MBN USA

October 29, 2024

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Parkland's Guy Toliver: Supplier diversity is essential to help advance health equity

Q: Guy, can you tell us a little about your background?

A: My professional journey, supported by education, developed me into a leadership role today. Over the years, I have successfully introduced business owners to competitive opportunities and established sustained relationships with business advocacy groups.

Q: How long have you been involved in supplier diversity and as Parkland Health’s director of supplier diversity & Inclusion? 

A: I have been in the supplier diversity industry for 15 years and served as director at Parkland Health for six years.

Q: Why is supplier diversity and inclusion important to Parkland Health?

A: Parkland Health’s core mission is to provide high quality, safe and compassionate care, advancing the health and well-being of our community. Our community produces approximately 1.7 million patients per year, of which 84%-88% are persons of color. 

Supplier diversity is important to Parkland Health simply to advance health equity. Driving competitive socioeconomic equity inclusively leads to generational wealth in communities of color. Community economic impact contributes to improved access to health care and ability to obtain preventive services, early diagnosis, medical treatment, disease management, etc.

Q: What supplier diversity initiatives are most successful for Parkland Health?

A: In 2015, the health care industry was still ‘defining’ supplier diversity. The most successful initiative for Parkland Health is the decision made by [Parkland Health CEO] Dr. Frederick Cerise and the Parkland Health Board to plan, develop and implement the inclusion and supplier diversity department in 2018. Historically, there was one professional designated to administer equitable economic opportunities. Today we have a team of six professionals to channel the volume of business transactions performed by a 27-member team of contracts professionals and a 10-member team of buyers. Adequate staffing is essential to successfully manage supplier diversity.

Q: How does supplier diversity inclusion align with Parkland Health’s core values?

A: Supplier diversity inclusion is consistent with Parkland Health’s vision to advance health equity through excellence as a public health system.

Q: Do you have any examples of how a diverse supplier has grown with Parkland Health? 

A: One vendor that began providing goods in 2018 led to a volume of $1.6 million of spend during the first year. This diverse supplier has regularly bid in a competitive industry and has averaged $7.1 million of spend annually since the first year. Their diligence has paid off!

Q: What are some of the biggest challenges facing the continued growth of supplier diversity development?

A: Sustaining business relationships may be challenging for some firms. It is important to develop multiple strategic relationships with your business partners for continuity.

Q: What are a few of the best practices you would recommend to supplier diversity professionals?

A: Continue professional development. Compliance laws change, technology improves and industry demands shift regularly. Supplier diversity professionals must be able to strategically pivot as needed.

Q: Based on your experience in the supplier diversity arena, where do you see supplier diversity inclusion in supply chains of the future?

A: I see supplier diversity inclusion increasing in the future, despite recent legislative measures in the public arena. Our business communities are becoming more diverse. The private industry recognizes diverse spend and strategically markets to people of color. Money talks. Our legislators should seek the innovation, cost advantage, solid performances and customer service provided by diverse firms.

Q: What advice would you give to diverse suppliers wanting to do business with Parkland Health and other health care organizations?

A: Reach out to supplier diversity teams to help you navigate business opportunities. These professionals will let you know if they self-perform your service lines or contract out. Ensure that you register your company properly to receive bid information and inform you about the business culture and required processes for you to successfully compete for business opportunities. 

To learn more about Parkland Health, visit parklandhealth.org.