We’re proud to feature, recent Los Angeles Executive Leadership Development Program alumni, Slyvia Martin. DHS System Chief Nursing Executive for Los Angeles County
How do you explain to others outside government what you do?
As the DHS System Chief Nursing Executive, I support our 8,000 nurses and nurse leaders by strengthening their leadership, developing their skills, and guiding our teams toward continuous improvement. I tell people that I lead teams who care for the health and dignity of our communities, allowing them to thrive. My work is about creating the conditions where nurses and interdisciplinary teams can do their best work, through strategy, culture-building, and operational excellence.
We are committed to high quality, educating our community, and leading a nursing culture of connection, excellence, and courage. Together, we strive to provide the best possible outcomes, supporting one another with both boldness and humility. At its core, my role is to help shape systems that make healthcare safer, more equitable, and more humane for the people we serve.
What does public service mean to you?
Public service is a commitment to something larger than oneself. For me personally, this work is a ministry; an act of showing up to help and to heal in all manner of ways. Through our dedication to the mission of LADHS and our compassion for those in need, we honor human dignity and offer our best to everyone, including each other, without fail. We work together as interdisciplinary teams, providing emotional support and a sense of belonging as we navigate complex challenges. Public service calls us to be both bold and humble, to lead with integrity and courage, and to serve in ways that strengthen trust in us, with the communities we serve.
What’s the best piece of advice that you have ever received?
The most powerful advice I’ve received is: “Lead with clarity, compassion, and courage, and the rest will follow.” It reminds me that leadership is not about perfection, it’s about being grounded in purpose, honest about reality, and brave enough to make decisions that honor people and move the mission forward. It also taught me the importance of humility, collaboration, and the strength that comes from teams who support one another and foster belonging. That guidance continues to shape how I show up and how I help others grow in their own leadership journeys.
How has the Executive Leadership Development Program assisted you in your career pathway?
The Executive Leadership Development Program has expanded my perspective and sharpened my leadership practice. It has strengthened my ability to navigate county specific complexity, build strategic partnerships, and lead interdisciplinary teams with intention and accountability. The program reinforced the value of being both bold and humble; bold in vision, humble in learning. This ELDP journey created space for reflection, growth, and honest self-assessment, helping me align my leadership with the long-term needs of my work, our communities, and the evolving mission of LA County. It has been gentle support for deeper confidence, broader vision, and a more grounded sense of purpose in my executive pathway.