2015 Most Influential Women Honoree: Teresa Coyan

Teresa Coyan has risen in the ranks quickly at CoxHealth, all the while keeping a focus on relationships.

Citing the book, “Now, Discover Your Strengths,” Coyan says she’s learned her strongest area of leadership is as a relator, meaning she inspires others to take risks to succeed together.

“The leadership in my job at CoxHealth is geared toward relationships,” says Coyan, who serves as legislative and public affairs manager for the nearly 10,000-employee health system. “I truly feel the key with those relationships and being a relator is being genuine and trusting others who you work with.

"If that is not demonstrated within leadership, effectiveness and influence are minimal.”

Since joining CoxHealth in 2008, Coyan has been promoted four times. In her current role, which she’s held since February 2014, she’s responsible for the health system’s public affairs and government relations, maintaining productive relationships with key stakeholders, and planning and executing community and legislative events.

“It has been instilled in me since I was a child to work hard and work well,” Coyan says.

A graduate of Leadership Springfield Class 27, Coyan also has made it her mission to influence the success of others.

“This group has really given me an opportunity to learn about the needs in the community and direct ways to make a difference,” she says of Leadership Springfield. “I can’t wait to see the great things that Springfield has in store as a direct correlation of this group.”

Among her proudest accomplishments, Coyan last year served as chairwoman for The Network, the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce’s group for young professionals. She counts her own time in The Network as a formative experience, and she’s happy to help others have similar takeaways.

“To think that I potentially could help facilitate that same experience for other young professionals truly makes me feel like I’m making a difference,” she says, noting the role also was a springboard to serve on the board of directors for the chamber. “It was great to have the chance to have a voice at the table and feel that leaders who have been in leadership roles for years were receptive and interested in what I had to bring.”

Within CoxHealth, Coyan founded a young professionals group designed to grow employees personally and professionally, all the while acclimating them to the health system’s culture. She says its part of creating a more well-rounded workforce.

“Not only have young professionals at CoxHealth connected with our organization, but also they are now really starting to see beyond the walls of our organization and reach out to the community,” Coyan says.

Coyan finds ways to volunteer her time, which mirrors her helpful nature. She’s served on boards for the Foundation for Springfield Public Schools and City Utilities’ Board of Public Utilities and volunteered at Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Ozarks, Ozarks Food Harvest, Ronald McDonald House, Habitat for Humanity and OneSolePurpose.