Nathaniel L. Bishop Named Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer

Carilion Clinic today announced plans to establish an Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and named Nathaniel L. Bishop, former president of Jefferson College of Health Sciences, to lead it.

As the health system’s first Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer and senior vice president, Bishop will work to expand Carilion’s efforts to advance community and public health, in keeping with its mission.

With a focus on health equity and social justice, the office will collaborate with community leaders to better understand and address social and economic factors that influence health in our region, while also working alongside Carilion’s Human Resources Department to promote diversity, equity and inclusion within the health system.

“NL's cultural competence and his approach to honoring each individual’s unique abilities and contributions make him the perfect person to take on this dynamic new role,” said Nancy Howell Agee, president and CEO of Carilion. “In so many ways, he has been doing this work for decades. He’ll bring the same courage, commitment and compassion to diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives that he has brought time and time again over the years. I’m excited to see the impact he will make in this next chapter of his career.” 

Bishop served as president of Carilion’s Jefferson College of Health Sciences from 2010 until its integration with Radford University in 2019. He was then named senior vice president of administration at Carilion and senior associate dean for diversity, inclusion, and student vitality at the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine.

“Diversity, equity and inclusion have been a focus of mine in every leadership role,” Bishop said. “I’m pleased with the progress Carilion has made and look forward to continuing the important work of improving health equity and closing gaps, both within the health system and in our community.” 

Bishop began his career in law enforcement – the first African American member of the Christiansburg Police Department – and worked as a detective before finding himself in a hospital environment. After becoming a licensed long-term care administrator, he joined Carilion in 1997 as executive director of Burrell Nursing Center. In 2002 he was named vice president and administrator of Carilion Roanoke Community Hospital and subsequently served in additional senior leadership roles.