Hospital and health system CEOs hold unmatched influence in shaping the future of healthcare. With their broad reach and high-profile roles, these leaders have the power to spark meaningful change across the industry. When they champion health equity, advocate for public health, pioneer new care models, or embrace emerging technologies, their actions resonate on a national, and often global, scale.
Becker’s is proud to recognize the following visionary CEOs, who are using their leadership and influence to drive progress, elevate standards and transform the healthcare landscape for the better.
Note: We compiled this list using nominations and editorial research. This list is not exhaustive, nor is it an endorsement of included leaders, hospitals, health systems, or associated healthcare providers. Leaders cannot pay for inclusion on this list. Leaders are presented in alphabetical order. We extend an extremely special thank you to Rhoda Weiss for her in-depth contributions to this list.
We accepted nominations for this list. Please contact Anna Falvey at afalvey@beckershealthcare.com with any questions or comments.
Greg A. Adams. CEO at Kaiser Permanente (Oakland, Calif.). Mr. Adams leads Kaiser Permanente, among the nation’s largest not-for-profit integrated health systems and health plans. The health system serves 12.6 million members through its health plan, 40 hospitals, over 600 medical offices and more than 25,000 physicians, 76,000 nurses and 243,000 total number of employees. A nationally recognized leader in healthcare transformation, Mr. Adams has more than 30 years of executive experience driving access, quality, affordability and innovation in care delivery. Since assuming the CEO role, he has guided Kaiser Permanente’s growth, strengthened its culture of excellence, and advanced initiatives that expand equitable access and improve community health outcomes. Previously, Mr. Adams served as executive vice president and group president, overseeing operations across all eight Kaiser regions, and as regional president for Northern California. Deeply engaged in shaping the future of healthcare, he serves on the boards of America’s Health Insurance Plans and the Los Angeles Philharmonic Association, chairs the Health and Retirement Committee of the Business Roundtable, and is an active governor within the World Economic Forum’s Global Health and Healthcare Community. He is a past member of the California Chamber of Commerce board of directors and the California Hospital Association’s board of trustees. Among his many honors is being listed in Time‘s “TIME100 Health” list in 2024.
Barry Arbuckle, PhD. President and CEO at MemorialCare (Fountain Valley, Calif.). Dr. Arbuckle leads MemorialCare, one of California’s premier integrated health systems, with over 225 care sites, including teaching, community, children’s and women’s hospitals, medical groups, and imaging, physical therapy, breast health, dental and ambulatory surgery facilities. Under his leadership, MemorialCare achieved exceptional growth, financial performance and national recognition for leadership in clinical quality, evidence-based medicine and value-based care. A pioneer in employer-directed healthcare, groundbreaking cost savings to employers and health plans of hundreds of million dollars continue to draw many partnerships. This includes a direct contract with The Boeing Company, one of the nation’s first exclusive provider arrangements between a major health system and employer, in its eighth year as a national model for affordable, high-value care delivery. Dr. Arbuckle advanced successful multiple ACO contracts and positioned the system as a leader in cost-effective, patient-centered healthcare innovation. MemorialCare “Get Care Now,” open to anyone in California, is said to be the state’s lowest-cost, most comprehensive virtual care option whether or not the patient is with MemorialCare, and includes no-cost options. Dr. Arbuckle also chairs the MemorialCare Innovation Fund, which supports early-stage healthcare companies driving industry transformation. He has served as chair of Integrated Healthcare Association and California Hospital Association, and more recently on the boards of the Healthcare Leadership Council, American Hospital Association National Health Systems Council, CVS’ Health National Health Systems Advisory Council and Anthem’s National Healthcare Advisory Council.
