Becker’s is proud to recognize 209+ women presidents and CEOs leading hospitals and health systems across the nation.
These inspiring leaders are champions of expanding care access, advancing equity and inclusion, and driving meaningful improvements in how healthcare is delivered. Their vision and leadership are shaping a stronger, more inclusive future for healthcare.
Note: This list was compiled based on nominations and editorial research. This list is not exhaustive, nor is it an endorsement of included presidents, CEOs, hospitals, health systems or associated healthcare providers. Leaders cannot pay for inclusion on this list. We extend a special thank you to Rhoda Weiss for her contributions to this list. Leaders are presented in alphabetical order.
Contact Anna Falvey at afalvey@beckershealthcare.com with questions or comments.
Rhonda Abbott. Senior Vice President and CEO of TIRR Memorial Hermann, Memorial Hermann Rehabilitation Hospital–Katy and Memorial Hermann Rehabilitation Network (Houston). Ms. Abbott oversees clinical, operational and strategic functions across one of the nation’s leading rehabilitation systems, which includes inpatient rehabilitation facilities, outpatient sites, a community wellness program, an education academy and a research arm. Ms. Abbott has driven clinical care redesign, expanded therapy education programs, and led multiple locations in earning accreditation as rehabilitation facilities. With more than 23 years at Memorial Hermann, she advanced through leadership roles from physical therapist to CEO, applying her clinical expertise to improve access, equity and quality for patients with disabling conditions. Under her leadership, TIRR Memorial Hermann was designated a national rehabilitation innovation center in 2023 and consistently ranks among America’s best rehabilitation hospitals by U.S. News & World Report. She also serves as vice chair of the American Medical Rehabilitation Providers Association board and sponsors initiatives supporting disability inclusion and women leaders.
Sharon Adams, BSN, RN. President of Nuvance Health Eastern Region, President of Danbury Hospital, New Milford Hospital, Sharon Hospital and Homecare Services (Danbury, Conn.). Ms. Adams is directly responsible for the successful operations of three Nuvance Health hospitals across Connecticut. Ms. Adams oversees Danbury, New Milford and Sharon Hospitals, serving over 108,000 patients across the state annually and employing over 4,900 individuals. Serving in her role since 2020, she leads operations, integration and strategic direction. She is overseeing the comprehensive, growth-based transformative planning process for the rural hospitals. In addition, she is passionate about mental health care and sees the mental health service line as an opportunity to be a champion for those suffering.
Jandel Allen-Davis, MD. President and CEO of Craig Hospital (Englewood, Colo.). Dr. Allen-Davis is president and CEO of Craig Hospital, a premier center for specialty neurorehabilitation and research for people with spinal cord injury and/or brain injury. A 93-bed, private, nonprofit inpatient/outpatient hospital, Craig Hospital offers acute and short- and long-term care. Dr. Allen-Davis oversees the delivery of patient care and safety, financial stability, strategic planning, research team and outcomes, capital improvements and community relations. She is committed to increasing the number of women in healthcare as well as mentoring young leaders.
Sue Andersen. President and CEO of Dignity Health-Marian Regional Medical Center (Santa Maria, Calif.), Dignity Health-Arroyo Grande (Calif.) Community Hospital and French Hospital Medical Center (San Luis Obispo, Calif.) Ms. Andersen joined Dignity Health-Marian Regional Medical Center in July of 2018. There, she oversees $600 million in annual revenue and manages two hospital locations, residency programs, a skilled nursing facility, an acute rehab facility, a homecare entity and outpatient labs, imaging and infusion centers. Ms. Andersen is also at the helm of Dignity Health-Arroyo Grande Community Hospital, where she has helped to expand hospital offerings. In August 2024, she took on the president and CEO role at French Hospital Medical Center as well, after serving in an interim capacity for two months. Notably, she oversaw the opening of the Matthew Will Memorial Medical Center in Arroyo Grande, which provides specialized care for community members.
Helen Arteaga Landaverde, PhD. CEO of NYC Health + Hospitals/Elmhurst (N.Y.). Dr. Arteaga Landaverde, the first Latina and woman of color to lead NYC Health + Hospitals/Elmhurst, oversees one of the largest and most vital safety-net hospitals in New York City. Under her leadership, the hospital earned U.S. News & World Report designations for excellence in nine specialties and became New York’s first hospital to receive The Joint Commission’s health equity gold certification. She has led key capital investments, including securing $27.5 million in state funding for a new pediatric ICU and expanded women’s pavilion. Dr. Arteaga Landaverde is deeply committed to public health and the community, consistently advocating for staff wellness, maternal equity and multilingual outreach campaigns. A recognized thought leader, she has been honored by Crain’s and the state governor’s office for her work in equity and urban public health.
Alison Avendt. President of Mercy Health–Perrysburg (Ohio) Hospital. Ms. Avendt oversees daily operations and strategic initiatives at Mercy Health–Perrysburg Hospital, ensuring delivery of high-quality, patient-centered care across a broad range of services including surgery, critical care, a 24/7 emergency department, and a level 2 cardiac catheterization lab. Since joining Mercy Health, Ms. Avendt has led significant growth and transformation, including the integration of more than 400 associates following the closure of McLaren St. Luke’s Hospital in 2023, strengthening the hospital’s workforce and operational capacity. She has also introduced innovative engagement programs such as pet therapy and community events to boost staff morale. Her leadership has contributed to high staff retention rates and multiple Press Ganey “Guardian of Excellence” awards for patient satisfaction. Ms. Avendt’s career spans more than 38 years, beginning as a licensed occupational therapist specializing in neonatal intensive care.
Gail Aviado. CEO of Chino Valley (Calif.) Medical Center. Ms. Aviado has led the organization to measurable improvements in safety, quality and financial health. In 2024, the hospital achieved an “A” hospital safety grade from TheLeapfrog Group and secured multiple 5-star ratings from Healthgrades in areas such as hip fracture treatment, gallbladder surgery and diabetic emergency care. She spearheaded efforts to improve Inland Empire Health Plan quality metrics, generating over $300,000 in added reimbursement. By enhancing revenue cycle processes and driving business development, Ms. Aviado increased earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization by 20.4% over the previous fiscal year. She also launched the “Beta Heart Program” to enhance cardiovascular outcomes and attract new funding. Her leadership has earned regional and national recognition, including a “Women Who Lead” honor from the Inland Empire.
Daffodil Baez. President of Adventist HealthCare Fort Washington (Md.) Medical Center. Ms. Baez is president of Adventist HealthCare Fort Washington Medical Center, where she brings deep experience in health system operations, community-based care and culturally responsive leadership. Her career began in healthcare finance and evolved into executive leadership roles across Texas, Arizona and Washington, D.C., including leading the faculty medical group at Howard University and launching a major regional multispecialty campus for a top Texas academic medical center. Ms. Baez is a fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives and a founding member of the National Association of Latino Healthcare Executives’ Dallas-Fort Worth chapter. In addition to her hospital leadership, she is an entrepreneur and founder of Fortress Therapeutics, a company focused on herbal remedies, and a consultant specializing in cultural sensitivity and outpatient optimization. She serves on several boards, is active in the National Association of Health Services Executives, organizes free health fairs, contributes to wellness curricula, and is a force in improving access for underserved populations.
Denyse Bales-Chubb, President and CEO of AdventHealth Palm Coast and Market CEO for Flagler and St. Johns Counties (Fla.). Ms. Bales-Chubb oversees strategy and daily operations of AdventHealth’s care network across two of Florida’s fast-growing counties. She leads two hospitals, three outpatient centers, and expansion efforts to meet the region’s rising demand for healthcare services. Since taking on her current role in 2022, she has led several major projects to improve access to care, including investing more than $200 million in the local care infrastructure. In 2023, she oversaw the opening of AdventHealth Palm Coast Parkway, a 100-bed hospital built to relieve capacity pressures in the area. Earlier this year, the Freytag Cancer Center in Palm Coast opened, bringing enhanced radiation therapy and oncology services to the community. Earlier this year, she led groundbreaking for AdventHealth’s first facility in St. Johns County, a 12-bed offsite emergency department. Ms. Bales-Chubb’s career spans more than 30 years, including previous CEO roles at AdventHealth Tampa (Fla.) and AdventHealth Wesley Chapel (Fla.). In an earlier leadership position in California, she helped integrate new hospitals into a larger system. In addition to her operational work, she serves on the board of Florida Hospital Association’s rural hospital council, helping ensure the voice of her community is heard at the state level.
Rina Bansal, MD. President of Inova Alexandria (Va.) Hospital and Senior Vice President, Inova Health System (Falls Church, Va.). Dr. Bansal, who took on her current role in 2016, oversees hospital revenue of more than $450 million and a staff of 1,600. In the past two years of Dr. Bansal’s tenure, the hospital increased market share and capacity by 30%, through significant improvements in throughput, flow, and capacity management. She is spearheading a $1 billion project to replace the 150-year-old facility with a future medical campus that’s slated to bring approximately 231 new beds and a level 2 trauma center by 2028. Her leadership has earned the hospital a Leapfrog “A” grade for five consecutive years and brought its CMS rating to 5 stars from 3 stars. She first joined the health system in 2008 as a hospitalist and has steadily risen through the ranks in various leadership positions. One of her recognitions include being named as a Washington Business Journal “Diversity in Business Award” honoree in 2023.
Sharn Barbarin. CEO of Medical City Arlington (Texas). Ms. Barbarin has more than 20 years of healthcare leadership experience. She became CEO of Medical City Arlington, a 433-bed hospital, in 2022. She is leading the hospital’s $144 million expansion that will expand hospital capacity to support community growth. Ms. Barbarin has previous experience as CEO of Medical City Lewisville in Texas. Under her guidance, the hospital enhanced its services and expanded access points. She has also worked to make the hospital more diverse, equitable and inclusive, which has been accomplished via patient care, board representation, hiring practices and promotions. Under her leadership, Healthgrades has honored the hospital with its America’s “250 Best Hospitals Award” in 2022-2025.
Kristi Barnd. CEO of Henry County Hospital (Napoleon, Ohio). Ms. Barnd serves as the CEO at Henry County Hospital. With over 15 years at the organization, her leadership has brought cutting-edge innovation to a rural setting. Most notably, she guided the implementation of Meditech’s cloud-based Meditech-as-a-service solution, which enhanced care coordination and reduced IT burdens. Under her wing, the hospital has improved operational efficiency and gained greater autonomy over workflows and documentation all while boosting patient engagement. Ms. Barnd plays a prominent role regionally, having co-chaired the Ohio Hospital Association’s Northwest Ohio Quality Collaborative and served as a state examiner for The Partnership for Excellence. Her leadership has helped Henry County Hospital earn accolades such as the Healthy Business Council of Ohio’s “Healthy Worksite Gold Award” and multiple 5-star patient communication ratings.
Kay Barnett. CEO of AdventHealth Minneola (Fla.). Ms. Barnett is committed to enhancing the wellbeing of the communities served by AdventHealth. As CEO of AdventHealth Minneola, she leads a high-performing healthcare team serving South Lake County. Ms. Barnett is focused on bringing AdventHealth’s whole-person care model to the new hospital by prioritizing clinical excellence, expanding access and delivering compassionate, high-quality care. Under her leadership, the organization is driving strategic growth in the county, with more than $300 million in investments over the past year. A seasoned health care executive with 13 years of experience in business development, strategic planning and operations, she has played a pivotal role in advancing the AdventHealth Central Florida Division and positioning it for continued growth.
Dara Bartels. CEO of Mile Bluff Medical Center (Mauston, Wis.). Ms. Bartels leads Mile Bluff Medical Center in delivering high-quality, patient-centered care to over 55,000 residents in south-central Wisconsin. With more than 20 years of experience in healthcare finance and executive leadership, she has driven significant advancements in operational efficiency, including the integration of AI-powered tools that save clinicians time and improve patient care. Her strong leadership has led to numerous capital improvements, including facility expansions and enhanced service lines. She fosters a positive workplace culture that prioritizes staff engagement and retention. The medical center has earned multiple recognitions under her care, including the “Performance Leadership Award” from The Chartis Center for Rural Health for excellence in outcomes in 2024.
Elaine Batchlor, MD. CEO of MLK Community Healthcare (Los Angeles). Dr. Batchlor serves as CEO of MLK Community Healthcare, a health system comprising a private safety-net hospital, the MLK Community Medical Group, community and population health services, and a fundraising establishment. She is passionate about increasing access to care for underserved populations, and has been nationally recognized for her pursuits. Thanks to her efforts, she is a member of the National Academy of Medicine. Dr. Batchlor has previously served as chief medical officer of Los Angeles Care Health Plan, the largest public health plan in the nation for a safety-net population.
Nancy Batista-Rodriguez. CEO of Baptist Outpatient Services (Coral Gables, Fla.). As CEO, Ms. Batista-Rodriguez has led Baptist Outpatient Services in its provision of diagnostic, surgical, endoscopy and sleep services since 2018. The organization also includes an emergency department and Baptist Health Hospital-Doral. Ms. Batista-Rodriguez works in collaboration with system hospitals and centers of excellence to lead strategic growth initiatives for the outpatient services. She has also guided her team in the design and creation of additional ambulatory surgery centers and integrated care centers, supported growth of emergency departments, and helped Baptist Health’s telehealth platform flourish. In addition, she has helped expand the system’s presence into new markets with new service lines.
Victoria Bayless. CEO of Luminis Health (Annapolis, Md.). As CEO of Luminis Health, Ms. Bayless has led one of Maryland’s largest health systems with a focus on equity, innovation and community impact. She spearheaded the “Vision 2030” strategic plan, expanding behavioral health, maternal care and community-based services across the region. Her leadership has led to the health system implementing a virtual nursing program and launching major workforce development initiatives to address staffing shortages. Ms. Bayless has been a leading voice in reforming Maryland’s “total cost of care” model to improve access and value. Her leadership has helped earn Luminis national accolades, including consecutive Leapfrog “A” grades, multiple U.S. News & World Report rankings, Healthgrades awards for patient safety excellence, and Magnet and “Pathway to Excellence” designations.
Mary Beckerle, PhD. CEO of the University of Utah Health’s Huntsman Cancer Institute and Associate Vice President of Cancer Affairs at the University of Utah (Salt Lake City). Dr. Beckerle is responsible for directing and managing all cancer programs at the University of Utah, including clinical care, research, education, and community outreach. She manages Huntsman’s 263 research teams and a staff of more than 4,000. Dr. Beckerle was one of the country’s first female directors of a National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, and she has a long and outstanding track record of mentoring women at all administrative, clinical, and scientific development levels. Under Dr. Beckerle’s leadership, Huntsman Cancer Institute has been recognized with the highest designation for excellence by the National Cancer Institute and named a top cancer hospital by U.S. News and World Report and Newsweek.
Madeline Bell. CEO at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. In the 10 years Ms. Bell has served as Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia’s CEO, the system has grown from $2.3 billion in annual revenue and a workforce of 15,800 to $4.7 billion in revenue and a workforce of 29,800. During her tenure, CHOP opened a second hospital location and a hospital dedicated exclusively to behavioral health in West Philadelphia. Ms. Bell also developed CHOP’s ambulatory care network, which now has more than 50 sites and is a crucial part of community wellness. CHOP is the 12th-largest employer in Pennsylvania, and its economic impact has grown under Ms. Bell’s leadership and now totals $9.4 billion annually. During Ms. Bell’s tenure, CHOP has consistently been recognized as one of the nation’s top children’s hospitals by U.S. News & World Report, has been featured on Newsweek’s lists of the nation’s best children’s hospitals and the world’s best hospitals, and has appeared on Forbes’ list of America’s best large employers. Ms. Bell works with policymakers, community leaders and other stakeholders to find solutions for the toughest challenges in pediatric healthcare and has championed the development of cell and gene therapies. She serves on the boards of the Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics and Solutions for Patient Safety, and is the former chair of the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia’s board of directors.
Traci Bernard, RN. President of Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Southlake. Ms. Bernard serves as president of Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Southlake. As a registered nurse, she has made it her mission to bring her passion for improving healthcare to various health systems. Prior to her 15 years at Harris Southlake, she served nine years as vice president of operations for Baylor Regional Medical Center of Grapevine (Texas). Her role of change agent fosters success by maintaining a balanced focus on improving operations, financial and satisfaction initiatives. She has been recognized for her ability to assist organizations in achieving desired results by engaging people and changing behaviors in the workplace.
Kara Besst. CEO of Gritman Medical Center (Moscow, Idaho). Ms. Besst has helped position Gritman Medical Center as a technologically-advanced, compassionate, community-focused critical access hospital. Today, the critical access hospital’s providers see more than 150,000 patients annually, including over 10,000 emergency department visits. The medical center stands as Latah County’s largest private employer. With nearly three decades of dedicated service to the hospital, Ms. Besst exemplifies the power of continuity and internal growth in executive leadership. Her tenure is marked by exceptional quality scores, and she has played a large part in the rural hospital’s elevation into a benchmark for clinical safety and service. Ms. Besst also serves on the Gritman Foundation’s board of directors.
Lourdes Boué. CEO of Baptist Health Doctors Hospital (Coral Gables, Fla.) and Baptist Health West Kendall Baptist Hospital (Miami). Ms. Boué has played a central role in Baptist Health’s regional expansion, including oversight of the recent four-story clinical expansion at West Kendall Baptist Hospital, which doubled emergency department capacity and introduced advanced cardiovascular services. With over two decades of leadership within the system, she brings deep expertise in strategic planning, growth execution and community-focused innovation. Ms. Boué previously served as vice president of operations and spearheaded outpatient strategies that enhanced Baptist’s reach and reputation for patient satisfaction. Her collaborative approach and financial acumen were honed in earlier roles as CFO and audit consultant. She also serves on several nonprofit boards and is recognized for championing both healthcare quality and regional philanthropic initiatives. Under her stewardship, Baptist Health continues to earn national honors, including Fortune’s “100 Best Companies to Work For” and U.S. News & World Report‘s most-awarded system in South Florida.
Karen Bowling. President and CEO of WVU Medicine Princeton (W.Va.) Community Hospital and Executive Vice President of Government Affairs for the WVU Health System (Morgantown, W.Va.). Ms. Bowling is known for her advocacy and achievements in rural medicine and public policy. As president and CEO of WVU Medicine Princeton Community Hospital, she has expanded access to critical services such as oncology and cardiac care, and has secured funding for a new regional cancer center in just three years. Her work as executive vice president of government affairs influences Medicaid reimbursement and state-level policy, bolstering hospital sustainability throughout West Virginia. A former state cabinet secretary and current chair of the 340B Health board, she has shaped national healthcare discourse for underserved populations. In 2024, she was named a West Virginia “Wonder Woman” by WV Living Magazine and is a 2025 West Virginia Healthcare Hall of Fame inductee. Ms. Bowling blends public service, operational mastery and compassionate leadership to advance equitable healthcare access across Appalachia.
Kristen Bowman. CEO of Broward Health Coral Springs (Fla.). Ms. Bowman oversees operations for Broward Health Coral Springs, which employs over 1,300 staff and is affiliated with more than 800 physicians. Since becoming CEO in 2023, she has led the hospital to exceed budget targets, achieve an “A” hospital safety grade from The Leapfrog Group, and contribute to Broward Health’s S&P Global rating jump from “A-” to “A+”. The hospital saw an 8% growth in outpatient and robotic surgical services, along with a 13% increase in urological specialties. Ms. Bowman directed the opening of a $16 million med-surg and step-down unit, expanding inpatient capacity from 250 to 278 beds. With more than 25 years of healthcare experience, her impact stems from her lean management approach and people-first leadership.
Kelly L. P. Braverman. President and CEO for Witham Health Services (Lebanon, Ind.). Ms. Braverman brings over two decades of executive experience to her role as president and CEO of Witham Health Services, where she leads with integrity, collaboration and purpose. Known for her strategic acumen, she has positioned Witham among Healthiest Employers’ “Healthiest 100 Workplaces in America” and cultivated a mission-focused culture rooted in patient care and innovation. A fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives, Ms. Braverman also serves on regional economic development boards and healthcare consortiums, helping align hospital services with broader community growth. She is a recipient of the ACHE “Distinguished Service Award” and the Indiana Healthcare Executive Network “Platinum Award” thanks to her commitment to leadership excellence.
