Terika Richardson

Terika Richardson, FACHE, is a healthcare executive with more than 20 years of experience in hospital operations, health system strategy, and ambulatory care. Richardson serves as CommonSpirit Health's senior executive vice president and chief operating officer, overseeing strategic and operational leadership for the Chicago-based health system, which operates 140 hospitals across 23 states. Her background spans nonprofit, for-profit, and faith-based healthcare organizations, supporting her work in developing ambulatory care strategies and new business models in the healthcare industry.

Before joining CommonSpirit Health, Richardson held leadership roles across the healthcare sector. She served as chief operating officer at Ardent Health Services in Tennessee, where she provided operational oversight for 30 hospitals and 200 care sites. Richardson also served as president of Advocate Health Care's Chicagoland market and as president of Lutheran General and Trinity/South Suburban hospitals. Earlier in her career, she was CEO of Retreat Doctors Hospital in Richmond, Virginia, and held positions at HCA, expanding her experience in hospital administration and healthcare operations.

At CommonSpirit Health, Richardson has directed the expansion of outpatient clinics and led the realignment of reporting divisions, contributing to an increase in high-acuity hospital beds and improved coordination with physicians. She has led initiatives to improve access to care in underserved communities and supports the evolution of healthcare delivery to meet the needs of modern consumers.

Richardson has been recognized by Modern Healthcare as one of the Leading Women and has twice been named among Modern Healthcare's Top 25 Minority Executives. She received the Young Healthcare Executive Award from the American College of Healthcare Executives (Chicago Chapter) and was named to Crain's Chicago 40 Under 40. Richardson is committed to mentoring emerging women executives and supporting leadership development in healthcare.

Richardson serves on the board of trustees for the American Hospital Association and is a member of the Economic Club of Chicago. She has served on AHA committees and as a regent-at-large for the American College of Healthcare Executives. Richardson holds a bachelor's degree and a master's degree in public health from the University of Michigan. Her expertise in health system operations, care delivery innovation, and health equity positions her as a leading voice in the healthcare industry.