Carl S. Armato. President and CEO at Novant Health (Winston-Salem, N.C.). Mr. Armato has served as president and CEO of Novant Health since 2012, transforming it into one of the nation’s most advanced and integrated health systems with 19 hospitals, nearly 900 care sites and more than 41,000 team members. A dynamic leader and lifelong Type 1 diabetes advocate, Mr. Armato brings a patient-centered perspective to his leadership, driving innovations that expand access, improve quality and enhance affordability. Under his direction, Novant Health has grown from $3.6 billion to $10 billion in annual revenue and doubled its economic impact to $18.2 billion across the Carolinas. He spearheaded the launch of Novant Health Enterprises to drive innovation and champion partnerships in AI and data analytics, leading to achievements in acute and emergent care. Recent milestones also include the acquisition of three South Carolina hospitals and the launch of MedVenta, an innovative pharmacy network improving chronic disease management and medication affordability. He also advanced workforce investment through the “Future Forward” education program, which offers fully funded degrees for team members. He has driven health equity, securing funding for clinics serving underserved communities and pioneering programs that integrate social services with medical care. Mr. Armato has served on many regional and national boards, including his current service on the boards of Vizient and Vale Health.
David Banks. President and CEO at AdventHealth (Altamonte Springs, Fla.). Mr. Banks leads AdventHealth, one of the nation’s largest faith-based healthcare systems, encompassing more than 50 hospital campuses, a national network of clinics and a workforce of more than 105,000 team members serving 9 million patients annually. With more than three decades of experience, Mr. Banks shaped the organization’s strategy and culture around its mission and its “feel whole” brand promise. He was instrumental in developing AdventHealth’s “Vision 2030” roadmap and the creation of its primary health division, a transformative model for whole-person, longitudinal care spanning prevention through complex treatment. His leadership integrates faith-based values with innovation, establishing frameworks that align strategy, operations and culture across the system while fostering accountability and engagement. A former psychiatric social worker, Mr. Banks brings a human-centered approach to leadership that emphasizes health as a connection of body, mind and spirit. He represents AdventHealth’s mission nationally through roles with the Healthcare Leadership Council, The Health Management Academy and G100. AdventHealth has earned recognition from Fortune, Forbes, Newsweek and U.S. News & World Report for quality, innovation, diversity and workplace excellence. In addition to many of its hospitals appearing on U.S. News & World Report in various categories, AdventHealth Orlando (Fla.), one of the largest hospitals in the U.S., is listed on the 2025-2026 “America’s Best Hospitals” honor roll.
Alastair Bell, MD. President and CEO at Boston Medical Center Health System. Dr. Bell leads Boston Medical Center Health System, overseeing 15,000 employees and a network that integrates academic medicine, community health and innovative partnerships to advance equity and access. Under his leadership, the system transitioned from a single-hospital organization into a regional network through the integration of Good Samaritan Medical Center and St. Elizabeth’s Medical Center, now Boston Medical Center–South in Brockton, Mass., and Boston Medical Center –Brighton (Mass.), preserving 4,000 jobs and expanding access to care across the state. Dr. Bell strengthened the system’s national reputation for quality, with U.S. News & World Report ranking its flagship academic hospital in the top 50 nationally for four specialties. He also advanced inclusive research through the opening of the system’s first clinical research unit, providing early-phase clinical trial access to historically underserved communities. With 26% of trial participants identifying as Black and 22% as Hispanic, Dr. Bell helped to make the system a leader in equitable science. Recognized among Boston Magazine‘s “Most Influential Bostonians” from 2023–2025, he advocates for systemwide collaboration to close health gaps statewide and serves as co-chair of the Boston Children’s Chorus board.
Barclay Berdan. CEO at Texas Health Resources (Arlington). Mr. Berdan leads Texas Health Resources, a faith-based, nonprofit health system with 29 hospitals, more than 420 access points and the largest inpatient market share in North Texas with a footprint over 16 counties. With nearly 40 years of service to the organization, he directs the system’s overall strategy, performance and community mission, guiding more than 29,000 employees in advancing accessible, high-quality care. Under his leadership, Texas Health has undertaken significant growth initiatives, including new hospitals, an eight-story tower and a five-story tower across several campuses. Mr. Berdan redefined Texas Health as a consumer-centered, mission-driven system focused on whole-person health, affordability and community impact. A respected voice in national healthcare strategy, he serves on the executive committees of the Healthcare Leadership Council and the Dallas Regional Chamber and chairs the board of North Texas LEAD. His tenure has been marked by a strong culture of engagement and workforce excellence, with Texas Health appearing on Fortune‘s “100 Best Companies to Work For” list for 11 consecutive years, ranking No. 33 in 2025. The system has earned repeated recognition from Fortune, Forbes and Newsweek for workplace excellence, equity and community service. Texas Health was also the recipient of the American Hospital Association’s 2022 “Foster G. McGaw Prize” for excellence in community service.
