The Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia is proud to be in service of the Black leaders and trailblazers from our member companies who embody the strength, vitality, and growth of the Greater Philadelphia region. It is their hard work, dedication, and success that helps fuel our drive to build a truly inclusive business community for all who live, work, and visit our region.
This Black History Month, we are honored to sit down with the first Black Board Chair of the Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia, Gregory E. Deavens, President and Chief Executive Officer, Independence Health Group (Independence). We interviewed Greg to learn more about his journey and how his challenges, achievements, and commitment to excellence have shaped his career. Read along as Greg shares his thought leadership on the importance of inclusive representation and resiliency.
How has your identity helped shape you into the leader you are today?
Gregory E. Deavens
President and Chief Executive Officer, Independence Health Group (Independence)
My identity has been a cornerstone of my career journey and my experience as a leader. Like many others, I faced systemic challenges when growing up that required resilience, determination, and a keen sense of self. For me, that sense of self was further reinforced by my educational experience at a historically Black college (Florida A&M University). These experiences taught me the importance of empathy, inclusivity, and the value of diverse perspectives. Complementary to that, my mother instilled the demand for excellence in my brother and I, and this helped shape my personal values of accountability, reliability, and integrity.
My journey has profoundly illustrated the critical role my identity plays in my leadership approach. As an African American business leader, I’ve recognized the necessity of embodying the change I aspire to witness. This commitment not only shapes my leadership style but also reinforces my dedication to paving smoother paths for those who will follow, highlighting the indispensability of representation and equity in entrepreneurial ecosystems.
How can a more inclusive business community increase economic mobility for Black Philadelphians?
Inclusivity in the business community is essential to driving economic mobility for Black Philadelphians and Black communities everywhere. By creating opportunities for education, training, and mentorship, our region’s businesses can drive their success by investing in Black talent that has too often been untapped or under-utilized.
Inclusive hiring practices, equitable pay structures, skills training, mentoring, and networking will ensure that talent is identified, developed, and appropriately rewarded. Additionally, supporting Black-owned businesses through investment and partnerships can further stimulate our economy and create jobs. An inclusive business community fosters a culture of innovation and collaboration, which in turn drives economic growth and prosperity for all. Importantly, it leads to economic mobility that allows us to increase the size of the economic pie rather than figuring out how to split the existing pie differently.
Why do you believe that it is important to have more Black representation at the intersection of healthcare, business, and community?
Black representation in healthcare, business, and community is crucial for addressing systemic disparities that disproportionately impact minority or economically challenged communities. This representation can help accelerate more equitable outcomes and grow the size of the economic pie.
Diverse leadership brings varied perspectives that can identify and address the varied and unique needs and challenges of historically underserved populations. It can inform stronger foundations and provide guidance on pathways that will lead to more successful outcomes for diverse populations.
For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, it was recommended that individuals access testing and vaccines through their primary care physician (PCP). Unfortunately, there was a lack of awareness that people in certain communities don’t always have a PCP. This situation arises due to access and trust issues between healthcare providers and underserved or exploited communities, illustrated by historical incidents such as the Tuskegee syphilis study or experiments on Black inmates at Holmesburg prison here in Philadelphia.
In business, Black representation drives innovation and growth as customers increasingly expect to collaborate with diverse vendor teams, particularly when decision makers are champions of diversity. It also increases success in recruiting diverse talent when candidates see role models who look or speak like them in leadership roles. In the community, it ensures that initiatives are rooted in and responsive to the lived experiences of those they aim to serve. More Black representation leads to holistic solutions that benefit our society overall.
As the first Black board chair of the Chamber, how do you plan to pull in more Black representation in the business community and what do you hope to achieve during your term?
Increasing Black representation requires intentionality on the part of the Chamber board, its staff, and our member organizations. It is a team effort. As a business community, we can and should sponsor apprenticeship, mentorship, and other programs that include and engage emerging Black talent by providing guidance and networking opportunities. Collaborating with educational institutions to support scholarships and internships for all students, including Black students, should be a priority.
As chair, my intent is to advocate for inclusive hiring practices, promotions and development opportunities within member organizations and promote supplier initiatives that benefit diverse and disadvantaged businesses. That starts by driving these actions in my own company. During my term and beyond, I hope our region will achieve a more inclusive and equitable business landscape where Black talent thrives and contributes to the community’s prosperity.
Who are your biggest personal & professional Black role models and why?
I have always found that there is something I can learn from everyone regardless of age, ethnicity, gender, etc. I learned a great deal from my parents and grandparents, and the paths they charted. My parents were the first in their families to graduate from college. My parents and grandparents worked hard, overcame systemic racism to create opportunities and provide a great life for my generation.
As a long-time member of The Executive Leadership Council (ELC), I have had the opportunity to engage with the absolute best corporate leaders in our country, who happen to be Black. The ELC has in turn invested in younger generations of leaders through scholarships and other development programs. It reinforces what I was raised to believe, which is that the depth of Black talent and impact of Black Americans on our nation is incredible and can be even greater if we are afforded opportunities and a level playing field.
You have highlighted workforce development as one of your top priorities of your tenure as chairman. What are your specific goals in this area, and how can the business community step up?
We are privileged to have a sizable number of organizations in our region that are committed to workforce development. That said, we need to attract more, and we need to collaborate with educators, particularly in the public schools, to educate more young people about the opportunities that can be available to them. Part of the education is describing the range of roles, skills or education required, earnings potential and processes for being selected or hired.
Besides focusing on students, I believe the business community can implement and expand programs that allow those who are already in the workforce to develop new skills, helping them advance in the future or transition to new roles or industries as business needs evolve. Expanding access to mentorship and career counseling will help individuals navigate career paths effectively. The business community can step up by investing in these initiatives, offering internships and apprenticeships, and fostering a culture of continuous learning and development. By prioritizing workforce development, we can ensure a pipeline of diverse, highly skilled talent that drives innovation and growth leading to upward economic mobility.
