable in Healthcare 2020 list.
The annual list, formally announced on August 10, 2020, honors and celebrates the outstanding individuals in the healthcare community within the New York metropolitan area who have exemplified courage, compassion, grit and ingenuity. This year, the Crain’s list focuses on healthcare heroes who have impacted New York City in major ways throughout the coronavirus crisis.
2020 HLNY Award of Distinction Recipient
In addition to his recognition by Crain’s New York Business, Achan has been selected as the 2020 recipient of the Award of Distinction by Healthcare Leaders of New York (HLNY). The award, which is the highest recognition given by HLNY, the New York Metropolitan chapter of the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE), recognizes healthcare executives who have demonstrated a sustained and outstanding contribution to the advancement of healthcare administration as a profession.
Achan will formally receive the award at the HLNY’s first-ever Fireside Chat on Leadership and Award Presentation on August 27, 2020. During the event, Achan will also share key insights about his journey and career, highlighting his approaches to innovation and change, leadership, how to cultivate the talent to develop the next healthcare leader as well as the COVID environment and how to make healthcare more diverse and inclusive. The virtual event is free and open to the public.
An Inspiring Leader and Role Model
In addition to Achan’s executive and leadership duties, he is still an active member of his alma mater, serving as chairman of the enrollment and marketing committee on the Adelphi University Board of Trustees.
“Lenny is an inspiring leader and a wonderful role model for the students across all of our programs,” said Elaine Smith ’78, MS ’88, EdD, dean of the College of Nursing and Public Health. “Throughout his career, Lenny has demonstrated a passion for innovation and an entrepreneurial spirit. He gives his time generously to the support and advancement of our College and Adelphi University. He is well deserving of these honors and recognition.”
Achan looks back at his time at Adelphi as the starting point of his successful career that well-prepared him for the future ahead. “I am a proud alumnus of Adelphi University, which prepared me for my voyage into healthcare as a nurse over 20 years ago,” he said. “I am honored to be the recipient of the Award of Distinction by Healthcare Leaders of New York and for being included in Crain’s New York Business Notable in Healthcare in 2020 list.”
He continued, “I know that 2020 has been hard, especially in the state of New York, but the last few months have made everyone a part of the healthcare community forever. I want to dedicate this award and recognition to every New Yorker who continues to fight the fight and keep us safe.”
Achan joins two other alumni on Crain’s New York Business’s list: Also recognized are Jacqueline Delmont MBA ’13, MD, chief medical officer at SOMOS INNOVATION, LLC, and founder and chief executive officer of Delmont Medical Care, and Rosa Gil, DSW ’80, graduate, founder, president and chief executive officer at Comunilife.