Damond W. Boatwright. President and CEO of Hospital Sisters Health System (Springfield, Ill.). Mr. Boatwright serves as president and CEO of Hospital Sisters Health System, a faith-based health system serving nearly 2.6 million people across Illinois and Wisconsin through 13 hospitals and a network of community health centers. Since becoming the system’s first African American CEO in 2021, Mr. Boatwright tackled significant operational and financial challenges, assembling a strong leadership team promoting excellence, transparency and a culture of trust rooted in the organization’s mission. A nationally recognized advocate for rural healthcare, he has been a leading voice in defending Medicaid funding to protect access for vulnerable communities. Under his leadership, the system enhanced workforce safety with systemwide implementation of advanced personal alert technology, and strengthened diversity and inclusion with policies protecting caregivers from discrimination. He also spearheaded a governance modernization initiative, streamlining oversight and improving operational efficiency systemwide. Mr. Boatwright also played a key role in advancing the designation of Springfield’s 1908 Race Riot site as a national monument, donating the system land to honor the Sisters of St. Francis’ legacy of compassionate care. A past chair of both the Catholic Health Association and the Wisconsin Hospital Association, he continues to serve on the boards of the Illinois and Wisconsin Hospital Associations.
Joseph G. Cacchione, MD. CEO at Jefferson (Philadelphia). Since assuming the role of CEO in 2022, Dr. Cacchione has led Jefferson through one of the most transformative periods in its 200-year history, positioning it as a national leader in healthcare innovation, education and community impact. Under his leadership, Jefferson has grown into a $15 billion nonprofit enterprise encompassing more than 30 hospitals, 700 care sites, a nationally recognized research university, and a health plan serving over 360,000 members across Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Dr. Cacchione has driven landmark achievements, including Jefferson’s combination with Lehigh Valley Health Network, the integration of Jefferson Health Plans and the opening of Jefferson Honickman Center, an outpatient facility in Philadelphia. His tenure has also seen the system’s Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center earn the National Cancer Institute’s comprehensive cancer center designation, $300 million in philanthropic gifts and more than $1.5 billion in community benefit delivered over two years. A visionary physician-leader, Dr. Cacchione unites Jefferson’s academic, clinical and insurance arms to improve access, strengthen workforce development and advance health equity. Prior to joining Jefferson, Dr. Cacchione served as executive vice president of clinical and network services throughout the enterprise for St. Louis-based Ascension, one of the nation’s largest health systems.
David L. Callender, MD. President and CEO at Memorial Hermann Health System (Houston). Dr. Callender is an acclaimed national leader in high-value care, digital transformation, healthy communities and workforce retention. As president and CEO of Memorial Hermann Health System, he oversees 14 owned and three joint ventured hospitals, 280 care sites, 1.8 million yearly patient encounters, and 45,000 employees and affiliated physicians. To broaden its reach, the system completed over 50 strategic investments, 20 partnerships and 20 innovation hub pilots to enhance care offerings, expand access and efficiency, and address pain points. Last year, Memorial Hermann provided $486 million in community contributions and charity care, and the Foundation raised $37 million to support community health. Nearly 1,000 employees engage in a career platform, and 88% of employees receive “Celebrate” recognition from leaders. “Voice of Workforce” listening surveys for real-time insights and action showed that 89% of staff says Memorial Hermann meets or exceeds expectations, thanks to factors including confidence in leadership, dramatic drops in turnover, 95% less contract labor and a new 12-month nursing school program. Award-winning community health programs address social and environmental factors impacting wellbeing. Dr. Callender champions a holistic approach to health, positioning the system as a clinical and community leader committed to improving lives. A prominent voice on health policy, he has successfully helped expand Texas state funding for healthcare apprenticeships. He previously held executive positions at Los Angeles-based UCLA Health, Houston-based MD Anderson Cancer Center and Galveston, Texas-based UTMB Health.
