As CEO of Baylor Health Care Systems—the faith-based, not-for-profit network of hospitals and education, research, and care facilities—60-year-old Joel Allison heads one of the largest private-sector employers in North Texas. While overseeing a staff of 16,500 employees and more than 2,800 physicians, Allison has routinely kept Baylor on U.S. News & World Report’s lists as one of the country’s top-ranked hospitals. After graduating from Baylor University with degrees in religion and journalism, he received his master’s degree in health care administration from Trinity University in San Antonio. A couple of administrative stints in Missouri and Texas led him to Baylor Health, where, he says, his energy is always tested—even though, he jokes, “60 is the new 40.”
AGE: 60
TITLE/COMPANY: CEO/ Baylor Health Care Systems
TENURE: 15 years, eight as CEO
FIRST JOB: The first job where I actually got a paycheck was when I worked as a groundskeeper at the golf course in Jefferson City, Mo., at the age of 17.
WORST JOB: Baling hay in August on farms right outside of Jefferson City.
BEST PART OF YOUR JOB: The satisfaction I personally get from believing I am making a contribution in the community we serve and making a difference in people’s lives.
WORST PART OF YOUR JOB: There isn’t anything I would consider bad, except that there isn’t always enough time to do everything I want to do.
TOP PASSION: This is my passion. I love the ministry of health care and the service it provides to communities and to people who want to make a contribution and difference in people’s lives.
REGRETS: Perhaps that I never learned to play a musical instrument well, like the piano. I always admire people who have that talent of playing well. I may put that on my bucket list.
BEST ADVICE RECEIVED: To follow my passion—and to put God first, others second, and yourself third.
FAVORITE BOOK: True North by Bill George. It’s a book on leadership.
FAVORITE TV SHOW: ESPN’s SportsCenter
BIGGEST CHALLENGE: Probably helping Baylor achieve its vision of being trusted as the best place to give and receive safe, compassionate, and quality health care.
FAVORITE PLACE: Besides the hospital? The Baylor Tom Landry fitness center. I work out every day at 5 a.m. I do the elliptical machines and I lift weights. The other place would be my home. I love being there when I can.
WEEKENDS: Spending time with my family, relaxing, watching my daughter play tennis, or visiting our beach house in Port Aransas. I love it down there. That’s kind of our family retreat.
MENTOR: I have been blessed with several mentors, going all the way back to my high school football coach, an 11th grade Sunday school teacher, my pastor, and the church where I grew up. My lifelong mentor is my mother, who was an outstanding person and a godly woman who I feel always gave me sound advice.
