Ken DeFurio

“I believe in servant leadership. This is leadership that encourages and supports people to discover and achieve their full potential. This is especially important in an organization like BHS that is about providing care to others. If we want our caregivers to be at their best, they must believe that leadership cares about them. We as leaders must be willing and trusting that people will do the right thing and to the best of their abilities if we simply give them the freedom to do so. In my view, the role of hierarchy is of limited use, and should be used only when it is absolutely necessary. People perform at their best when they feel appreciated and valued, and that is what servant leaders do.”

INSPIRATION: “I have had the privilege of studying and meeting many leaders, all of whom I have learned from in some way. One of the most significant — and he is very well-known locally — is Robert Smith, former president of Slippery Rock University. He was respectful of all, regardless of position or title. He never forgot that his primary job was to serve the students at SRU. Anybody in a leadership position should always remember who the real customer is, and Bob exemplified this. For me he is a friend, role model, and a servant leader second to none.”

Ken DeFurio

Butler Health System president and CEO