Evan Bailey
BHC 40 Under 40 | Class of 2026 |At the Helm
Director, Department of Surgery | Henry Ford Health | Detroit, MI
Evan Bailey is the Director of the Department of Surgery at Henry Ford Health, where he leads strategy and oversees operations for six surgical specialties across Southeast and Southcentral Michigan.
His work sits at the intersection of strategy and execution, where he guides teams through complex transformation efforts and ensures alignment across a large and evolving health system.
The Journey
Bailey’s path into healthcare leadership began in college, when a healthcare leadership institute introduced him to both the disparities that exist across communities and a career path he had not previously considered.
"The program not only opened my eyes to health disparities that exist across many communities, but also exposed me to a career path in healthcare leadership."
That experience laid the foundation for a career focused on systems-level impact and organizational leadership.
What This Recognition Means
For Bailey, the recognition is meaningful because of the community it represents. Black Health Connect brings together professionals across disciplines while keeping the community at the center of change, something he sees as essential to the future of healthcare.
It is also a reflection of the kind of leadership he values, one that connects operational excellence with community impact.
What’s Next
Following a recent joint venture between Henry Ford Health and another major healthcare system, Bailey is focused on integrating providers, teams, and operations across the combined enterprise.
"Continue to challenge the status quo. The healthcare industry needs people who are willing to innovate and ask the tough questions."
Bailey represents a new generation of healthcare operators. Leaders who understand that transformation is not just strategic, but deeply operational.
Connect
LinkedIn: Evan Bailey
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The BHC 40 Under 40 Class of 2026 honors the next generation of healthcare leaders reshaping how care is built, delivered, and experienced. Honorees will be celebrated at the Black Health Ball on June 27, 2026.