Lehigh Valley Business Recognizes Two LVHN Leaders With Women of Influence Awards

Each year, Lehigh Valley Business honors outstanding women who shape the region through leadership, innovation and community impact. The annual Women of Influence awards celebrate businesswomen whose professional excellence and civic commitment make the Lehigh Valley a better place to live and work.

This year, two leaders from Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN), part of Jefferson Health, were recognized for their contributions. 

Lisa Liddington has played a key role in advancing workforce development, community health and operational excellence across LVHN.

Liddington credits her success to collaboration. She works closely with clinical and administrative leaders to carry out operational strategies aligned with systemwide priorities and is known as a supportive leader who equips teams with the resources they need to succeed.

One of her most notable accomplishments is launching the pilot of LVHN’s Healthcare Futures program. The initiative helps high school students prepare for careers in healthcare by offering internships, job shadowing, mentorship from department leaders and entry‑level job opportunities across LVHN hospitals. The program helps build a strong and diverse healthcare workforce for the future.

Her commitment to community health is reflected in efforts to address food insecurity in priority neighborhoods. Liddington and her team expanded a free summer lunch program that began as a pilot at Lehigh Valley Hospital–17th Street and has since supported Allentown students throughout summer break for seven consecutive years.

Throughout her career, Debra Carter, MD, led complex, patient‑centered care and oversaw the network’s entire pediatric group. Under her leadership, a four‑site pediatric practice with eight physicians grew into a 14‑site organization with more than 50 clinicians, now caring for over 60,000 children across the region.

Dr. Carter also played a key role in strengthening operations across ambulatory care at LVHN, helping improve access, coordination and quality of care for patients and families.

Her leadership has had a measurable and lasting effect on pediatric and ambulatory care in the Lehigh Valley, contributing to a stronger, more connected healthcare system for the community.

Congratulations to both honorees on this well‑deserved recognition. Their meaningful contributions continue to make positive impacts across Jefferson Health and throughout the community.