Aimee Brewer. President and CEO of Sturdy Health (Attleboro, Mass.). Since 2021, Ms. Brewer has led Sturdy Health through transformative growth as president and CEO of the independent, community-focused health system serving Southeastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Under her leadership, the system achieved its first positive balance sheet in four years, with a $51.7 million net gain in fiscal year 2024 despite financial headwinds from uncompensated care and rising labor costs. Ms. Brewer spearheaded multiple capital projects, including a $60 million cancer and specialty care building and a $112 million emergency department expansion, and launched a landmark collaboration with Boston-based Dana-Farber Cancer Institute to bring world-class cancer services to the region. She has grown the provider network, modernized facilities, expanded key specialties and guided Sturdy Health to its Leapfrog Group “A” grade. A recognized leader across state and national platforms, Ms. Brewer serves on the boards of the Massachusetts Health & Hospital Association and the American Hospital Association regional policy board.
Lisa A. Breza, MSN, RN. Chief Administrative Officer of Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Hamilton (N.J.). Ms. Breza is chief administrative officer at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Hamilton. In her role, she has administrative oversight of the hospital’s acute care and ambulatory settings, and provides strategic leadership and direction to enhance operational processes and achieve key hospital goals.
Megan Brosious. Chief Administrative Officer for Geisinger’s Central Region (Danville, Pa.). Ms. Brosious drives strategies to address healthcare needs within the community, focusing on quality and efficiency within her region. She oversees the operation of hospitals and outpatient facilities in six counties, including Geisinger’s flagship hospital, Geisinger Medical Center. Under her leadership, Geisinger Medical Center became the first hospital in the nation to receive a comprehensive heart attack designation, and it received its fourth consecutive Magnet recognition. She also leads two additional acute hospitals, a same-day surgery and outpatient center, the area’s only level 1 trauma center, comprehensive stroke center and children’s hospital, along with other specialty services not readily available in the rural area. She has been instrumental in Geisinger’s joint venture with Franklin, Tenn.-based Acadia Healthcare, which will develop two inpatient behavioral health facilities in northeastern and central Pennsylvania to fill care gaps, add nearly 200 beds, and create specialized programs to address increased demand for services. Ms. Brosious advocated for the region’s workplace violence prevention committee and in 2024, she launched the region’s employee engagement committee to give staff a voice on professional and community topics.
Deborah Browning, MSN, RN. CEO of USA Health Children’s & Women’s Hospital (Mobile, Ala.). Ms. Browning led a $20 million expansion of the only pediatric emergency center on Alabama’s Gulf Coast, doubling its size and enhancing care capabilities with 30 treatment areas. During her time as CEO, the hospital partnered with the Institute for Healthcare Improvement to address maternal health disparities and was one of only five hospitals nationwide selected for the institute’s postpartum equity initiative. She launched impactful programs like at-home blood pressure monitoring and medical alert bracelets for at-risk mothers, which have since been adopted in a statewide pilot by the Alabama Perinatal Quality Collaborative. Ms. Browning also grew the hospital’s child life team to provide 24/7 emergency center coverage and created new outreach roles to bridge healthcare gaps for underserved communities. The hospital earned recognition as a Blue Distinction center for maternity care and received a $175,000 grant to expand its neonatal abstinence syndrome program.
Dawn Bulgarella. CEO of UAB Health System (Birmingham, Ala.). Ms. Bulgarella leads UAB Health System, which includes one of the nation’s largest and most respected academic medical centers. Since assuming the role, she has led a multi-year transformation focused on integration, scalability and long-term sustainability, including the strategic acquisition and cultural integration of Ascension St. Vincent’s Health System. She oversees an $8 billion enterprise encompassing hospitals, ambulatory clinics, physician networks and statewide partnerships. Under her leadership, the system has launched one of its most ambitious modernization efforts to date, advancing digital infrastructure, clinical systems, and enterprise operations to strengthen care delivery. A former CFO, Ms. Bulgarella brings deep expertise in fiscal strategy, governance and operational alignment. She is widely respected for her collaborative leadership and her commitment to the UAB Medicine mission of improving the health and lives of all it serves, especially in historically underserved communities across Alabama.
Jennifer Burrows. Chief Executive of Providence Oregon (Portland). Ms. Burrows takes responsibility for Providence Oregon as its chief executive. She assumed the role in May 2024. Prior, she was CEO of West Haven-Sylvan, Ore.-based Providence St. Vincent Medical Center, where she led 3,300 employees and 1,800 medical staff members. She has spent over 32 years in healthcare and has held roles like CNO for Providence Oregon in the past.
Gina L. Calder. President of Hartford (Conn.) HealthCare’s Central Region and Senior Vice President of Hartford HealthCare. Ms. Calder oversees operations for The Hospital of Central Connecticut, a 446-bed community teaching hospital spanning two campuses, and MidState Medical Center, a 156-bed acute care hospital with an orthopedic institute and multiple satellite locations. Ms. Calder leads initiatives across quality and safety, clinical excellence, staff development, patient experience and financial stewardship for the region. She maintains a “mobile office” to stay accessible across multiple sites, and is known for mentoring and advocating for care transformation. She has been named among Connecticut NAACP’s “100 Most Influential Blacks” and Hartford Business Journal’s “Power 25.” Under her leadership, the region’s hospitals earned Leapfrog “A” safety grades, top Healthgrades and U.S. News & World Report rankings for various specialties, and multiple accolades for cardiac and critical care.
Carolyn Caldwell. President and CEO of Dignity Health–St. Mary Medical Center (Long Beach, Calif.). Ms. Caldwell joined Dignity Health–St. Mary Medical Center in 2017. As president and CEO, she guides the 389-bed nonprofit medical center, which provides a comprehensive range of inpatient, outpatient and related services. She has been lauded for her deft handling of the pandemic’s challenges. Ms. Caldwell is also a fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives.
Brenda Carlisle, BSN, RN. CEO of UAB Hospital (Birmingham, Ala.). Ms. Carlisle oversees the operations of the eighth-largest hospital in the country. The University of Alabama at Birmingham Hospital is a leading academic medical center and is continuously ranked as the No. 1 hospital in Alabama by U.S News & World Report. The hospital has over 1,200 beds and 18,000 employees that care for more than 1.6 million patients annually. During her tenure, she has maximized operating room utilization from 63% to 80%, expanded the robotic surgery program and maintained a $2.93 billion revenue budget, and a $160 million perioperative/heart and vascular center capital portfolio.
Kristy Carrington, BSN, RN. Chief Executive, Providence North Puget Sound (Everett, Wash.). Ms. Carrington was named chief executive of Providence North Puget Sound in 2022, which includes the Providence Regional Medical Center Everett, Swedish Edmonds and the Swedish Mill Creek emergency department. Her responsibilities include crafting and implementing strategic plans for workforce recovery, renewal and restructuring. Ms. Carrington has previously served as chief nursing officer for the Providence Swedish Puget Sound region.
Patricia Carroll. President and Chief Hospital Executive for Hackensack Meridian Raritan Bay Medical Center (Perth Amboy, N.J.) and Hackensack Meridian Old Bridge (N.J.) Medical Center. Ms. Carroll’s dual stewardship of Raritan Bay and Old Bridge Medical Centers is defined by operational excellence, community-centered strategy and a career-long commitment to quality. Since taking on the role in 2022, she has overseen more than $300 million in hospital operations, expanded behavioral health services to 81 inpatient beds, and initiated construction on a hybrid cardiac and interventional radiology suite. With a background as both a nurse and high-level administrator, Ms. Carroll has cultivated award-winning hospital cultures, with Old Bridge becoming the first in the Hackensack Meridian network to receive the prestigious Academy of Medical-Surgical Nurses “Prism Award”. She is recognized for improving staff morale, investing in patient and physician satisfaction, and leading organizations through performance turnarounds. Both hospitals have received national recognition for excellence in stroke care, maternity, heart failure and holistic nursing, among numerous other distinctions.
Lisa Carter. President of Ballad Health Southern Region (Johnson City, Tenn.). As president of Ballad Health’s Southern Region, Ms. Carter is primarily responsible for overseeing the organization’s operations in a region comprising nine hospitals covering more than 1,000 beds. Her role involves managing strategic initiatives, maintaining strong relationships with key stakeholders, ensuring high-quality patient care and driving regional growth opportunities. Under her leadership, the southern region has experienced significant growth, including expanding services and facilities, allowing the organization to serve the region’s population better. Her team has proactively developed innovative programs to enhance patient experience and outcomes. For instance, in response to the opioid epidemic in the region, Ms. Carter spearheaded the formation of a task force to address the crisis that focuses on harm reduction, prevention and treatment.
Chanda Chacon. President and CEO of Children’s Nebraska (Omaha). Ms. Chacon brings her dedication to pediatric care and patient safety to her role as president and CEO of Children’s Nebraska. In recent years, she has invested in a Habitat for Humanity partnership, a full-time facility dog named Howie who supports team members, the launch of a paid community volunteering program called BeInvolved, the creation of an online recognition platform called Sunshine Hub, and monetary investments in team member bonuses. Thanks to her efforts, Children’s recent engagement surveys have revealed that approximately 95% of team members said they find their work at Children’s meaningful and nearly 85% of team members plan to stay for at least the next 12 months. Ms. Chacon is also a fellow in the American College of Health Care Executives. Prior to her time at Children’s Nebraska, she was executive vice president and system COO at Little Rock, Ark.-based Arkansas Children’s.
Jen Chahanovich. President and CEO of Wilcox Memorial Hospital and CEO of Kauai Medical Clinic (Kauai, Hawaii). In 2015, Ms. Chahanovich was named president and CEO of Hawaii Pacific Health’s Wilcox Medical Center and CEO of Kauai Medical Clinic. She has been with the health system since 2002 and acted as CEO of Pali Momi Medical Center in Aiea before assuming her current role. Under Ms. Chahanovich’s leadership, Wilcox Medical Center’s emergency department underwent a $5.1 million renovation to provide residents with access to cutting-edge trauma care.
Beth Charlton, RN. President and CEO of Covenant HealthCare (Saginaw, Mich.). Ms. Charlton stepped into the role of Covenant HealthCare’s president and CEO in July of 2021. Covenant is one of the largest employers in the area, with 4,500 employees and 600 medical staff. Ms. Charlton’s three-plus decades in healthcare, with roles ranging from bedside nurse to chief nursing officer to executive vice president and COO, make her the ideal fit for the leadership role.
Karen Cheeseman. President and CEO of Mackinac Straits Health System (St. Ignace, Mich.). In July 2017, Ms. Cheesman became the first new CEO of Mackinac Straits in over 17 years. She transitioned from the COO role following the previous CEO’s retirement. Ms. Cheesman has extensive experience in management, 16 years of which were spent at the health system. She has played a key role in relationship building, strategic planning, recruiting, and operations during her time with the system.
June Collison. President and CEO of Dignity Health–Community Hospital of San Bernardino (Calif.). Ms. Collison has served as president and CEO of Dignity Health’s Community Hospital of San Bernardino since 2012. She leads the 347-bed acute care hospital’s 1,600 employees in exceptional caregiving. She is also charged with preserving the hospital’s 100-year legacy while simultaneously modernizing to reflect the changing healthcare landscape.
Joanna Conley. President and CEO of Doctors Hospital (Augusta, Ga.). Ms. Conley has been president and CEO of HCA Healthcare’s Doctors Hospital of Augusta, which includes the largest burn center in the Unites States, since August 2022. Before that, she served as president and CEO of TriStar Southern Hills Medical Center in Nashville, Tenn. Ms. Conley is very intentional about creating a positive, inclusive culture. She knows the importance of a strong focus on diversity, equity and inclusion and has implemented a number of hospital initiatives with this in mind.
Stephanie Conn, MSN, RN. CEO of Coshocton (Ohio) Regional Hospital and East Liverpool (Ohio) City Hospital. Ms. Conn brings a track record of safety, operational efficiency and community trust to her leadership of two Prime Healthcare hospitals, Coshocton Regional and East Liverpool City. Under her tenure, East Liverpool City Hospital earned its fifteenth consecutive “A” Leapfrog safety grade and is the only 5-star CMS-rated hospital in the Ohio Valley. Meanwhile, Coshocton Regional Medical Center earned their 6th “A” grade in a row since 2021. She has reduced adverse events through robust care pathways and improved patient outcomes while streamlining workflows to prioritize both patient care and staff wellbeing. Ms. Conn’s open-door leadership style and community engagement have positioned her hospitals as regional models for excellence, compassion and innovation. Both hospitals were recognized with Fortune and Premier’s “100 Top Hospitals” designation, which honors community hospitals in the U.S.
Stephanie Conners, RN. President and CEO of BayCare Health System (Clearwater, Fla.). Ms. Conners serves as BayCare Health System’s president and CEO, following her previous role as executive vice president and COO for Philadelphia-based Jefferson Health. She is known for her commitment to clinical excellence, safety and collaboration. In 2023, Ms. Conners announced that BayCare’s leadership team would be revamped in order to promote further growth.
Joanne Conroy, MD. President and CEO of Dartmouth Health (Lebanon, N.H.). Dr. Conroy oversees the management of Dartmouth Health, New Hampshire’s single academic health system and largest private employer. She has held the position of president and CEO since 2017. Her ability to create strong partnerships has contributed to the broadening of services throughout both New Hampshire and Vermont. Under her guidance, the health system has grown to include seven hospitals and a home health agency, in addition to the flagship hospital.
Cristina Contreras. CEO of NYC Health + Hospitals/Lincoln (Bronx, N.Y.). Ms. Contreras leads NYC Health + Hospitals/Lincoln, home to the city’s busiest emergency department and one of the nation’s top trauma centers. A former social worker turned seasoned executive, Ms. Contreras has nearly 30 years of progressive leadership across New York City’s public hospital system. Under her tenure, the hospital has expanded specialized services while serving as a pillar of care in the Bronx, particularly for immigrant and underserved populations. She is also chair of the National Dominican Day Parade and serves on multiple boards focused on aging, equity and public service. A respected figure across the city, Ms. Contreras has received numerous accolades, including the “Government Service Leadership Award” by 100 Hispanic Women National and recognition on City & State New York’s “Power Players” list.
Mimi Coomler, RN. CEO of Tucson (Ariz.) Medical Center. Ms. Coomler serves as CEO of Tucson Medical Center, the city’s largest hospital at 628 beds and over 4,000 employees. She is responsible for overseeing the hospital at large, including surgery, emergency services, critical care, infection control and hospice. As CEO, she is tasked with strategic planning, regulatory compliance, team building and partnership creation. Her background as a nurse and her son’s diagnosis of Type 1 diabetes fuel her passion for improving health throughout her community.
Rebecca Coplin. Chief Executive of Providence Oregon North Coast Service Area–Providence Seaside (Ore.) Hospital. With over 20 years of experience within the Providence system alone, Ms. Coplin brings a wealth of knowledge and skills to her role as chief executive. She has also served in the same position in an interim capacity, before which she led clinical programs for Providence and spent multiple years honing her strategic management and clinical transformation skills. At Providence Seaside Hospital, a 25-bed critical access hospital, she supports the goal of providing patients with cutting edge health care and health education.
Kimberly Chavalas Cripe. Co-President and Co-CEO of Rady Children’s Health (Calif.). Ms. Cripe oversees Children’s Hospital of Orange County, a pediatric healthcare system that serves children and families across four counties. During her tenure, she has created nationally recognized centers of excellence, expanded research capabilities, formed large neonatal and primary care networks, completed several new construction projects, and developed national models of care for population health and pediatric mental health services. Under her leadership, CHOC continues to invest in a continuum of mental healthcare across inpatient, outpatient, intensive and emergency settings, including launching a mental health crisis clinic that offers immediate stabilization for youth experiencing suicidal ideation. Her passion for caring for the whole child has spurred a number of community health and wellness initiatives, including partnerships with the Orange County Department of Education and school districts to open 35 well spaces, facilities on school campuses where students can find respite and relaxation. Over the past year, Ms. Cripe has also advanced partnerships with other pediatric healthcare providers to bolster pediatric care, research, treatment, and education, as well as help retain and recruit top talent. In January 2025, CHOC and Rady Children’s Hospital in San Diego merged to create Rady Children’s Health. Ms. Cripe was appointed co-president and co-CEO.
Jennifer Cruikshank, RN. CEO of Riverside University Health System-Medical Center (Moreno Valley, Calif.). As CEO, Ms. Cruikshank oversees two hospital campuses, 58 clinics and a $1.6 billion annual budget that serves 2.4 million Riverside County residents. Since taking the helm in 2017, she has implemented Lean-based operational reforms that cut ambulance offload times from 45 minutes to under 29 and opened six express care sites to expand access. Ms. Cruikshank has led major campus expansions, including a 200,000-square-foot surgical center, and secured level 1 trauma center verification. She has grown the system’s graduate medical education programs from five to over 12, reinforcing its position as the largest academic hospital in the county. For her work, she has received national recognition, including maternity care honors from the U.S. News & World Report and multiple awards from the American Heart Association and Health Resources and Services Administration.
Regina Cunningham, PhD, RN. CEO of the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania (Philadelphia). Dr. Cunningham has served as CEO of the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania since 2017, overseeing one of the country’s top academic medical centers and a cornerstone of Penn Medicine. Under her leadership, the hospital has continued to advance clinical excellence, research innovation and education while completing transformational projects, including the 1.5-million-square-foot pavilion, a state-of-the-art facility designed to support cutting-edge care. A nurse scientist and educator, Dr. Cunningham brings a unique blend of clinical insight and executive acumen to the role, with prior experience as associate CNO at Penn’s Abramson Cancer Center. She is a fellow of the American Academy of Nursing and a former Robert Wood Johnson executive nurse fellow.
Cris Daskevich. CEO of CHRISTUS Children’s Hospital (San Antonio) and Senior Vice President of Maternal Services for CHRISTUS Health (Irving, Texas). A nationally-recognized pediatric and women’s healthcare executive, Ms. Daskevich has a strong record of building top-tier pediatric and maternal clinical programs with exceptional patient safety and quality outcomes. She is a recognized leader in state and national healthcare advocacy and policy development, with more than 25 years of success creating high-performing and mission-driven cultures. In her role, she leads strategic planning and execution, facilities expansions, growth in pediatric and maternal subspecialty clinical programs, philanthropic endeavors, advocacy, and recruitment. In 2018, CHRISTUS Children’s became the first children’s hospital in South Texas to receive Magnet Designation for nursing excellence, and under Ms. Daskevich’s leadership, the hospital is preparing for redesignation in 2024.
Leslie Davis. President and CEO of UPMC (Pittsburgh). With over 30 years of healthcare experience under her belt, Ms. Davis has honed in on operations and the development of services in her role as president and CEO of UPMC. Prior to her current role, she served as executive vice president of UPMC and president of the health services division. She was also president of UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital for 14 years, and senior vice president and COO of the health services division for seven years. Prior to joining UPMC, Ms. Davis held various leadership roles of progressive responsibility at health systems spanning New York City and Philadelphia.
Takeisha Charles Davis. MD. CEO and President of New Orleans East Hospital. Dr. Davis, a native of New Orleans, serves as CEO of LCMC Health’s New Orleans East Hospital. Prior, she spent time practicing community pediatrics and serving as region medical director, and acting as director of the Center for Community and Preventive Health at the Louisiana Department of Health’s public health office. Dr. Davis is a founding member of “Achieving Awesome Things Through Inspiring Actions”, focusing on empowering adolescent females, and leads ongoing preventive health education initiatives with incarcerated youth. She also serves on multiple professional associations, including the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Louisiana Public Health Association. She was recently the keynote speaker for Tulane University’s inaugural Black Women’s Health Conference.
Tina Freese Decker. President and CEO of Corewell Health (Grand Rapids, Mich.). Ms. Decker serves as president and CEO of Corewell Health, a role that entails leading over 60,000 colleagues in the provision of affordable and equitable care. She played a vital role in the 2022 merger of Beaumont Health and Spectrum Health, now joined together under Corewell Health. Her 20-plus years in healthcare prepared her for her current role as leader of the $14 billion, 22-hospital system.
Lisa Deering, MSN, RN. CEO of Regency Hospital Cleveland East (Mechanicsburg, Pa.). Ms. Deering is responsible for the operations of a 44-bed critical illness recovery hospital. Alongside her duties as chief executive, she’s present for her team and celebrates wins big and small, including birthdays and work anniversaries. With a hands-on leadership style, she also offers clinical support to her teams and facilitates improvements in quality metrics and patient satisfaction.
Sheri DeShazo. President of Advocate Health, Sherman Hospital and Service Area (Milwaukee and Downers Grove, Ill.). Ms. DeShazo is the president of Sherman Hospital, which is part of Charlotte, N.C.-based Advocate Health. Advocate Health is the fifth-largest nonprofit integrated health system in the United States. She oversees the operation of a 225-bed facility and several outpatient and immediate care centers. The emergency room sees nearly 60,000 visits per year with a level 2 trauma center that serves the North and West suburbs.
