Board of Directors

May 30, 2023

Meet the Cerner Board of Directors

Get to know Cerner's Board of Directors and how their leadership affects the healthcare technology industry.
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Meet the Cerner Board of Directors

The Cerner Corporation is a global leader in healthcare technology, offering innovative solutions to healthcare providers around the world. At the helm of this dynamic company is the Board of Directors, a group of individuals responsible for setting the strategic direction of the company and ensuring its long-term success. In this article, we take an in-depth look at the Cerner Board of Directors, examining their roles, responsibilities, and accomplishments over the years.

Who are the members of the Cerner Board of Directors?

The Cerner Board of Directors is composed of an impressive group of individuals who bring a wealth of experience and expertise to the table. These individuals include: Brent Shafer, CEO and Chairman of the Board; Julie Gerberding, Executive Vice President and Chief Patient Officer at Merck & Co.; Bill Zollars, former Chairman, President, and CEO of YRC Worldwide Inc.; Melinda Mount, former CFO of Constellation Energy; and Mitchell Morris, MD, Executive Chairman of OptumInsight, among others. Together, these individuals form a diverse and highly skilled team that is well-equipped to guide Cerner towards continued success.

In addition to their impressive backgrounds, the members of the Cerner Board of Directors are also committed to making a positive impact on the world. For example, Julie Gerberding is a member of the Board of Directors for the CDC Foundation, which supports the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in its efforts to improve public health. Mitchell Morris is also involved in philanthropic work, serving on the Board of Directors for the Children's Hospital Los Angeles. Through their leadership at Cerner and their involvement in charitable organizations, the members of the Board of Directors are making a difference both within the company and beyond.

Understanding the roles and responsibilities of the Cerner Board of Directors

The Cerner Board of Directors plays a critical role in the company’s success. The Board is responsible for overseeing Cerner’s management team, setting the company’s strategic direction, and ensuring that the company operates in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations. Additionally, the Board is responsible for approving Cerner’s annual budget and reviewing the company’s financial performance on a regular basis.

Furthermore, the Cerner Board of Directors is also responsible for evaluating and selecting the company’s executive leadership team. This includes appointing the CEO and other top executives, as well as determining their compensation and benefits packages. The Board also plays a key role in succession planning, ensuring that the company has a strong pipeline of future leaders to guide the company forward.

A brief history of the Cerner Corporation and its board members

Cerner was founded in 1979 by Neal Patterson, Paul Gorup, and Cliff Illig with the goal of developing innovative software to optimize healthcare delivery. The company has grown significantly over the years, with a market cap of over $20 billion today. The Cerner Board of Directors has also evolved over time, with new members joining and others departing. However, the Board’s commitment to driving the company forward has remained steadfast throughout Cerner’s history.

One of the key milestones in Cerner’s history was the launch of its electronic health record (EHR) system, Millennium, in 1997. This system revolutionized the way healthcare providers managed patient data, and it remains one of the company’s flagship products today. In recent years, Cerner has also expanded its offerings to include population health management tools, revenue cycle management solutions, and more.

Today, the Cerner Board of Directors is comprised of a diverse group of individuals with extensive experience in healthcare, technology, and business. Brent Shafer currently serves as the Chairman and CEO of Cerner, and he is joined on the Board by other notable figures such as Julie Gerberding, the Executive Vice President and Chief Patient Officer at Merck, and Linda Dillman, the Chief Information Officer at Qurate Retail Group.

How does Cerner's board structure compare to other healthcare technology companies?

Cerner’s board structure is fairly typical for a healthcare technology company. In general, healthcare technology companies tend to have larger boards than other types of companies, as the healthcare industry is highly complex and requires a diverse set of skills and perspectives. Additionally, boards of healthcare technology companies typically include individuals with experience in healthcare management and technology development.

However, Cerner's board structure does have some unique features. For example, the company has a lead independent director, who serves as a liaison between the board and management and helps to ensure that the board is functioning effectively. Additionally, Cerner's board includes several members with backgrounds in government and public policy, which reflects the company's focus on working with government agencies to improve healthcare outcomes.

