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LEADERSHIP


A Message from the President

Danita Johnson Woods, Ph.D.

President and CEO, Edgewater Health

As Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Danita Johnson Woods leads Edgewater Health in providing behavioral health care, primary care, and social health care services to residents of all ages residing in Gary and Northwest Indiana. Her goal is to help make a measurable difference in community health and well-being. Her personal mission is to serve as a leader who inspires and teaches as many people as possible for as long as possible to live their best lives. She specializes in organization turnaround and has had remarkable success in giving new life to troubled organizations. 

Edgewater Health has enjoyed continuous success under her more than 25 years of leadership. She has led several major initiatives for the organization. The Rapid Access Center (RAC) is the first of its kind in Indiana for persons in crisis and experiencing acute psychiatric distress. 

In August of 2016, Edgewater began expanding its model of integrated healthcare by acquiring primary care practices in Gary and Griffith, and most recently completed a new startup in Cedar Lake specializing in women’s health. 

Edgewater Health has completed several housing projects to address the shortage of adequate housing for individuals and families in the community. The most recent project was a $16M state-of-the-art housing complex. 

Throughout her career, Dr. Danita Johnson Woods has been recognized for her many accomplishments including receiving the Sagamore of the Wabash Award, the state’s highest civilian honor. She is also the recipient of the state of Indiana Governor’s Distinguished Hoosier Award and an inductee into the Northwest Indiana Business & Industry Hall of Fame. 

Danita is a speaker and four-time author. Her most recent book The Women’s Little Purple Book for Leadership can be found on Amazon.com and has already captured ten best-seller spots, including in the United States, Canada, and Australia. Her previous book, The Unapologetic Woman, is also a best seller. It has earned ten number one spots in the United States, Canada, and Germany. Through her work, she inspires people to dream big and understand the role personal responsibility plays in achieving success. 

Dr. Johnson Woods is a graduate of Indiana University earning both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Public Administration, a master’s degree in Social Service Administration and a graduate certificate in Health Administration and Policy from the University of Chicago. Additionally, she earned a Ph.D. from Walden University.

She stays active in professional and civic activities. She is a member of the Northern Indiana Chapter of the Links Incorporated, and a member of the Eta Kappa Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha. She is an avid runner and fitness enthusiast. Her commitment to a healthy lifestyle has led her to complete six marathons. Danita is an award-winning porcelain doll artist and doll collector. Her collection consists of over three hundred dolls. She also enjoys supporting Black artists of various media and styles and she has an extensive collection of Black art.

Senior Management

Thank you for your interest in Edgewater Health. We are proud of our tradition of caring for the people of our community by providing exceptional behavioral and physical healthcare. Edgewater Health is fortunate to have a strong senior management team, a generous and visionary board, and a group of ambassadors who never hesitate to give their time and talent to Edgewater Health. We gratefully acknowledge these individuals who are as passionate about making a difference as we are.

Dr. Danita Johnson Woods
President and CEO | Edgewater Health


Gerri Browning, MD
Chief Medical Officer

Joseph Winterhaler
Chief Financial Officer

Michael LaBroi, MBA
Chief Information Officer

Dr. Tanya Rogers, DSW, LCSW
Chief Clinical Officer


Karen Bishop Morris, PhD
Chief Development Officer and Communications Officer

Ralynn Crockett, MPA, MHRM
Chief Human Resources Officer

Dewnzar Howard-Jones, MD
Medical Director

Corporate Board Members

Officers


Dr. Sharon Johnson Shirley, EdD
Chairperson
Superintendent
Lake Ridge Schools

Attorney Lonnie M. Randolph Sr.
Vice Chairperson
Democratic Member of the
Indiana Senate District 2


Attorney Jerome L. Ezell
Treasurer
IUN Adjunct Professor

Colleen Ramquist
Secretary
Owner/Operator
Tree Top Studio


Members


Andre K. Artis, MD
Board Certified Cardiologist

Randy Boarden
Retired Consultant

Bernard A. Carter
Lake County Prosecutor

Carol J. Cody
Executive Secretary/Officer Manager
Lake County Council

Karima Hasan Bey
VP Construction, Maintenance Service
NiSource

 

 


DeAnna Prince
Director of Taxation
Lake County Auditor-Tax Department

Matt Schuffert
President
Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana

Jose G. (Lupe) Valtierra
Community Development Educator
Purdue Extension-Lake County

Tracy C. Williams
Owner
Hinton & Williams Funeral Home