Brendan G. Carr, MD. CEO of Mount Sinai Health System (New York City). Dr. Carr, a national leader in academic medicine and health policy, leads the Mount Sinai Health System, one of the nation’s most highly regarded health care systems with nearly $12 billion in annual revenue. He oversees eight hospitals, more than 400 ambulatory locations, the Phillips School of Nursing and the Icahn School of Medicine, guiding the system’s strategy, operations and academic mission. A physician-scientist and nationally recognized expert in emergency medicine, he integrates clinical practice with systems-level innovation to advance patient care, research and education. His leadership is grounded in driving innovation, developing and delivering the most cutting-edge cures, data-driven treatments and compassionate support. Under his leadership, Mount Sinai ranks among the nation’s top academic medical centers, earning U.S. News & World Report‘s “Best Hospitals Honor Roll” for nine consecutive years and Newsweek‘s “World’s Best Hospitals” distinction for 2025, ranking No. 1 in New York. Dr. Carr authored more than 175 peer-reviewed publications and helped shape national and global health policy through his work with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the World Health Organization and the National Academy of Medicine, where he was elected in 2020. His leadership has advanced emergency preparedness, digital transformation and sustainability, earning multiple Practice Greenhealth “Environmental Excellence Awards” for systemwide progress in sustainability.
Howard Chrisman, MD. President and CEO Northwestern Medicine (Chicago). Dr. Chrisman serves as president and CEO of Northwestern Medicine, one of the nation’s premier academic health systems and Chicago’s leading integrated provider of academic medicine. Appointed to the role in 2023, Dr. Chrisman brings more than 25 years of experience with the system, where he has held numerous leadership positions, including COO, president and executive vice president of clinical operations. A practicing interventional radiologist, he is known for his clinical expertise in treating fibroid disease and his deep commitment to patient-centered innovation. Under his leadership, the system is advancing its tripartite mission of providing world-class care, educating future physicians and driving groundbreaking research in partnership with Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. Northwestern Medicine’s 10-year strategic plan, which Dr. Chrisman refers to as “NM 2035”, is centered on the tenets of patient experience, workforce wellbeing, community investment, research and discovery, and financial sustainability. Guided by the system’s “patients first” philosophy, Dr. Chrisman is focused on expanding access, enhancing quality and strengthening Northwestern Medicine’s position as one of the nation’s leading academic health systems. The system includes 11 hospitals, more than 200 ambulatory and diagnostic sites, and over 30,000 employees and 5,500 aligned physicians.
Kevin B. Churchwell, MD. CEO at Boston Children’s Hospital. Dr. Churchwell leads Boston Children’s Hospital, one of the world’s foremost pediatric institutions, guiding its mission to advance child health through excellence in clinical care, research, education and community engagement. He joined the organization in 2013 as executive vice president of health affairs and COO. Since becoming CEO, he championed transformation into a High Reliability Organization. A national leader in pediatric health care and health equity, Dr. Churchwell founded Boston Children’s Office of Health Equity and Inclusion in 2016, one of three such offices he established across North America, and authored the hospital’s 2020 declaration for equity, diversity and inclusivity. His leadership has reinforced Boston Children’s standing as both a global innovator in pediatric medicine and a model for equitable, compassionate care. Boston Children’s is home to the world’s largest pediatric research enterprise, serves as a primary pediatric teaching hospital for Harvard Medical School, and treats more children with rare diseases and complex conditions than any other hospital. It is ranked among the best pediatric hospitals in the world by Newsweek and among best in the nation by U.S. News and World Report. Dr. Churchwell is a professor of pediatric anesthesia and the Robert and Dana Smith Professor of Anesthesia at Harvard Medical School. His service on multiple boards include the Massachusetts Business Roundtable, Boston Chamber of Commerce, Massachusetts Hospital Association and Whitehead Institute.
