DaWana Stubbs
Dr. DaWana Stubbs is a distinguished physician executive with more than two decades of experience leading clinical strategy, quality improvement, and healthcare operations across complex, multi-state environments. She currently serves as Regional Vice President and Chief Medical Officer at Humana, where she oversees clinical operations, regulatory compliance, and cross-functional initiatives that drive improved patient outcomes and organizational performance. Board-certified in internal medicine, Dr. Stubbs brings a unique blend of clinical expertise and executive leadership to the evolving healthcare landscape.
Throughout her career, Dr. Stubbs has held senior leadership roles at organizations including Anthem, Inc. and CareSource, where she led large-scale medical services, quality programs, and accreditation efforts across Medicaid, Medicare, and commercial health plans. She also serves as a Physician Surveyor with NCQA, contributing to the evaluation and accreditation of health plans nationwide. Known for her strategic vision and operational excellence, she has consistently driven initiatives that enhance care delivery, ensure compliance, and address critical areas such as fraud, waste, and abuse.
Dr. Stubbs holds a Master of Business Administration in Healthcare Administration from Indiana Wesleyan University and earned her medical degree from Indiana University. A recognized leader in her field, she has been named among the Top 50 Women Leaders in Indianapolis and Indiana. Beyond her professional achievements, she is deeply committed to service and leadership, actively contributing to organizations such as the American College of Healthcare Executives and the American Diabetes Association. Driven by a passion for equity, innovation, and patient advocacy, Dr. Stubbs continues to shape the future of healthcare through impactful, purpose-driven leadership.
• Certified Healthcare Insurance Executive
• Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the Workplace Certificate
• Indiana Wesleyan University
• Indiana University Bloomington
• Game Changing Women of Indiana
• The Top 50 Women Leaders of Indianapolis of 2024
• American College of Healthcare Executives
• National Association of Managed Care Physicians
• Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated
• American Diabetes Association board for Indiana
• Ivy Endowment Incorporated
• Martin Center Sickle Cell Initiative
What do you attribute your success to?
I contribute my success to a quality prayer life and good communication with God, and a very supportive village. I could not be where I am or achieve what I have achieved without my village that includes my parents, my husband, and the rest of my supportive family.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I ever received was to always be curious. This simple yet powerful guidance has shaped how I approach my work and continue to grow in my field.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
The advice that I would give to young women entering my industry is to believe in yourself. Because if you don't believe you can do it, nobody else will either. Self-belief is the foundation of everything you will accomplish in this field.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenges in my field right now are really healthcare regulation. What I mean by that is the challenge of healthcare regulation from our national body, which is the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). We face different regulations and changes in leadership in the National Institute of Health, our leadership in the Centers for Disease Control, and that information and our governing bodies. The oversight and constant changes from CMS and these regulatory bodies present ongoing challenges for those of us working in managed care.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The most important value to me is my faith, specifically my faith in God. I really lead, or should I say, model my life based upon my faith and my relationship with God. It really helps keep me centered in both my work and personal life.