When Michael Charlton became President and CEO of AtlantiCare Health System, he didn’t just step into a new role — he stepped into a new world. Transitioning from the CEO of a hospitality company to leading the largest healthcare provider in Southeastern New Jersey was a monumental challenge, especially in the midst of a global pandemic.
Through Brown University’s Master’s in Healthcare Leadership (MHL) program, Charlton found the tools, connections and credentials needed to navigate and lead through the complexities of a rapidly evolving healthcare landscape.
The healthcare leadership experience
Charlton credits his time in the MHL program as pivotal to his leadership growth. He says it helped him gain a deeper understanding of healthcare economics, policy and management.
“The tremendous value that a Brown education adds is undeniable. It gives you the confidence that propels your career. But what really resonates is not just the depth and breadth of the education, but the commitment of the people involved.”
Beyond the coursework, the relationships Charlton formed with his classmates — many of whom are experienced healthcare leaders — proved just as valuable.
“I made lifelong friends in the program,” Charlton shared. “Our cohort still has a group text that we use almost every day to share advice and tackle challenges in our own work.”
A transformational career move
As Charlton neared the end of the MHL program, the CEO of AtlantiCare announced her retirement. Charlton, who had been on the Board of AtlantiCare for 14 years, was asked to step in as interim CEO while the board conducted a rigorous national search, bringing in several candidates from across the country. During that time, they encouraged him to apply for the full-time position, which he eventually secured — a transition he credits, in part, to his time at Brown.