Executive Biographies

Bernard J. Tyson

Incoming chairman and chief executive officer, Kaiser Permanente

Bernard J. Tyson is incoming chairman and chief executive officer of Kaiser Permanente, one of America’s leading health care providers and not-for-profit health plans with annual operating revenue of more than $50 billion. Often referred to as the model for the future of health care, Kaiser Permanente serves more than 9 million members in nine states and the District of Columbia.

Tyson is responsible for the organization’s operations and works with his team of senior leaders to oversee all the functions of Kaiser Foundation Hospitals and Health Plan, Inc. Under his leadership is a workforce of more than 180,000. Tyson partners with the Permanente Medical Groups and their nearly 17,000 physicians to deliver on the mission of providing high-quality and affordable health care for members and communities.

Over his 30-year career, Tyson has developed a great understanding of the health care industry and the inner workings of Kaiser Permanente. For 29 years, he has served as a respected leader in many areas of the organization, from running individual hospitals to his leadership of the groundbreaking branding effort that resulted in Kaiser Permanente’s award-winning Thrive advertising campaign.

Tyson has been recognized for his work both within and outside of health care. He is chair of The Executive Leadership Council, a respected organization that includes more than 450 African-American senior executives from the nation’s Fortune 500 corporations. Tyson also serves on the board of directors of the American Heart Association.

Tyson has both a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in business administration with a concentration in health care from Golden Gate University. He also earned an advanced leadership certificate from Harvard University.

1/10/2013