Heather Dexter. President of the Regional Hospital Division of Emory Healthcare (Atlanta). Ms. Dexter serves as president of the regional hospital division for Emory Healthcare, which includes Emory Saint Joseph’s Hospital in Sandy Springs, Ga., Emory Johns Creek (Ga.) Hospital, Emory Decatur (Ga.) Hospital, Emory Hillandale Hospital in Lithonia, Ga. and Emory Long-Term Acute Care Hospital in Decatur. Prior, she served as CEO of Emory Saint Joseph’s Hospital since 2015. Her leadership led the hospital through a period of growth, including new programs, initiatives, physicians, construction and more. Prior to assuming that role, she was COO from 2011 to 2015. Her career at the hospital stretches back even farther; she originally began working as an administrative resident in 1998 before working her way up through progressive leadership roles.
Mary Deynoodt. CEO of Ochsner Baptist (New Orleans). Ms. Deynoodt leads over 1,000 physicians and 1,200 employees at the 124-bed Ochsner Baptist hospital, ensuring its strategic, financial and operational alignment within the broader Ochsner Health system. A healthcare veteran with nearly 25 years of experience, Ms. Deynoodt is known for her focus on team wellbeing and has been an outspoken advocate for workplace safety across Louisiana. In her previous role as CEO of Ochsner Medical Center–West Bank in Gretna, La., she significantly expanded clinical services and improved inpatient and outpatient quality metrics. Her leadership has earned her accolades such as Ochsner’s “Executive Leadership Game Changer” award and CityBusiness “Woman of the Year” for 2023. Under her guidance, Ochsner Baptist has received top honors from Newsweek and U.S. News & World Report for maternity care and achieved Birth Ready+ and center of excellence designations. Ms. Deynoodt further contributes to the healthcare community through her involvement with Elevate Louisiana and past service on the boards of 504 HealthNet and Our Community Health.
Anne Davila Diamond, DBA, JD. President of Bridgeport (Conn.) Hospital. Dr. Diamond has led Bridgeport Hospital through transformative growth, bolstering infrastructure, safety and community partnerships. She championed the creation of a state-of-the-art stroke center featuring a biplane neuro-angiography system and launched a groundbreaking Hispanic breast cancer program to meet the needs of the region’s diverse population. Dr. Diamond also led the hospital’s Spanish-language community health campaigns and has earned national recognition for health equity, security and maternal health initiatives. Appointed as executive sponsor for disaster preparedness and workplace violence across Yale New Haven Health, she has implemented industry-leading safety protocols. Her leadership extends statewide as chair of the Connecticut Hospital Association’s community health and equity committee, advancing maternal care and addressing social determinants of health.
Nancy DiLiegro, PhD. President and CEO for RWJBarnabas Health Trinitas Regional Medical Center (Elizabeth, N.J.). As the president and CEO of Trinitas Regional Medical Center, an RWJBarnabas Health facility, Dr. DiLiegro is responsible for ensuring high-quality care delivery to more than 10,000 inpatients annually, as well as 54,000 emergency patients and over 260,000 outpatients. Overseeing all internal and external operations at Trinitas, she works closely with the hospital’s physicians and staff to implement best-in-class clinical practices, identify and develop new innovations and tools that drive hospital growth and increase patient outcomes, and facilitate relationships with key stakeholders. In 2023, she opened the new Medical Arts Building, a $40 million project that includes a women’s health center, a dialysis center, pediatric care, and the women’s, infants and children nutrition programs, as well as several physician practices. She also spearheaded a community health needs assessment and recently opened The Healthcare Foundation of NJ Center for Autism & Developmental Disabilities. Dr. DiLiegro initially joined the hospital in 2002 as director of clinical operations. Since then, she has held multiple leadership positions, including chief clinical officer and vice president of clinical operations and physician services.
Marcy Doderer. President and CEO for Arkansas Children’s (Little Rock). Ms. Doderer is the president and CEO of Arkansas Children’s, where she oversees the daily operations of multiple care facilities that include more than 350 beds all together. She directs $25 million in routine capital projects annually and oversees the long-term expansion of the organization. She is actively engaged nationally with Children’s Hospital Association and Children’s Hospitals’ Solutions for Patient Safety to advocate on behalf of child health, robust learning systems and improved outcomes.
Jill Donaldson. President of MedStar Harbor Hospital and Senior Vice President of MedStar Health (Baltimore). As president of MedStar Harbor Hospital, Ms. Donaldson is responsible for its overall strategic and operational direction. In this role, she oversees every aspect of hospital care and operations, is accountable to the board of directors and directly supervises the chief medical officer, chief nursing officer, vice president for operations, CFO, and the patient experience and care transformation senior leaders. She is also a senior vice president for the $7 billion nonprofit health system that employs over 30,000 people.
Carol Dozier. CEO of Norton King’s Daughters’ Health (Madison, Ind.). Since 2013, Ms. Dozier has served as the CEO of Norton King’s Daughters’ Health. Her leadership of the rural hospital has been praised, especially in light of the pandemic. Prior to her current role, she was CEO of Laramie, Wyo.-based Ivinson Memorial Hospital, where she headed the construction of a new hospital and other renovations, guided financial turnabouts and more.
Danielle Drummond. President and CEO of Lakeland (Fla.) Regional Health. In her role as president and CEO, Ms. Drummond works to ensure the optimal performance of all aspects of the health system, from the day-to-day operations to the long-term strategic development initiatives. One of her standout achievements was the creation of the Center for Behavioral Health and Wellness, a facility that provides access, service, safety and programming for those with behavioral health needs. She has also demonstrated her commitment to advancing women’s empowerment via her capstone project, the Carol Jenkins Barnett Pavilion for Women and Children, which is a dedicated pediatric emergency room for women and children.
Sandy Dugger. CEO of Banner Lassen Medical Center (Susanville, Calif.) and Platte County Hospital (Wheatland, Wyo.). Ms. Dugger leads the 25-bed Banner Lesser Medical Center, a critical care hospital located in northeastern California at the eastern base of the Sierra Nevada. Originally opened in 1883, it was absorbed by Phoenix-based Banner Health in 1999. Banner Health built a new facility for the community, and the new Banner Lassen Medical Center opened in May 2003 and continues to expand service lines such as orthopedics and general surgery. Ms. Dugger is also CEO of Platte County Hospital, another 25-bed critical care facility adjacent to the Laramie Mountain Range in Wyoming. Opened in 1955, the facility has undergone several remodels to remain at the forefront of technology, including enhancements to the operating rooms, medical imaging and other areas. Ms. Dugger, with 35 years of healthcare experience, is responsible for overseeing patient care and safety, financial stability, strategic planning, employee engagement and community relations for these two critical care hospitals. She has improved quality scores and focused on excellent patient care throughout the hospitals, maintaining a strong focus on collaboration with community partners.
Karen Duncan, MD. President and CEO of JPS Health Network (Fort Worth, Texas). Dr. Duncan leads all clinical, operational and financial aspects of the JPS Health Network, which includes 27 locations and serves over a quarter-million patients each year. As the health system moves forward with its planned clinical and physical plant upgrades, Dr. Duncan will take ownership of this next phase of the system’s growth. She previously served as the organization’s COO and is now the only female and minority healthcare CEO in Tarrant County, Texas.
Liz Dunne. President and CEO of PeaceHealth (Vancouver, Wash.). Ms. Dunne’s leadership of PeaceHealth’s operations, finances, community investments, philanthropy and strategic direction has resulted in a 7 percent year-over-year growth for the organization. She is the first laywoman leader of the health system, so chosen because of her commitment to modernizing the organization in service of its mission to provide accessible and affordable care to the community. Thanks to her background in nutrition, she has a particular interest in addressing social determinants that act as barriers to wellness. One of her chief steps towards the pursuit of health justice was incorporating social determinants into EHRs.
Susan Ehrlich, MD. CEO of Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital. Dr. Ehrlich brings a substantial body of knowledge in public health policy and finance to the role of hospital CEO. She is an expert at transforming public health care organizations, especially those serving diverse populations. Before joining Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital, she held leadership positions with San Mateo (Calif.) Medical Center.
Claudia Eisenmann. President of Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Stephenville. Ms. Eisenmann serves as president of Texas Heath Harris Methodist Hospital Stephenville, joining the system in January 2023. In this role, she collaborates with the chief medical officer and CNO to plan, direct and coordinate the hospital’s clinical, service and operational activities. Additionally, she strives to advance physician engagement and to promote effective employee, governance and community relations. Ms. Eisenmann has more than 25 years of experience in leading hospitals and healthcare systems, having joined Texas Health from Deaconess Health System in Evansville, Ind., where she served as system vice president, as well as president and CEO of two Deaconess hospitals. She has also previously served as CEO of Wilbarger General Hospital in Vernon, Texas and as vice president and administrator for Christus St. Michael Rehabilitation Hospital in Texarkana, Texas.
Sherri Emerson. President of Texas Health Heart & Vascular Hospital (Arlington). Ms. Emerson joined the Texas Health Resources team from Austin (Texas) Surgical Hospital, where she had served as CEO and CNO since 2003. In that position, she oversaw the renovation and opening of a new hospital and provided oversight for all nursing and non-nursing operations, led strategic business development activities and service line development. She began her career in healthcare at Port Saint Lucie (Fla.) Medical Center on an orthopedic floor. She quickly moved into the telemetry unit and cardiac cath recovery unit, then found her niche in nursing as a heart transplant and open heart recovery nurse. With a passion for teaching and precepting new nurses, she became the director of education for The Heart Hospital of Austin. In that role, she assisted Medcath in opening five heart hospitals across the country. She then moved into executive leadership, opening an orthopedic hospital for Ortho-Neuro corporation.
Stephanie Everett. CEO of Mountrail County Medical Center and Administrator of Mountrail Bethel Home (Stanley, N.D.). Ms. Everett uses her position as leader of a critical access hospital to provide services to the community, including primary care, emergency care, clinic services and more. She has been instrumental in supporting the financial stability, regulatory compliance and strategic vision for the health system. Ms. Everett is a founding member and board member of the Rough Rider High Value Network, an organization that represents a majority of critical access hospitals in North Dakota.
Lani Fast. CEO of St. Bernard Parish Hospital (Chalamette, La.). Since 2021, Ms. Fast has served as CEO of St. Bernard Parish Hospital. With 17 years of healthcare experience under her belt and a tenure at Ochsner beginning in 2010, Ms. Fast has played a vital role in expanding access to care in St. Bernard Parish, including launching a multi-specialty clinic and women’s health services. Under her leadership, the hospital has invested over $10 million in capital improvements and earned repeated accolades, including eight consecutive Leapfrog “A” ratings and recognition from U.S. News & World Report. In 2024, she was honored with the “Model Working Women” award from the St. Bernard Business and Professional Women’s Club. She contributes to community and industry leadership through board service with the St. Bernard Chamber and Economic Development Foundation, as well as membership in the American College of Healthcare Executives and the Rotary Club.
Deborah Feldman. President and CEO of Dayton (Ohio) Children’s Hospital. Ms. Feldman is the fourth president and CEO of Dayton Children’s Hospital. She joined the hospital in 2012, and since then has helmed a campuswide revival, expanded services, recruited pediatric experts, integrated new technologies and enhanced the patient journey. She is currently leading health equity initiatives at the hospital, as well as supporting its expansion into behavioral health services. Prior to her time at Dayton Children’s, Ms. Feldman served as county administrator for the Montgomery County government for 16 years.
Cheryl Ficara. President of Hartford (Conn.) Hospital and Hartford Region, and Senior Vice President at Hartford HealthCare. Ms. Ficara leads an 867-bed regional referral and flagship acute care hospital, providing strategic vision and culture-building across the Hartford region. Ms. Ficara has driven clinical care redesign, talent development and operational efficiency, including the launch of a surgical technician fellowship and a new nurse manager cohort to enhance workforce capacity. She has also unified nursing practices systemwide through strategic plans and shared governance structures. In addition, she has spearheaded initiatives that improved patient throughput, reduced length of stay, and increased staff engagement and safety compliance, achieving hand hygiene rates exceeding 90%. Under her guidance, Hartford Hospital has earned top national recognitions, including a spot on Healthgrades’ “America’s 50 Best Hospitals for Cardiac Surgery” list and consecutive “A” safety grades from The Leapfrog Group.
Soniya Fidler. President of UCHealth Yampa Valley Medical Center (Steamboat Springs, Colo.). As president of UCHealth Yampa Valley Medical Center, Ms. Fidler is responsible for the long and short-term strategic planning of the hospital, leading strategic, growth and operational objectives on a broad basis across hospital operations. She leverages her expertise and administrative knowledge to facilitate, measure, evaluate and interpret the needs of patients and performance of staff while directing activities accordingly. She has led several major projects for the hospital including a new partnership with Steamboat Orthopaedic & Spine Institute to create Steamboat Surgery Center, an ambulatory surgery center. Ms. Fidler has also helped develop a relationship with Old Town Hot Springs to benefit patients and the community as well as a new partnership with Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield that enabled a more affordable insurance plan. She also was instrumental in cementing a longtime partnership with Steamboat Resort with the opening of an urgent care clinic at the base of the ski mountain.
Jodi Fincher. CEO for St. Joseph Medical Center, Prime Healthcare (Kansas City, Mo.). As CEO of St. Joseph Medical Center, a 310-bed acute care metropolitan hospital in Kansas City, Missouri, Ms. Fincher leads a team of more than 1,000 staff, physicians and volunteers. She provides hands-on leadership to ensure all programs and services attain the highest quality outcomes in a cost-effective manner. As healthcare has changed rapidly post pandemic, Ms. Fincher has responded equally as rapidly to assure that St. Joseph remains financially strong and sustainable moving forward by being equally involved in revenue cycle enhancement and efficient clinical processes. In her seven years at St. Joseph Medical Center, Ms. Fincher’s strategic vision has improved patient experience, expanded service lines and enhanced physician engagement. Under her direction, Prime Healthcare has supported the investment of over $40 million in capital improvements, which include updated clinical support systems from orthopedic and spine navigation systems to new beds and call light systems, as well as the building and opening of a 20-bed senior behavioral health unit.
Debbie Flores. CEO of Banner Thunderbird Medical Center (Glendale, Ariz.) and Banner Behavioral Health Hospital (Scottsdale, Ariz.). Ms. Flores oversees operations for Banner Thunderbird Medical Center, a 595-bed level 1 adult trauma center that provides tertiary services for over 90,000 patients in its adult and pediatric emergency departments and delivers nearly 5,000 babies annually. The robust women’s health program includes a level 3 high risk obstetric and neonatal service. Services also include a strong minimally invasive surgical program, with over 25,000 robotics cases performed since the start of the advanced robotic program, complete cardiovascular care, and a growing neurosurgery program that includes the interventional neurology service. Banner Children’s at Thunderbird, housed on the campus, offers comprehensive general, surgical and intensive pediatric care. The campus is undergoing a significant expansion, with a $221 million investment that will provide an expanded women’s health and neonatal program and several new state-of-the-art surgical suites. Ms. Flores also oversees Banner Behavioral Health Hospital, a 156-bed facility providing Inpatient behavioral healthcare and intensive outpatient services for adults and children. She is the executive lead over Banner Health’s behavioral health service line. During her 35 years in healthcare, she has provided executive leadership in over 13 hospitals, with her most recent 18 years spent at Banner Health. She has also served as representative for the American Hospital Association regional policy board and held board positions with various community agencies.
Alison Flynn Gaffney. CEO of Banner–University Medicine (Tucson, Ariz.). Ms. Flynn Gaffney oversees operations for Banner Health’s academic arm in southern Arizona, which employs nearly 7,500 team members at two large hospitals, a children’s medical center, a comprehensive cancer center and 23 outpatient locations, which combined saw 885,000 patient visits in 2024. The 649- and 254-bed hospitals are training sites for nearly 500 University of Arizona College of Medicine–Tucson medical students, along with 750 residents and fellows. Ms. Flynn Gaffney is increasing visibility, communication and trust within the organization’s leadership practices, already resulting in a double-digit increase in employee sentiment about leaders’ level of care for staff. Under her visionary leadership, Banner–University Medicine is expanding patient access, investing in infrastructure, and partnering with the University of Arizona and the community to strengthen healthcare delivery across southern Arizona. She serves as a trustee of the Chamber of Southern Arizona and is a member of the Southern Arizona Leadership Council. She has received numerous accolades throughout her career, including being named as one of the “Top 50 Women Leaders in Medicine” in both 2025 and 2024 by Women We Admire. She is one of a handful of healthcare executives to receive the American College of Healthcare Executives’ “Senior Level Healthcare Award” in two states.
Susan Fox. President and CEO of White Plains Hospital (White Plains, N.Y.). As CEO of White Plains Hospital, Ms. Fox is responsible for managing the hospital’s day-to-day operations while leading strategic initiatives required for long-term success. Recognized as one of Westchester County’s most influential executives, Ms. Fox’s visionary leadership has been at the forefront of the region’s healthcare industry transformation over the last decade. By forging strategic partnerships and aligning and recruiting top clinical and administrative talent, Ms. Fox has driven the expansion of White Plains Hospital into a tertiary hub of advanced healthcare in the Hudson Valley. Under her leadership, White Plains Hospital has become the leading provider of both advanced and preventive healthcare in Westchester County and beyond, with more Westchester residents choosing WPH for inpatient care over other hospitals in the county.
Julie Freischlag, MD. CEO and Chief Academic Officer for Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist (Winston-Salem, N.C.), Chief Academic Officer and Executive Vice President of Advocate Health (Charlotte, N.C.) and Executive Vice President for Health Affairs at Wake Forest University. Dr. Freischlag is CEO and chief academic officer of Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist, chief academic officer and executive vice president of Advocate Health, and executive vice president for health affairs of Wake Forest University. She leads the system’s academic core and takes ownership of its clinical, academic and innovation enterprises, as well as its annual operating budget of $3 billion. She joined Atrium Health in 2020, just as it combined with Wake Forest Baptist Health and Wake Forest School of Medicine.
Carol Friesen. CEO at OSF HealthCare Eastern Region (Peoria, Ill.). Ms. Friesen leads the OSF HealthCare Eastern Region including six hospitals in six markets spanning Illinois and Michigan, with a net revenue of $1.5 billion. Under her leadership, the Eastern Region has developed strategic partnerships to provide options and access to patients seeking imaging, orthopedic, cardiac and cancer care, as well as women’s healthcare. In addition, she has overseen the charge to address OB/GYN deserts in the region to ensure women have access and options for prenatal, labor and delivery, and postpartum care. Before her current role, she was CEO of the Northern Region for OSF, representing Rockford, Ill., and several other communities. In the Northern Region, Carol successfully enhanced operating performance, turning around a -3% operating margin to a 5% operating margin, all accomplished while effectively navigating through the challenges posed by the pandemic. She was also instrumental in growing the referral network to OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center. A greater than 20% increase in hospital transfers into the center was achieved with the most growth in trauma, burn, surgery, and cardiovascular services.
Laura Gamble. CEO of Pender (Neb.) Community Hospital. Since late 2022, Ms. Gamble has led the 21-bed critical access hospital, four rural health clinics, three pharmacies and senior living facilities across multiple counties in northeast Nebraska. With over 30 years of experience in rural healthcare, Ms. Gamble has fostered a culture of clinical excellence and community-focused care, which led to Pender Community Hospital earning a 5-star rating from the National Rural Rating System as well as being added to the “National Rural Honor Roll” in 2024. Under her direction, the hospital improved its revenue cycle performance by transitioning to the Meditech EHR platform, streamlining workflows and improving billing efficiency. Ms. Gamble also completed the National Rural Health Association’s rural hospital CEO certification program. Prior to her current role, she held leadership positions at MercyOne Oakland (Neb.) Hospital and Twelve Clans Unity Hospital in Winnebago, Neb.
Roxanna Gapstur, PhD, RN. President and CEO of WellSpan Health (York, Pa.). Dr. Gapstur is president and CEO of WellSpan Health, a $4.7 billion integrated health system with 23,000 team members serving communities across south central Pennsylvania and northern Maryland. A nationally recognized healthcare leader, she is known for delivering exceptional healthcare through simplification, personalization and a culture of 100% ownership. Under her leadership, WellSpan has achieved measurable improvements in safety, workforce wellbeing and community health while earning national honors. A nurse by training and strategist by nature, she combines clinical insight with visionary leadership to build high-performing, human-centered systems that meet people where they are and help them thrive.
