WINSTON-SALEM ― Novant Health’s board of trustees was one of five honored for promoting diversity and inclusion.

The second annual NXT Awards were given by the National Association of Corporate Directors, which represents more than 20,000 corporate board members.

“We are humbled that Novant Health’s board of trustees was recognized for its prioritization of diversity, inclusion and equity,” said G. Patrick Phillips, chairman of the board. “Diversity and inclusion are core values for Novant Health, and that means a culture-change approach that is connected to our organization’s imperatives. It is important to the board of trustees to develop strategies that improve diversity, inclusion and equity for all of our team members, our communities and the patients that entrust us with their health care.”

Nominations were evaluated by an independent committee of corporate directors and executives.

Novant Health won in the nonprofit category and was honored at a gala during the association’s annual Global Board Leaders’ Summit on Sept. 23 at the Marriott Marquis hotel in Washington.

“We are a mission-driven organization focused on improving the health of our communities and understanding the make-up and needs associated with those communities and the challenges they face,” said Tanya Blackmon, executive vice president and chief of diversity, inclusion and equity for Novant Health. “Our business resource groups, consisting of team members with diverse backgrounds, and community advisory groups help us understand and engage with communities and ultimately help us find ways to eliminate health care disparities these groups face.”