Elizabeth B. Concordia. President and CEO at UCHealth (Aurora, Colo.). Ms. Concordia leads UCHealth, a nationally recognized nonprofit academic health system with $9 billion in annual revenue, 14 hospitals and more than 200 clinic locations serving communities throughout Colorado, southern Wyoming and western Nebraska. Since becoming its president and CEO in 2014, she guided UCHealth’s growth into one of the region’s largest and most innovative systems, with more than 35,000 employees and over 2,500 inpatient beds. Her leadership has been defined by a focus on strategic partnerships, the expansion of access to care, the development of new care models and the advancement of academic medicine. Ms. Concordia championed additional innovations, including several in technology, to improve patient experience and population health outcomes, while strengthening UCHealth’s role as Colorado’s only academic medical center. Prior to joining UCHealth, she served as executive vice president of Pittsburgh-based UPMC and president of its hospital and community services division. Earlier, she held senior roles with Baltimore-based Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center and New York City-based Montefiore Medical Center. Named the Denver Business Journal‘s “Most Admired CEO” in 2021, she also serves on the boards of Colorado Concern, the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce and the Colorado Forum.
Stephanie Conners, RN. President and CEO at BayCare Health System (Clearwater, Fla.). Ms. Conners leads BayCare Health System, West Central Florida’s largest academic health system, where she oversees more than 33,000 employees, 4,000 hospital beds and a rapidly expanding network of hospitals and outpatient facilities. As the organization’s first female and first nurse CEO, she brings more than 30 years of clinical and executive experience to her role. Under her leadership, the system is constructing its 17th hospital, developing Florida’s first proton therapy center and expanding its behavioral health services with the state’s first behavioral health urgent care center. She has also positioned BayCare as one of the fastest-growing graduate medical education programs in the nation, with a goal of exceeding 650 residency positions by 2029 and St. Joseph’s Hospital in Tampa, Fla. achieving statutory teaching hospital status in 2025. Ms. Conners champions frontline caregivers and workforce wellbeing through initiatives such as the “Nurse Well-Being: Building Peer and Leadership Support” program and partnerships with the American Nurses Association and AI innovators to reduce clinical burden. She has strengthened the system’s community impact through partnerships addressing food insecurity and workforce development, while advancing a strategic academic collaboration with Chicago-based Northwestern Medicine to accelerate clinical innovation and physician training. Recognized among Florida Trend‘s “Florida 500”, Ms. Conners has guided BayCare to national recognition, including Fortune‘s “Best Workplaces in Health Care”, People‘s “Companies That Care” and Healthgrades’ “America’s 50 Best Hospitals” list.
Eduardo Conrado. President and CEO of Ascension (St. Louis). Mr. Conrado starts as CEO of Ascension on Jan. 1, 2026, where he will lead one of the nation’s largest Catholic and nonprofit health systems with 121 hospitals, 1,700 care sites and 30 senior living facilities served by 121,300 associates in 19 states and Washington, DC. Fiscal year 2025 produced $23.5 billion in annual revenue and days of cash on hand increased to 228 days, up 34 days from the previous year, reinforcing financial stability and resilience with a $2.6 billion financial turnaround. Its 194 imaging sites make it the second largest U.S. imaging service, and one of every six babies in the U.S. is born at an Ascension hospital. Once acquisition of AMSURG’s 250 ambulatory surgery centers is complete, surgi-centers will grow to over 310. As president, Mr. Conrado boldly transformed Ascension via a new operating model focused on disciplined portfolio management, strategic divestitures, and innovative ambulatory business units and digital technology to strengthen access, convenience and continuity of care. He prioritizes workforce stability, culture and mission alignment while ensuring data-driven decision-making informs every operational level. Ascension delivered $3.4 billion in community benefit in fiscal year 2025, underscoring his conviction that operational excellence and community service are inseparable. Ascension’s Net Promoter Score exceeds 80, thanks to digital innovation pilots reducing wait times, no-shows and moments of patient friction and anxiety. His forward-looking approach continues to position Ascension as a model for compassionate, sustainable and mission-centered healthcare delivery nationwide. Prior to joining Ascension in 2018, Mr. Conrado spent 26 years in executive positions at Motorola Solutions.