Current challenges facing the Cerner Board of Directors and how they plan to address them

Like all companies, Cerner faces a range of challenges as it works to grow and innovate. One of the key challenges facing the company today is the rapidly changing healthcare landscape. With advances in technology and changing patient expectations, Cerner must stay agile and continue to develop cutting-edge solutions that address the needs of modern healthcare providers. The Cerner Board of Directors is focused on staying abreast of these changes and ensuring that Cerner remains at the forefront of healthcare innovation.

Another challenge facing the Cerner Board of Directors is the increasing competition in the healthcare technology industry. As more companies enter the market, Cerner must work harder to differentiate itself and provide unique value to its customers. The Board is exploring new partnerships and collaborations to help Cerner stand out in a crowded field.

Finally, the Cerner Board of Directors is also focused on addressing concerns around data privacy and security. With the increasing amount of sensitive patient information being stored and shared through healthcare technology, it is essential that Cerner takes steps to protect this data from cyber threats and breaches. The Board is investing in new security measures and working closely with industry experts to ensure that Cerner's systems are as secure as possible.

The role of diversity on the Cerner Board of Directors

The Cerner Board of Directors recognizes the importance of diversity when it comes to driving innovation and creating a more inclusive workplace. The Board is committed to recruiting individuals from diverse backgrounds and incorporating a range of perspectives into its decision-making processes. This commitment to diversity has been a key factor in the success of Cerner over the years.

One way that the Cerner Board of Directors promotes diversity is by actively seeking out candidates from underrepresented groups. This includes women, people of color, and individuals from different socioeconomic backgrounds. By doing so, the Board is able to tap into a wider pool of talent and bring in fresh perspectives that can help drive the company forward.

In addition to recruiting diverse candidates, the Cerner Board of Directors also works to create a culture of inclusion within the company. This includes providing training and resources to help employees understand and appreciate different perspectives, as well as fostering an environment where everyone feels valued and respected. By doing so, the Board is able to create a workplace where all employees can thrive and contribute to the company's success.

The impact of Cerner's board decisions on its customers, employees, and stakeholders

The decisions made by the Cerner Board of Directors have a significant impact on all aspects of the company’s operations, from its products and services to its employees and stakeholders. The Board’s commitment to innovation and growth has helped to create a dynamic and forward-thinking culture at Cerner, one that places a premium on quality and customer satisfaction.

One of the key ways in which the Board's decisions impact Cerner's customers is through the development and release of new products and services. The Board's focus on innovation has led to the creation of cutting-edge healthcare technology solutions that have helped to improve patient outcomes and streamline healthcare delivery.

Additionally, the Board's decisions also have a significant impact on Cerner's employees and stakeholders. The company's commitment to diversity and inclusion, for example, is reflected in the Board's decision-making processes and has helped to create a workplace culture that values and respects all employees. The Board's decisions regarding compensation and benefits also play a critical role in attracting and retaining top talent, which is essential for the company's continued success.

Who selects and appoints members to the Cerner Board of Directors?

Members of the Cerner Board of Directors are selected and appointed by the Board itself. When vacancies arise, the Board conducts a rigorous search process that involves engaging with external recruiters and considering a wide range of candidates with diverse backgrounds and skillsets.

The Cerner Board of Directors is responsible for overseeing the company's strategic direction and ensuring that it operates in the best interests of its shareholders. The Board is made up of individuals with a diverse range of expertise, including healthcare, technology, finance, and business management. In addition to selecting and appointing new members, the Board also regularly evaluates its own performance and that of the company's executive leadership team to ensure that Cerner is well-positioned for long-term success.

Key accomplishments and achievements by the Cerner Board of Directors over the years.

The Cerner Board of Directors has accomplished a great deal over the years, steering the company towards significant growth and success. Among the Board’s key accomplishments are the development of innovative healthcare solutions that have improved patient outcomes, the acquisition of strategic partners and companies, and the creation of a dynamic culture of openness and collaboration at Cerner.

Another significant accomplishment of the Cerner Board of Directors is the establishment of a strong financial foundation for the company. Through effective financial management and strategic investments, the Board has ensured that Cerner remains financially stable and able to pursue new opportunities for growth and innovation.

