Valerie Thompson
Valerie Thompson is the Revenue Services Manager at Henry Ford Health in West Bloomfield Township, Michigan. With more than 15 years of experience at Henry Ford Health, she has developed a strong foundation in patient access, revenue cycle management, and hospital operations. In her role, Valerie oversees front-end registration teams, ensuring they remain informed on operational changes while delivering a seamless, high-quality experience for patients.
She partners closely with revenue cycle leadership to optimize payment and reimbursement processes, helping ensure claims are submitted accurately and on time. A dedicated leader and mentor, Valerie emphasizes empowerment, collaboration, and professional growth. She works hand-in-hand with her teams and hospital departments to align operational goals with the organization’s mission of providing exceptional patient care.
Valerie has led several critical initiatives, including chairing the Emergency Department self-registration process and playing a key role in guiding the joint venture merger with Ascension. Passionate about mentorship, she actively supports emerging leaders, sharing her experiences as a woman in healthcare leadership to help others navigate challenges and advance their careers.
Outside of her professional role, Valerie is a devoted mother, caregiver, and strong advocate for her team’s personal and professional development. She enjoys traveling, golfing, and spending time with family and friends. For Valerie, leadership is about more than managing operations — it’s about fostering a supportive environment, inspiring growth, and making a meaningful difference in the lives of both patients and colleagues.
• HFMA (Healthcare Financial Management Association)
• Six Sigma
• Shadow of Influence Award
• Quality Expo Award
• HFMA (Healthcare Financial Management Association)
• Women in Leadership
What do you attribute your success to?
I think a big part of growth is being willing to step outside your comfort zone. Along the way, there are so many moments and opportunities that don’t feel comfortable, and that’s okay. What I always tell my team is that the moment you start to feel uncomfortable is actually the moment you should lean in the most — because that’s where learning happens. That’s how you gain new skills and become an expert in a new area.
I’ve learned to embrace those uncomfortable moments and to always speak up. I’m also someone who isn’t afraid to have the challenging or difficult conversations that others may shy away from. I’m not afraid to hear “no.” Too often, people hold themselves back because they’re afraid of failing or being told no. I’m okay with making mistakes because I know that’s how I learn. We’re going to hear a lot of no’s before we ever get to a yes — but the key is to never give up.
Everyone has the ability to do whatever they set their mind to. It’s about remembering that potential is already there. You just have to figure out what you’re good at, and once you find your passion, don’t stop — keep going and keep pushing. Let people see you for who you truly are, not just what they hear about you.
As women, it’s especially important that we advocate for ourselves, speak up, and take credit when credit is due. Mentorship — both having mentors and being a mentor — has played a huge role in my success. I’m not afraid to ask for help or to say, “I know I need to grow in this area, and I need someone I trust to help me navigate these situations and have these uncomfortable conversations.”
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve received has come from my mentors. One of my first mentors, Lisa Brown, shared with me early on that the higher you move up in leadership, the smaller your circle becomes. I’ve carried that advice with me and have been very intentional about who I allow myself to be vulnerable with, rather than being open with everyone.
Patty Seagram, our VP of HR at West Bloomfield, has been an incredible mentor to me. She regularly helps me think through challenging situations — whether they involve team members or other leaders — and keeps me focused on how I show up and what I can control.
Our new hospital president, Karima Bentounsi, who has been in the C‑suite since she was young, has shared advice that really stuck with me: you should always be interviewing. Even if you’re not planning to leave, keeping your interview skills sharp ensures you’re always ready for important conversations. She’s also reminded me that you never know when an opportunity might come along that you simply can’t refuse. Karima has helped me realize how important it is to continue stepping outside my comfort zone. West Bloomfield has been a very comfortable place for me, and she continues to encourage me to push myself and do more.
Jennifer Rohs has also been an amazing mentor. She consistently included me in meetings and projects that allowed me to build new skills and showcase my work to a larger audience. She has always advocated for my growth and helped push for my advancement.
Nina Ramsey is another incredible woman who has had a strong impact on me. She challenges you to be your best self and is always there to remind you to believe in yourself, even when you may doubt it.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would tell her to always listen to herself and trust her gut. Believe in who you are and what you bring to the table. In healthcare, there are many women in leadership, but when you get to the highest executive levels, there’s still work to be done. Don’t be afraid to go after what you want — there will always be people who try to tear you down. Keep your circle small, be mindful of who you trust, and stay grounded in yourself.
As women, we’re often judged for everything — how we dress, what we say, how we look, and how we show up. You can’t let that stop you. As long as you’re moving forward with good intentions and doing things for the right reasons, you won’t go wrong. Lead with integrity, assume the best, trust yourself, and find someone who will advocate for you along the way.