Meet Andre Greenwood | Chairman of the Board

We had the good fortune of connecting with Andre Greenwood and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Andre, as a parent, what do you feel is the most meaningful thing you’ve done for them?

As a #girldad to two wonderful daughters, Ava (9) and Aubree (4), in a household that embraces both Jamaican and American cultures, it is crucial for me to instill in them the significance of confidence, self-love, and the power of knowledge. I view these qualities as essential tools for navigating a world that may not always treat them fairly. In addition to these values, I’ve ensured that they have access to diverse cultures through our travels to Africa, Central America, Europe, and the Caribbean. It’s imperative that my daughters perceive the world through their own unique perspectives, empowering them with the adaptability to thrive in any environment.

Becoming a father is the most extraordinary blessing a man can experience. I want my daughters to know that Daddy loves them immensely! I recognize the immense responsibility that comes with my role, and I am committed to empowering my daughters to embrace their authentic selves. Beyond my role as a father, I wear many hats, including serving as Chairman and board member of civic non-profit organizations, where volunteerism is a fundamental aspect of our family ethos. In the Greenwood household, helping others and dedicating our time to the underserved is not just a duty but a way of life. I firmly believe in the principles of servant leadership, and my passion for serving and leading others is at the heart of my success.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?

I presently hold the position of Market Lead/Interim CEO at Aetna Better Health of Georgia. This role places me at the helm of a diversified, multibillion-dollar healthcare enterprise offering a comprehensive portfolio of services to government-sponsored healthcare programs.

Bringing more than 19 years of extensive experience in healthcare operations, I have navigated the complexities of both the insurance and provider facets of the industry. My expertise includes spearheading network contracting and expansion strategies specifically tailored for Georgia. This involves identifying and fostering strategic alliances, as well as constructing innovative network models. Through these efforts, I have successfully collaborated with over 35,000 provider organizations, ensuring the fulfillment of healthcare requirements for the residents of Georgia.

The objectives I established for myself, combined with the guidance of dynamic mentors and leaders, played a crucial role in my achievements. The consistent factor in my journey was the presence of a mentor or career coach whose wisdom and guidance held me accountable to my vision. Amidst evolving goals, one constant remained – to stay true to my authentic self. Embracing and expressing my true self became my greatest value proposition, recognizing it as something unique and irreplaceable, impossible to duplicate or imitate.

Embracing the principles of a true servant leader, I am deeply committed to fulfilling my civic duties by giving back to underserved communities in Atlanta. For more than 15 years, I have served as a dedicated board member at The Andrew and Walter Young Family YMCA. During the past six years, I have had the privilege of leading as Chairman of the Board.

Our YMCA goes beyond being a mere facility for learning how to swim or play basketball. It stands as a safe haven, offering daycare and after-school programming, addressing the complex challenges that our youth encounter daily in Southwest Atlanta. It takes a compassionate and courageous individual to step forward and be part of the solution. The Andrew & Walter Young Family YMCA serves as a resource hub, actively tackling intricate issues and fostering sustainable positive change to help our community thrive. Among our various initiatives are food pantries, coat drives, highly affordable daycare, GED programs, holiday toy/bike drives, job fairs, clothing drives, and more.

However, it is the dedicated staff, board members,  and volunteers who play a pivotal role, mentoring our youth and providing them with hope and a vision for success in life.

The advice 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 firmly believe in taking control of one’s career journey – who else but you is better equipped to determine the trajectory of your success?

My foundational belief in myself was rooted in the teachings I received during my undergraduate years at the School of Business and Industry at Florida A&M University, an HBCU. This institution instilled in me the confidence needed to navigate a challenging world and seize every opportunity to advance my career. Our motto, “Excellence With Caring,” encapsulates the ethos that guided me.

Before entering the corporate world, I interned at multiple Fortune 500 organizations, honing my skills and preparing for the journey I had envisioned for years. Remaining a sponge, eager to absorb knowledge and expand my talents, was key to my success. In 2010, I furthered my education by earning an Executive MBA from J. Mack Robinson College of Business at Georgia State University in Atlanta, GA.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?

Atlanta is a city rich with history and amazing sites. If my best friend were coming to town here are a few of my personal favorites:

Day 1: We would have brunch at Toast on Lenox then take a trip to the National Center for Civil and Human Rights, and Dinner at one of my new favorite Carribean restaurants Rock Steady-Atlanta.
Day 2: Visit the King Center and Dr. Martin Luther King’s Home, and Dinner and Libations at MCK Restaurant
Day 3: A day of volunteering at the Andrew & Walter Young Family YMCA, dinner at Sauce Buckhead to end the night
Day 4: It’s mandatory to visit the World of Coke and the Georgia Aquarium the largest aquarium in the US
Day 5: We’d probably top off our trip by visiting the College Football Hall of Fame and/or a Hawk, Falcons, or Atlanta United game

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?

I want to take a moment to honor and express my deep gratitude to my parents, Preston and Linda Greenwood. Every achievement and success I’ve experienced is a direct result of their tireless hard work and the invaluable lessons they instilled in me—a foundation of self-knowledge built on a bedrock of love.

My mother, a Registered Nurse, served as my inspiration and ignited my passion for the healthcare field. Her dedication and compassion left an indelible mark on me. On the other hand, my father, a highly successful businessman with multiple restaurants and commercial properties, imparted his business acumen to me. His firsthand experiences fueled my desire to become an impactful leader.

I navigate my professional journey with courage and conviction because of the unwavering support and teachings from my parents. Their presence and dedication have instilled in me a fearlessness to pursue and achieve any goal I set my mind to. The bond we share and the unconditional love they’ve given me are truly priceless. I am eternally grateful for the incredible foundation they’ve provided, shaping me into the person I am today.

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