Oct 4, 2021
Trillium Health is proud to announce that Joseph Searles will join the agency as its Vice President and Chief Community Engagement Officer. Mr. Searles comes from Excellus Blue Cross Blue Shield, where he previously served as Corporate Diversity Relations Director. He has also been a member of Trillium Health’s Board of Directors since 2017.
“I’m thrilled that Joseph will be joining our Executive Leadership Team and Trillium Health,” said Andrea DeMeo, President and CEO of Trillium Health. “Joseph brings a wealth of experience and dedication to fostering diversity, equity and inclusion; he is well-acquainted with our mission, vision and values; and he shares our commitment to barrier and stigma free care. Joseph will serve as an important advisor to me and our entire Executive and Operational leadership teams, as we work together to achieve diversity, equity, and inclusion both within our culture at Trillium Health, and in our efforts to address health equity within the community.”
“It excites me that Trillium Health continues to evolve as a premier organization for healthcare, LGBTQ advocacy, diversity, equity, inclusion, and access in our communities,” said Joseph Searles. “I am equally energized to be joining an organization that has a legacy of serving the LGBTQ community’s health and well-being.”
Mr. Searles has nearly 15 years of experience in community relations; diversity, equity and inclusion; strategic planning; and organizational development. A native of Rochester, he has cultivated a broad network of influential leaders in the community, including government officials, municipalities, business leaders, higher education leaders, and community-based health and human service organizations.
Joseph Searles obtained undergraduate and graduate degrees at Roberts Wesleyan College. He has also been a member of many boards and task forces for local professional organizations, including Trillium Health, the United Way of Greater Rochester and the Finger Lakes, Common Ground Health, YWCA Rochester Monroe County, Ibero American Action League, Out Alliance, Big Brothers and Big Sisters, and the Rochester Gay Men’s Chorus.
In his new role, Joseph will be responsible for strategic leadership, development, and oversight of Trillium Health’s Community Engagement, DEI, and LGBTQ Health and Education Initiatives. Mr. Searles, along with his team, will be responsible for building bridges with like-minded organizations, and developing and facilitating the implementation of DEI strategies that are aligned with the organization’s mission and strategic plan, with a focus on addressing needs in underrepresented/marginalized communities to achieve health equity.
Joseph Searles will begin his new position on October 25, 2021.
About Trillium Health
Trillium Health is a Community Health Center that provides extraordinary care for all, including LGBTQ+ health, ensuring equitable, judgement-free, and affordable care. We believe that everyone who walks through our doors deserves high quality, affordable healthcare, regardless of income, sexual orientation, gender identity, race, or ethnicity. For more information, please visit www.trilliumhealth.org