Lauren A. Geddes Wirth, MD. CEO and President of New London Hospital (Lebanon, N.H). Dr. Geddes Wirth has led transformative improvements in rural healthcare delivery by expanding breast care, infusion and mobile health programs to reach underserved communities in New Hampshire. Under her leadership, the hospital’s emergency department achieved patient satisfaction scores in the top 1% nationally. A former pediatrician and chief medical officer, Dr. Geddes Wirth brings clinical insight and a commitment to equity, including establishing an equity, inclusion and belonging leadership role. She was honored with the Boston-based Mass General Brigham “Pillars of Excellence” award in 2023 and was the NH 200 “NH’s Top 200 Influential Business Leaders” winner for 2025.
Robin Godwin. President and CEO of Ascension Sacred Heart Bay (Panama City, Fla.). Ms. Godwin has led a transformative journey since taking the reins of Ascension Sacred Heart Bay in June 2021. Under her leadership, the hospital achieved a 20% revenue increase and a 70% reduction in operational losses, alongside a 40% decrease in associate turnover. Ms. Godwin’s strategic initiatives included the establishment of a new cancer center and the recruitment of two cardiothoracic surgeons to revitalize the hospital’s 40-year-old heart program. She also spearheaded the development of a women’s diagnostic center and expanded general surgery services with the addition of two board-certified physicians who specialize in robotic and minimally invasive procedures. Under her leadership, the hospital received the American Heart Association’s “Gold Plus Get With The Guidelines–Stroke” award in 2024.
Carol Gomes. CEO and COO of Stony Brook (N.Y.) University Hospital. Ms. Gomes has revitalized Stony Brook University Hospital, molding it into a national leader in sustainability, clinical quality and infrastructure innovation. In her role, she oversees more than 8,000 employees across four hospitals. She led the construction of a 150-bed children’s tower and launched new ICUs, cancer centers and a hospice program, while also creating a centralized throughput office that dramatically reduced emergency department wait times and length of stay. Her tenure has resulted in five successful Joint Commission surveys, a Leapfrog “A” grade, and three consecutive years among Healthgrades’ “Top 50 U.S. Hospitals”. Ms. Gomes’ environmental leadership earned Stony Brook the 2024 Vizient “Sustainability Award” and the Greenhealth “Emerald Award”, with additional accolades recognizing her commitment to equity, quality and more. She has received numerous individual honors, including the 2024 Power Women of Long Island “Icon Award” and the New York State Senate “Woman of Distinction Award”.
Angel Gradney. Market CEO for ScionHealth Hospitals of Houston. With more than 30 years in healthcare, Ms. Gradney serves as market CEO for ScionHealth’s five specialty hospitals in Houston, a position she has held since 2023. There, she oversees operations, strategic planning, quality management and physician recruitment. Ms. Gradney has led Kindred Hospital Clear Lake in Webster, Texas to receive the system’s internal “platinum award” for clinical quality in 2023 and 2024, marking the first time a specialty hospital earned the award for multiple consecutive years. Her leadership during the pandemic was instrumental in establishing the first Covid-19 unit in a long-term acute care hospital at Kindred Hospital Clear Lake. She has expanded service lines across her hospitals, including advanced wound care, pulmonary rehab and surgical services, while also launching an acute rehabilitation unit. Ms. Gradney is regarded as a key figure in strengthening partnerships with referral sources and payers, educating them on the benefits of long-term acute care hospitals in improving patient outcomes. Ms. Gradney is a member of the American College of Healthcare Executives.
Alicia Gresham. CEO of Pennsylvania Hospital (Philadelphia). In January 2024, Ms. Gresham became CEO of Pennsylvania Hospital, the nation’s oldest hospital and a vital part of Penn Medicine, bringing with her nearly 30 years of healthcare leadership experience. At Pennsylvania Hospital, she oversees a Magnet-designated academic institution known for clinical excellence in cardiology, neurosciences, behavioral health and women’s health. Ms. Gresham brings strong financial acumen, systems integration expertise and a passion for community health to her role. She previously served as senior vice president and COO of network operations at New York City-based Mount Sinai Health System, where she expanded ambulatory services across multiple states and led initiatives to improve access, unify systems and increase revenue. Earlier in her career, Ms. Gresham held operational leadership roles at Penn Medicine and the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.
Laura Grill. President and CEO for East Alabama Health (Opelika, Ala.). Ms. Grill is president and CEO of East Alabama Health which comprises two acute care hospitals as well as an extensive list of other health services throughout Lee and Chamber County, Ala. She has been with the East Alabama Medical Center for almost 30 years and she took over her current role in 2018 when the health system rebranded to its current name. Under her leadership, the system has constructed a state-of-the-art freestanding emergency department that also houses a diagnostic imaging center, breast health center and a joint venture ambulatory surgery center.
Jeannine Erickson Grinnell. CEO and CFO of UW Medicine Valley Medical Center (Renton, Wash.). In 2021, Ms. Grinnell became the first new CEO of Valley Medical Center in 37 years, and the first female CEO the hospital has ever had. Her career began in finance and her role as Valley Medical Center’s director of finance, and then CFO, led her to the operations side of healthcare administration. Her 20-plus years with Valley prepared her well for the executive leadership role.
Diane Hansen. President and CEO of Palomar Health (Escondido, Calif.). Ms. Hansen brings 20 years of deep experience in the healthcare industry to her position as president and CEO of Palomar Health. Her leadership led Palomar Health’s anchor hospital, Palomar Medical Center Escondido, to be named “Best Regional Hospital” by U.S. News & World Report in 2021. Before assuming her current role, Ms. Hansen was executive vice president of finance and CFO for Palomar Health, a position that tasked her with capital formation, financial and real estate management, budgeting, treasury and contracting.
Kimberly Hartz. CEO of Washington Health (Fremont, Calif.). Ms. Hartz has led Washington Health with strategic vision, operational discipline and community-centered leadership, guiding the organization through pandemic recovery and into a period of sustained growth. Her leadership allowed the launch of new service lines, including cardiac surgery, neuro-interventional radiology, robotic-assisted surgery and the Watchman program, all contributing to volume growth and a positive $17.1 million in earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization. She oversaw the organization’s advancement to level 2 trauma center status, the expansion of the UCSF-Washington Cancer Center in Fremont, Calif., and plans for major infrastructure projects like a new birthing tower and outpatient facility. Ms. Hartz spearheaded a complete rebranding in 2025, informed by community feedback and stakeholder input, to reflect a renewed mission and vision. Her focus has led Washington Health towards peak fiscal stewardship, service line expansion and patient-centered design. Washington Health has earned national recognition, including multiple Healthgrades awards and Joint Commission certifications reinforcing its reputation for excellence in surgical and orthopedic care.
Jena Hausmann. President and CEO of Children’s Hospital Colorado (Aurora). Ms. Hausmann leads Children’s Hospital Colorado and has propelled it to consistent top-10 national rankings and designation as the No. 1 children’s hospital in the Rocky Mountain region by U.S. News & World Report. Under her leadership, the hospital launched a groundbreaking precision medicine institute and tripled genomic sequencing capacity, while achieving a 98.2% open-heart surgery survival rate that surpasses the national average. She declared a youth mental health emergency in 2021, catalyzing statewide action and expanding mental health capacity by over 50% within a year. Ms. Hausmann’s commitment to quality, safety and innovation has positioned the hospital as a national model in pediatrics, particularly in cardiology, pulmonology, endocrinology and cancer care. Her authentic, values-driven leadership style fosters trust across 11,000-plus team members, with the hospital serving more than 300,000 children annually. A respected national advocate, she continues to shape the future of child health through policy influence and strategic partnerships.
Lisa Hausmann. President and CEO of Dignity Health-Mercy Hospital of Folsom (Calif.). Ms. Hausmann is the first female president to serve at Mercy Hospital of Folsom. She leads with a hands-on approach and has zeroed in on quality, patient safety and hospital growth. Prior to accepting her current role, Ms. Hausmann held the title of chief nursing officer and COO.
Kathy Healy-Collier, DHA. President and CEO of Mercy Health Anderson Hospital (Cincinnati). Dr. Healy-Collier has elevated Mercy Health Anderson Hospital through a strategic blend of operational acumen, compassionate leadership and a powerful commitment to community health. Overseeing not only Anderson Hospital but also systemwide service lines in perioperative care and women’s health, she has driven substantial improvements in patient experience and employee engagement across the Cincinnati market. Her leadership has ushered in cultural transformation that enhanced satisfaction for both patients and associates, earning the hospital a Best Place to Work designation and patient experience accolades. She is a visible presence in the community, actively engaging with local organizations and advocating for expanded care access. Her portfolio of past roles, ranging from market president to COO of multiple health systems, reflects a career defined by innovation, service line growth and mission-driven care.
Cindy Hecker, RN. CEO of University of Washington Medical Center (Seattle). Ms. Hecker leads University of Washington Medical Center, part of UW Medicine and an academic health center for emergency and specialized inpatient and outpatient medical, surgical and therapeutic care. In addition to overseeing a complex organization with more than 8,000 employees and 910 inpatient beds, she heads complex projects like the integration of Seattle’s Northwest Hospital with UW Medical Center in 2020 and the construction of the new Center for Behavioral Health and Learning in 2024. With funding from the Washington State legislature, the center is expanding behavioral health services and addressing the urgent behavioral health workforce shortage in Washington. Ms. Hecker’s leadership priorities include initiatives to improve employee wellbeing and workplace safety, patient access, quality improvement and financial performance. Her previous leadership positions include CNO at Harborview Medical Center in Seattle, interim chief health system officer for UW Medicine and CEO ofNorthwest Hospital.
Katherine Heilpern, MD. President of Yale New Haven (Conn.) Hospital. As president of Yale New Haven Hospital, Dr. Heilpern leads a 1,541-bed, two-campus academic medical center and the flagship hospital of Yale New Haven Health. Since joining, she has enhanced workforce communication through initiatives like a video newsletter and the “Coffees with Kate” program to foster transparency and culture improvement. She played a key role in restructuring the hospital’s operating model by centralizing inpatient operations and recruiting new nursing leadership, which has helped reduce patient length of stay and improve outcomes. Yale New Haven Hospital consistently ranks among the nation’s top hospitals, recognized in 11 specialties and as the state’s number one hospital by U.S. News & World Report. Dr. Heilpern also serves as executive vice president of Yale New Haven Health. She has a distinguished career background in both emergency medicine and academic leadership.
Martha Henley. CEO of Unity Medical Center (Manchester, Tenn.). Ms. Henley has redefined the possibilities for rural healthcare through her transformative leadership at Unity Medical Center, where she has served as CEO since 2011. Her vision turned a struggling 49-bed acute care hospital into a top-rated critical access facility recognized by CMS, Healthgrades and Chartis for quality, patient experience and innovation. Among her most impactful initiatives are the opening of the Rapha Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, the consolidation of two rural hospitals, and a transition from for-profit to nonprofit status. She is now leading the development of a pediatric wing to meet the rising needs of children in Middle Tennessee. Ms. Henley also holds COO responsibilities at Nashville, Tenn.-based Java Medical Group, guiding multiple rural hospitals across five states toward financial stability and clinical excellence. A staunch advocate, mentor and local leader, she has been nationally recognized for her impact on rural communities and healthcare access.
Lily Henson, MD. CEO of Piedmont Augusta (Ga.) Hospital and Piedmont’s Augusta Clinical Hub. Dr. Henson oversees care and operations for three acute care hospitals, a rehabilitation hospital and eight immediate care clinics across the Central Savannah River Area, which spans eastern Georgia and South Carolina. Since becoming CEO in January 2023, Dr. Henson has led Piedmont Augusta to four consecutive “A” grades from the Leapfrog Group, placing the hospital in the top third nationally for quality. She successfully guided the hospitals through Hurricane Helene’s disruptions in 2024 by coordinating resources with federal and local agencies, maintaining patient care amid infrastructure failures. A neurologist by training, Dr. Henson has been a strong advocate for healthcare worker safety, raising awareness of increasing workplace violence during the Covid-19 pandemic and implementing enhanced security measures. She serves as treasurer of the American Academy of Neurology and as a board member of the American College of Healthcare Executives of Georgia. Dr. Henson previously served as CEO and CMO of Piedmont Henry Hospital in Stockbridge, Ga.
Wendy Horton, PharmD. CEO of UVA Medical Center (Charlottesville, Va.). As CEO of the UVA Medical Center, Dr. Horton oversees all clinical, operational, quality and financial aspects of the hospital. She is also the face of the organization when interfacing with internal and external stakeholders. She partners with stakeholders in order to keep the medical center on the leading edge of patient-centered, affordable care while simultaneously advocating for almost 9,000 employees across clinics and disciplines. Since stepping into her role, she has successfully navigated the challenges of the pandemic, modernized the healthcare system, fostered interdepartmental collaboration and recruited key leaders to the organization. She brought every team member’s salary up to market competitive rate through a $56 million investment in compensation programs in fiscal year 2022 and helped accelerate the opening of a new 84-bed tower.
Monica Hum, MD. CEO of Piedmont Rockdale Hospital (Atlanta). Dr. Hum is a physician executive who has rapidly transformed Piedmont Rockdale Hospital into a top-performing facility within the larger Piedmont Healthcare system. Since becoming CEO in 2023, she has led efforts to elevate quality metrics, improve fiscal performance and expand access to care in Rockdale County. With Dr. Hum at the helm, Piedmont Rockdale achieved the highest quality performance in the entire health system for fiscal year 2024, with industry-leading outcomes in infection prevention and patient safety. A former colorectal surgeon and medical staff leader, she brings clinical insight to every operational decision. Her focus on recruiting top-tier physicians and advanced practice providers has expanded care access while supporting Piedmont’s broader mission to deliver care closer to home.
Lisa Iachetti, BSN, RN. President and CEO of Hackensack Meridian Palisades Medical Center (North Bergen, N.J.). Ms. Iachetti’s tenure at Hackensack Meridian Palisades Medical Center has been marked by major advancements, including an emergency department expansion and the integration of robotic surgical capabilities that have elevated the hospital’s reputation for innovation and precision care. Drawing from over 40 years in healthcare, starting as an emergency room nurse, Ms. Iachetti has led emergency medical services expansion initiatives, launched air medical services, and contributed to trauma care designation at Hackensack (N.J.) University Medical Center. Under her direction, Hackensack Meridian Palisades Medical Center has earned national accolades, including multiple Leapfrog “A” ratings, U.S. News & World Report recognitions for high-performance and disease-specific certifications from The Joint Commission. Ms. Iachetti’s work also extends beyond hospital walls, where she leads programs for local youth, partners with county leadership to address homelessness and addiction, and champions culturally inclusive celebrations.
Candace Ifabiyi. CEO of VA St. Louis Healthcare System (St. Louis). Ms. Ifabiyi was appointed as the CEO and director of the St. Louis Healthcare System, in 2023. In this role, Ms. Ifabiyi oversees a Joint Commission-accredited organization with two campuses, the John Cochran hospital in St. Louis and Jefferson Barracks Hospital in South St. Louis County. The VA St. Louis Healthcare System is a 337-bed hospital and includes 8 community-based outpatient clinics with an $880 million budget and more than 3,500 employees. In 2022, Wichita’s Dole VA Medical Center received the prestigious Pathway to Excellence designation from the American Nurses Credentialing Center. Ms. Ifabiyi is also a recipient of the 2023 University of Memphis “Distinguished Young Alumni” award for her community service efforts.
Alice Issai. President at Adventist Health Glendale (Roseville, Calif.). Ms. Issai is the first woman to serve as president of Adventist Glendale. She first took on the role in 2018, growing the medical center into a true tertiary center, creating a hub for “destination medicine” with world-class services in oncology, cardiovascular medicine, neurosciences, orthopedics and more. Under her leadership in 2023, Adventist Health Glendale had 17,895 discharges, 1,466 births, 7,045 surgeries, 55,020 emergency visits and 107,956 outpatient visits. During her tenure, Adventist Health Glendale has earned 11 straight “A” grades for hospital safety from the Leapfrog Group, four successive 5-star ratings from CMS, has been recognized among the top 5% of hospitals in the nation by Healthgrades and ranked in the top 10% of hospitals in the Los Angeles area by U.S. News & World Report. She has overseen expanded access to care for the hospital’s core service lines, including its comprehensive cancer services. She is dedicated to innovation and the transformation of community health, a mindset that paved the way for creating the Sam and Grace Carvajal Comprehensive Breast Center and recruiting world-class physicians who are leaders in their field.
Shubhada Jagasia, MD. President and CEO of Ascension Saint Thomas Hospital, Midtown and West Campuses (Nashville, Tenn.). Dr. Jagasia brings 30 years of clinical and healthcare administration experience to the role and is responsible for the midtown and west campus facilities, which house 879 beds and produce over $4.1 billion in revenue. Presently, she is managing the expansion of the heart transplant, neuroscience and critical care programs on the West campus, as well as a $300 million reconstruction of the Midtown campus. Her other role as a practicing endocrinologist gives her a unique insight into the needs of caregivers and informs her passion for improving patient access, forming new models of healthcare delivery, and building clinical programs with physicians.
Lori James-Nielsen, RN. CEO of Hillsboro (Ore.) Medical Center. As CEO of Hillsboro Medical Center, Ms. James-Nielsen has helped construct clinical integration models that help care providers improve value for patients. She brings over 25 years of clinical and leadership experience to her role. Most recently, she was the chief strategy officer for Salem (Ore.) Hospital and vice president of operations and integrations at OHSU Partners in Portland, Ore.
Allegra C. Jaros. President of Wolfson Children’s Hospital (Jacksonville, Fla.). Ms. Jaros leads Wolfson Children’s Hospital, the only full-service pediatric hospital in Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia. Her strategic and operational oversight ensures the region’s youngest patients have access to high-quality, compassionate care. Ms. Jaros spearheaded the creation of a new 20-bed pediatric behavioral health unit, and raised nearly $9 million through legislative and philanthropic advocacy to close critical service gaps. In fall 2025, the hospital will become the official children’s hospital of the city’s football team, the Jacksonville Jaguars, indicating community integration and brand evolution under her leadership. Her work reflects a dual focus on elevating clinical excellence and building strategic partnerships, while also serving on multiple boards and advancing healthcare advocacy. In 2024, she guided Wolfson Children’s Hospital to national recognition from U.S. News & World Report in four specialties and secured The Leapfrog Group’s “Top Children’s Hospital” designation.
Amy Jerdee. President and CEO of St. Francis Regional Medical Center (Shakopee, Minn.). Ms. Jerdee has led St. Francis Regional Medical Center through a phase of ambitious expansion and strategic modernization, all while preserving its financial health and community-centric mission. With a background in law, nursing and risk management, she is uniquely equipped to navigate complex health systems and joint ventures. Under her leadership, the hospital opened a 44,000-square-foot ambulatory surgery and orthopedic care facility and also launched a renovation of the emergency department to add exam rooms and increase ambulance capacity. To serve those in need of behavioral health services, Ms. Jerdee oversaw the addition of mental health crisis beds. She also secured partnerships that will deliver addiction and mental health services via a new community health facility, set to open in 2026. Her leadership has earned St. Francis national recognition for patient care, sustainability and women’s health.
Candace Johnson, PhD. President and CEO of Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center (Buffalo, N.Y.). The first woman to lead Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Dr. Johnson has driven significant advancements in immunotherapy, cellular therapies and outreach for the cancer center’s broad service area. Under Dr. Johnson’s leadership, Roswell Park has experienced substantial growth in staffing and patient care activities, attracting globally known talent. Accolades earned in her tenure include the coveted National Cancer Institute “exceptional” rating. She also led the opening of the largest cell therapy facility of its kind with the 2024 expansion of the Roswell Park GMP Engineering & Cell Manufacturing Facility. Before being named CEO in 2015, Dr. Johnson served as deputy director and chaired the department of pharmacology and therapeutics, overseeing the translation of cancer research into innovative therapies. A distinguished scientist, she has authored nearly 200 publications, served in leadership roles on numerous national committees and has chaired the NCI Frederick National Laboratory advisory committee since 2021. Her work has also led to patents focused on enhancing cancer treatment efficacy and endothelial-specific targeting, important insights that helped lead to effective cancer treatments and interventions.
Whitney Johnson, RN. President of Owatonna (Minn.) Hospital and Faribault (Minn.) Medical Center. Ms. Johnson oversees strategic leadership and daily operations for Owatonna and Faribault Hospitals, both part of Minneapolis-based Allina Health. In her role, she guides the hospitals in meeting their clinical, financial and quality goals while fostering strong community relationships. Ms. Johnson expanded mental health access by introducing an adolescent partial hospitalization and day treatment program, and successfully led multiple care model transitions that have enhanced service delivery and financial sustainability. Under her leadership, Owatonna Hospital earned recognition in Newsweek’s “America’s Best-In-State Hospitals” list for 2024. Meanwhile, Faribault Medical Center received multiple American Heart Association “Get With The Guidelines” awards for stroke and diabetes care in 2024.
