Traci Willis ’97 may be a long way from her roots in Kingsport, Tenn., but the Tusculum College alumna is making an impression in her new home in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Willis has taken over as chief executive officer of Lovelace Rehabilitation Hospital, overseeing 260 employees and managing the specialty hospital that provides physical rehabilitative services, both inpatient and outpatient, for many different diagnosis groups, including physical, occupational and speech. Willis’s responsibilities include management of the operations of the 62-bed facility and four outpatient therapy clinics.
Previously, Willis was chief executive officer of HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital in Memphis and has worked at the head position at hospitals in Arkansas and in South Carolina. She earned her organizational management degree from Tusculum College and believes her degree has propelled her to excel in healthcare management and to reach the senior executive levels.
“By giving me the management stepping stones to build on, Tusculum College really provided me with the beginnings of my career in management,” said Willis. “My instructors were professionals who allowed me to build on my work experiences to expand my knowledge. We didn’t just complete coursework from a textbook; we used current workplace events to learn.”
It was this hands-on, real world learning environment that Willis says is helpful in her management role today. But learning to be a good communicator has also been important, along with planning and organization.
“Because my job is heavily focused on communication with all customers – patients, staff, physicians, community leaders and representatives – effective communication skills are key. My job involves providing key resources to patients and the community, so listening skills to determine their needs are equally as important. Planning and organization are also important.”
Learning management skills have been crucial, and Tusculum’s business program was a big part of that. She appreciated how “realistic” the instructors at were and the individualized attention she could get with the small class sizes.
“By allowing students to utilize their life experience and work knowledge in each class, I received a more well-rounded education. I feel I was much more prepared to begin my management career than if I had attended a larger university.”
In particular, two classes during her program have made an impact on her management style.
“Psychology helped me understand that you have to listen to people in order to better understand them, and my human resources class taught me how to communicate with people based on their individual needs and personalities. These classes really helped me focus on listening and communication.”
As far as moving into the healthcare field, Willis said the first thing she would advise for those seeking a similar career path would be to gain experience in all aspects of healthcare before moving into management.
“I knew nothing about physical rehabilitation when I started my career 1991. I worked in the therapy gym for two years before I moved into administration. As with any management position, you can manage much more effectively if you understand what the people you manage have to do each day.”
In addition, she would advise preparation for change and a willingness to accept it. But most importantly, “never lose sight of your number one priority in healthcare – the patient. No matter what area of healthcare someone chooses to work in, their top priority should always be to provide the highest quality of care to their patients.”
Willis is happy with her new home in New Mexico, finding it to be a happy, friendly area. She has settled into the new position and is beginning to make connections in the community. She has a cat, Bourbon and dog, Moses, both adopted from rescue organizations, and she is enjoying exploring the Southwest and opportunities for outside activities such as walking and landscaping and antique shopping. She also works with several professional and charitable organizations.
She is a member of Women in Philanthropy, an organization part of the United Way of Central New Mexico dedicated to inspiring, educating and encouraging women to make a difference in their community; co-chair of the New Mexico Hospital Association Rehabilitation Sub-Committee and an American Hospital Association Long Term Care and Rehabilitation Governing Council Member.