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Published on September 01, 2026

Dr. Olu Jegede Honored for Leading Efforts Making Healthcare More Accessible to All

Jegede has been recognized as a 2026 Fierce 50 honoree.

Fast facts

  • Dr. Olu Jegede named a Fierce 50 honoree
  • Jegede leads efforts at Cone Health to close health care gaps

Greensboro – Cone Health Chief Health Equity and Community Impact Officer Dr. Olu Jegede has been named a 2026 Fierce 50 honoree by Fierce Pharma, Fierce Biotech, and Fierce Healthcare. The prestigious award recognizes 50 individuals and organizations driving advancements in medicine, fostering innovation, and shaping the future of biopharma and healthcare. Jegede is recognized in the leadership category for steering Cone Health’s efforts to close healthcare gaps. Fierce 50 Logo

Cone Health has identified ZIP codes across the area where people live shorter lives than those living in adjacent ZIP codes. While there are several reasons, the ability to find convenient healthcare is a major one. Jegede’s team brings events into communities that address health care access and connects residents to social and other services. These help with housing, transportation, and other needs that influence an individual’s health.

“Now in its fourth year, the Fierce 50 continues to show that progress in this industry doesn’t come from just one place,” said Ayla Ellison, editor-in-chief of Fierce Life Sciences and Healthcare. “It’s showing up in the lab, in executive leadership, in community clinics and in advocacy work that never makes headlines. Whether it’s a biotech pushing a new therapy toward patients or a grassroots organization fighting for someone to get the care they need, these honorees remind us that impact takes a lot of different shapes. We’re honored to celebrate all of them.”

“This is a wonderful recognition for me personally and for our program and our amazing team,” says Jegede. “But I am more excited for the thousands of people who are taking advantage of our mobile health units, community cooking classes, and all the partners who connect the public with the services that are building healthier, longer, and more vibrant lives.”

Chosen by the editors of Fierce Pharma, Fierce Biotech, and Fierce Healthcare, this year's Fierce 50 honorees reflect the breadth of talent and vision shaping the biopharma and healthcare industries today. From startups to established organizations, each has made a distinct contribution, whether by advancing scientific discovery, improving the health of communities, expanding access to care or reimagining how healthcare is delivered at a local level or on a global scale.

Jegede and the other Fierce 50 recipients will be honored at a Nov. 19 gala.

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