Bernard J. Tyson

Bernard J. Tyson, born January 20, 1959, assumed the role of CEO of Kaiser Foundation Health Plan, Inc. and Hospitals— known as Kaiser Permanente—in 2013, and was named chairman of the board of directors in 2014.

Tyson’s career at Kaiser Permanente spanned more than 30 years. He successfully managed all major aspects of the organization during that time, serving in roles from hospital administrator and division president to chief operating officer.

Tyson’s influence was felt both nationally and internationally. Time magazine included him on its list of the most influential people in the world and named him one of the Health Care 50. In addition to being named by Modern Healthcare as one of the most influential people in health care for five consecutive years, he was No. 2 on the 100 Most Influential People in Healthcare list and on Fast Company’s list of most creative people. A San Francisco Bay Area native, Tyson earned a Master of Business Administration in Health Service Administration and a bachelor’s degree in Health Service Management from Golden Gate University in San Francisco. He earned a leadership certificate from Harvard University.

Bernard Tyson collaborated with Michael Morgan to develop his Personal Playlist musical selections that inspired, entertained, and moved him.

He planned to appear on stage as Guest Artist, to introduce the Playlist. His untimely death in November has transformed this concert into a celebration of his life.