Joanne M. Conroy, MD. President and CEO at Dartmouth Health (Lebanon, N.H.). Dr. Conroy leads Dartmouth Health, New Hampshire’s largest private employer and only academic health system, overseeing its flagship and a growing network of member hospitals and clinics across northern New England. She leads with a philosophy rooted in trust, innovation and mentorship. Since becoming CEO in 2017, she has driven a remarkable financial turnaround, guided the system’s expansion, and advanced major infrastructure projects that enhance access and clinical innovation. Under her leadership, Dartmouth Health completed a $150 million inpatient pavilion expansion, increasing capacity to 460 beds, and opened a state-of-the-art ambulatory surgical center to extend specialized care and technology to more patients. A nationally recognized advocate for gender equity in healthcare leadership, Dr. Conroy is a founding member of the Women of Impact leadership group and actively mentors the next generation of professionals. She has been recognized among Boston Business Journal’s “Women of Influence” honorees. She received the Leapfrog Group’s 2021 “Steven Schroeder Award for Outstanding Healthcare CEO” and was named the New Hampshire Union Leader’s “Citizen of the Year” for 2022. In 2024, Dr. Conroy served as chair of the American Hospital Association board of trustees, where she continues to shape national policy on academic medicine and healthcare delivery.
John Couris. President and CEO at Tampa (Fla.) General Hospital. Mr. Couris leads the Florida Health Sciences Center portfolio, including Tampa General Hospital, the region’s university-affiliated academic health system. Under his leadership, the system expanded from 17 to more than 150 care locations statewide, now comprising six hospitals and one managed hospital with 1,529 licensed beds. The system also achieved top-decile performance across internal Vizient quality metrics and top 30% among academic medical centers. He executed strategic growth moves such as acquiring Bravera Health, now TGH North, and entering an agreement to provide administrative leadership and management for Lakeside Medical Center in Palm Beach County, Fla. A champion of innovation, Mr. Couris stood up an AI-enabled care coordination center and is building the Tampa Medical & Research District, all while expanding cancer care through a radiation oncology partnership with Boston-based Mass General Brigham. Mr. Couris has driven a culture of psychological safety and engagement within the system, improving team member engagement by more than 40 percentile points since 2017. He also advanced care-at-home nationally by helping shape the bipartisan “At HOME Services Act” and worked closely with Florida leaders on the “Live Healthy Act”, subsequently being appointed to the Florida Health Care Innovation Council.
John D’Angelo, MD. CEO of Northwell Health (New Hyde Park, N.Y.). Dr. D’Angelo, an emergency physician by training, serves as the new CEO of Northwell Health, the largest nonprofit healthcare provider in New York State and one of the most comprehensive in the nation. With more than 25 years of leadership experience at Northwell, Dr. D’Angelo has been instrumental in transforming clinical operations, driving innovation and advancing large-scale integration across the system’s 21 hospitals and 900 outpatient facilities. He previously served as chief of integrated operations, where he co-led the creation of real-time actionable data, a groundbreaking operational visibility platform, and spearheaded nationally studied initiatives in sepsis prevention. He played a central role in Northwell’s merger with Danbury, Conn.-based NuVance Health, expanding the system’s reach to serve more than 13 million people across New York and Connecticut. A decisive and compassionate leader shaped by his emergency medicine background, Dr. D’Angelo was pivotal in Northwell’s pandemic response, rapidly deploying remote care, automated results management and telehealth innovations still in use today. Dr. D’Angelo is also a fellow of the American College of Emergency Physicians and board member of the Healthcare Association of New York State.
Leslie C. Davis. President and CEO at UPMC (Pittsburgh). Ms. Davis leads UPMC, a $28 billion global health system with over 40 hospitals and 800 sites of care in Pennsylvania, New York, Maryland, Italy, Ireland and Croatia. The system’s 100,000 employees include 5,000 employed physicians and 24,000 nurses. With over three decades in healthcare leadership, Ms. Davis oversees a broad portfolio uniting clinical operations, innovation and insurance under one system, driving excellence in patient care, research and growth. UPMC’s highly ranked health plan, serving over 4 million members, creates innovative solutions for high-quality, low-cost healthcare coverage to improve the lives of its members across diverse patient populations. Affiliated with the University of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences, ranked among top 10 recipients of National Institutes research funding since 1998, UPMC is a powerhouse in science and technology. Under Ms. Davis’ leadership, UPMC continues setting the standard for how technology transforms care with a vast and resilient digital ecosystem of nearly 500,000 connected devices, over 3,600 applications and 70 pedabytes of data, including more than 2.7 billion patient records. She is driving strategic growth through new outpatient centers, virtual care expansion and UPMC’s advancement of AI, including early adoption of ambient AI and the systemwide transition to a unified Epic EHR to unlock AI-driven clinical and operational transformation. UPMC reported strong 2025 financial performance with $111.2 million in second-quarter operating income and major insurance-division gains, while pursuing regional expansion through a planned acquisition of Trinity Health System in Steubenville, Ohio.
