Gerard “Jay” Woelkers is a transformational healthcare executive, decorated U.S. Navy veteran, and sought-after motivational speaker known for driving strategic initiatives, operational excellence, and leadership development across diverse medical environments. With nearly four decades of progressive experience, Jay’s career spans high-impact leadership roles in both military and civilian healthcare, organizational consulting, and executive coaching.

Following his enlistment in the Navy in 1982, Jay served as a Hospital Corpsman specializing in acute care, sports medicine, and emergency medical support. He steadily advanced through leadership positions, ultimately commissioning into the Navy Medical Service Corps and earning a Master’s in Healthcare Administration from Baylor University.

Corporate Leadership & Military Experience

Jay’s executive acumen was shaped by major command and senior management roles, including:

• Commanding Officer/CEO Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command Bethesda (Walter Reed National Military Medical Center), overseeing more than 2,200 Navy personnel, medical readiness, and clinical operations in the National Capital Region.
• Commanding Officer/CEO Naval Health Clinic Cherry Point, responsible for the oversight of 450 staff and all operations of ambulatory surgery and primary care.
• CEO Branch Health Clinic Groton, leading 450 personnel across primary care, behavioral health, dental care, and same-day surgery, with direct responsibility for information and facilities management.
• Executive Officer/COO Navy Medicine Professional Development Center, helping shape education and talent pipelines for Navy Medicine.
• Deputy Executive Director/Chief, Program Operations TRICARE Area Office Europe/Asia/Africa, managing health benefits and operational performance for twenty-five countries in three continents.
• VP Operations Branch Health Clinic (Colts Neck, NJ), and VP for Administration Health Clinic Corpus Christi, leading multi-disciplinary teams within busy clinics of 125+ personnel.
• VP, Medical Professional Recruiting Detroit, MI, overseeing talent acquisition for physicians, dentists, nurses, and healthcare administrators across large networks.

Consulting & Coaching

Since retiring as a Captain after 39 years of active service, Jay has leveraged his operational leadership as an executive coach, keynote, and motivational speaker. As President of GW Leadership, he specializes in guiding organizations on effective communication, long-term growth strategies, and executive performance, working closely with clients across the private sector to inspire organizational resilience and team excellence.

Skills & Recognition

Jay’s expertise includes team leadership, operations management, contract administration, executive decision-making, healthcare delivery, regulatory compliance, and strategic transformation. His leadership has been recognized with multiple awards including two Legions of Merit, several Meritorious Service and Commendation Medals, campaign ribbons for Iraq and Afghanistan, and the German Armed Forces Badge for Military Proficiency.

Jay is a Board Certified Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives, and he actively contributes thought leadership on corporate culture, healthcare innovation, and talent development.

Personal Background

Based in Maryland, Jay is married to Tracy L. Sauvigne and is the proud father of six children. He continues to mentor future healthcare and business leaders, sharing impactful lessons from military, medical, and corporate spheres.