Kevin W. Sowers

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President, Johns Hopkins Health System
Executive Vice President, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Kevin W. Sowers, serves as president of the Johns Hopkins Health System and executive vice president of Johns Hopkins Medicine, where he oversees six hospitals while advancing patient care, education and research missions.

As the second person in Johns Hopkins history to hold these dual roles, Sowers focuses on providing leadership clarity in an increasingly complex health care environment. He emphasizes balancing data-driven decisions with understanding historical context.

What’s the most important thing you do?

As society increases in complexity, academic medical organizations will continue to provide value at the intersection of our tripartite missions, focused on patient care, research and education. One of my most important roles is providing leadership clarity in this dynamic environment, maximizing our ability to innovate while remaining focused on the importance of the human connection.

What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned in your career?

As leaders, it’s important that we make decisions based on facts while not being guided by emotions. However, data doesn’t always tell the full story. We have to appreciate the historical influences that have set the stage for any given point in time. The story of a place doesn’t begin when we assume the helm and it won’t end when we leave, but the decisions we make will impact generations.

What’s the most significant challenge facing our state?

Emerging technologies allow for novel uses of data. Resulting decisions made moving forward can positively impact the social determinants of health and improve the quality of life of Marylanders progressively over many generations. However, we need to develop robust infrastructures today that will allow us to go from theoretical change to the real-world solutions of the future.

Honoree profiles were written using an artificial intelligence program and supported by honoree nominations, applications and letters of recommendation. Each profile was reviewed, fact-checked and edited for accuracy by The Daily Record’s editorial staff.

This profile is part of The Daily Record's Power 100 List for 2024. Information used in this profile was sourced from the honoree. See the full list at thedailyrecord.com.