Reflections in Leadership

Leadership is not defined by titles alone, it is built through moments of courage, persistence, and purpose. Lori Herndon, retired CEO of AtlantiCare, shared her personal journey from nurse to executive leader, offering timeless lessons on what it means to serve, guide, and inspire. 

From Nurse to CEO 

Herndon’s story begins at the bedside in critical care, where teamwork was not optional but essential. Early experiences in recruitment and corporate education broadened her perspective, teaching her that leadership is about lifting others while continuously raising your own hand to step forward. 

Each role prepared her for the next, culminating in her appointment as CEO of AtlantiCare. Her path demonstrates that leadership is rarely a straight line, it’s an accumulation of skills, risks, and small, intentional steps that add up to meaningful impact. 

Themes for Success 

Throughout her career, Herndon carried four guiding themes: 

• Teamwork: Success is never individual; it is built in collaboration. 

• Raise Your Hand: Opportunities come to those who show up and volunteer. 

• Truth Teller: Honest conversations build trust and credibility. 

• Hardworking: There is no substitute for effort and persistence. 

These principles grounded her decisions and shaped a leadership style that valued integrity as much as achievement. 

Leading in Healthcare 

As CEO, Herndon faced the immense responsibility of stewarding AtlantiCare’s mission in a challenging healthcare environment. She emphasized clinical leadership, balancing cost structures, and driving incremental change. Her philosophy was clear: every dollar matters, and every decision must serve the community’s health. 

Her guiding question, “If not us, who?,” reflected a deep sense of accountability. She reminded her team that leadership is about embracing responsibility, not avoiding it. 

Making a Difference, One Person at a Time 

Perhaps the most powerful lesson from Herndon’s journey is her belief in the impact of individual connections. Even as CEO of a large health system, she never lost sight of the power of one. Leadership, in her view, is about making a difference for people, patients, staff, and community members, one at a time. 

Final Reflections 

Lori Herndon’s career is a testament to resilience, honesty, and service. She shows us that leadership is not about status but about responsibility. It’s about showing up for your team, telling the truth even when it’s hard, and never forgetting the people you serve. 

Her reflections leave us with a call to action: step forward, embrace challenges, and commit to making a difference, because if not us, who?