United Hospital Fund Names New Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer
NEW YORK, NY—November 30, 2020— United Hospital Fund announced that Vaughn R. Murria, Director of Human Resources, was named to the additional position of Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer, overseeing UHF initiatives to enhance equity and diversity in the organization’s internal culture and operations.
“As UHF’s DEI work approaches its two-year mark in early 2021, I cannot say enough about Vaughn’s leadership of this important effort to infuse UHF and its work with a greater focus on equity and inclusion,” said Anthony Shih, MD, president of UHF. “While we are making great strides, our work and commitment to our staff is ongoing and I look forward to Vaughn’s continued leadership.”
UHF committed to a diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiative in March 2019, led by Mr. Murria. It has involved a number of all-staff workshops, facilitated by the consulting firm Co-Creating Inclusion, covering a range of issues, including race and oppression, dismantling power differentials, microaggressions, and restorative justice. Staff feedback from the workshops resulted in a DEI strategic plan to address issues both internally and in its external programs.
Mr. Murria played an integral role in developing this plan. His additional responsibilities include developing, implementing, and evaluating UHF’s DEI program and strategy; integrating these initiatives across the organization; and creating an environment that values and demonstrates its commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.
Mr. Murria joined UHF as Director of Human Resources in 2013. Previously, he served as Director of Human Resources and Operations at the Manhattan Borough President’s Office, responsible for human resources operations for 12 Manhattan community boards. Prior to that, he served as an Organizational Development Manager and a Human Resources Project Manager at New York Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital.
He holds a Bachelor of Science in human development from Binghamton University-SUNY and a Master of Public Administration from New York University, with a customized specialization in human resources management. He is also a Society for Human Resources Management Senior Certified Professional and holds a Diversity and Inclusion Certificate from Cornell University.
United Hospital Fund
United Hospital Fund works to build a more effective health care system for every New Yorker. An independent, nonprofit organization, we analyze public policy to inform decision-makers, find common ground among diverse stakeholders, and develop and support innovative programs that improve the quality, accessibility, affordability, and experience of patient care. For more on our initiatives and programs please visit our website at www.uhfnyc.org and follow us on Twitter.