Executive Biographies

Bernard J. Tyson

Executive vice president, Health Plan and Hospital Operations

Bernard Tyson is executive vice president of Health Plan and Hospital Operations for Kaiser Permanente, the nation’s largest health care provider and not-for-profit health plan with annual operating revenue in excess of $42 billion. Often referred to as the model for the future of health care, Kaiser Permanente serves more than 8.6 million members, focusing on their total health through the use of evidence-based medicine and industry-leading technology.

Reporting to the chairman and CEO, Tyson is the organization’s senior operations executive, and leads a team of presidents across Kaiser Permanente’s eight geographic regions: Northern California, Southern California, Northwest, Colorado, Ohio, Mid-Atlantic States, Hawaii, and Georgia. He is accountable for all aspects of patient care. In addition, Tyson has responsibilities for the design, construction, and maintenance of Kaiser Permanente’s entire facility asset portfolio. He directs a workforce of 150,000 employees across eight regions, including the nation’s largest labor-management partnership, which is the first of its kind in health care.

Tyson and Kaiser Permanente are on a mission to reshape health care. This is driven by a philosophical belief that health care be affordable and accessible to everyone, and that the health care industry be held responsible for its performance, especially in the areas of quality, service, and affordability. As the guiding force behind Kaiser Permanente’s facilities and construction, Tyson is accountable for the organization’s nine-year, $27 billion capital spending plan to build America’s next generation of hospitals. As chief executive for patient care, Tyson is also actively engaged in redefining the role of caregivers at every patient touch point.

Over his 30-year career, Tyson has developed a great understanding of the health care industry and the inner workings of Kaiser Permanente. For the last 25 years, he has served as a respected leader in all areas of the organization, from running individual hospitals to his leadership over the groundbreaking branding effort that resulted in Kaiser Permanente’s Thrive advertising campaign. This award-winning campaign successfully redefined Kaiser Permanente as a world leader in health care and as an advocate for the cause of total health.

A strong proponent of inclusive leadership, Tyson serves as an executive sponsor for Kaiser Permanente initiatives focusing on eliminating disparities in health care and promoting diversity in the workplace. His drive to cultivate and develop leadership is exemplified by the time he dedicates for mentoring and counseling, his proven track record of promoting employees to leadership, and the current makeup of his leadership team, which represents the best in health care.

Tyson has both a bachelor’s degree and master’s of business administration degree with a concentration in health care from Golden Gate University. He also earned an advanced leadership certificate from Harvard University. Tyson serves as vice-chair for the Executive Leadership Council — a leadership network and advocacy organization whose membership is made up of African American senior executives from the nation’s Fortune 500 corporations. Tyson has been recognized for his work both within and outside of health care. In 2010 he was named one of the 25 most influential African Americans in health care by Black Health magazine. In 2007 Golden Gate University recognized him as “Alumni of the Year.” In 2001 he received the NAACP’s Freedom Fund Award. Tyson is actively engaged in many philanthropic and community-based events, holding several board appointments and supporting numerous charitable activities.

Motivated by a life-altering personal event, Tyson has placed special emphasis on raising heart-health awareness and promoting a healthy lifestyle. He gives freely of his time as a member of the national board of directors for the American Heart Association. During his recent tenure as chairperson for the San Francisco Bay Area Heart Walk, Tyson led an effort that raised nearly $2 million for the fight against heart disease.

Tyson is married and a father of three boys. When he is not working, he is likely spending time following his passions of reading, traveling, and spending quality time with his family.