Ernest Lanier, Sr., Chief Diversity Officer, Borgess Health, has received the Red Rose Award for outstanding service by the Kalamazoo Rotary Club.

Lanier has had a significant, positive impact on the community through his volunteer work for the Greater Kalamazoo United Way, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Ministry with Community, Douglass Community Association, Hispanic American Council, YMCA Black Achievers program and Kalamazoo Chapter of the NAACP.   

According to information provided by former Kalamazoo Vice Mayor and Borgess Emeritus Board member Sidney Williams, Lanier helped his family raise harvest crops during his childhood.  Through hard work and determination, Lanier obtained a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and a master’s degree in public administration.  

At Borgess, Lanier served as a Security officer and then Security Supervisor and Manager before becoming Director, Security & Property Management in 1987.  He was appointed Chief Diversity Officer for Borgess Health in 2006.

In accepting the Rotary Club award, Lanier thanked all those who have made his achievements possible, adding that he has been inspired by the Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr., who said, “Everyone can be great because everyone can serve.”