Power Women: Jodiane Tritt, JD
Executive Vice President, Arkansas Hospital Association
What’s your secret to success?
My mantra has always been that what I lack in talent, I will make up for in work ethic. My parents set a wonderful example of service and instilled in me and my siblings that the best work you can do is to use your talents and gifts to benefit others.
How did you get started in your field?
I was a biology, chemistry and math nerd at Hendrix College, but I chose to go to law school instead of medical school. I worked in a variety of health care environments while going to law school in the evenings. I loved my time at each job, but I really enjoyed serving Arkansans who needed assistance with services that the health department offered and working with members of the legislature on public health issues. I was sort of the liaison among Arkansans, members of the legislature, other health care advocates and the public health professionals at ADH. All of those experiences led me to the Arkansas Hospital Association, where I get to use all of my education and experience to help create and advocate for policies that positively impact health care in Arkansas.
What do you love best about what you do? ?
I am blessed to be in a position to get to advocate for Arkansas’ hospitals, the health care professionals who make them great and – most importantly – the patients, families and communities whom our hospitals serve. I also sincerely appreciate getting to work with – and be a trusted resource for – elected officials.
What are your proudest accomplishments?
Professionally, I’m most proud of working with all of the stakeholders involved to help Arkansas expand Medicaid coverage to Arkansans who earn less than 138% of the federal poverty level (in 2022, that’s $18,754 annually).
How do you maintain a work/life balance?
My husband, Jamie, and I are definitely a team as we work together to raise our three children and balance executive-level careers. We have a wonderful family support system, too. My mother-in-law is especially helpful to our household. She lives close to the high school and makes sure all the required athletic uniforms are clean and no one is hungry when Jamie and I are unable to do it all.
What obstacles have you had to overcome?
I’m not sure I have overcome it, but one of the biggest obstacles I face is guilt. I feel guilty when I am working and missing family activities, and I feel guilty when I am participating in family things and not giving 100% of my attention to my career. That’s especially challenging in times like these, when we have hospitals across the state who are truly hurting financially and having to make hard trade-offs to keep their doors open.
