Navy Veteran Joins Health System from Boise State University
Gayla Thomas-Dabney has been named Regional Director, Diversity and Inclusion – Western Region. In her role, she will be responsible for advancing Trinity Health’s Diversity and Inclusion strategic action plans for Saint Alphonsus Health System in Idaho and Oregon as well as Saint Agnes in Fresno, California.
Thomas-Dabney comes to Saint Alphonsus from Boise State University, where she served as Director of Equity and Inclusion for the past two years. Prior to that, she was the Director of Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action at Eastern Washington University. At BSU, she chaired the University’s first Commission on Diversity and Inclusion.
“Diversity and inclusion is a vital strategic focus for not only healthcare, but across almost every industry,” said Odette Bolano, President and CEO of Saint Alphonsus Health System. “Gayla’s leadership in promoting diversity in governance, talent and suppliers, as well as fostering an environment of inclusivity and welcoming will help us fulfill our mission to be a transforming healing presence in the communities we serve.”
Thomas-Dabney served 24 years in the United States Navy, earning an honorable discharge as a Senior Chief Petty Officer. After her Naval career, she worked for the Department of Defense and the City of Gainesville, Florida.
She is a member of the National Association for Chief Diversity Officers in Higher Education and the Association for Access, Equity and Diversity. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Workforce Education Training and Development from Southern Illinois University, a Master’s in Business Administration from Webster University and is completing a Doctorate in Leadership Studies at Gonzaga University.