Meet the Class of 2025: Georgia Forrest 25EMBA
This year, we are celebrating the incredible achievements of Goizueta Business School’s Class of 2025. As commencement approaches, we’re highlighting outstanding graduates from each program who have made their mark during their time at Goizueta. Meet Dr. Georgia Forrest, a graduating Executive MBA student whose journey is defined by visionary leadership and a deep commitment to transforming healthcare. In this Q&A, she shares how her time at Goizueta is helping her drive change—from hospitals to policy—while empowering others along the way.
Hometown: Born in Kingston, Jamaica, Grew up in Hempstead, NY
Current Job Title: Associate Chief Medical Information Officer, Family Medicine Physician, Business Owner
Current Company: Wellstar Health Systems, Scenthound, Delivery King Logistics
Previous Education: Temple University (BA), UMDNJ Robert Wood Johnson School of Medicine (MD)
Previous Employment: Regional Medical Director, Wellstar Health System
Clubs/Activities: Chief Women’s Executive Network, Certified Physician Executive American Association for Physician Executive
Student Leadership: In-person Social Co-Chair
What initially drew you to Goizueta Business School?
My journey to Goizueta Business School was rooted in the alignment of values, mission, and personal history. As a Georgia resident, I was naturally drawn to a top-tier business school in my home state. However, beyond proximity, it was Goizueta’s unwavering commitment to developing leaders who drive meaningful change that sealed my decision.
The school’s mission, to prepare principled leaders to have a positive influence on Business and Society, resonated deeply with me. It wasn’t just a slogan, it was a call to action that aligned with my aspirations to lead transformation in healthcare, business, and beyond. As a serial entrepreneur, I was drawn to Goizueta’s entrepreneurial spirit, knowing I would be surrounded by individuals who push boundaries, think big, and encourage innovation at every turn. As a physician the Business of Healthcare tract was also a deciding factor.
Another personal connection was Goizueta’s strong ties to Coca-Cola. As a Coca-Cola Scholar, this organization played a crucial role in helping me afford college, ultimately shaping my early trajectory of excellence. Returning to an institution so deeply connected to Coca-Cola felt like a continuation of that legacy—an opportunity to further the impact of those who believed in my potential.
What unique aspects of Goizueta’s culture, curriculum, or community made it stand out from other business schools you considered?
At Goizueta, the emphasis on building a different kind of leader isn’t just theoretical—it’s ingrained in every aspect of the experience. Unlike other business schools that focus heavily on technical skills alone, Goizueta ensures that human-centered leadership remains at the forefront of its curriculum.
The world is evolving at an exponential rate, with technology and innovation reshaping industries daily. Yet, in many spaces, leadership development has failed to keep pace. Goizueta stands apart by embedding leadership excellence into every course, ensuring that its graduates aren’t just technically competent but transformational change agents.
Through courses in data analytics, finance, emotional intelligence, and lean transformation, I’ve gained a holistic understanding of business that goes beyond numbers and spreadsheets—it’s about people, strategy, and impact. The collaborative culture has also been invaluable. Unlike traditional hierarchical business structures, Goizueta fosters an environment where peers challenge and uplift one another, creating a sense of camaraderie that extends well beyond the classroom.
What has been your most memorable experience during your time at Goizueta?
The most impactful aspect of my Goizueta experience has been the deep connections and teamwork. As a physician, my training often emphasized independence—I was taught to take ownership of patient care, make decisions quickly, and work within a rigid hierarchy. However, this program shattered that insular mindset and introduced me to the power of collaboration.
At Goizueta, I’ve learned to lean on my peers, value diverse perspectives, and embrace the strength of collective problem-solving. Some of the most valuable lessons weren’t taught in lectures but were learned through late-night strategy sessions, challenging case discussions, and moments when we navigated high-pressure situations together.
Beyond academics, the friendships and networks I’ve built will last a lifetime. This program isn’t just about education—it’s about becoming part of a community of leaders who will continue to push each other forward long after graduation.
How has your Goizueta education prepared you for your next career step?
Goizueta has equipped me with the tools, mindset, and network to take on larger-scale leadership roles. I accepted a new position during my tenure as a student as the Associate Chief Medical Information Officer for Wellstar Health Systems.
This transition into a leadership role within healthcare IT was a pivotal moment in my career, reinforcing the direct impact of my Goizueta education. The timing of this role was no coincidence—it aligned with the strategic business acumen, leadership insights, and operational expertise I was developing in the program. As I stepped into this new role, I found myself applying lessons from finance, process improvement, and leadership in real-time, navigating large-scale IT projects that influence the entire healthcare delivery system.
This role has allowed me to bridge the gap between technology and clinical care—ensuring that digital transformation enhances patient outcomes rather than becoming an administrative burden. More importantly, it has given me a seat at the table where I can shape the future of healthcare, leveraging data, AI, and innovation to improve both the provider and patient experience.
Beyond my corporate career, Goizueta has also made me a better entrepreneur. As a franchise owner and business leader, I’ve developed a refined understanding of scaling operations, marketing strategy, and financial management. Marketing, for example, is no longer just about advertising to me—it’s about understanding customer needs and creating a competitive edge.
Ultimately, the biggest takeaway has been how to think strategically and execute with confidence—a skill that will serve me in both corporate leadership and entrepreneurial ventures.
What advice would you give to incoming students in your program?
The concept of work-life balance is misleading—what’s more realistic is work-life integration. Trying to create rigid boundaries between work, school, and personal life often leads to frustration and guilt. Instead, prioritize what matters most in the moment, and be fully present in whatever you’re doing.
Some key advice:
- Build genuine relationships—Your cohort, professors, and advisors will be some of your greatest resources.
- Embrace the in-person experiences—Attend events, participate in discussions, and maximize networking opportunities.
- Let go of perfectionism—There will be moments where you have to choose between getting a DS on an assignment and being present for your family or job. Choose wisely.
- Time flies—make it count. Before you know it, you’ll be walking across the graduation stage. Take advantage of every moment.
How do you plan to stay connected with the Goizueta community after graduation?
I plan to stay engaged through alumni events, mentorship, and potentially serving on the Goizueta Alumni Board. I want to give back to the institution that has given me so much, supporting future students and helping to shape the program’s future.
What are your long-term career goals, and how do you see yourself making an impact in your chosen field?
My ultimate goal is to lead lasting change in healthcare transformation. I envision a future where healthcare is more efficient, customer-centric, equitable, and technologically advanced, and I want to be at the forefront of that evolution.
In the short term, I will continue leveraging technology, AI, and process improvement to create smarter, more streamlined healthcare systems. However, my vision extends beyond the walls of hospitals and boardrooms—I want to be a public servant, an advocate, and a leader in shaping national healthcare policy.
I strongly believe that real transformation requires systemic change, which is why I am exploring avenues in healthcare advocacy and potential political office. Whether through policy reform, public service, or leadership within the healthcare industry, I want to be a driving force for equitable, accessible, and high-quality care for all.
At my core, I live by my True North:
To stand tall and brave, listening to the whispers of those who came before me, speaking for those who are silenced while weathering the storm with unyielding grit, and wrapping the world in the fierce embrace of love and inclusion.
This is the legacy I intend to build—and the impact I hope to leave behind.
