Tammy Jo De Leonardis
Tammy J. (Fichtel) De Leonardis, DCS, NCCC is a dedicated Executive Assistant specializing in quality, safety, and health policy at the Illinois Health and Hospital Association. With more than a decade of experience in the healthcare sector, she has built a reputation as a highly skilled administrative professional who thrives in dynamic, high-responsibility environments. Her career reflects a steady progression from administrative support to a trusted executive partner, known for her strong organizational abilities, operational expertise, and commitment to excellence. In her role, Tammy plays a pivotal part in supporting healthcare leadership and advancing patient safety initiatives. She coordinates high-level meetings, webinars, and statewide events; collaborates with chief medical and nursing officers; and manages key programs within the Midwest Alliance for Patient Safety. Her expertise spans meeting and event planning, operations management, and stakeholder engagement, all complemented by a personal approach that emphasizes genuine human connection. Known for her reliability and professionalism, she has cultivated strong relationships across executive teams by leading with integrity, responsiveness, and attention to detail. Beyond her professional responsibilities, Tammy is deeply committed to advocacy and community engagement, particularly in raising awareness for Alzheimer’s disease and lung cancer. As a certified Dementia Connection Specialist and National Caregiver Certification holder, she brings both compassion and expertise to her work with individuals and families navigating complex health challenges. Her dedication to service is reflected in her ongoing fundraising and volunteer efforts, where she channels personal experiences into meaningful impact. Tammy’s passion for helping others, combined with her positive spirit and unwavering work ethic, defines both her career and her contributions to the broader community.
I am a dedicated and experienced Executive Assistant with a strong background supporting leadership within the hospital and healthcare industry, as well as the financial sector. Throughout my career, I have developed a diverse skill set that includes hospitality services, meeting and event planning, operations management, team building, warehouse operations, and transportation management. I take pride in being a reliable and adaptable administrative professional who is committed to supporting organizational goals while maintaining a high level of professionalism and attention to detail.
In my role, I strive to create structure, efficiency, and a positive working environment for both leadership and team members. I am known for my ability to manage multiple priorities, coordinate complex schedules and events, and ensure that daily operations run smoothly. I genuinely enjoy working with people at all levels and believe that strong relationships and clear communication are key to success. My passion for event coordination allows me to thoughtfully plan and execute meetings and events that are both meaningful and well-organized.
I approach every responsibility with a strong work ethic, a positive attitude, and a willingness to learn and grow. I find fulfillment in being of service to others and take pride in completing each task to the best of my ability. No matter how large or small the responsibility, I remain committed to delivering quality work and contributing to the overall success of the team.
Beyond my professional experience, I am deeply passionate about volunteer work, particularly with the Alzheimer’s Association and the American Lung Association. These causes are very personal to me, as I lost my mother to Alzheimer’s disease and my father to stage 4 lung cancer within three months of one another. That time in my life was incredibly difficult, but it also inspired me to find purpose through service and advocacy.
Since 2019, when my mother was diagnosed, I have been actively involved with the Alzheimer’s Association. Over the years, I have taken on several roles, including serving as an Engagement Walk Committee Chair, where I help plan and promote events that raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support, and research. I also serve as a Support Group Facilitator, providing a safe and compassionate space for individuals and families navigating the challenges of the disease. In addition, I am a member of the Education Steering Committee for Illinois Women Conquer ALZ (IWCA), where I contribute to educational initiatives, and I serve as a Community Educator, helping to raise awareness and share resources within the community. I am also involved with the “Do What You Love to End ALZ” initiative, further supporting outreach and engagement efforts.
My involvement with the American Lung Association has also been incredibly meaningful. I serve on the committees for both the Lung Force Walk and the Fight for Air Climb, helping to organize and support events that promote lung health and fund critical research. I am also a Support Group Leader, offering encouragement and connection to those affected by lung disease. Additionally, I participate in the Illinois Public Policy Committee, where I support advocacy efforts aimed at improving lung health policies. I have had the privilege of attending Advocacy Day in Springfield, where I was able to help raise awareness and speak on behalf of those impacted by lung disease.
Through these volunteer experiences, I have gained a deep sense of gratitude, compassion, and purpose. They have strengthened my commitment to helping others and have allowed me to honor my parents’ memory in a meaningful way. Being able to support individuals and families during some of their most challenging times is something I hold very close to my heart.