Tina Freese Decker. President and CEO at Corewell Health (Grand Rapids, Mich.). Ms. Freese Decker leads Michigan’s largest, most integrated health system with 21 hospitals, 60,000 team members, over 300 outpatient locations and Priority Health, the nation’s third-largest provider-sponsored health plan with more than 1.3 million members in Michigan, Ohio, Indiana and Wisconsin. Visionary architect of the 2022 integration of former systems Beaumont Health and Spectrum Health, Ms. Freese Decker, who was the American Hospital Association board chair in 2025, guided the successful creation of Corewell Health’s unified model of care and coverage, strengthening access and improving outcomes across urban, suburban and rural markets. The system achieved record recognition for clinical excellence, with two hospitals earning national rankings and seven receiving “high performing” specialty designations from U.S. News & World Report. Priority Health was named “America’s Best Customer Service” provider by Newsweek, and over two years, Corewell Health was recognized globally, becoming certified as a “Great Place To Work”. It also received the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society “Davies Award of Excellence” for its innovative “Inboxologist” program and is pioneering a new online hub focused on team members’ wellbeing by International Hospital Federation’s World Hospital Congress. Corewell Health is transforming youth behavioral health care access in rural Michigan with 18 school-based clinics and telemedicine programs, keeping kids in school with emotional wellbeing support. Its “Blue Envelope” program increases mental health support, training 15,000 educators to reach 95,000 students in 230 schools to provide immediate, compassionate help for those with suicidal thoughts.
David M. Dill. Chairman and CEO at Lifepoint Health (Brentwood, Tenn.). Mr. Dill leads Lifepoint Health, a network of 60 community-based acute hospitals, over 70 rehabilitation and behavioral health hospitals, and 300-plus additional sites of care across 34 states. He has driven the system’s transformation into a diversified healthcare enterprise, growing revenue from $3 billion to over $10 billion while strengthening quality, safety and operational excellence, as well as strengthening the culture among nearly 55,000 employees. Lifepoint expands its reach through partnerships with more than 45 leading health systems nationwide, extending access to community healthcare in both rural and urban markets. This includes the 14-year Duke Lifepoint Healthcare joint venture with Durham, N.C.-based Duke Health that brings high quality healthcare to communities across North Carolina and beyond. Throughout his career, Mr. Dill has served as an influential voice for community health nationwide and is passionate about keeping high-quality care close to home. Growing up in Kentucky, his unique understanding of healthcare providers in non-urban areas, and the vital roles they play in community health and economic development, help him to educate the industry on shaping policies that ensure the needs of all patients are met. He joined Lifepoint in 2007 and held various leadership positions including executive vice president, CFO, and president and COO. Mr. Dill is currently chair of the board of the Federation of American Hospitals and serves on the American Hospital Association Health Systems Committee and Murray State University Foundation’s board of trustees.
David Entwistle. President and CEO at Stanford Health Care (Palo Alto, Calif.). Since joining Stanford Health Care in 2016, Mr. Entwistle has led the health system through a period of significant transformation and growth, advancing its standing as a national leader in patient care, innovation and community health. He played a key role in uniting Stanford Health Care, Stanford School of Medicine and Stanford Medicine Children’s Health under an integrated strategic plan, with a shared vision to lead the biomedical revolution in precision health. He established Catalyst, Stanford Medicine’s flagship innovation accelerator, and oversaw completion of the new Stanford Hospital. Under his leadership, Stanford Health Care earned recognition for quality, safety and clinical excellence from LeapFrog Group, Vizient, U.S. News & World Report and CMS. The system has also been recognized for digital innovation through the “Davies Award of Excellence” from Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society, was among first U.S. health systems to receive The Joint Commission’s certification for sustainable healthcare and was named one of the top 25 hospitals for all-around sustainability performance by Practice Greenhealth in 2025. A recognized voice in healthcare innovation, Mr. Entwistle is a national thought leader on healthcare AI and digital health innovation, quality improvement and sustainability. He appears on Silicon Valley Business Journal‘s “Power 100” list. Previously, he was CEO of Salt Lake City-based University of Utah Hospital & Clinics and senior vice president and COO of Madison-based UW Health University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics.
