For Ivan Gray, his path at HHS began with a dedication to service, a willingness to learn every aspect of our operations, and a clear vision for growth. Ivan’s journey, starting as a project technician and housekeeper in 2017 and ascending to an Executive Director today, is a powerful testament to personal commitment and the incredible pathways available within our organization. This isn't just a story of career progression; it's a narrative of building a legacy of leadership and helping others thrive.
When Ivan joined HHS, they immersed themselves in the essential, hands-on work that keeps our facilities running smoothly. This foundational experience, working as a project tech and housekeeper, gave them an invaluable understanding of our core operations. As Ana Blanco, who is writing about Ivan for HHS’ 50th anniversary, noted, many of our most successful directors at HHS often have prior frontline experience. This deep insight into the daily realities of our team members' work provides a unique and profound perspective that shapes truly empathetic and effective leadership.
Ivan’s first director, DW Howard, quickly saw their potential. Ivan credits their remarkable climb to deeply held personal values, stating simply, "My growth is attributed to my dedication and faith". This quiet determination fueled them through every new challenge and opportunity that came their way.
One of the most compelling aspects of Ivan’s leadership is their deep commitment to developing those around them. Ivan takes immense pride in transforming their current hospital division into what they explicitly call a "hub for promotion, development, and growth". This isn't just a goal; it's a living practice. Ivan shared inspiring examples of team members, including a former floor tech and a supervisor, who, under their guidance, advanced to Assistant Director roles within a year of joining their team. "It's about seeing the potential in every person and giving them the tools and confidence to take that next step," Ivan explains, highlighting the active mentorship at play.
Ivan with a team member at the team Christmas party in 2024.
Beyond directly impacting their team, Ivan also champions personal and leadership development through programs like LEAD. Ivan recalled their initial thoughts on the program, admitting, "I initially perceived LEAD as analytically and financially focused". However, they were excited when Scott Thornton, Executive Vice President of Talent Training & Development, who designed the program blueprint, highlighted its true role in personal and leadership development. This personal commitment to continuous learning is a cornerstone of Ivan’s success and a message they enthusiastically share with others.
For anyone looking to advance their career at HHS, Ivan offers invaluable, practical advice. They emphasize that "faithfulness with 'a little'" is key to becoming "ruler over many". This means approaching every task, no matter its size, with dedication and a genuine desire to learn. Ivan further clarified that "humility and continuous learning are key to being qualified for future opportunities". It’s about building capability and readiness, not just waiting for the next role.
Ivan Gray’s journey at HHS is a powerful illustration of our core values in action. It showcases that with dedication, a "people-first" approach, and a commitment to lifelong learning, significant growth and positive impact are not just aspirations, but achievable realities within our company. Ivan is more than an Executive Director; they are an inspiration, a mentor, and a living example of the incredible careers that can be built within the HHS family.