Overall, I bring a combination of professional experience, strong organizational skills, and a genuine passion for people and service. I am committed to making a positive impact in both my professional and personal life, and I am grateful for the opportunity to continue growing, contributing, and supporting others in any way I can.
• Certified In-Home Caregiver
• Dementia Connection Specialist
• Notary Public
• College of DuPage
• Illinois Women Conquer Alzheimer's
• Alzheimer's Association
• American Lung Association
• American Lung Association - Fight for Air Climb Committee Member
• American Lung Association - Lung Force Walk Committee Member
• American Lung Association - Advocacy volunteer
• Alzheimer's Association - Walk to End Alzheimer's Chair on Walk Committee
• Alzheimer's Association - Do What You Love to End Alzheimer's Committee Member
• Alzheimer's Association - Education Committee Member
• Support Group Lead for Lung Cancer
• Support Group Lead for Alzheimer's Association
• Mutual Ground
What do you attribute your success to?
First and foremost, I attribute my success to myself - because I'm the only one who can get out of bed and push myself to do what needs to be done, whether that's finishing a presentation, speaking to legislators I've never met, or tackling a new challenge. But I don't do it alone. I have the love, support, and backbone of my mother and father, who I carry with me always. My husband is my greatest advocate - he didn't even blink when I said I wanted to go to Springfield to advocate for lung cancer funding, and despite his own health challenges, he insisted on coming with me because he didn't want me to go alone. My boss has been outstanding, supporting me through everything including the loss of both my parents just three months apart. My friends show up for my walks, listen to my webinars and support groups, and stand by me. I think my parents raised a pretty good person - I was difficult and stubborn at times, but that stubbornness and determination has led me through so much. If you can live through your parents passing three months apart and continue to do your job well, be a good wife, and make it through the bad times, I don't think there's anything you can't do if you put your head to it.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I've ever received is simple: don't quit, keep going. When the executive assistant position opened up at my organization, I doubted myself and thought it was too much for me, that I couldn't handle that level of responsibility. But I had so much support from people telling me to apply, to get in there and do it. They reminded me that you never know what's going to happen unless you try. Sure, I get down sometimes, I get disappointed, but I don't stay there - I go back at it. I try to tackle whatever challenge is in front of me, and if I succeed, I surprise myself and feel wonderful. But even if I fail, at least I know I tried, and I can never look back and wonder what if or ask myself what was holding me back. I've learned that you gain something from every experience - when you succeed, you can pass that knowledge along to help others, and even when you fail, you can help people by telling them what not to do. The key is to never give up and keep pushing forward.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice is simple: don't give up. I am a fighter - not in a negative way, but in the sense that I fight to solve problems, fight for positions I want, fight for people suffering from Alzheimer's and lung cancer, and I never give up. I know work-life balance is important and that life is tough and sometimes hands you things you don't agree with, but in the healthcare industry, you can't give up because people need you. They need you whether you're a dishwasher, cleaning rooms, working as an executive assistant trying to get PowerPoints done - it's all multitasking and it all matters. When your boss asks you to change a meeting you worked really hard to set up, I look at it as a challenge. I don't give up, I get it done. You might not be a nurse or a doctor, but everyone in healthcare plays a role in helping people, and that's why you have to keep fighting and never, ever give up.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenges I'm currently facing in my field are AI, downsizing, budget cuts, and government cuts. These are probably the four most significant issues impacting our work right now. Despite these challenges, I continue to adapt and grow in my role, finding ways to navigate these obstacles while still serving our members and advancing our mission.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me are loyalty and honesty. I value loyalty because I give it 100% - I am loyal to my boss, to my colleagues, to our C-suite. I can walk up to our president and CEO, knock on his door and ask how he's doing, and he'll invite me to sit down. He's an outstanding man who runs our company beautifully, and I've never worked for such an amazing CEO. That loyalty filters down through the organization.
My mother instilled honesty in me. Sometimes you have to be honest and say maybe you can do something or maybe someone should try a different approach, and that's better than lying or saying something you don't believe in, because then you'd have to work twice as hard to maintain that lie. Loyalty and honesty are the foundation of everything I do.