Dr. N.L. Bishop appointed head
Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital has announced the creation of a new Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and have named Dr. Nathaniel L. Bishop, senior vice president to lead it. As our first Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer, NL will continue the important work he has championed for years.
In developing this focus on health equity and social justice, we will expand our work to advance community and public health, in keeping with our mission. This office will collaborate with regional leaders to better understand and address social factors that influence health in our region, while working internally alongside our Human Resources Department to develop and deploy diversity, equity and inclusion strategies.
NL will continue to co-lead the system wide Diversity and Inclusion Council and oversee chaplain services, including clinical pastoral education, and Carilion’s police and security department.
“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. “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 about the impact he will make in this next chapter of his career.”
NL 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, where he supports the success of groups traditionally underrepresented in medicine.
“Diversity, equity and inclusion have been a focus in every leadership role I’ve served,” 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.”
NL 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 transitioning to healthcare and 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.
Bishop holds undergraduate degrees from New River Community College and Radford University, a Master in Education from Virginia Tech, and a Doctor of Ministry from Wesley Theological Seminary.
