Rocky Ephraim
Background
Yerachmiel “Rocky” Ephraim is a Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt and a dedicated practitioner of The Joint Commission’s Robust Process Improvement (RPI) methodology. During his tenure at The Joint Commission, Rocky collaborated closely with senior leadership and staff on cost-saving and revenue-generating improvement projects across the enterprise. His role included certifying yellow and green belts, having educated numerous leaders and team members on RPI Lean Six Sigma principles. Recently, Rocky played a pivotal role in leading and deploying the Enterprise Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, which encompassed Heritage Celebrations, Employee Resource Groups (ERG), and DEI Training.
Professional Experience
Before joining The Joint Commission, Rocky amassed over fifteen years of experience in healthcare operations, covering strategic planning, project management, and change leadership. This extensive background in diverse healthcare settings has provided him with practical insights and knowledge. His commitment to excellence is further demonstrated by his service as a State of Illinois Lincoln Foundation for Performance Excellence Examiner, a precursor to the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award—the only Presidential Award for organizational resilience and long-term success. Additionally, Rocky is a certified Crucial Conversations instructor, enriching his expertise in effective communication and conflict resolution.
Analytical Thinker with a Human Touch: Rocky is a problem solver who explores innovative ways to drive business strategies through sustainable process improvements and change leadership. While he prioritizes analytical research and critical thinking, he firmly believes that true transformation occurs through the human touch—clear communication and engagement with leaders and team members to build trust and foster collaboration.
Rocky brings a wealth of experience and a unique perspective on healthcare improvement, making him an invaluable resource for organizations seeking to achieve high reliability and excellence.