Leann Chilton chosen for YWCA Leaders of Distinction honor

Leann Chilton, BJC HealthCare vice president of government relations, has been honored by YWCA Metro St. Louis at an event celebrating the achievements of women who drive positive change in the community.

Chilton was honored at the 44th Annual YWCA Leader Lunch on Friday, Dec. 13, at the Marriott St. Louis Grand Hotel as one of nine women selected by an independent panel as the 2024 Leaders of Distinction. She joins the esteemed YWCA Academy of Leaders featuring four decades of honorees.

“The YWCA award is very special because they reach out into the community with business leaders and government officials, not-for-profit and for-profit leaders,” Chilton says. “It's a microcosm of who is helping in the region.”

Leader Lunch organizers note one purpose of the event is to call attention to the lack of equal representation for women in corporate leadership roles.

“We are proud to see Leann’s substantial accomplishments in health care advocacy and her community involvement honored by the YWCA,” says Bob Cannon, BJC HealthCare group president. “Leann has been a tireless and impassioned champion for health care on behalf of BJC for more than two decades and it is gratifying to see her honored as a YWCA Leader of Distinction.”

Over the years, Chilton has sought out mentorship opportunities to support the advancement and advocacy of others. She currently serves on the American Hospital Association Government Relations Advisory Group, the Policy Steering Committee for the American Association of Medical Colleges, the Missouri Hospital and Illinois Hospital Association Policy Advisory Councils, the Gephardt National Advisory Board for Civic Engagement, the Government Relations Council for Greater St. Louis Inc. and the Missouri State Chamber Board.

In addition, she is the board chair for FOCUS St. Louis, which aims to empower civic leaders from diverse backgrounds.

“When you bring different voices to the table, you come out with a better result,” Chilton says. “And honestly, I wouldn't call it mentorship, as much as it is coaching and learning. I appreciate being a mentor, but I learn from them, too, because they're coming from a different place.”