Michelle Joy. President and CEO of Carson Tahoe Health (Carson City, Nev.). Ms. Joy is responsible for leading a thriving independent community health system. The system consists of a 211-bed acute care hospital, 29-bed long term care hospital and a multispecialty provider group that serves 20 regional locations. She originally joined Tahoe Health in 2014 as COO. Since she took the helm of the health system, great strides have been made to strengthen the system’s culture of community, and recent employee engagement surveys have shown the best satisfaction ratings for executive leadership in over 10 years.
Laura S. Kaiser. President and CEO of SSM Health (St. Louis). Ms. Kaiser steers SSM Health towards accessible, value-based care across a sprawling system of 40,000 employees and 15,000 providers. Her leadership has driven innovations such as hospital care at home and recovery care at home, programs that have expanded patient-centered services beyond traditional sites. In 2024 alone, SSM Health’s population health programs supported over 190,000 patients, with 58% of its entire population now under alternative payment models focused on high-quality, cost-efficient care. Ms. Kaiser has also led strategic expansions in behavioral health services and AI-powered tools to reduce provider burnout and enhance care delivery. Recipient of Casa de Salud’s 2025 “Visionary Award”, she is nationally recognized for her inclusive culture-building and operational excellence.
Katrina Keefer. CEO of DCH Health System (Tuscaloosa, Ala.). Ms. Keefer has led a system turnaround since assuming the CEO role at DCH Health System in August 2022, achieving major improvements in patient safety, technology and staff retention. All three DCH hospitals earned a “B” grade from Leapfrog in 2024, as well as a level 9 “Digital Health Most Wired” designation for acute, ambulatory and long-term care. Ms. Keefer’s emphasis on transparency, recruitment and community engagement has helped reduce emergency department turnover from 30% to under 15%, while also decreasing the left-without-being-seen rate to below 3%. Patient volumes have grown by 10% year-over-year, accompanied by improved financial performance. She previously managed the academic health system at Augusta (Ga.) University Health, where she launched key services including a freestanding imaging center and air ambulance program. Today, she drives DCH forward through strong partnerships, talent development, and a commitment to healthcare innovation and equity.
Kathy Kelly. Market CEO of Kindred Hospitals of Chicago. In June 2024, Ms. Kelly was appointed market CEO of Kindred Hospitals of Chicago, where she oversees strategic planning, finances, operations and personnel for two specialty hospitals. Under her leadership, the hospitals, which collectively offer over 250 beds, provide long-term acute care and specialized rehabilitation to medically complex patients. In 2025, Ms. Kelly led an expansion of services and amenities, renovating floors to enhance patient care environments and facilitating business growth by developing relationships with referring hospitals, community leaders and local organizations. She has participated as a panelist at large healthcare meetings, discussing growth strategies for healthcare systems. She brings previous experience serving as vice president and health syste m executive at ICU Medical, where she led sales, business and strategy functions.
Marissa Kiefer. President of University Hospitals Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital and MacDonald Women’s Hospital (Cleveland). Ms. Kiefer serves as president of UH Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital, as well as UH MacDonald Women’s Hospital. She assumed her role in June 2025. Prior, her position as senior vice president and CEO of Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital involved improving operational outcomes across several service lines and overseeing a talented team of health professionals. Ms. Kiefer leverages a strategic approach honed by her more than 20 years of experience in the industry.
Sommer Kleweno Walley. CEO at UW Medicine Harborview Medical Center (Seattle). Ms. Kleweno Walley leads UW Medicine Harborview Medical Center, a public hospital owned by King County and managed by UW Medicine. With a mission to provide care to King County’s most vulnerable populations, the hospital has more than 5,000 employees and 540 inpatient beds. It is the only level 1 adult and pediatric trauma and burn center for Washington, Alaska, Idaho and Montana, and it provided $301 million in undercompensated care in fiscal year 2024. As part of the hospital’s strategic growth plan, Ms. Kleweno Walley is working closely with King County leadership on a $1.74 billion campus expansion that will add capacity for patient care via a new medical tower, as well as provide support for other essential programs and services. She is also working at the state level to solve the problem of “difficult-to-discharge” patients by creating a bed-readiness pilot program at post-acute care facilities. Ms. Kleweno Walley was appointed interim CEO in 2020 and CEO in 2021. She serves on both the Washington State Hospital Association board and the Trauma Center Association of America boards of directors.
Anne Klibanski, MD. President and CEO for Mass General Brigham (Somerville, Mass.). Dr. Klibanski is the first woman to serve as president and CEO at Mass General Brigham, the largest healthcare system and private employer in the state of Massachusetts. Appointed to her role in 2019, Dr. Klibanski has focused heavily on transformational shifts in how Mass General Brigham operates. These efforts have enabled Mass General Brigham to move from being a corporate holding company model, with individually managed hospitals and healthcare centers, to a truly integrated healthcare system with patients at its center. Dr. Klibanski has established enterprise clinical services to provide seamless integrated care, developed new digital platforms, has overseen increased investment in leading-edge research and leveraged the system’s $2.3 billion in annual research funding to help support the creation of more than 300 companies in various spaces from therapeutics to diagnostics and research.
Sonja LaBarbera. President and CEO of Gaylord Specialty Healthcare (Wallingford, Conn.). Since January 2019, Ms. LaBarbera has served as the first woman president and CEO in the 120-year history of Gaylord Specialty Healthcare. The health system is a nonprofit rehabilitation-focused system comprising a long term acute care hospital, a network of outpatient orthopedic and neurological rehabilitation clinics, a burgeoning research institute, a physical medicine and rehabilitation residency program, a center for education and one of largest adaptive sports programs in the Northeast. Ms. LaBarbera’s tenure as president has been marked by a number of successful initiatives aimed at expanding strategic programmatic growth, delivering exceptional clinical outcomes and patient satisfaction scores that exceed national benchmarks. One such success was the 2023 launch of The Institute for Advanced Rehabilitation, a hub for collaboration, innovation, investigation and education.
Brittany Lavis. Group CEO of Detroit Medical Center. Ms. Lavis, one of the nation’s youngest CEOs of a major health system, helms Detroit Medical Center. One of her primary goals is to reduce health disparities and enhance health outcomes. Prior, she served as group CFO at the medical center, then interim CEO. She was named permanent CEO in February 2022.
Tiffany Lawrence. President and CEO of Sanford Health Fargo (N.D.). Ms. Lawrence is responsible for overseeing North Dakota’s largest healthcare provider and employer, managing more than 10,200 employees. The network has clinics and critical access hospitals located in over 30 towns, ensuring that patients have access to primary and specialty care within their own community, thus reducing travel expenses and saving time. Ms. Lawrence works with her leadership team to help increase access to healthcare for these rural communities by opening new facilities, having specialty clinicians provide outreach services, adding virtual care options and more. She oversees and sets strategic goals for several primary and specialty facilities, as well as three acute care campuses. Ms. Lawrence has been with Sanford for 28 years, becoming president and CEO in March 2022. Since then, she has created a workplace culture that values recognition and open and honest communication. She also oversaw the merger with an independent orthopedic clinic in Grand Forks, N.D., the opening of a Roger Maris Cancer Center location at Perham Health, and the launch of the first medical clinic in Horace, N.D. She has held other leadership roles at Sanford, including vice president of finance.
Michelle LeBeau, RN. President of Alice Hyde Medical Center (Malone, N.Y.) and Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital (Burlington, Vt.). Ms. LeBeau leads Alice Hyde Medical Center, a 25-bed critical access hospital, and Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital, a 300-bed level 3 trauma center, both part of the Burlington-based University of Vermont Health Network. With both hospitals, she heads a combined workforce of 3,300 employees. Ms. LeBeau has transitioned Alice Hyde to critical access status and strengthened CVPH’s partnership with Clinton Community College by bringing nursing and emergency medical technicians programs on site. Beginning her career in bedside nursing, she advanced through multiple leadership roles, including as COO and CNO. She serves as a member of the Adirondack Health Institute, sits on the board of directors for the Development Corporation, and is part of the University of Vermont Children’s Hospital advisory committee. Recently, she earned Clinton Community College’s “Education Champion” award and helped establish a nursing scholarship.
Amy E. Lee. President and COO at Nantucket (Mass.) Cottage Hospital. Since joining Nantucket Cottage Hospital in 2022, Ms. Lee has led efforts to expand and improve access to care for island residents and visitors, while working to address the significant socioeconomic challenges for those who live and work on the island year-round. The hospital has increased access to care across more than 30 specialties on island through a combination of telehealth, in person visiting providers, and education and training of current on-island caregivers. Efforts to expedite care in the emergency department have resulted in a 15-minute door-to-provider time for patients, even during the busy tourist season when the island population swells to more than 80,000 people, up from 14,000 in the off-season. Under her leadership, the hospital has made strides to address the most critical need of its workforce and community: housing. In the past two years, the hospital has acquired or built 10 new housing units with 38 bedrooms with funds from the last capital campaign. In 2023, the organization hired a first-of-its kind housing coordinator who works directly with employees and recruits to help find housing solutions in the community. Prior to joining Nantucket Cottage Hospital, Ms. Lee served as COO and vice president at Central Maine Medical Group/Central Maine Healthcare.
Vicki Lewis. CEO of Coffee Regional Medical Center (Douglas, Ga.). Ms. Lewis joined Coffee Regional Medical Center as CEO in 2014, bringing more than 25 years of healthcare leadership experience to the role. She leads the 88-bed hospital, which delivers both emergency care and a range of nonemergent services. Prior to this, she served as the president of two acute care hospitals in Wisconsin, where she aimed to enhance patient experience and form a strong bond with the community.
Svetlana Lipyanskaya. CEO of NYC Health + Hospitals/South Brooklyn (N.Y.) Health. Ms. Lipyanskaya is the first woman to lead the executive team at NYC Health + Hospitals/South Brooklyn, successfully guiding the organization through Covid-19 challenges and recovery while spearheading the launch of a cutting-edge inpatient facility. Ms. Lipyanskaya secured critical funding for major infrastructure projects, reshaping healthcare access in the community. Her strategic vision emphasizes expanding comprehensive medical and behavioral ambulatory services, aligning with the NYC Health + Hospitals mission. Recognized for her transformative leadership, she has been named to City and State New York’s “Brooklyn Power 100” and was celebrated on the New York State Assembly floor. She is also deeply involved with The Healthcare Association of New York State.
Kim Lucero. CEO of Mt. San Rafael Hospital (Trinidad, Colo.). Ms. Lucero serves as CEO of Mt. San Rafael Hospital and Clinics, bringing a deep commitment to innovation, quality and community connection. She has reshaped the trajectory of the organization by ensuring sustainable growth, operational excellence and improved patient access. Under her leadership, Mt. San Rafael Hospital and Clinics was named one of the “Top 20 Critical Access Hospitals” in the nation for 2025 by the National Rural Health Association and ranked in the top five for overall performance among all rural hospitals in the U.S. These accolades reflect a sweeping elevation of services, strategy and patient outcomes during her tenure. The hospital was also named a “Top 100 Critical Access Hospital” by the Chartis Center for Rural Health in 2025. Ms. Lucero has spearheaded major advancements across the enterprise, including digital transformation, AI-driven clinical innovation, employee engagement and a long-range master facility plan to meet future community needs. Her leadership has also positioned the hospital as a model for cybersecurity readiness and care delivery in rural America.
Amanda Maggard. President and CEO of AdventHealth Celebration (Fla.). Ms. Maggard oversees AdventHealth Celebration, a 357-bed acute care hospital that draws patients from all 50 U.S. states and more than 50 countries. The surgical team at the facility’s Global Robotics Institute has performed more than 19,000 prostatectomy procedures, believed to be the most in the world. The hospital’s Nicholson Center trains surgeons from around the world in the latest technology and techniques. Nationally, AdventHealth Celebration has been recognized as one of “America’s 50 Best Hospitals” by Newsweek, in addition to earning recognition for 11 specialties. Ms. Maggard has nearly 20 years of experience working within the Altamonte Springs, Fla.-based AdventHealth system. Prior to joining the AdventHealth Celebration team, she served for six years as the CEO for AdventHealth Zephyrhills (Fla.) and AdventHealth Dade City (Fla.). Her background includes hospital operations, organizational development, patient experience, marketing and fundraising.
Marcia Manker. CEO of MemorialCare Orange Coast Medical Center (Fountain Valley, Calif.). Ms. Manker’s transformative, collaborative leadership approach and her partnerships with physicians, nurses, and clinical and support staff have helped MemorialCare Orange Coast Medical Center receive year-after-year multiple accolades from national and regional organizations. The hospital is continually voted as a “Best Hospital in Orange County” in an annual survey of The Orange County Register readers, and the Register also selected the hospital as a top workplace. U.S. News & World Report named Orange Coast Medical Center among its “Top Regional Hospitals” list, with recognition for high performance in 15 clinical categories and top honors for equitable access. Healthgrades recognized the hospital as well, with several 5-star ratings for clinical excellence. Other accolades include Magnet designation for nursing excellence. Under Ms. Manker’s leadership, the hospital developed several centers of excellence, including MemorialCare Heart & Vascular Institute, MemorialCare Cancer Institute and MemorialCare Breast Centers, among others. Ms. Manker was honored as “Woman of the Year” by California State Assembly and Soroptimist International, and was the Orange County Vietnamese American Lions Club “Business Leader of the Year”. She serves on the University of California, Irvine executive leadership council, the Paul Merage School of Business advisory board and the University of Southern California Sol Price School of Public Policy advisory board.
Mary Mannix. President and CEO of Augusta Health (Fishersville, Va.). Ms. Mannix has served as president and CEO of Augusta Health for over 16 years, transforming it into a nationally recognized, community-focused health system serving more than 300,000 people across Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley. Under her leadership, Augusta Health launched mobile neighborhood clinics in 17 underserved locations, partnered with the Durham, N.C.-based Duke Cancer Network and Rochester, Minn.-based Mayo Clinic Care Network, and developed a 250-provider multispecialty group alongside a Medicare-approved ACO with 410 integrated providers. She led the creation of a hospital-based organic farm to combat food insecurity and improve nutrition, and she strengthened population health efforts during the Covid-19 pandemic. In 2024, Augusta Health received both the CMS “Health Equity Award” and the American Hospital Association “Equity of Care Award” for its efforts in addressing health disparities. Her leadership continues to earn national honors, including a patient safety excellence recognition from Healthgrades and “A” grades from The Leapfrog Group since 2016.
Amy Mansue. President and CEO of Inspira Health (Mullica Hill, N.J.). Since taking the helm in 2020, Ms. Mansue has steered the $1.6 billion Inspira Health through a period of unprecedented growth, innovation and community investment. She oversaw over $300 million in capital expansions, including a five-story tower at the Mullica Hill campus, new autism diagnostic centers, and an expanded behavioral health footprint across South Jersey. Her leadership also brought community programs like the “Food Farmacy+” and a robust community health worker initiative to life, directly addressing social determinants of health. Ms. Mansue has prioritized AI integration, robotic-assisted surgery and workforce development, expanding residency programs and bringing vital services closer to home through high-profile partnerships with Camden, N.J.-based Cooper University Health Care and Philadelphia-based Bayada Home Health Care. She further extends her impact across the healthcare ecosystem through her policy influence and civic leadership.
Connie Martin. President and Chief Administrative Officer of Fort Loudoun Medical Center (Lenoir City, Tenn.). Since becoming president and CAO in 2022, Ms. Martin has propelled Fort Loudoun Medical Center into a new era of growth and excellence, including leading a major expansion that will add 26 critical care beds and broaden emergency services. Under her guidance, the hospital earned CMS 5-star ratings, six consecutive Leapfrog “A” grades, and multiple American Heart Association accolades. She has advanced innovative programs like the emergency room “call-ahead” service, making emergency care more patient-friendly and efficient for non-urgent cases. Ms. Martin is deeply engaged in local health education, offering scholarships and leading a community health speaker series. Her servant leadership approach blends operational savvy with genuine community advocacy, earning regional and national acclaim.
Patty Maysent. CEO of UC San Diego Health. Ms. Maysent is CEO of UC San Diego Health, which is the only academic health system in the region and includes UC San Diego Medical Center, Jacobs Medical Center, Sulpizio Cardiovascular Center, Moores Cancer Center, Shiley Eye Institute, Koman Family Outpatient Pavilion and more than 30 clinics throughout the area. As CEO, she is responsible for managing $3.6 billion in annual operating revenue and overseeing 14,000 team members. She is supervising the health system’s multifaceted, multibillion dollar growth and expansion plan.
Lori Mazanec. CEO for Box Butte General Hospital (Alliance, Neb.). Ms. Mazanec oversees the management of Box Butte General Hospital as a whole including the executive team, medical staff, Box Butte Health Foundation, organizational development team and human resources team. She leads a team of nearly 280 professionals and ensures that the hospital is involved in the support of the community, recruiting staff and growing the services the rural, critical access hospital provides. She led the hospital through the Covid-19 pandemic and even expanded services during.
Holly McCormack, DNP, RN. President and CEO of Cottage Hospital (Woodsville N.H.). Dr. McCormack leads Cottage Hospital with an unwavering dedication to rural healthcare, community partnership and clinical care delivery excellence. As CEO of a critical access hospital and the region’s only level 4 trauma center, she has ensured strong foundations for both growth and patient care innovation. Her leadership has earned recognition from the New Hampshire Hospital Association, spotlighting her ability to elevate small hospitals onto larger platforms. She actively participates in academic and local boards, reinforcing her commitment to workforce development and health equity. Known for her authenticity and community presence, she fosters a workplace culture rooted in integrity, teamwork and resilience.
Donna McGregor. President at St. Lawrence Health, Rochester (N.Y.) Regional Health. Ms. McGregor leads three hospitals, 2,165 employees, and a 234-member medical staff in St. Lawrence County in Northern New York. She joined St. Lawrence Health in 2020 as Chief Financial Officer and was promoted to President in 2022. An accomplished executive with extensive experience transforming rural health systems and achieving strategic growth, she has a strong track record of innovative accomplishments. These include implementing an electronic medical record system and securing more than $20 million in state and federal support to advance the new St. Lawrence Region Rural Health Strategy focused on expanding patient transportation, maternal child health, behavioral health outreach, primary care, and workforce development. Before her leadership in Rochester, Ms. McGregor served in executive leadership managing and growing complex healthcare organizations, including Health Quest, Putnam Hospital Center and Crystal Run Healthcare.
Cynthia K. McGuire. President and CEO of Monadnock Community Hospital (Peterborough, N.H.). Under Ms. McGuire’s leadership, the 25-bed Monadnock Community Hospital has expanded specialty services, including gastroenterology, rheumatology and cardiology, thus improving local care access for rural patients. She spearheaded the launch of an innovative mobile integrated healthcare program that delivers in-home support for chronically ill patients facing transportation or mobility barriers. Ms. McGuire led the hospital’s Community Health Needs Assessment, which resulted in strategic initiatives addressing mental health, primary care recruitment and social determinants of health. Her leadership has earned the hospital statewide recognition as a top women-led nonprofit and regional awards for hospital excellence, rural care innovation and women’s health.
Juli McWhorter. CEO of Willow Creek Women’s Hospital (Johnson, Ark.). Ms. McWhorter leads Arkansas’ only dedicated women’s hospital with a reputation for clinical innovation, safety and maternal care excellence. Under her leadership, Willow Creek Women’s Hospital became the first in the U.S. to earn vaginal birth after cesarean center of excellence status from the Maternal Safety Foundation and the first in the state to receive UNICEF’s baby-friendly designation. The hospital has maintained Joint Commission accreditation and has earned top rankings from Best of Northwest Arkansas and the Arkansas Governor’s “Quality Award”. Committed to her community even beyond the hospital walls, she is also involved with the March of Dimes and Jackson Graves Foundation.
Sonia Mehta, MD. Region II CEO, Corporate Chief Medical Officer and Chief Academic Officer of Prime Healthcare (Ontario, Calif.). Dr. Mehta provides leadership as regional CEO for the following Prime Healthcare hospitals: Lower Bucks Hospital, Roxborough Memorial Hospital, and Suburban Community Hospital in the greater Philadelphia area, St. Mary’s General Hospital, Saint Michael’s Medical Center and Saint Clare’s Health in the Greater Newark area and Landmark Medical Center and Rehabilitation Hospital in Rhode Island. In 2018 she led three of Prime Healthcare’s Pennsylvania hospitals that were named by Healthgrades as among the top five percent in the nation for patient safety excellence.
