We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Andre Greenwood. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Andre below.

Hi Andre, thanks for joining us today. Is there a heartwarming story from your career that you look back on?

In March 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic caused a worldwide shutdown, I, as Chairman, along with dedicated board members, Dr. Walter Young, staff, and Monteil Weeks branch executive of the Andrew & Walter Young Family YMCA, was profoundly concerned about the community we serve.

Our facility became a crucial safe haven during this time. Our first priority was to ensure that essential workers had access to our full-time daycare center, allowing them to focus on their duties while their children were cared for safely. With rising unemployment in Southwest Atlanta, we partnered with I’m A Father First to provide hot meals throughout the remainder of 2020.

We prioritized children by offering a space for foster care children to engage in virtual learning, ensuring their education continued uninterrupted. We also provided laptops and internet cards to all Y children to support their learning. Additionally, we assisted high school seniors with college applications and FAFSA forms.

When Southwest Atlanta initially lacked testing sites, our YMCA, in collaboration with CVS Health, became one of the first three testing locations in the community. We also served as one of the primary vaccine sites in Atlanta, prioritizing care for the elderly and the most vulnerable.

Witnessing the community unite during such challenging times was one of the most profound experiences of my life. It was the unwavering commitment of Y staff, board members, and volunteers that played a crucial role in fostering a healthy and supportive community. This is a moment I will always cherish forever.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Currently, I hold the position of Market Lead/Interim CEO at Aetna Better Health of Georgia, overseeing a multibillion-dollar healthcare enterprise dedicated to serving government-sponsored healthcare programs.

With over two decades of experience in healthcare, I have successfully navigated the complexities of the insurance and provider sectors. My expertise spans Medicaid, Medicare, Provider Operations, and health plan leadership, where I have played a pivotal role in enhancing business models. My mission is centered around strengthening relationships with providers, communities, and partners.

Previously, I served as Chief Operating Officer at Aetna Better Health of Louisiana and held leadership positions at Centene Corporation, WellStar Health System, and Humana.

Beyond my professional career, I am deeply involved in community leadership, particularly focused on improving conditions for youth in Southwest Atlanta. For more than 15 years, I have served on the board of The Andrew and Walter Young Family YMCA, including six years as Chairman. The YMCA plays a crucial role in Southwest Atlanta, offering essential programs and services. One of my proudest accomplishments is advocating for The Black Man Lab an intergenerational gathering of Black Men working together to build the elements of authentic manhood. We are here to provide a safe space for Black Men to have a culturally enriching learning experience. With a vision is to empower and inspire Black Men who will positively transform the world. Every Monday night this critical meeting occurs at the Andrew and Walter Young YMCA. I’m grateful to Attorney Mawuli Davis and Marty Monegain for their leadership.

Recently, I had the honor of being a keynote speaker and mentor at the SMASH Academy, guiding students in pursuing careers in Computer Science in partnership with Morehouse College. I emphasize wise decision-making, college readiness, and personal integrity, aiming to empower future leaders with examples of Black excellence. I’m intentional with my efforts, mentors play a key role in young people’s lives.

My commitment to community extends to my involvement with 100 Black Men of North Metro Atlanta, focusing on youth development and academic achievement. I’ve participated in Men of Tomorrow mentoring program where I offer to my mentees underscores the idea that a leadership role may not manifest early in one’s career, but the path to leadership can be paved through volunteering in non-profit organizations. Taking on such roles provides invaluable experience and readies individuals for future career opportunities.

I am driven by a strong sense of purpose to leave a lasting legacy that empowers youth to achieve their dreams. I hold a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Florida A&M University and received my Executive MBA from Georgia State University. Recognitions such as Atlanta Business Chronicle’s 2018 40 under Forty, completion of the Leadership Atlanta Class of 2022, and inclusion in Atlanta Magazine’s 2024 Atlanta 500 Most Powerful Leaders highlight my contributions.

Outside of work, I find joy in travel, sports, live music, and spending time with my wife Naima and our daughters, Ava and Aubree.

Any advice for managing a team?

Managing a team and keeping morale high in any organization can be quite the challenge, but I’ve found that it’s absolutely doable with the right approach. First off, I believe in leading by example. My behavior and work ethic set the tone for the entire team. Communication is key, too. I try my best to be transparent and keep everyone in the loop with regular updates so everyone feels aligned and informed.

Empowering my team is crucial. I trust them to make decisions within their roles, which fosters a sense of ownership and accountability. I don’t forget to regularly acknowledge and reward their hard work; a little recognition goes a long way in boosting morale.

Investing in professional development is another biggie. I provide opportunities for training and career growth. When people see a path forward, they stay engaged and motivated. Supporting work-life balance is important to me, so I promote flexible working arrangements and offer mental health resources.

Encouraging collaboration is essential. I foster teamwork through activities and cross-functional projects. Being approachable and empathetic makes a huge difference. I make sure I’m responsive to my team’s needs and concerns.
Setting clear goals and expectations helps keep everyone focused and motivated. And finally, I always seek feedback from my team and use it to make improvements. By following these strategies, I strive to create a productive, engaged, and satisfied team.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

Building my work reputation has been a journey shaped by both professional accomplishments and a strong commitment to community service. Delivering high-quality results consistently has been a key in establishing myself as a dependable and effective executive.

Transparency and honesty in communication are cornerstones of my approach. I believe in clear, open dialogue and taking responsibility for my actions, which helps build trust and credibility with colleagues and stakeholders.

A significant part of my reputation comes from my dedication to community service. I’ve actively participated in various initiatives, including Job Fairs and Career Expos, and have supported HBCU scholarships, college readiness programs. Mentorship through the 100 black men has also been a major focus, the ability to guide individuals through their next steps and career paths.

My dedication extends to organizing food drives with Goodr, a pop-up grocery supplier, family events like the Turkey Drive with the Atlanta Hawks, Trunk or Treat at the YMCA, and Toys for Tots drives. Serving as a board member for the Center for Black Women’s Wellness, Covenant Community Inc., and Grove Park, I’ve contributed to affordable housing initiatives and community development.

My passion for healthcare has driven my support of the underserved through health fairs, faith-based initiatives, prom dress and bike drives, providing kids’ teeth cleaning services through Colgate, and partnering with the Salvation Army in setting up mobile shower units for the homeless.

These activities reflect my commitment to making a positive impact both in my professional sphere and in the community. By staying true to my values and actively seeking ways to serve, I’ve built a reputation as someone who is not only effective in their career but also deeply invested in giving back.

Contact Info:

• Website: https:ymcaatlanta.org
• Instagram: Andre.Greenwood
• Facebook: Andre Greenwood
• Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/in/andre-greenwood-mba-6314399

Image Credits

Holland Reid Photography