In addition, the Cerner Board of Directors has been committed to corporate social responsibility, implementing sustainable business practices and supporting charitable initiatives in the communities where Cerner operates. This commitment to social responsibility has not only benefited the communities served by Cerner, but has also strengthened the company’s reputation as a responsible and ethical corporate citizen.

How has the composition of the Cerner Board evolved over time?

The composition of the Cerner Board of Directors has evolved significantly over time, reflecting the changing needs of the company and the healthcare industry as a whole. Today, the Board is composed of individuals with diverse backgrounds and skillsets, including healthcare experts, technology leaders, and finance professionals.

Insights into how the Cerner Board makes decisions and navigates complex issues.

The Cerner Board of Directors takes a collaborative and data-driven approach to decision making. Board members work closely with Cerner’s management team to develop strategies that drive growth and help the company stay ahead of the competition. The Board is also committed to transparency and regularly communicates with employees, customers, and stakeholders to ensure that everyone is aligned around the company’s goals and objectives.

The importance of transparency in corporate governance: Lessons from the Cerner Board.

Transparency is a key value of the Cerner Board of Directors, and the Board is committed to promoting openness and accountability in all aspects of the company’s operations. By being transparent about its decision-making processes and communicating regularly with its stakeholders, the Cerner Board has been able to build trust and credibility with customers, employees, and investors alike.

An analysis of how Cerner's board structure aligns with its long-term business strategy.

Cerner’s board structure is well-aligned with its long-term business strategy, which is focused on developing and delivering innovative healthcare solutions that improve patient outcomes. The Board’s diverse range of backgrounds and skillsets has helped to drive innovation and ensure that the company is well-positioned to succeed in a rapidly-changing healthcare landscape.

Future outlook: What can we expect from the Cerner Board in terms of innovation and growth?

Looking to the future, the Cerner Board of Directors is committed to driving continued growth and innovation at the company. The Board will continue to focus on developing cutting-edge healthcare solutions that address the needs of modern healthcare providers, while also staying agile and responsive to the rapidly-changing healthcare landscape. With an experienced and highly skilled Board at the helm, Cerner is well-positioned to continue its track record of success in the years to come.

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  • Who are the members of the Cerner Board of Directors?
  • Brent Shafer (CEO and Chairman of the Board)
  • Julie Gerberding (Executive Vice President and Chief Patient Officer at Merck & Co.)
  • Bill Zollars (former Chairman, President, and CEO of YRC Worldwide Inc.)
  • Melinda Mount (former CFO of Constellation Energy)
  • Mitchell Morris (Executive Chairman of OptumInsight)
  • What are the roles and responsibilities of the Cerner Board of Directors?
  • Overseeing Cerner’s management team
  • Setting the company’s strategic direction
  • Ensuring that the company operates in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations
  • Approving Cerner’s annual budget
  • Reviewing the company’s financial performance on a regular basis
  • Evaluating and selecting the company’s executive leadership team including determining their compensation and benefits packages
  • Playing a key role in succession planning
  • What are the current challenges facing the Cerner Board of Directors, and how are they planning to address them?
  • Rapidly changing healthcare landscape
  • Increasing competition in the healthcare technology industry
  • Concerns around data privacy and security
  • To address these challenges, the Board is focused on staying agile and innovative, exploring new partnerships and collaborations, investing in new security measures, and ensuring that the company has a strong pipeline of future leaders to guide the company forward.
  • How does Cerner's board structure compare to other healthcare technology companies?
  • Cerner’s board structure is fairly typical for a healthcare technology company, with larger boards than other types of companies typically having a focus on healthcare management and technology development.
  • Cerner's board also includes a lead independent director and several members with backgrounds in government and public policy, reflective of the company's focus on working with government agencies to improve healthcare outcomes.
  • Who selects and appoints members to the Cerner Board of Directors?
  • Members of the Cerner Board of Directors are selected and appointed by the Board itself. When vacancies arise, the Board conducts a rigorous search process that involves engaging with external recruiters and considering a wide range of candidates with diverse backgrounds and skillsets.
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Chris Beaver

Co-Founder


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