Di Lacey is an experienced executive with over 35 years in healthcare systems and higher education. She is skilled in public affairs, strategic planning, organizational development, leadership development coaching, and business strategy. Currently, she serves as the Vice Provost of Strategy, Growth & Transformation for Western University Health Sciences on both their Oregon and California campuses.
Di holds a degree in Allied Health Sciences from Oregon Tech and is board certified in multiple diagnostic specialties, including radiology, mammography, and sonography. She has completed numerous fellowships at prestigious institutions, including Bowman Gray School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, Stanford School of Medicine, University of Washington, University of California San Francisco, and University of Wisconsin. Among her many accolades, she was awarded “Best in Show” Marketing Campaign at the 2009 HealthLeaders Marketing Awards in Chicago, Illinois.
Graduating from the Rad Tech program in 1985, Di's path was anything but conventional. Initially drawn to computer programming, she soon found her calling in radiology, a decision that led her to become a trailblazer in medical imaging.
Di's enthusiasm for technology and patient care made her an early adopter of ultrasound technology. She recalls the early days of working with ultrasound, where she and her colleagues would work with rudimentary equipment and make educated guesses, which laid the groundwork for the advancements that followed. Her story is a testament to the ever-evolving nature of technology and the importance of staying ahead of the curve.
Her career expands beyond radiology. Di’s roles as a founding member of the American Board of Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare and co-advisor for the Artificial Intelligence in Medicine Club at Western University of Health Sciences illustrate her commitment to integrating cutting-edge technology into healthcare. She is a firm believer in the need for Explainable AI (XAI) in medicine, advocating for transparency and accountability in technological advancements.
Di's journey is also marked by her resilience and leadership. After being diagnosed with breast cancer in 2003 and given a grim prognosis, she not only survived but thrived, using her experience to fuel her passion for improving healthcare. Her role in coaching and developing physician leaders highlights her dedication to nurturing the next generation of healthcare professionals.
As an alumna, Di remains a strong advocate for Oregon Tech. She speaks fondly of her time as a student, describing it as a period of significant growth and discovery. Her graduation day story, where the commencement speaker announced that the microchip had rendered their education obsolete, stands out as a pivotal moment that underscored the rapid pace of technological change.
Di's extensive career includes 29 years with the PeaceHealth System, where she most recently served as VP for Strategy, Innovation, and Development. Her responsibilities included oversight of strategy, marketing, philanthropy, public affairs, community partnerships, community health, and the Center of Innovation for PeaceHealth System. She also served as Vice President of Public Affairs and Fund Development for PeaceHealth Peace Harbor Medical Center, overseeing philanthropy, public relations, strategy, marketing, and volunteer services.
Outside of her professional life, Di has been married for over 30 years to a real estate broker specializing in coastal properties. She enjoys her career, family, collegiate sports, golf, and travel.
Di Lacey's story is one of passion, innovation, and leadership. Her contributions to healthcare and her dedication to mentoring future leaders make her a shining example of the impact Oregon Tech alumni can have on their fields. We are proud to spotlight Di Lacey and celebrate her achievements as a testament to the transformative power of an Oregon Tech education.