Debra L. Caplan currently serves as an Executive-in-Residence at The Forbes Funds where she advises and coaches nonprofit leaders in the areas of governance and leadership. She also serves as Principal, HobartHumphrey LLC, a consultancy in governance and nonprofit executive management. During her longstanding career as a leader in healthcare at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Allegheny Health Network (AHN), and more recently as Interim CEO of Partner4Work, Ms. Caplan has been a steadfast advocate for community health, workforce development and advancing women’s leadership.

This passion continues through her many nonprofit board affiliations, including currently chairing the Jewish Healthcare Foundation Board, WHAMglobal Board, and previously serving as WQED Board Chair and President of the Pittsburgh International Women’s Forum. A graduate of Mount Holyoke College and Harvard Kennedy School, she has received numerous honors including Distinguished Daughters of Pennsylvania, YWCA Tribute to Women and Pittsburgh Women of Influence Award.

How do you define your leadership style?

I would define my leadership style as one of Participative Leadership. I enjoy working with a group or team of staff, lay leaders, or others who are involved in the decision-making process. I believe my role is one of guidance and asking questions to elicit a good discussion about the issue at hand. Ultimately the “buck” stops with me; however, seeking the team’s input and expanding the discussion to many voices is not only collaborative but effective and impactful in the decision-making process.

Whose shoulders do you stand on?

I have been very fortunate to have had many mentors in my life who have guided me and inspired me to become a better leader. First, my Mother, Minnie Caplan and my Aunt, Gertrude Caplan, were wonderful, dedicated community leaders – no matter the cause, they gave their time, their expertise and their support to many local organizations. I learned the importance of giving back from these two wise women who were devoted to their family and to the Pittsburgh community.

Second, and professionally, I learned about being a healthcare leader from H. Richard Nesson, MD, and from Andrew Jessiman, MD, both outstanding hospital executives at the Brigham and Women’s Hospital where I served as a Vice President for 9 years. They were impactful, innovative and compassionate leaders who motivated me to grow and develop a leadership style of my own – one that I believe includes elements of respect, fairness, vision, activism and energy.

I am grateful to both my communal and professional mentors for the time and support they provided to me.

What are you doing to ensure that you continue to grow and develop as a leader?

I serve as a coach and advisor to a number of thoughtful and dedicated CEO’s and Executive Directors of nonprofit organizations. This provides the opportunity for continuing insights into leadership. I am also involved in a leadership development program for women leaders that allows me to continue to think about leadership development.

What book are you currently reading?

I am currently reading two books: Walter Isaacson’s Code Breaker and Doris Kearns Goodwin’s The Leadership Journey. Both are highly recommended.