Jennifer Mendrzycki. President and CEO of TMC Health (Tucson, Ariz.). Ms. Mendrzychi oversees TMC Health, an integrated healthcare system that includes Tucson Medical Center, TMC Rincon, Benson Hospital and Northern Cochise County Hospital, as well as nearly 30 clinics and 40 specialty partnerships. Since taking the helm, she has driven major expansions such as the 2024 opening of TMC Rincon, a full-service acute care hospital serving southeast Tucson. Ms. Mendrzychi also led the development of the TMC Health Cancer Center in partnership with Arizona Oncology, enhancing access to comprehensive cancer care for over 18,000 patients. Additionally, she is managing a multi-phase renovation of Tucson Medical Center’s emergency departments to improve community service capacity. Prior to TMC, Ms. Mendrzychi was senior vice president and COO at St. Joseph’s Health in Paterson, N.J. She serves on multiple boards, including the Catholic University alumni board and American Heart Association “Go Red for Women” executive leadership team. Under her leadership, TMC Health has earned Forbes’ “America’s Best-In-State Employers” and multiple U.S. News & World Report recognitions.
Caitlin Miller, BSN, RN. President and Chief Hospital Executive for Hackensack Meridian Bayshore Medical Center (Holmdel, N.J.). Ms. Miller brings a dynamic, data-driven and team-empowering approach to her role at Bayshore Medical Center, where she has led transformational initiatives since stepping into the president and chief hospital executive position in 2023. With a career that began as a bedside nurse, she has risen through the ranks, now overseeing a 211-bed acute care hospital recognized for excellence in stroke, pulmonary, critical care and gastrointestinal services. Under her leadership, the hospital expanded orthopedic and surgical offerings, launched process improvement initiatives, and achieved certification across multiple clinical domains like health equity and palliative care. Ms. Miller prioritizes collaboration, transparency and mentorship, fostering a resilient workplace where innovation and compassion thrive. During her tenure, the hospital has earned repeated “A” grades from Leapfrog, multiple “Beacon Awards” from the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses, and prestigious Healthgrades and Joint Commission recognitions.
Susan Moffatt-Bruce, MD, PhD. President of Lahey Hospital & Medical Center (Burlington, Mass.). Dr. Moffatt-Bruce is president of Lahey Hospital & Medical Center, which is part of Beth Israel Lahey Health. She is responsible for leading all operational aspects of the century-old tertiary academic medical center, which is known for its clinic model of care, innovative technology, pioneering medical treatments and leading-edge research. Under her leadership, a dedicated team of more than 6,000 exceptional providers, nurses, staff and volunteers provides care to patients throughout the 334-bed hospital. Dr. Moffatt-Bruce is currently overseeing the implementation of a new hospital-at-home program, the expansion of its radiation oncology program, and advancements in cardiovascular, neurology and several other key service lines. She is also a professor of surgery at UMass Chan-Lahey School of Medicine and sits on the board of trustees for the Massachusetts Health & Hospital Association. In 2023, she was recognized for her contributions as a mentor, patient advocate and role model, earning the American Medical Association “Women Physicians Section Inspiration Award”.
Lori Morgan, MD. President and CEO of Huntington Hospital (Pasadena, Calif.). Dr. Morgan has served as the president and CEO of Huntington Hospital since 2017, bringing 30 years of experience in healthcare to the role. She has spent her career creating programs that best support patient care, fostering relationships with physicians and improving financial performance. Prior to joining Huntington Hospital, she served as corporate vice president of Portland, Ore.-based Legacy Health. Dr. Morgan was elected the 2023 board chair of the Hospital Association of Southern California.
Michele Morrison, RN. Interim President and Chief Hospital Executive of Hackensack Meridian JFK University Medical Center (Edison, N.J.). Ms. Morrison oversees daily operations and strategic growth of the 498-bed Hackensack Meridian JFK University Medical Center and its Neuroscience Institute. She joined the hospital in 2025 after serving as interim president at Hackensack Meridian Southern Ocean Medical Center in Stafford Township, N.J., where she led organizational redesign, business development and network collaboration. A nurse by training, Ms. Morrison has held roles including director of operations, risk manager and staff nurse. Known for her hands-on leadership and servant approach, she renewed her basic life support skills during the Covid-19 pandemic to support frontline care. Under her leadership, JFK Medical Center has achieved Magnet designation, multiple Joint Commission certifications, and numerous Healthgrades awards. She actively mentors healthcare leaders and teaches at Thomas Edison State University.
Sarah Naumowich. President of St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital and St. Joseph’s Women’s Hospital (Tampa, Fla.). Ms. Naumowich oversees the strategic direction and daily operations of both BayCare Health System specialty hospitals, which together have 319 beds, ensuring delivery of high-quality care while guiding women’s and children’s service lines across the BayCare system. Ms. Naumowich has led major expansion projects, including the development of a new state-of-the-art pediatric facility scheduled for completion by 2030, supported by a $50 million donation. She also played a key role in expanding the Ronald McDonald House on the St. Joseph’s campus, enhancing family support services. Under her leadership, St. Joseph’s Women’s Hospital maintains level 4 maternal care certification by The Joint Commission, while the children’s hospital operates a level 4 NICU accredited by Florida. With more than 20 years in healthcare, Ms. Naumowich established BayCare’s pediatric residency program and is a passionate advocate for pediatric health, inspired by her personal experience as a mother of a pediatric cancer survivor. She serves on the Children’s Board of Hillsborough County and as board chair for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s North Florida region.
Cheryl Nester Wolfe, MSN, RN. President and CEO of Salem Health Hospitals and Clinics (Salem, Ore.). Ms. Nester Wolfe has led Salem Health Hospitals and Clinics as president and CEO since 2015. The major health system comprises hospitals, clinics and outpatient services in Oregon’s mid-Willamette Valley. With a focus on improving workplace culture, she launched the “Harmful Words and Actions” initiative, which increased reported incidents of workplace violence by 38%, signaling trust in the reporting process and leading to a significant decrease in physical assault-related injuries. She also spearheaded a culture shift with the implementation of a professionalism initiative to promote respect and collaboration. Salem Health has excelled under her guidance, reducing the average length of stay from 6.07 to 4.80 days and saving $3.4 million since 2024. Additionally, the system has earned numerous awards, including Magnet recognition and top cardiovascular hospital rankings. Ms. Nester Wolfe has also expanded Salem Health’s community impact by serving on various boards, including the Hospital Association of Oregon.
Janice Nevin, MD. President and CEO of ChristianaCare (Wilmington, Del.). In 2014, Dr. Nevin was named president and CEO of ChristianaCare. Since then, she has helped the system launch its new data-driven care coordination platform, which guides the patients throughout the care journey while taking their social, behavioral and medical needs into consideration. She also played a key role in the development of eBrightHealth ACO. Dr. Nevin is committed to value-based care, population health and health equity.
Kelly Nierstedt. President of Orlando (Fla.) Health–Orlando Regional Medical Center and Senior Vice President of Orlando Health’s Orlando Region. Ms. Nierstedt leads Orlando Health Orlando Regional Medical Center, Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children, and Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women and Babies. Since joining Orlando Health in 2018, she has driven growth in nursing staff, achieved Magnet designations for all three hospitals, and led a 20% increase in patient census at Orlando Regional Medical Center. She is overseeing the development of a new $160 million children’s pavilion opening next year, as well as the launch of a solid organ transplant program planned for early 2026. Under her leadership, Winnie Palmer Hospital’s NICU is a national leader in caring for extremely premature infants. Ms. Nierstedt was named a 2023 “Woman of the Year” by Orlando Magazine and serves on the Florida Hospital Association board of trustees.
Tiffany Northern. President of Texas Health Hospital Frisco. Ms. Northern was named president of Texas Health Hospital Frisco in March 2024 after serving as interim president since December 2023, bringing more than 15 years of progressive healthcare leadership experience. Prior to this role, she was COO at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Dallas, where she led business development, physician alignment and strategic capital projects, including a $58 million renovation of the Margot Perot Center and a $150 million infrastructure modernization. She is also a fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives. Actively involved in community health, she serves on the executive leadership team for the American Heart Association’s “Go Red for Women” initiative and sits on the board of Abide Women’s Health Services Clinic in South Dallas. Before joining Texas Health, Ms. Northern served in senior operations roles at MedStar Health in Washington, D.C., and at Nashville, Tenn.-based HCA Healthcare.
Trish O’Keefe, PhD, RN. President of Morristown Medical Center and Senior Vice President and Chief Nurse Executive of Atlantic Health System (Morristown, N.J.). Dr. O’Keefe is the president of Morristown Medical Center and senior vice president and chief nurse executive for Atlantic Health System. She oversees the 820-bed, $1.2 billion net revenue hospital and leads over 6,000 team members and physicians. She is currently playing a key role in fundraising efforts for the hospital. She has been a compassionate servant leader for over 40 years and has led the organization in exceeding its financial, operational and clinical goals. She is a long-time member of the American Organization of Nurse Executives, the New Jersey Organization of Nurse Executives, and the Sigma Theta Tau International Nursing Honor Society.
Courtney Ophaug. CEO of Banner Estrella Medical Center (Phoenix). Named CEO in 2015 with a goal of providing the community with access to care close to home, Ms. Ophaug leads the 317-bed Banner Estrella Medical Center, which serves about 80,000 patients a year in its emergency department and delivers over 5,300 babies annually. Its robust women’s health program includes a level 3 high risk obstetric and neonatal service. The largest hospital in West Phoenix, it is undergoing a $35 million expansion that includes advanced, state-of-the-art surgical, cardiovascular and obstetrical care services. The ever-expanding cardiology program’s structural heart program includes transcatheter aortic valve replacement and is adding Watchman by year’s end. In collaboration with Banner Medical Group, Banner Estrella is launching a community cardiology and orthopedic practice, and in 2024 it added a robotic bronchoscopy program for early detection of lung cancer. The bariatric program remains certified by Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program, making Banner Estrella a destination for bariatric surgeries. In her 25 years with Banner Health, Ms. Ophaug has served in a variety of leadership roles, including as hospital administrator at other Banner Health medical centers. Ms. Ophaug also serves on the Arizona March of Dimes advisory board, is a board officer with WESTMARC and was named to the Grand Canyon University alumni hall of fame.
Karen Orr, RN, MSN. CEO of Providence Medical Center (Kansas City, Kan.). Ms. Orr is responsible for daily operations, growth and strategic initiatives at Providence Medical Center. Beginning her career as an entry-level nurse at Renton, Wash.-based Providence, Ms. Orr advanced through roles including oncology staff nurse, clinical supervisor, and operations and research specialist. She also held director positions in joint, spine, surgical acute care, education and palliative care. Known for her operational expertise and deep staff trust, Ms. Orr demonstrated compassionate leadership during the Covid-19 pandemic by launching the “butterfly project” to support families experiencing loss. Under her leadership, Providence Medical Center has earned Leapfrog patient safety “A” grades from 2019–25 and multiple Healthgrades awards, including “America’s 100 Best Hospitals for Orthopedic Surgery” in 2025 and awards for patient safety excellence.
Jill Ostrem. President of River Falls (Wis.) Area Hospital, United Hospital (St. Paul, Minn.) and United Hospital–Hastings (Minn.) Regina Campus). Ms. Ostrem brings over 30 years of leadership experience managing hospitals and clinics to her current role as president of three hospitals, all part of the Minneapolis-based Allina Health system. Ms. Ostrem oversees operations and strategic direction for these facilities, driving performance excellence and fostering collaborative partnerships with physicians to advance Allina Health’s mission of whole person care. Since assuming leadership, she has built strong, effective teams focused on delivering high-quality, patient-centered care and has a reputation for cultivating physician leadership. Under her guidance, River Falls Area Hospital has received multiple accolades, including a CMS 5-star inpatient experience rating, as well as recognition for patient safety and quality improvement. Ms. Ostrem previously served as president of Allina Health’s Mercy Hospital in Coon Rapids, Minn. and has held senior executive roles at several health systems including Fort Wayne, Ind.-based Parkview Health and Penn State University Hospital in Hershey, Pa.
Kathy Parrinello, RN, PhD. President and CEO of Strong Memorial and Highland Hospitals (Rochester, N.Y.). Dr. Parrinello brings a combination of clinical expertise and executive leadership to her role within the University of Rochester Medical Center. A former nurse, she leverages her bedside experience to guide strategic decisions that prioritize patient care while advancing systemwide operational excellence. Over her tenure, Dr. Parrinello has led transformative efforts to expand access through community-based programs and managed care integration across nine hospitals in the UR Medicine system. Her leadership has been central to Strong Memorial’s continued recognition, including Magnet Hospital recertification and multiple Joint Commission certifications for specialized care. Under Ms. Parrinello’s direction, the hospital consistently ranks as the region’s best and earned national recognition from U.S. News & World Report.
Malisha Patel. Senior Vice President and CEO of Memorial Hermann Southwest and Memorial Hermann Sugar Land Hospitals (Houston). Ms. Patel oversees strategic development and daily operations for both Memorial Hermann Southwest and Memorial Hermann Sugar Land, managing financial performance, budget planning, facility expansion and community partnerships. She led a financial turnaround at Memorial Hermann Southwest, reversing negative cash flow and executing a $25 million improvement plan that exceeded goals in its first year, while increasing fiscal year revenue by 16% at Sugar Land and 9% at Southwest. Under her leadership, Memorial Hermann Sugar Land’s operating margin quadrupled over four years, and both campuses consistently surpassed national benchmarks for employee and physician engagement. Ms. Patel also advanced clinical integration and access to care, opened the system’s first community resource center, and serves as executive sponsor for the women leaders mentoring committee, supporting over 800 mentees. Her leadership, guided by trust, empathy and accountability has earned her recognition as Houston Business Journal’s “Most Admired CEO” and other prestigious awards.
Rozanna Penney. President and CEO of Heywood Hospital (Gardner, Mass.). Ms. Penney oversees the community hospital’s strategic development, quality and patient safety initiatives, financial stewardship, medical staff relations and community health advocacy. She is recognized for steering the hospital through Chapter 11 restructuring, achieving operational turnaround with $14 million in annualized savings, and expanding key service lines like inpatient mental health and surgical volumes. Under her leadership, the hospital earned a 4-star CMS quality rating in 2024 and the highest quality performance score among managed care contracts. She champions health equity through programs like school-based telebehavioral health and the “Handle With Care” initiative for trauma-affected youth. As the first female CEO of Heywood and a Mass Hospital Association board member, Ms. Penney serves as a dedicated mentor advancing women in healthcare leadership and a community advocate addressing regional health disparities.
Amy Perry. President and CEO of Banner Health (Phoenix). Ms. Perry leads Banner Health, a fully integrated nonprofit health system with $16 billion in annual revenue, 33 hospitals and hundreds of outpatient centers served by 70,000 employees and affiliated physicians. In this role, she oversees academic medical centers, teaching, children’s, urban, suburban and rural hospitals, a 1.2-million-member health insurance division, clinical research, two employed physician groups, nursing registry and community health divisions. She promotes a unified “one team” approach and high reliability organizational model, rewarding teamwork and continuous improvement. Joining Banner in 2021 as president and moving to her current role in 2024, Ms. Perry led Banner in achieving a $4 billion increase in revenues over a two-year period. A $1 billion investment in technology leverages the monumental shift in AI and large data models to improve quality, efficiency, physician work-life balance and consumer satisfaction. For example, 100% of Banner-employed doctors are available for virtual visits. Under Ms. Perry’s leadership, Banner reported the nation’s lowest healthcare burnout levels for 2024, exceeding targets for retention and engagement by significantly reducing turnover, including a 41% year-over-year improvement in core RN and 22% all-employee voluntary turnover. In her 30-year career, she also held top leadership roles at Morristown, N.J.-based Atlantic Health System, Baltimore-based LifeBridge Health and Mount Sinai Medical Center in Miami.
Tammy Peterman, MS, RN. President of the Kansas City Division, Executive Vice President, COO and CNO for The University of Kansas Health System (Kansas City). From her earliest days as a bedside nurse to her current role as president of the Kansas City Division for The University of Kansas Health System, Ms. Peterman has dedicated her career to advocating for patients, acting as a role model in healthcare, leading nurses, and inspiring others to improve the health of our community. She is responsible for day-to-day operations of all hospitals, hospital-based clinics, and outpatient services for The University of Kansas Health System. She is foundational to the engagement and smooth operation of more than 17,000 employees across more than 140 locations.
Lindsey Petrini. CEO of Piedmont Newton Hospital (Atlanta). Ms. Petrini manages the 107-bed Piedmont Newton Hospital, a community hospital serving Newton County and surrounding areas. The hospital provides 24-hour emergency services, women’s services, a level 3 NICU and an intensivist-staffed ICU. Since becoming CEO in August 2023, Ms. Petrini has expanded the medical staff by adding 10 new providers, including specialists in gastroenterology, cardiology, general surgery, rheumatology, neurology and endocrinology, improving local access to care. Under her leadership, the NICU was upgraded from level 2 to level 3, allowing the hospital to care for critically ill newborns closer to home. Ms. Petrini also led renovations of the ICU to better accommodate patients requiring dialysis, and introduced advanced technology like surgical robotics for orthopedic procedures and a 3T MRI for enhanced imaging. Previously, she held leadership roles at Wellstar North Fulton Hospital in Roswell, Ga., including COO and interim president. She serves as president of the American College of Healthcare Executives of Georgia for 2025 and holds board positions supporting Newton County initiatives.
Cathy Pimple, DNP, MSN, RN. CEO of Newman Regional Health (Emporia, Kan.). Dr. Pimple has led Newman Regional Health with a focus on clinical excellence, workforce development and strategic innovation. Within her time at the organization, it has ranked in the 90th percentile nationally for SEP-1 compliance and launched a new pulmonary rehabilitation program to serve patients with chronic lung conditions. She championed a $500,000 investment in Emporia State University’s simulation hospital, strengthening both local nursing education and the hospital’s recruitment pipeline. In 2024, Newman Regional became the first hospital in the nation to implement the “RapidAlerts Direct” project. The hospital also earned Blue Distinction Centers status for maternity care from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas. Dr. Pimple supports a positive workplace culture through daily leadership huddles, the “DAISY award” program, and an annual staff recognition banquet. With more than 30 years in healthcare, she brings extensive expertise and vision to her dual roles as CEO and educator.
Tammy Powers, BSN. CEO of Sutter Roseville (Calif.) Medical Center. Ms. Powers leads Sutter Roseville Medical Center, an acute-care hospital featuring a level 2 trauma center, level 3 NICU, and one of the largest rehabilitation institutes in Northern California. Since becoming CEO, Ms. Powers expanded the hospital’s graduate medical education program, enhancing physician training for the Sacramento region while driving operational improvements that increased patient transfers and boosted staff retention, especially among first-year employees. She champions community engagement through board service and as 2025 Sacramento “Go Red for Women” chair, raising awareness for heart disease and stroke prevention. Ms. Powers also supports advanced clinical technologies, including a hybrid operating room and expanded surgical capabilities, enabling comprehensive care close to home.
Lori Rakes. CEO of Piedmont Cartersville (Ga.) Medical Center. Ms. Rakes manages the 139-bed Piedmont Cartersville Medical Center, a nonprofit acute care hospital featuring a level 3 trauma center, certified primary stroke center, level 2 NICU, and specialized centers including a breast imaging center and advanced wound healing center. Under her leadership, the hospital completed a major expansion in 2024, adding a fourth floor and doubling the size of its central sterile processing department, increasing licensed beds to 139. Since becoming CEO in 2023, Ms. Rakes has strengthened the leadership team by adding experienced executives to drive growth and service line development. Passionate about community service, she played a key role in bringing “Project Search” to Piedmont Cartersville, supporting employment opportunities for young people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. With over 27 years in healthcare and prior experience as COO, she emphasizes professional development and collaborative leadership to meet the growing healthcare demands of Bartow County.
Laura Ramos, MSN, RN. Chief Executive of Providence St. Jude Medical Center (Fullerton, Calif.). Ms. Ramos is the chief executive of Providence St. Jude Medical Center, a faith-based, not-for-profit hospital established nearly 70 years ago by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Orange. Known for her operational and clinical advancements, she assumed her current role in 2021. Prior, she served as the hospital’s COO, CNO and vice president of patient care services, leading the development of award-winning centers of excellence in areas ranging from neurosciences to orthopedics. She also built a Magnet-recognized nursing team that is a national leader in advanced education and certification. She is deeply committed to a values-rich work environment, as well as frontline-driven innovation and improvement.
