Modern Healthcare has named Stacy Garrett-Ray, MD, MPH, MBA, Senior Vice President and Chief Community Impact Officer for Ascension, among its 50 Most Influential Clinical Executives for 2026. This prestigious recognition underscores her transformative leadership in improving health outcomes and clinical excellence across the national landscape.
"I am deeply honored by this recognition from Modern Healthcare, but I accept it on behalf of the many associates, clinicians, and community partners who make this work possible every day," said Dr. Garrett-Ray. "At Ascension, we believe everyone deserves the opportunity to achieve their best possible health, regardless of their circumstances. Addressing barriers to care requires us to work beyond the walls of our hospitals and clinics and partner with communities to meet people where they are. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve alongside so many dedicated individuals who are transforming healthcare, strengthening communities, and bringing our Mission to life."
Prior to joining Ascension, Dr. Garrett-Ray served in various roles driving new care delivery models, population health management and value-based initiatives to improve health outcomes for vulnerable communities.
As Chief Community Impact Officer, Dr. Garrett-Ray spearheads Ascension’s national efforts to enhance health outcomes by broadening care access and confronting the social drivers of health that exist outside clinical environments. Her leadership is dedicated to helping patients navigate and surmount significant obstacles to well-being, including food and housing instability, transportation deficits, and limited access to essential medical services and medications.
Under Dr. Garrett-Ray's leadership, Ascension has conducted more than four million screenings for social determinants of health, identifying challenges that can affect a person's ability to achieve better health. These screenings help care teams identify unmet needs and connect patients with community resources and support services earlier in their care journey.
Her leadership has furthered vital initiatives to improve access to primary and preventive services. By leveraging community partnerships, proactive outreach, and sophisticated care navigation strategies, Ascension achieved a 14% reduction in avoidable emergency department utilization between FY22 and FY25. This effort successfully prevented approximately 35,000 unnecessary visits while ensuring more than 125,000 patients were connected with the most appropriate care settings for their needs.
As a board-certified family physician and national healthcare leader, Dr. Garrett-Ray continues to champion innovative approaches that address barriers to care and improve health outcomes. Her recognition by Modern Healthcare reflects both her leadership and Ascension's commitment to advancing the health and well-being of the communities it serves.
View the full list here: https://www.modernhealthcare.com/awards/50-most-influential-clinicians/2026/
