Vanessa Greene, CEO
Updated February 2025
Vanessa Greene, CEO Visionary Leader | Health & Racial Equity Advocate | Impact Strategist
With over 30 years of transformative leadership, Vanessa Greene is a nationally recognized expert in health and racial equity, strategic planning, and organizational development. Currently serving as the CEO of the Grand Rapids African American Health Institute, Vanessa has significantly expanded the organization’s impact, strengthened community partnerships, launched groundbreaking health equity initiatives, and established the only statewide health equity summit in Kent County, attracting over 400 attendees annually.
Previously, Vanessa served as Associate Dean of Students and Director of the Center for Diversity & Inclusion at Hope College, where they led campus-wide diversity and equity initiatives, increased student retention and engagement by over 40%, and spearheaded the creation of the college’s first diversity center. Her leadership also fostered a nationally recognized leadership program in partnership with Fortune 500 companies, opening career pathways for students of color.
Vanessa holds a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree from Grand Valley State. With advanced credentials in executive leadership, diversity consulting, and strategic planning, Vanessa is a sought-after speaker, trainer, and advisor, serving on multiple boards and committees, including Trinity Health Medical Group, K-Connect Board of Trustees, and the Kent County Health Equity Advisory Council.
Her work has earned numerous prestigious awards and recognitions, including Grand Rapids Business Journal, 50th Most Influential Women in West Michigan, Crain’s Business Journal’s 200 Most Influential Women in West Michigan, Corp’s Magazine Diversity Leadership Award, and the Grand Rapids Community College Giant Award for Education Advocacy. A lifelong advocate for social justice, dedicated mentor and advocate, Vanessa’s leadership is deeply rooted in her personal journey and commitment to underserved communities, with a focus on building a more just and equitable society.
Vanessa Greene, CEO Visionary Leader | Health & Racial Equity Advocate | Impact Strategist
With over 30 years of transformative leadership, Vanessa Greene is a nationally recognized expert in health and racial equity, strategic planning, and organizational development. Currently serving as the CEO of the Grand Rapids African American Health Institute, Vanessa has significantly expanded the organization’s impact, strengthened community partnerships, launched groundbreaking health equity initiatives, and established the only statewide health equity summit in Kent County, attracting over 400 attendees annually.
Previously, Vanessa served as Associate Dean of Students and Director of the Center for Diversity & Inclusion at Hope College, where they led campus-wide diversity and equity initiatives, increased student retention and engagement by over 40%, and spearheaded the creation of the college’s first diversity center. Her leadership also fostered a nationally recognized leadership program in partnership with Fortune 500 companies, opening career pathways for students of color.
Vanessa holds a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree from Grand Valley State. With advanced credentials in executive leadership, diversity consulting, and strategic planning, Vanessa is a sought-after speaker, trainer, and advisor, serving on multiple boards and committees, including Trinity Health Medical Group, K-Connect Board of Trustees, and the Kent County Health Equity Advisory Council.
Her work has earned numerous prestigious awards and recognitions, including Grand Rapids Business Journal, 50th Most Influential Women in West Michigan, Crain’s Business Journal’s 200 Most Influential Women in West Michigan, Corp’s Magazine Diversity Leadership Award, and the Grand Rapids Community College Giant Award for Education Advocacy. A lifelong advocate for social justice, dedicated mentor and advocate, Vanessa’s leadership is deeply rooted in her personal journey and commitment to underserved communities, with a focus on building a more just and equitable society.
