More Than an Award—Reflection from Sheila Dickerson, CPO

Sheila Dickerson, MBA, SHRM-SCP, Certified Diversity Executive
Chief People Officer

Being named to the New Orleans CityBusiness 2026 Human Resources Power List is an incredible honor, and one I am truly grateful to receive. And what means the most to me isn't the recognition itself, but what it represents.

Throughout my career, I've believed that people are the heart of every organization, and at LPHI, that belief comes to life every day and it’s a privilege to be a part of supporting that. We ask our teams to tackle some of Louisiana's most complex health challenges that communities across the state face, and they do it with compassion, creativity, and an unwavering commitment to the communities we serve. My role is to help create a workplace where they have what they need to do that work well.

People strategy is never just about policies or processes. It's about building trust, listening, and creating opportunities for people to grow, ensuring leaders have the tools to lead well, and fostering a culture where everyone feels they belong and their contributions matter. When people know they are valued, they bring their best selves to work. It benefits our organization, our partners, and more than anything, the people and communities across Louisiana. I'm proud that LPHI continues to invest in our people as intentionally as we invest in our programs. The two are inseparable. Strong public health organizations are built by people who feel supported, connected, and inspired by a shared purpose.

 This recognition also belongs to others who work hard work alongside me and understand that culture doesn't happen by accident. Culture is built through all of our everyday actions, thoughtful decisions, and a genuine commitment to one another. Most of all, I'm grateful to every member of the LPHI team who brings our mission to life each day--when we put people first, everything else becomes possible.