Lead organizational development specialist
Corewell Health
Age: 30
As an organizational development specialist at Corewell Health, Shaq Anthony leads strategy for culture and connects how internal culture affects the health system’s external reputation as a place to work.
That’s a tall job, given that Grand Rapids-based Corewell Health employs more than 60,000 people across Michigan as the largest in-state health system.
“I love the work that I do. I love how it is an internal focus, but it has so much impact externally because if we don’t create a great team and experience internally, then the patients and the people we serve, they don’t have a great patient experience,” Anthony said. “I understand that the work I do is much bigger than myself.”
Anthony has been in his present role with Corewell since January. Previously, he spent a year with the health system, then known as Spectrum Health, as a senior talent program specialist from 2020 to 2021.
In between, he worked for a year as senior talent engagement specialist at SpartanNash Co. and as director of strategic partnerships at Calvin University. At Calvin, he created and implemented the 49507 Initiative that focused on making education accessible, equitable, and affordable for residents within the 49507 ZIP code in Grand Rapids and surrounding areas. He lives in the 49507 neighborhood.
I understand that the work I do is much bigger than myself.”
“This initiative was my brainchild, and it has been a joy to witness the many community members impacted by the work,” Anthony said. “As a result, Calvin University has undergone significant culture shifts to remove as many barriers as possible to education and is launching the Wayfinder Program this summer.”
The new program offers adults free college courses in art history, philosophy, literature, U.S. history, critical thinking and writing.
Anthony considers the 49507 Initiative his biggest career achievement to date “because of the impact that it has on the inner city of Grand Rapids and the residents from neighborhoods and areas that are marginalized.”
Anthony is a Muskegon Heights native who came from a “very close-knit family” that he credits for his success, especially his mother, Carol Thompson. He holds a doctorate in education in organizational leadership and development and a master’s in organizational leadership, both from Cornerstone University. He earned his undergraduate degree in business administration from Western Michigan University. He serves on the boards at Better Wiser Stronger, Dwelling Place, and New Development Corp.
— Mark Sanchez
The post Shaq Anthony | 40 Under 40 2024 appeared first on Crain's Grand Rapids Business