Sheila Rankin. CEO at AdventHealth Kissimmee (Fla.). Ms. Rankin oversees the strategic direction for AdventHealth Kissimmee, which includes the Kissimmee hospital and the Partin Settlement emergency room. She is passionate about providing high-quality healthcare services for the community in Osceola County and has improved the hospital safety grade from Leapfrog “C” to “A”. During her tenure, the hospital experienced significant transformation. The footprint doubled, revenue tripled and operating margin grew by 500%. In 2025, Ms. Rankin’s growth-mindset and approach to developing access and networks of care has resulted in continued expansion of the hospital’s surgical footprint. AdventHealth is also extending services into an emerging market with the addition of an offsite emergency department in Poinciana. Ms. Rankin joined AdventHealth as an entry-level finance analyst and has honed her healthcare leadership skills over the last 20 years.
Smitha Ravipudi. CEO of USC Care (Los Angeles). Ms. Ravipudi is CEO of USC Care, Keck Medicine of USC’s network of physicians providing outpatient services and procedures. She is also CEO of Keck Medicine’s ambulatory care services. She is responsible for health system operations in regional outpatient locations, hospital-based clinics, Keck School of Medicine of USC department clinics, and outpatient joint-venture partnerships and community practices. In addition, she’s the inaugural chair of Keck Medicine’s diversity, equity and inclusion steering committee. She played a key role in the system achieving record performance in patient experience according to surveys. She successfully trained caregivers on policy, procedure and expectations while expanding a number of clinical programs. Prior to joining Keck Medicine, she was vice president of access and ambulatory operations at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles.
Denise Ray. CEO of Piedmont Mountainside Hospital (Jasper, Ga.) and CNO of Enterprise at Piedmont Healthcare (Atlanta). Since being named CEO of of Piedmont Mountainside Hospital in 2012, Ms. Ray has led the 76-bed acute-care community hospital to 19 consecutive “A” grades for quality, ranking it among the top third of U.S. hospitals according to publicly available data. Under her leadership, Piedmont Mountainside earned a 5-star rating from CMS in 2023 and opened a new 16-bed ICU in 2024, expanding its licensed beds to 76. Ms. Ray also oversees a freestanding emergency department in Ellijay, Ga., with plans to expand outpatient and specialty services in a new medical office building. She champions innovative workforce strategies, including flexible staffing models and a virtual nursing program that spans 17 hospitals. Her nurse residency program earned American Nurses Credentialing Center accreditation in 2025. Ms. Ray brings a strong record of operational and clinical leadership from her prior roles within the Piedmont system and the Chattanooga, Tenn.-based Erlanger Health System.
Michelle Riley-Brown. President and CEO of Children’s National Hospital (Washington, D.C.). Since July 2023, Ms. Riley-Brown has led one of the nation’s top-ranked pediatric hospitals and the only pediatric level 1 trauma center in the capital, overseeing a 323-bed acute care facility, rehabilitation services, and a broad network of primary and specialty care locations. Ms. Riley-Brown guides the Children’s National Research Institute and the Research and Innovation Campus, advancing National Institutes of Health-funded pediatric science. Under her leadership, the hospital has launched major quality and safety initiatives, achieved breakthroughs in gene therapy and brain tumor research, and expanded its regional presence with a new pediatric emergency department and ambulatory surgery center. She is the first woman and person of color to serve as CEO. Ms. Riley-Brown serves on multiple healthcare boards and was previously instrumental in developing two campuses for Houston-based Texas Children’s Hospital and the system’s pediatric service line, the largest pediatric primary care network in the nation.
Laura Robertson. CEO of Banner Desert Medical Center (Mesa, Ariz.), Banner Children’s at Banner Desert and Banner Ocotillo Medical Center (Chandler, Ariz.). Ms. Robertson became CEO of Banner Desert Medical Center in 2015, then CEO of Banner Children’s at Banner Desert in 2017. She is a master in guiding organizational change, and has helped improve the hospitals’ clinical program offerings and finances. Ms. Robertson first began working within Banner Health in 1988, working as a nurse. Since then, she’s served in various staff and management roles. She is also on the board of governors of the American College of Healthcare Executives.
Darlene Rodowicz. President and CEO of Berkshire Health System (Pittsfield, Mass.). Ms. Rodowicz brings decades of financial and operational expertise to her role as president and CEO of Berkshire Health Systems, where she leads a network of hospitals and clinics serving Western Massachusetts. In 2024, she oversaw the highly anticipated reopening of North Adams (Mass.) Regional Hospital, 10 years after its closure, revitalizing access to care for thousands and restoring essential services in a rural community. That same year, she launched the BHS Nurse Line, a community-facing initiative that offers real-time clinical guidance, helping patients navigate the healthcare system efficiently and appropriately. Focused on long-term sustainability, Ms. Rodowicz has championed a career pathway program that trained and onboarded over 140 healthcare professionals in 2023. She earned recognition from The Women’s Edge as one of Massachusetts’ most extraordinary women in healthcare for 2023.
Margaret Roley. CEO at South Baldwin Regional Medical Center (Foley, Ala.). Ms. Roley has led hospital initiatives that drive the quality of patient care at South Baldwin since 2006, first as CNO and since early 2022 as CEO. Known for leadership in spearheading significant developments and expansions, she embarked on an over $200 million hospital expansion project with a 2024 anticipated completion date. Her team of 1,200 employees and network of medical clinics had more than 409,000 encounters in its hospital, outpatient clinics and physician offices. In addition to two locations to access 24/7 emergency care, residents can access 22 outpatient access points. Under her leadership, South Baldwin has earned multiple Leapfrog “A” safety grades and CMS 4-star hospital ratings.
Joan Ross. President at Ascension Seton Hays (Kyle, Texas). Ms. Ross provides leadership for overall operations and financial stewardship of Ascension Seton. She has oversight of operational effectiveness, performance and strategic growth, including continued development of key programs such as cardiovascular care, trauma, women’s services and neurosciences. She has more than 37 years of leadership experience in healthcare operations, clinical programs, talent management and quality improvement in national organizations. She joined the system in 2020 as COO, helping the facility expand its OR, catheterization lab and lab services. Prior, she served as executive vice president and COO for St. Mary Medical Center in Langhorne, Pa.
Debra Rudquist. President and CEO of Amery (Wis.) Hospital and Clinics. Ms. Rudquist is the president and CEO of Amery Hospital and Clinics, a critical access hospital with an inpatient behavioral health unit and associated rural health clinics that deliver primary and specialty care. The hospital and clinics are under the umbrella of HealthPartners, a major healthcare system, but Ms. Rudquist makes sure to advocate for the importance and need for rural healthcare. She has spearheaded clinical and hospital improvements that expanded access to care and decreased patient costs. She is on the board of the Wisconsin Hospital Association as well.
Joanne Ruggiero, DNP. CEO of the Jackson Memorial Medical Center (Miami). As CEO of Jackson Memorial Medical Center, Dr. Ruggiero has oversight of Jackson Memorial Hospital, Holtz Children’s Hospital/The Women’s Hospital at Jackson Memorial, and Lynn Rehabilitation Center. She first joined the system in 2021. Under her leadership, the Women’s Hospital saw a 70% reduction in C-section rates and emergency services were enhanced. To address social determinants of health, Mrs. Ruggiero’s team has collaborated with the University of Miami Health System on a study investigating the impact of parental stress, exacerbated by social and economic inequities, on their children’s biological and psychological wellbeing.
Vicky Sabharwal. Vice President and CEO of Jackson Behavioral Health Hospital and Jackson Community Mental Health Center (Miami). Ms. Sabharwal is the vice president and CEO of Jackson Behavioral Health Hospital, which features 239 licensed beds, a crisis stabilization unit and a community mental health center. She has been working within the Jackson Health System for over 10 years and assumed her current role in 2022. Prior, she served as the CFO and COO for the hospital.
Candice L. Saunders. President and CEO of Wellstar Health System (Marietta, Ga.). Ms. Saunders is responsible for the strategic vision and direction of all aspects of Wellstar Health System’s delivery of care, operations, financial performance and community outreach. Her leadership extends to over 30,000 team members across 11 hospitals, more than 325 medical offices, 91 rehabilitation centers, 35 imaging centers, 18 urgent care locations, 11 cancer centers, five health parks, three inpatient hospice facilities and one retirement village. Under her leadership, the nonprofit community healthcare system has been nationally recognized for its personal, high-quality care, inclusive culture, and exceptional doctors and team members. Wellstar invests 100% of every dollar it makes into initiatives that create healthier communities.
Denise Schepici, MPH. President and Chief Operating Officer at Martha’s Vineyard (Mass.) Hospital. Ms. Schepici leads the 25-bed critical access facility located seven miles out to sea and accessible only by boat or air. The hospital cares for a year-round population of more than 20,000 that swells to well over 100,000 in the summer months. Under her leadership, the hospital has added more than 38 new clinical specialties to meet increasing demand and population growth, saving patients difficult travel off-island for care. Initiatives to expand access to primary care have resulted in more than 1,200 new patients in island practices, reducing what was once a 1,000-person waiting list. She has led a campaign to address the critical need for workforce housing which has nearly reached its goal of $22 million and a 48-unit. A 76-bedroom building is under construction and expected to open before the end of 2025, helping to alleviate the cost of living on an island featuring a median housing price of $1.5 million. The hospital also supports the island’s only skilled nursing facility, caring for 30 residents, and Ms. Schepici has led efforts to transition the facility to a new small home model with increased capacity to 66 beds.
Maureen Schneider, PhD, RN. President for Chilton Medical Center (Pompton Plains, N.J.) and Senior Vice President for Atlantic Health System (Morristown, N.J.). As president of the 250-bed Chilton Medical Center and senior vice president, Atlantic Health System, Dr. Schneider’s leadership allows the community hospital to provide innovative, personalized patient care to people of all ages. She maintains clinical, financial and operational responsibilities for all inpatient and outpatient units, as well as clinical services. Thanks in part to her stewardship, Chilton remains at the forefront of medicine in the state. She has dedicated her career to advancing healthcare and leading her team of caregivers with a patient-centered vision. She holds an adjunct faculty position at Seton Hall University and is an author, coach, presenter and mentor.
Marilyn Schock. President of UCHealth Greeley (Colo.) Hospital. As the president of UCHealth Greeley Hospital in Greeley, Colo., Ms. Schock drives goals for outstanding patient care, service excellence, quality clinical outcomes, market share maintenance, expansion, operational results and financial integrity. Under her leadership, Greeley Hospital has grown to become a vital resource in the community with its wide range of treatments and services. It serves as a key part of the UCHealth system which employs more than 30,000 people at 12 full-service hospitals with 150 owned and affiliated clinics serving patients in Colorado, Wyoming and Nebraska.
Christine Schuster, RN. President and CEO of Emerson Health (Concord, Mass.). Ms. Schuster, the longest-sitting female hospital CEO in Massachusetts, has transformed Emerson Health into a top-performing independent community hospital with consistent CMS 5-star ratings and The Leapfrog Group “Top General Hospital” accolades. Her career journey led her from ICU nurse to CEO, fostering a leadership philosophy rooted in equity and strategic clarity. She has expanded clinical education pipelines, launched workforce programs for new graduates and high schoolers, and addressed clinician shortages by growing specialized training tracks. Ms. Schuster also founded a mentorship initiative for women in healthcare and serves as a national advocate through the Massachusetts Health & Hospital Association and the International Women’s Forum. Emerson Health’s financial sustainability, workforce retention and clinical innovation are all reflections of her enduring leadership and vision.
Stephanie Schwartz. President of Overlook Medical Center (Summit, N.J.) and Senior Vice President of Atlantic Health System (Morristown, N.J.). Ms. Schwartz is president of Overlook Medical Center, a 513-bed hospital located in Summit, NJ, serving Union County and surrounding communities. Overlook has more than 3,800 employees and more than 1,900 physicians. The medical center performed more brain tumor surgeries than any other N.J. hospital and is home to the first state-designated comprehensive stroke center. Under her leadership, the center has made multiple upgrades such as the Bouras Emergency Department and the Hersh Children’s Center.
Annette Seabrook. Vice President, Orlando (Fla.) Health and President of Orlando Health Advanced Rehabilitation Institute. Ms. Seabrook, in fewer than three years with Orlando Health, has led the Orlando Health Advanced Rehabilitation Institute to national recognition for clinical excellence and workplace culture. Under her leadership, the institute has earned designation by Newsweek as one of America’s best physical rehabilitation facilities for two consecutive years and ranks in the top 15% nationally by U.S. News & World Report. The facility recently received the highest-level reaccreditation from the Commission for Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities in multiple specialties, including spinal cord injury, stroke, brain injury and adolescent rehabilitation. She helped expand the scope of services through a key partnership with Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children, enabling care for patients as young as eight years old. She also oversaw the institute’s transition to a freestanding hospital, fostering a unique organizational identity and culture that has propelled employee engagement to the top quartile systemwide.
Rebecca Segal. President and CEO of Fauquier Health (Warrenton, Va.). As Ms. Segal stepped into Fauquier Health as CEO in 2022, the 97-bed hospital faced a range of challenges that she quickly prioritized. Alongside operational leaders, she implemented targeted clinical quality programs that led to a dramatic drop in preventable harms, patient falls and pressure injuries. Her efforts also saw a 30% increase in employee engagement scores. Fauquier Health achieved back-to-back “A” hospital safety grades from The Leapfrog Group in 2024, following a prior “D” rating. That same year, the hospital was named a “Top General Hospital” by Leapfrog, making it Virginia’s only recipient. Ms. Segal’s transformative approach led her to be honored with Brentwood, Tenn.-based Lifepoint Health’s prestigious “Fleetwood Award” in 2025.
Marie Sandra Severe, PhD. Senior Vice President and CEO of Jackson North Medical Center (North Miami Beach, Fla.). Dr. Severe is the senior vice president and CEO of the 382-bed Jackson North Medical Center, where she focuses on expanding access to care and crafting a strategy to address community needs. She began her career at Jackson Health System in 2014 and has since held a number of positions within the system. Before assuming her current role, she was COO of the system’s 1,547-bed flagship Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami.
Lisa Shannon. President and CEO of Allina Health (Minneapolis). Since January 2022, Ms. Shannon has led Allina Health, a system where more than 27,000 employees operate over 90 clinics and 12 hospitals. She has driven population health strategies emphasizing value-based care, expanded home hospital and virtual care programs, and partnered with population health company Navvis to optimize patient flow, reduce hospital length of stay and increase capacity. Under her leadership, Allina Health has committed to shifting spending toward diverse local businesses, fueling economic sustainability and advancing equity. The system also launched the Center for Provider Well-Being, earning recognition from ALL IN: Wellbeing First for Healthcare as a “Wellbeing First Champion” for 2024. Ms. Shannon directs the organization’s climate action plan, aiming for a 50% greenhouse gas reduction by 2030 and net zero emissions by 2050. She holds a term on the American Hospital Association board of trustees and was honored on Twin Cities Business Magazine‘s “100 People to Know” list in 2022.
Amy Shlossman. Senior Vice President of LifeBridge Health (Baltimore) and President and COO at Sinai Hospital of Baltimore and Grace Medical Center. Ms. Shlossman oversees all aspects and management of Sinai and its 5,000-plus employees. She is leading Sinai in continuing its 150-year legacy of providing compassionate care to the community, while also offering world-class centers of excellence in several specialties, including cardiovascular, orthopedic, cancer and neurological care, including the nationally-renowned Sinai Children’s Hospital. She is leading and overseeing the renovation and expansion of Sinai Hospital’s emergency department, more than doubling the size of its footprint as part of a multi-faceted modernization plan. Ms. Shlossman is also expanding on a unique partnership with the George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences to create a Regional Medical Campus at Sinai. She is playing a key role in leading the development efforts for and construction of a new outpatient cancer building. Ms. Shlossman also serves as senior vice president of LifeBridge Health, boasting a team of more than 13,000, $2.2 million in annual revenue, and five community hospitals. She also leads Grace Medical Center, which LifeBridge acquired in 2019. She is a key part of the final phase of an $85 million transformation at Grace Medical Center. In addition, she leads LifeBridge Health’s Center for Hope, which is based at Sinai’s expanded campus.
Kathleen Silard, MSN, RN. President and CEO of Stamford (Conn.) Health. Ms. Silard is the president and CEO of Stamford Health, where she oversees the 305-bed acute care hospital, the Stamford Health Medical Group, a large ambulatory network and the Foundation for Stamford Health. She is tasked with high-level strategy creation and execution, operational decision making, financial management and human resources. In recent years, she has overseen the complete renovation and reimagining of Stamford Health’s Whittingham Pavilion, where services for women and children are centralized, as well as the creation of a new strategic plan for behavioral health services. Before assuming the system president and CEO position, she was the executive vice president and COO for Stamford Hospital since 2003.
Erika Skula. President and CEO of AdventHealth Ocala (Fla.). Ms. Skula leads AdventHealth Ocala with oversight of capital investments, service line growth and quality outcomes. She has strengthened financial performance while expanding access to care, including the recent opening of a 60,000-square-foot medical office building housing key specialties. She also advanced workforce development with a $3 million investment in scholarships and equipment at the College of Central Florida, helping address the region’s health care needs and building a strong pipeline of clinical talent.
Tonya Sosebee, MSN, RN. President and CNO at Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Azle. Ms. Sosebee serves as president and CNO at Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Azle. As a key member of the entity leadership team, she was responsible for leading Reliable Care BlueprintingTM initiatives both locally and at the system level, and actively participates in workforce planning to ensure efficient staffing levels in all departments. She brings more than 30 years of nursing experience, including 24 years in leadership roles. Ms. Sosebee began her career as a staff nurse at Cook Children’s Healthcare System in Fort Worth, Texas. She joined Texas Health Azle in 2013 as the director of the medical-surgical and ICU and more recently, served as associate CNO.
Deanna Sperling, RN. President and CEO of RWJBarnabas Health Behavioral Health Center (Toms River, N.J.). Ms. Sperling is president and CEO of RWJBarnabas Health Behavioral Health Center, an RWJBH facility that provides a full continuum of behavioral health care services and is a leader in mental health treatment in New Jersey. The Behavioral Health Center is a 100-bed freestanding psychiatric facility offering inpatient and outpatient services. Under her leadership, the system’s behavioral health services place an emphasis on training staff to deliver trauma-informed care and treatment. Ms. Sperling is responsible for bridging the gap between behavioral health and non-behavioral health services, noting that behavioral health plays a role in many health conditions. She has fought to incorporate a behavioral healthcare approach as soon as an individual enters the emergency room in any system hospital in order to achieve better outcomes.
Johnese Spisso. President and Associate Vice Chancellor of UCLA Health, CEO at UCLA Hospital System (Los Angeles). Ms. Spisso is the first woman to lead the UCLA Hospital System, UCLA Health’s clinical enterprise and academic health system. Under her leadership, UCLA Health’s hospitals consistently appear on the U.S. News & World Report honor roll of the nation’s best hospitals. She oversees all operations and regional outreach for four hospitals, a faculty practice group and over 270 primary and specialty care clinics. Since she assumed the role in 2016, UCLA Health has added over 100 clinics and taken multiple key steps to enhance patient access. She led collaborations with the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health to expand Medi-Cal coverage for hospitalized psychiatric patients to all ages. In 2021, UCLA Health acquired a closed hospital and is converting it into a state-of-the art neuropsychiatric hospital to expand psychiatric bed capacity by 60%. UCLA Health Homeless Healthcare Collaborative, which she helped launch in 2022, recorded 6,000 encounters its first year and received a $25.3 million state grant to expand coordination with other organizations. Ms. Spisso’s numerous accolades include Los Angeles Business Journal “CEO of the Year” and Partners in Care Foundation “Award for Vision & Excellence in Healthcare Leadership” for 2023.
Julie Sprengel. President and CEO of CommonSpirit, California Region (Glendale). Ms. Sprengel is the president and CEO for CommonSpirit Health’s California Region, providing executive leadership to healthcare delivery systems spanning 650 miles statewide. She oversees nearly 40,000 dedicated employees and 10,000 physicians, encompassing 31 acute-care hospitals, a dozen graduate medical education programs, and hundreds of ambulatory care sites. She helped pave the way for historic partnerships with Charles R. Drew University School of Medicine and Science, where she serves on the executive board and she was recently appointed secretary and treasurer on the executive board of trustees for the California Hospital Association.
Caitlin Beck Stella. CEO of Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital (Hollywood, Fla.). Ms. Stella, whose chief career focus is children’s healthcare, joined Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital as CEO in 2018 with the goal of aiding the hospital in its growth. Prior to this role, she served as chief administrative officer for UC Los Angeles Mattel Children’s Hospital and Women’s Health. There, she created a systemic approach for the expansion of Southern California’s children’s health services and developed the “Everyday Wish Fund” at Mattel, which grants daily wishes to children at the hospital.
