Dr. Deborah Hawkes: Visionary Leadership in Healthcare and Operational Excellence
With over 25 years of experience spanning healthcare, government, and technology, Dr. Deborah Hawkes has carved a remarkable path as a visionary leader dedicated to operational excellence and organizational transformation. Currently serving as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer (COO) at CAN Community Health, she is at the forefront of shaping strategies that enhance patient care, streamline operations, and cultivate a high- performing organizational culture.
A Multifaceted Leader with a Strong Educational Foundation
Dr. Hawkes’ expertise is rooted in an extensive academic background that reflects her commitment to excellence. She holds a Ph.D. in Human Services and an MPhil in Philosophy from Walden University, complemented by an MBA from the University of Phoenix and a BS from Purdue University. Her well-rounded education equips her with both quantitative and qualitative leadership skills, allowing her to seamlessly balance business strategy, operational efficiency, and people management.
Her qualifications extend beyond academia. As a Six Sigma Master Black Belt, Dr. Hawkes applies data-driven methodologies to optimize processes, enhance quality assurance, and drive continuous improvement within organizations.
Driving Organizational Excellence at CAN Community Health
At CAN Community Health, Dr. Hawkes plays a pivotal role in overseeing medical, clinical, and operational functions, ensuring that the organization delivers high-quality care across its network. She is responsible for managing medical administration, nursing,
outreach, research, human resources, marketing, and community engagement—a comprehensive portfolio that demands strategic vision and operational expertise.
She also serves as a key advisor to the President and CEO, providing insights and recommendations that influence executive decision-making. Under her leadership, CAN has strengthened its ability to deliver patient-centered healthcare, particularly in HIV/AIDS
treatment, STD prevention, Hepatitis C management, and other infectious disease services.
A Bridge Between Operations and Human Resources
Throughout her career, Dr. Hawkes has masterfully balanced operational efficiency with human-centered leadership. Her expertise extends across operations, Six Sigma quality control, human resources, training, and organizational development. This unique blend of skills enables her to lead both process-driven initiatives and people-centric strategies, ensuring that CAN Community Health functions with both efficiency and empathy.
Interestingly, she once believed she would never assume the role of a COO, fully aware of its demanding nature. However, embracing unexpected challenges has been a defining characteristic of her journey. Her experience serves as an inspiring reminder that great
leaders remain open to new opportunities, even those they never envisioned for themselves.
Transforming Healthcare with a Mission-Driven Approach
CAN Community Health stands apart from traditional hospital systems, offering specialized healthcare services focused on prevention, diagnosis, treatment, research, and case management. Dr. Hawkes plays a crucial role in ensuring that CAN is not just a healthcare provider, but a medical home—a place where patients receive comprehensive, compassionate care tailored to their unique needs.
Under her leadership, CAN has earned significant accolades, including recognition as one of the Best Places to Work, Best Nonprofits to Work For, and a Business of PRIDE honore. These awards highlight the organization’s commitment to a servant leadership culture, where patients, employees, and communities are equally prioritized.
Navigating Crisis and Leading Through Change
Dr. Hawkes’ leadership has been instrumental in helping CAN navigate complex healthcare challenges, particularly in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic and natural disasters such as Hurricane Ian. As COO, she manages workforce transitions, supply
chain disruptions, rising pharmaceutical costs, and competitive healthcare staffing challenges.
Her approach to leadership is rooted in adaptability and strategic foresight. She understands that the role of a healthcare COO is evolving, requiring a blend of emotional intelligence, advocacy, and resilience. She champions collaboration, accountability, and open communication, ensuring that both employees and patients feel supported, even in times of crisis.
The Power of a High-Performing Executive Team
A strong believer in teamwork and mentorship, Dr. Hawkes surrounds herself with exceptional leaders who complement her skills and bring diverse perspectives to the table. Her ability to build and nurture high-performing teams ensures that CAN remains a leader in community healthcare services.
She takes great pride in developing talent, recognizing that the true mark of leadership is empowering others to succeed. For her, the most rewarding feedback comes from colleagues who attribute their professional growth to her guidance and mentorship.
Strategic Growth and Expansion
CAN Community Health is in a period of rapid expansion, extending its reach beyond Florida to locations across the eastern seaboard and as far west as Phoenix, Arizona. Dr. Hawkes has been instrumental in executing strategic initiatives that support this growth, including relocating CAN’s headquarters to Tampa Bay—a move designed to better serve the evolving needs of the community.
With a strategic plan that is continuously refined, CAN remains agile, adaptable, and prepared for future challenges. Dr. Hawkes ensures that all executive goals align with the organization’s long-term vision, fostering a culture of accountability and excellence.
A Commitment to Community and Service
Beyond her corporate leadership, Dr. Hawkes is deeply invested in community service. She is an active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., an organization dedicated to public service, social justice, and education. She dedicates her time to mentorship, coaching, and supporting initiatives that uplift underserved communities.
Despite her demanding schedule, she finds joy in travel, family, and personal growth, recognizing that true success is about balance and meaningful connections.
Conclusion: A Legacy of Leadership and Impact
Dr. Deborah Hawkes is not just a healthcare executive—she is a trailblazer redefining leadership in the industry. Her ability to blend strategic vision with compassionate care has positioned CAN Community Health as a model of innovation, inclusivity, and patient- centered excellence.
Through her work, she is shaping the future of healthcare, empowering teams, and ensuring that quality medical services reach those who need them most. Her story is one of resilience, adaptability, and the belief that leadership is not about titles, but about impact.
As CAN Community Health continues to grow, Dr. Hawkes remains committed to building a stronger, healthier future—one decision, one patient, and one team at a time.
