Jerome Garrett, Jr. is a distinguished healthcare executive and board-certified leader whose professional journey spans more than two decades of transformative leadership across nationally recognized institutions. With a rare blend of financial acumen, operational expertise, and a passion for advancing health equity, Jerome has built a reputation as an innovator, strategist, and trusted advisor to organizations navigating the complexities of modern healthcare. His story is not only one of professional advancement but also of enduring commitment to service, stewardship, and meaningful impact within his community and beyond.
Born with an innate sense of drive and a commitment to excellence, Jerome pursued his undergraduate degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance at the University of Wisconsin–Parkside. Even in his formative years, he demonstrated leadership and civic responsibility, serving in student government and engaging in organizations that fostered inclusion and collaboration. His natural ability to connect with people, paired with an analytical approach to business and finance, positioned him for an early career in healthcare, where he quickly discovered his life’s calling.
Jerome further honed his expertise with an MBA in Healthcare Administration from the University of Colorado Denver, earning a specialization in Financial Management. His classmates recognized his dedication and leadership by awarding him the Student’s Choice Award, a distinction that foreshadowed the influential path he would forge in the years ahead. His academic achievements, coupled with his commitment to healthcare, laid the foundation for a career that would merge business strategy with compassionate leadership.
His professional trajectory began in earnest at Aurora Health Care and later at Mayo Clinic Health System, where he embraced opportunities to lead operations and deliver transformative results. At Mayo Clinic, he advanced through roles of increasing responsibility, ultimately serving as Director of Scheduling Operations and Director of Primary Care. It was here that Jerome’s leadership yielded measurable improvements: enhancing staff satisfaction, streamlining scheduling efficiencies, and implementing Lean principles that saved millions in costs while improving patient access. His efforts demonstrated his ability to align organizational processes with patient-centered outcomes.
From Mayo Clinic, Jerome’s influence expanded as he assumed key roles at the Medical College of Wisconsin, where he directed operations for General Internal Medicine and Geriatrics/Gerontology. Managing multimillion-dollar budgets and large multidisciplinary teams, he spearheaded initiatives that elevated both clinical efficiency and academic excellence. Later, at Ascension Wisconsin, he rose to statewide leadership, directing physician practice operations, patient access, and provider network performance. His vision and operational rigor guided the launch of new urgent care sites and advanced systemwide strategies to strengthen population health outcomes.
Jerome’s career continued to evolve with leadership roles at ProHealth Care and, most recently, as Chief Administrative Officer for the Department of Family Medicine and Community Health at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. In his current role, he oversees a budget exceeding $85 million, directing administrative and operational functions for more than 170 staff and 200 faculty members. His leadership ensures the secure and effective delivery of medical education, research, and patient care, while his strategic oversight fosters growth, innovation, and regulatory compliance in a highly complex academic medical environment.
Beyond his organizational leadership, Jerome has embraced board and committee service as integral to his mission. He currently contributes to the UW Health Medical Foundation Finance Committee, serves on the UW Health Accountable Care Organization Board of Directors, and has played pivotal roles on boards such as Cadence Properties. His governance experience spans healthcare, real estate, and nonprofit sectors, where he brings financial expertise, strategic foresight, and a collaborative spirit. As Chairperson of the Board for Fountain of Life Covenant Church and Treasurer of the Wisconsin Chapter of the National Association of Healthcare Executives, Jerome demonstrates his commitment to advancing equity, fostering community development, and mentoring the next generation of leaders.
Jerome’s influence extends beyond the boardroom. He has been invited to speak on panels and podcasts, where he shares his insights on healthcare management, leadership, and organizational change. His voice carries the credibility of lived experience—years of guiding complex organizations through transitions, navigating fiscal challenges, and championing productivity improvements. He is not only a practitioner of leadership but also a teacher of it, demonstrating the value of resilience, adaptability, and vision in shaping the future of healthcare.
Throughout his career, Jerome has been recognized with numerous honors, including the Distinguished Alumni Award from the University of Wisconsin–Parkside, the Early Career Healthcare Executive Regent’s Award from the American College of Healthcare Executives, and other acknowledgments that affirm his influence and impact. These accolades speak to his sustained contributions across industries and his ability to inspire trust and respect among colleagues, staff, and stakeholders alike.
While his professional accomplishments are significant, Jerome remains deeply grounded in his personal life. He is a devoted husband to his wife, Deidre, and a proud father to his children, Harper and Jerome III. Away from the demands of leadership, he finds balance in golfing, traveling, and spending time with his family. These personal pursuits reflect his belief that true leadership is rooted in authenticity, well-being, and a holistic approach to success.
Jerome Garrett, Jr. is not only a healthcare leader but also a visionary whose career embodies the intersection of purpose and performance. His journey continues to inspire organizations and individuals alike, demonstrating how steadfast commitment, strategic innovation, and compassionate leadership can transform both systems and lives.
Character:
Jerome exemplifies integrity in every facet of his career, making decisions rooted in fairness, empathy, and accountability. He carries himself with humility while maintaining the confidence needed to lead complex teams and organizations. His commitment to service is evident not only in his professional roles but also in his community and faith-based contributions.
Knowledge:
With over twenty years of progressive leadership experience, Jerome possesses a deep understanding of healthcare operations, financial management, and organizational strategy. His ability to merge academic insight with practical solutions makes him a highly trusted advisor. He continually invests in learning and professional development, ensuring he remains at the forefront of industry trends.
Strategic:
Jerome has consistently demonstrated the capacity to align vision with execution, guiding organizations through growth, change, and optimization. He thrives in challenging environments where long-term planning, innovation, and strategic foresight are essential. His governance experience across healthcare and nonprofit boards showcases his ability to deliver sustainable results through thoughtful leadership.
Communication:
A gifted communicator, Jerome engages with clarity, authenticity, and purpose, whether addressing boards, mentoring staff, or speaking publicly. His collaborative approach fosters trust and empowers others to share in organizational success. He understands that communication is not only about delivering a message but also about listening, connecting, and building lasting relationships.
