When Ryan R. Hawkins assumed the role of president and CEO at Jessie Trice Community Health System in Miami 18 months ago, he said it felt like he was coming home. He grew up in the organization, attending meetings as a youngster with his mother who served on the Board of Directors.
Today, Hawkins, 48, oversees 350 healthcare professionals at 10 standalone locations throughout Miami-Dade county — serving some 40,000 working class and low-income patients annually.
“This community poured so much into me that I owe it to them to make sure that I’m doing what I can to make it better,” says Hawkins, who credits his parents with instilling in him the value of service.
The non-profit health system, founded in 1967, is one of the largest federally funded healthcare systems in Miami providing comprehensive family medicine. “Jessie Trice is a part of the city and the heart of the city,” Hawkins said about the health system that also provides services to students in 60 schools throughout the county.
“Mr. Hawkins grew up in the community he is now charged with helping to make healthier,” says Irene Taylor-Wooten, JTCHS Board chair. “He was raised to give back and to help others and that’s what he’s doing.”
In addition to his service-leadership mindset, Hawkins has an impressive resume. He holds an MBA with a concentration in healthcare from the University of Miami, a Master’s in Public Administration and a Master’s in Social Work both from Florida State University and a Bachelor’s of Social Work from Florida A&M University. Before joining JTHCS, Hawkins served as the Chief Operating Officer at Jackson North Medical Center, where he led significant projects, including a $130 million hospital renovation.
JTCHS’ mission is to improve the health of its communities by providing comprehensive, high-quality, culturally competent primary and preventive healthcare services to patients, regardless of their ability to pay.
Hawkins brings that mission to life with a patient-first, boots on the ground philosophy that keeps him connected to the community. On any given day you can find him in one of the health system’s clinics gathering perspectives from patients and staff to make the health system more relevant and relatable.
“I want people to feel welcome here; to know they can count on us to provide quality healthcare where and when they need it,” he shared.
Former Miami-Dade County Commissioner, Barbara J. Jordan, says Hawkins’ heart for people and head for business make him perfect for the job.
“He possesses the ability to connect with people and make things happen,” says Jordan, who says she learned a great deal from him when he was her Deputy Chief of Staff. “He’s like a son to me, he’s smart, professional, polite and has an uncanny ability to get things done.”
Rooted in faith and a deep sense of purpose, Hawkins sees his work not merely as a profession but as a divine calling.
“I didn’t choose healthcare; God chose it for me,” Hawkins reflected. “He has always guided me toward the area where the tools I have been given can be most impactful. Helping people live good and healthy lives for as long as they can means a lot to me.”
