Today we’d like to introduce you to Toya White.
Hi Toya, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Personal Journey Into Healthcare
I grew up in Arkansas and have called Texas home since 1999. My decision to pursue a career in healthcare was deeply influenced by my grandfather’s experience with lung cancer. Throughout his illness, he was cared for by clinicians who treated him as a whole person, not just focusing on his diagnosis. Even though he ultimately lost his battle with lung cancer, their compassionate approach, kindness and dedication made a significant difference in his quality of life and left a lasting impression on my family. This experience inspired me to strive for the same positive impact in my own career.
I began my healthcare career as a nurse extern at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Dallas while still a nursing student, an experience that laid a strong foundation for my professional growth and development. Over my 25-year tenure in healthcare, I have been fortunate to serve in several capacities including registered nurse, nurse practitioner, and various leadership roles. For the past five years, I have served as President and Chief Nursing Officer for Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Kaufman and have also been named president of the future Texas Health Hospital Forney currently under construction. Although I no longer provide direct patient care at the bedside, I am deeply committed to advocating for patients and families through my leadership. My primary goal has always been to make a positive impact on the lives of others, and I continue to carry forward the guiding values that inspired me from the start.
Throughout my career, I have actively participated in professional organizations, including the North Texas Chapter of the American College of Healthcare Executives, where I have served as a member and former board member. I am also a current board member of the Kaufman County Children’s Advocacy Center and belong to several other organizations, such as North Texas Nurse Practitioners and the Dallas Bar Association. I place a high value on mentoring the next generation of healthcare clinicians and leaders, and I am dedicated to giving back to the community through volunteer efforts.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Overcoming Challenges and Embracing Growth
Throughout my journey, I have faced numerous challenges, much like many others experience during their own paths of growth and development. These encounters have been instrumental in shaping my character, fostering resilience, and strengthening my resolve. I am committed to lifelong learning, having earned degrees in nursing, business administration, and law. I worked full-time while achieving all my degrees. Balancing full-time work with my studies for each degree was demanding, but these experiences taught me to value time, prioritize tasks, and focus on finding solutions rather than making excuses.
As I advanced in my leadership career, I often found myself as the first, and sometimes only, minority in various rooms and forums. I believe that diversity in thought, backgrounds, and perspectives ignite innovation and drives more sustainable outcomes. This journey has empowered me to embrace authenticity in every setting. Whenever I am given a seat at the table, I recognize a responsibility to use my voice productively, contributing in meaningful ways to the conversations and decisions that shape our future.
As you know, we’re big fans of Texas Health Resources. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Texas Health Resources is a faith-based, non-profit health system that cares for more patients in North Texas than any other provider. With 29 hospital locations and over 420 access points throughout the 16 counties it serves, Texas Health provides a broad range of services, including primary, outpatient and urgent care as well as ambulatory surgery centers, behavioral health, and sports medicine and fitness centers.
Texas Health Resources continues to expand its footprint across North Texas, broadening access to high-quality care. The organization is set to open Forney’s first full-service acute care hospital, Texas Health Hospital Forney, in late 2027 and has also recently announced plans to build a new hospital in McKinney—further strengthening healthcare options for area residents.
While North Texas offers a wide range of healthcare options, Texas Health Resources is the only large healthcare organization with which I have been affiliated—a distinction driven by the strength of its organizational culture. That culture has been a compelling factor in my continued commitment to the company. I am especially proud of its forward-thinking approach and genuine dedication to expanding services across the communities we serve. These efforts not only broaden access to healthcare but also meaningfully address the evolving needs of people in the communities we serve.
How do you think about happiness?
My happiness is deeply rooted in four pillars: family, faith, fun, and service. My husband, Michael White, has been a steadfast source of support and strength in my life. Our extended family is also an important part of my world, with numerous nieces and nephews in Arkansas and a godson here in Texas. Their presence brings joy and purpose, and I strive to lead by example—showing them that with perseverance and commitment, any goal can be achieved.
While I am dedicated to working hard in my profession, I also recognize the value of maintaining a balanced life. I believe it is essential to integrate fun into the workplace and to pursue hobbies and interests outside of work for perspective and personal fulfillment. Some activities I particularly enjoy are spending time in nature, staying active through fitness, reading, and traveling.
Volunteering and giving back to the community through service is another source of happiness and fulfillment for me. These activities enrich my life and reinforce my commitment to making a positive impact on others. Additionally, I am committed to personal growth and continue to challenge myself by learning new hobbies—this spring, I am taking golf lessons and looking forward to the experience.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.texashealth.org/Locations/texas-health-kaufman and https://www.texashealth.org/forney
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/toyawhite
Image Credits
C/O Texas Health Resources
