.jpg "Ginger Raya, EdD photo")
Center Director/Associate Professor
UT Health Houston School of Public Health
Dr. Ginger Raya is an executive healthcare leader, educator, and mentor with more than 20 years of experience advancing healthcare management, leadership development, and public health education. She serves as Center Director of the George McMillan Fleming Center for Healthcare Management and Associate Professor at UTHealth Houston, where she leads innovative leadership programs, builds statewide partnerships, and mentors the next generation of healthcare professionals.
Her career spans senior leadership roles at HCA Healthcare and Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, where she led operational turnarounds, strengthened patient experience strategies, and improved financial performance through sustainable system redesign. In 2025, she launched the Executive Certificate in Healthcare Management & Leadership, a nationally accessible program designed to equip professionals—particularly those serving rural and underserved communities—with the skills to address complex healthcare challenges.
In 2026, Dr. Raya was selected as a Hunt–Aspen Institute Fellow, recognizing her leadership in healthcare systems, executive education, and civic engagement. As part of the fellowship, she participated in the Aspen Institute Socrates Program, a selective seminar series focused on values-based leadership, governance, and societal impact.
A recognized speaker and thought leader, Dr. Raya has presented nationally on emotional intelligence in healthcare, professional development, leadership resilience, and preparing graduate students for the realities of the healthcare job market. She was named a 2024 Woman of Distinction by TAMACC and received the ACHE Service Award.
In addition to her academic and executive leadership roles, she serves as President of ACHE of the Southwest, Chair of the El Paso Chamber Healthcare Coalition, and Chair of Evolve Federal Credit Union. She also hosts The HealthSpark: Igniting Healthcare Management Change with Dr. Raya podcast, where she explores leadership, innovation, and the evolving future of healthcare.
Tuesday, March 3, 2026
4:30pm - 5:30pm CT