Pam Stewart. CEO of Washington County Regional Medical Center (Sandersville, Ga.). Ms. Stewart, a lifelong advocate for rural healthcare, brings professionalism and resilience to her role as CEO of Washington County Regional Medical Center, a 56-bed hospital with a 60-bed extended care facility and multiple clinics. A second-generation hospital employee, she first began her career there in 1992. After holding various roles, she pursued an opportunity with The Joint Commission, then returned to the medical center in 2023 wielding national experience and a commitment to revitalizing her hometown facility. She led the hospital’s turnaround efforts by breaking ground on a new emergency department, expanding access through specialty providers and modernizing equipment, including the installation of a new MRI machine. Ms. Stewart’s leadership has also focused on rebuilding internal culture. A brain cancer survivor, she founded the Pam Stewart Cancer Foundation to support others facing glioblastoma.
Cindy Ann Stout, DNP, RN. President and CEO of El Paso (Texas) Children’s Hospital. Dr. Stout is responsible for the operations, budget, development, and strategy for the 122-bed nonprofit El Paso Children’s Hospital. She played a key role in bringing specialized pediatric care to the region, where it was once typical to travel out of town to receive treatment. She has more than 25 years of experience in healthcare environments and is past chairman for the Children’s Hospital Association of Texas Board of Directors. In 2023, she was named one of El Paso Inc.‘s “Women of Impact”.
Debbie Streier. Regional President and CEO of Avera Marshall (Minn.) Regional Medical Center. Following a national search, Ms. Streier was named regional president and CEO for Avera Marshall Regional Medical Center in February 2021. She is also responsible for leading Avera Tyler (Minn.) and Avera Granite Falls (Minn.) Health Center. Ms. Streier was chosen for her ability to synthesize the system’s mission into strategic plans, form beneficial relationships and compile talented teams. Prior to her current role, she served in operations at Avera St. Luke’s in Aberdeen, S.D.
Robyn H. Strosaker, MD. Market President for University Hospitals (Cleveland). Dr. Strosaker leads five hospitals and multiple ambulatory sites within University Hospitals, overseeing a multi-million-dollar operational portfolio with a clear focus on care integration and strategic realignment. She executed a $210 million transformation to improve profitability, operational efficiency and care quality across the system, creating regional centers of excellence in cardiology, trauma, ICU and cancer care. Notable innovations include launching 24/7 critical care provider models and telemedicine inpatient consult programs that bring high-acuity services closer to underserved communities. Dr. Strosaker’s initiatives have strengthened patient access, reduced length of stay and improved satisfaction systemwide. A pediatrician by training and former Covid-19 operations lead, she brings clinical insight and executive vision to all her decisions.
Debra F. Sukin, PhD. President and CEO of Texas Children’s Hospital (Houston). Dr. Sukin leads Texas Children’s Hospital, bringing over 25 years of healthcare experience to her role as president and CEO of one of the largest pediatric and women’s health systems in the nation. She has overseen the opening of a new campus in North Austin, Texas and launched a historic collaboration with Houston-based MD Anderson Cancer Center to establish a world-class pediatric oncology center by 2026. Her leadership advances Texas Children’s mission to deliver uncompromising care regardless of patients’ ability to pay, while championing translational research, digital innovation and global partnerships. Under her guidance, all 10 specialties at Texas Children’s ranked in the top 10 nationally by U.S. News & World Report in 2024, including earning the No. 1 spot for cardiology and nephrology. A native Houstonian with deep personal ties to the hospital’s legacy, Dr. Sukin is also a respected national voice on maternal and child health policy.
Pamela Sutton-Wallace. President of Yale New Haven (Conn.) Health. Ms. Sutton-Wallace serves as president of Yale New Haven Health, where she leads the operations and enterprise strategy of the five-hospital academic health system. She has been instrumental in aligning clinical operations with Yale School of Medicine, driving the system’s first-ever joint strategic plan. She also leads the ambitious “Strengthening our CORE” initiative, which aims to optimize resources and improve care delivery. Ms. Sutton-Wallace co-leads “Access 365”, a patient-focused strategy improving scheduling, access and care navigation across the system. She is a nationally recognized advocate for women in leadership, mentoring more than a dozen women at any given time and speaking frequently on authentic leadership, career strategy, and balancing personal and professional priorities. Prior to her current role, she held senior leadership positions at NewYork-Presbyterian in New York City, UVA Medical Center in Charlottesville, Va., and Duke University Health System in Durham, N.C. Ms. Sutton-Wallace also serves on the board of the Carol Emmott Foundation, continuing her work to advance equity in healthcare leadership.
Jennifer Swenson. President and CEO of Adventist Health Simi Valley (Calif.). Ms. Swenson is the president of Adventist Health Simi Valley, a role she has held since 2015. She is focused on growing high-quality services while maintaining safety, a goal she is accomplishing by attracting dedicated physicians and healthcare partners to the hospital. Thanks to her efforts, the hospital achieved its first Leapfrog “A” grade in 2019. Ms. Swenson is a member of the Simi Valley Chamber of Commerce, the Gold Coast Health Plan Commission, the California Hospital Association, the Noontime Rotary Club of Simi Valley, and the American College of Healthcare Executives.
Lisa Tank, MD. President and Chief Hospital Executive of Hackensack Meridian Hackensack (N.J.) University Medical Center. Dr. Tank leads the 803-bed academic flagship hospital of the Hackensack Meridian Health system, focusing on patient safety, quality, growth, innovation, finance and team experience. Dr. Tank has over 20 years of clinical and operational leadership, building high-performing teams and advancing the hospital as a leader in healthcare delivery. Under her direction, the medical center earned New Jersey’s No. 1 adult and children’s hospital rankings, by U.S. News & World Report, a CMS 5-star rating, and an “A” grade from The Leapfrog Group. She also serves as associate professor at Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine and assistant professor at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School. Dr. Tank is a board-certified geriatrician and fellow of the American College of Physicians. She also serves on several boards including the Visiting Home Services of New Jersey. Previously, she held senior leadership roles at Hackensack University Medical Center including acting president, senior vice president and chief medical officer.
Sarah Teaff, PhD. CEO of Patterson Health Center (Anthony, Kan.). In her role as CEO of Patterson Health Center, Dr. Teaff ensures quality, affordable and consistent patient care delivery. She is a staunch advocate for patient safety. She is a fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives.
Traci Thibodeaux. CEO and COO of Beauregard Health System (DeRidder, La.). Ms. Thibodeaux oversees strategic initiatives to improve healthcare access and wellness in Beauregard Parish. Since becoming CEO of Beauregard Health System in 2021, she has led expansions including a new emergency department and women’s health center renovation, with completion expected in 2025. Ms. Thibodeaux has enhanced services by launching chronic care management, reinstating 24/7 cardiovascular care, recruiting providers and establishing new clinics, including a cardiology center. She helped the system earn consecutive 5-star CMS hospital ratings, one of just six in Louisiana. A certified rural hospital CEO and medical practice executive, she serves as southwest district trustee for the Louisiana Hospital Association. She has also previously served as COO of Beauregard Health System.
Nicole Thomas. Hospital President of Baptist Medical Center Jacksonville (Fla.). Since September 2021, Ms. Thomas has served as hospital president of Baptist Medical Center Jacksonville, where she is responsible for the operational and strategic direction of the 513-bed hospital. She has been recognized for her leadership many times, including being named a “Woman of Vision” by Girls Inc. and a “Woman of Distinction” by the Northeast Florida Girl Scout Council. Ms. Thomas first joined Baptist Health in 2011 and became president of Baptist Medical Center South in 2016, making her the first woman and first African American to lead a Baptist Health hospital. She serves on the board of the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta and is a fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives.
Linda Thorpe. CEO of East Morgan County Hospital (Phoenix). Ms. Thorpe accepted the role of CEO for Banner Health’s East Morgan County Hospital in 2012. However, she has been working with Banner Health for much longer, having initially joined in 1992. She began serving as CFO in 2003, and has played a key role in the facility’s decision making process throughout the years. In her CEO role, she places emphasis on relationship development amongst patients, providers and community stakeholders.
Amanda Thrash. President of Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Allen. Ms. Thrash serves as president of Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Allen, where she oversees operations for the 88-bed facility serving one of the fastest-growing communities in Texas. Since her promotion to president in July 2022, she has driven significant improvements in quality and financial performance, earning high scores in clinical indicators, mortality and patient satisfaction, including a 90th percentile rating on Press Ganey surveys. Known for her servant leadership style, Ms. Thrash is widely regarded as an approachable, mission-driven executive who prioritizes meaningful staff engagement and community responsiveness. She has led major expansions in cardiovascular and sports medicine services, delivering top-quartile results in patient outcomes and employee engagement. Previously, she served as vice president of professional and support services at Texas Health Plano, where she directed pandemic response operations and achieved double-digit growth across surgical and robotic programs. Ms. Thrash was honored as “Young Healthcare Executive of the Year” by the Dallas-Fort Worth Hospital Council in 2023.
Roberta Tinch. President of Inova Mount Vernon Hospital and Vice President and Administrator of Inova Musculoskeletal Service Line (Falls Church, Va.). Ms. Tinch is an accomplished healthcare executive with more than 15 years of experience leading hospital operations and employee relations. She currently oversees a 237-bed hospital and all of Inova’s orthopedic and rehabilitation services. Under Ms. Tinch’s leadership, her hospital earned accolades including a 5-star rating from CMS and an “A” Leapfrog hospital safety grade. Ms. Tinch has guided the hospital through an overhaul of its physician program, transitioning the facility’s clinical care model, spearheading facility expansions and adaptation of new technologies and treatment modalities and more. She has served as vice chair of Families Forward of Virginia’s board and finance committee, an organization dedicated to disrupting the cycles of child abuse, neglect and poverty, since 2020.
Dawn Trompeter. Associate Region CEO, Western Region at OSF HealthCare (Peoria, Ill.) and President of OSF HealthCare Saint Elizabeth Medical Center (Peru and Ottawa, Ill.). Ms. Trompeter became associate CEO of the Western Region for OSF in 2025, in addition to continuing in her role as president of OSF HealthCare Saint Elizabeth Medical Center with campuses in Peru and Ottawa, Ill. Her leadership was pivotal during a time of community need, as she led the rapid expansion of emergency and outpatient services following the unexpected closure of a local hospital in Peru. Under her direction, OSF swiftly introduced accessible care options, including urgent care, primary care, digital care, OB/GYN, occupational health and rehabilitation services. Her work has directly contributed to OSF Saint Elizabeth being named one of the 2025 “Top 100 Rural & Community Hospitals” by The Chartis Center for Rural Health, recognizing its excellence in performance and patient care. In fiscal year 2024, the two campuses employed nearly 800, served over 82,000 patients, and recorded more than 40,000 emergency department visits.
Kari Vargas. CEO of AdventHealth Winter Garden and AdventHealth Central Florida Division’s Northwest Market (Altamonte Springs, Fla.). Ms. Vargas is responsible for the operations of AdventHealth Winter Garden, as well as the strategic vision and oversight of system operations in the northwest market, which includes hospitals and ERs in Apopka, Altamonte Springs, Clermont and Lake Mary. Ms. Vargas directs AdventHealth’s growth strategy in these rapidly growing markets with more than $400 million in investments in the last year. Under her leadership, AdventHealth is also building new facilities in Minneola and Orlando’s Millenia community. Her expertise in business development and physician relations has been pivotal to the system expanding access, specialty services, and inpatient and outpatient care to burgeoning regions. Ms. Vargas’ passion for community health extends to her volunteer roles with the Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida, Foundation for a Healthier West Orange and the American Heart Association.
Prathibha Varkey, MBBS. President of Mayo Clinic Health System (Rochester, Minn.). Dr. Varkey leads a vast network of 16 hospitals and 45 clinics across 39 predominantly rural communities in Minnesota and Wisconsin, guiding over 13,000 employees with a vision of transforming Mayo Clinic Health System into a “category-of-one” rural health leader. She has overseen major facility expansions in Mankato, Minn. and La Crosse, Wis., integrating advanced digital and telehealth solutions to enhance access and patient experience. Under her leadership, Mayo Clinic Health System launched an integrated command center and unified operations across sites, improving responsiveness and care coordination. Her focus on workforce development has led to partnerships that trained 739 allied health professionals and strengthened top-ranked residency programs. Dr. Varkey also champions rural research and innovation, securing extramural grants and launching community symposia to tackle rural health challenges collaboratively.
Deborah Visconi. President and CEO of Bergen New Bridge Medical Center (Paramus, N.J.). Ms. Visconi leads New Jersey’s largest hospital and the state’s most comprehensive safety-net facility, overseeing all operations across Bergen New Bridge Medical Center’s 1,070 beds, including acute care, behavioral health, long-term care and outpatient services. Since 2017, Ms. Visconi transformed the medical center into a community destination hospital, expanding outpatient services, diversifying the payer mix and establishing contracts with managed care companies to improve access for underserved populations. She advanced integration of behavioral and primary care, launched Northern New Jersey’s first LGBTQ+ wellness center, and secured designation as a veterans community care provider. Under her leadership, Bergen New Bridge earned Leapfrog’s highest “A” grade safety rating and disease-specific certification in depression care from The Joint Commission. Ms. Visconi’s career trajectory has taken her from phlebotomist to CEO.
Elizabeth Wako, MD. President and CEO of Swedish Health Services (Seattle). Dr. Wako, president and CEO of Swedish Health Services, is the first woman and first African American to lead the organization since its founding almost 114 years ago. She brings 30 years of healthcare experience to the role, having begun her career as a psychiatric nurse before attending medical school, completing an anesthesiology residency and finishing a fellowship in perioperative medicine. She has held several executive positions since joining Swedish in 2011, and was most recently chief executive of Providence Swedish’s Central Service Area. Her most recent accomplishment is obtaining approval for and beginning the largest expansion project in Swedish’s history, a new 12-story hospital building expected to open in fall 2027.
Annette M. Walker. President of City of Hope Orange County (Irvine, Calif.). Ms. Walker is the driving force behind City of Hope’s $1.5 billion expansion in Orange County, establishing the region’s only dedicated cancer hospital and most advanced comprehensive cancer center. Under her leadership, the institution has delivered highly specialized, research-driven care to more than 37,000 patients, bringing cutting-edge treatments like CAR T-cell therapy and over 700 cancer-focused clinical trials directly into the community. She successfully launched the Lennar Foundation Cancer Center in 2022 on time and within budget despite pandemic-related challenges, redefining academic cancer care accessibility. Ms. Walker’s nationally recognized strategic innovation includes landmark partnerships and the mentorship of hundreds of rising healthcare professionals. Her transformational efforts have positioned City of Hope Orange County as a national model of integrated, community-anchored oncology excellence.
Beth Walker. CEO of Ochsner Medical Center–New Orleans. As the first woman to lead Ochsner Medical Center –New Orleans, Ms. Walker oversees the more than 1,000 providers and 8,000 employees at the hospital’s 1,000-plus bed flagship location. Ms. Walker has consistently advanced patient outcomes, team culture and operational efficiency across every facility. Under her leadership, the hospital has maintained a 13-year streak on the U.S. News & World Report’s “Best Hospitals” list, consistently earning rankings as Louisiana’s top hospital and as a leader in complex care areas like stroke and colon cancer surgery. A fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives, Ms. Walker has also completed the GE Health Management Academy fellowship and has earned multiple accolades from national and local media. Her previous roles include serving as COO at her current place of work and as CEO of Ochsner Baptist.
Jennifer Wandersleben. Regional CEO of AdventHealth West Florida Division (Tampa). Ms. Wandersleben is the regional CEO of AdventHealth West Florida Division. Since December 2021, she has been responsible for the oversight of 10 hospitals, four off-site emergency departments, and an outpatient network. She leads with a strong focus on clinical excellence, safety, and collaboration. Her visionary leadership approach has resulted in strong strategic partnerships, the development of a pipeline of clinicians, and the expansion of services, including securing capital to build new emergency departments.
Lydia Watson, MD. President and CEO of MyMichigan Health (Midland, Mich.). Dr. Watson assumed the role of president and CEO of MyMichigan Health at the end of 2022, transitioning from her previous role as senior vice president and chief medical officer. She has held various positions with MyMichigan Health, including chief quality and patient safety officer, chief of staff and vice president of medical affairs. She has long been an influential leader and staunch advocate for patient, employee and physician satisfaction.
Meagan Weber, DPT. CEO of Scotland County Hospital (Memphis, Miss.). Dr. Weber has led Scotland County Hospital as its CEO since 2022, bringing over a decade of institutional knowledge and a clinician’s perspective to the top leadership role. Upon taking office, she faced severe financial instability, which was quickly addressed by securing a $500,000 revenue increase through revised cost reporting and pricing improvements. Her tenure has also been marked by a focus on workforce development, resulting in the successful recruitment of new providers to address critical staffing shortages. Dr. Weber is a national voice in rural health, having been invited to speak at the 2024 CVS Accountable Care Symposium to spotlight the hospital’s achievements in value-based care through its ACO. Under her leadership, Scotland County Hospital earned the 2024 “Rural Health Champion Award” from the National Rural Health Association for its commitment to improving rural access and care quality. Dr. Weber’s blend of clinical expertise, financial acumen and strategic partnerships has positioned the hospital for long-term resilience and has built deep community trust.
Deborah Weymouth. President and CEO of Eastern Connecticut Health Network (Manchester) and Waterbury (Conn.) Health. Ms. Weymouth oversees 709 acute care beds, including 110 acute psychiatric beds, three hospitals, two home health and hospice agencies, more than 60 outpatient facilities all with a strong high reliability organization foundation. The hospital systems include employed and independent medical staff of over 600. Ms. Weymouth believes that the most sustainable improvements in healthcare outcomes and operational results are rooted in how we treat our people, including patients, employees and physicians. The interdependent pillars of her leadership include cultural transformation, relentless focus on quality and safety, resilient and transparent leadership in crisis, and operational and financial discipline. Focusing the entire team with clarity of expectations drives the creation of a culture of excellence, psychological safety and patient-centered focus.
Toya White, JD, MSN, APRN. President and CNO at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Kaufman. Dr. White is the president and CNO at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Kaufman. She brings 20 years of healthcare experience, including leadership in operations, business development and strategic planning. She began her healthcare career as a nurse extern at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Dallas in 2001. She left the hospital to gain experience as a nurse practitioner in a primary care setting, but returned to Texas Health Dallas in 2012. Most recently, she served as senior director of clinical programs, with responsibility for the strategic and operational oversight of the joint operating company activities, which involve expanding the integration between Texas Health Dallas and Dallas-based UT Southwestern Medical Center. She has also had responsibility for major clinical programs, including heart and vascular, oncology, neuroscience, general surgery, orthopedics, and the Institute for Exercise and Environmental Medicine.
CarolAnn Williams. President of Mass Eye and Ear (Boston). As president of Mass Eye and Ear, Ms. Williams is responsible for overseeing one of the largest specialty hospitals in the U.S. exclusively dedicated to research, training and treatment for eye, ear, nose, throat, head and neck issues. The hospital sees nearly 400,000 patients annually across over 20 patient care locations. A national research leader in bench-to-bedside research, Mass Eye and Ear receives more than $90 million in grant funding annually to find cures and treatments for a range of conditions in ophthalmology and otolaryngology. Prior to serving as the hospital’s president, Ms. Williams served as its COO and CFO, where her vast responsibilities included financial services, planning and facilities, support services, patient access, project management, information services, compliance, privacy, surgical and clinical services and business and network development. Under her guidance, the hospital successfully transitioned into membership in the Mass General Brigham healthcare system in 2019. She also served as the hospital’s incident commander during the Covid-19 pandemic, guiding its response and recovery.
Francine Witt, DNP. President and CEO of Effingham Health System (Springfield, Ga.). Dr. Witt leads a rural critical access healthcare system comprising a 25-bed hospital, a level 4 trauma emergency department, specialty clinics including oncology, cardiology, orthopedics and pediatrics, and a skilled nursing facility. Under her leadership, patient volumes have significantly increased, highlighted by the 2025 launch of pediatric ear-nose-throat surgery and an award-winning school-based telemedicine program. Dr. Witt has transformed the health system into Georgia’s only critical access hospital offering robotic surgery, all while improving throughput in the emergency department to reduce wait times below national averages. She has secured vital funding and regional partnerships to advance health equity, maintain fiscal health, and expand infrastructure and technology. Dr. Witt is the first African American woman hospital CEO in Georgia. She also serves on multiple state and national healthcare boards and has been nationally recognized for her innovation in rural healthcare.