Gianrico Farrugia, MD. President and CEO at Mayo Clinic (Rochester, Minn.). Dr. Farrugia leads Mayo Clinic, the world’s No. 1 ranked hospital, guiding an 85,000-person global workforce that provides care to patients from all 50 states and more than 135 countries each year. A visionary in healthcare transformation, Dr. Farrugia is pioneering the shift from traditional linear care delivery to a platform-based model that leverages data, technology and collaboration to redefine the future of medicine. Under his leadership, Mayo Clinic launched the “Mayo Clinic Platform,” one of the world’s most advanced ecosystems for applying AI and analytics to clinical care, and embarked on a $9 billion strategic investment to reinvent the patient experience through integrated digital and physical innovation. He has overseen major advancements, including the introduction of over 300 AI algorithms into practice and the establishment of the first carbon ion therapy program in the Americas. A Mayo physician for more than 35 years, Dr. Farrugia previously served as CEO of Mayo Clinic in Florida, headquartered in Jacksonville, and co-founded the Mayo Clinic Center for Innovation. A practicing gastroenterologist and National Institutes of Health-funded researcher with more than 390 publications, he also shapes the global healthcare agenda through leadership roles with the National Academy of Medicine and the World Economic Forum.
Jeffrey A. Flaks. President and CEO of Hartford (Conn.) HealthCare. Mr. Flaks is the president and CEO of Hartford HealthCare, leading the $7-billion, statewide system that provides care to more than 28,000 people each day. A nationally recognized innovator, he has expanded the system into a fully integrated network of more than 500 locations and 45,000 colleagues, strengthening access, affordability and patient-centered care across Connecticut. Under his leadership, the system has earned national accolades, including the American Hospital Association’s “Quest for Quality” award and “A” safety grades for all seven hospitals from The Leapfrog Group. Mr. Flaks architected Hartford HealthCare’s “Institute Model,” attracting world-class clinicians and forging groundbreaking partnerships such as the collaboration with New York City-based Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. He has positioned the system as a leader in digital transformation through strategic alliances with Google, Amazon and MIT, establishing the Center for AI Innovation in Healthcare and launching global training initiatives. A champion of value-based care and workforce development, Mr. Flaks has driven major advancements through partnerships with Optum Care, UConn, Quinnipiac and Connecticut’s public university system. He joined Hartford HealthCare in 2004 and is widely regarded for fostering a culture grounded in equity, excellence, compassion and innovation.
J.P. Gallagher. President and CEO of Endeavor Health (Evanston, Ill.). Mr. Gallagher serves as president and CEO of Endeavor Health, Illinois’ third-largest health system and medical group, delivering world-class, community-connected care to 1.4 million patients across greater Chicagoland. Leading 27,000 team members, Mr. Gallagher oversees more than 300 sites of care and nine nationally recognized hospitals, including those honored by U.S. News & World Report, the Leapfrog Group and Magnet designations. Since assuming leadership in 2022 following the merger of NorthShore University HealthSystem and Edward-Elmhurst Health, Mr. Gallagher advanced Endeavor Health’s mission to redefine healthcare delivery through innovation, accessibility and equity. Under his direction, the system’s community investment fund awarded over $30 million to local partnerships focused on improving community health, advancing equity and fostering economic growth. Previously, Mr. Gallagher served as president and CEO of NorthShore, where he led significant growth, launched Chicagoland’s only freestanding orthopedic and spine hospital, and developed the nation’s largest primary care–embedded genomics program. A fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives, Mr. Gallagher also serves on the boards of the Illinois Health and Hospital Association, the Scottsdale Institute and the American Hospital Association’s health systems committee, among others.
Roxanna L. Gapstur, PhD, RN. President and CEO at WellSpan Health (York, Pa.). Dr. Gapstur leads 23,000 team members across WellSpan Health, including 2,700 employed providers, galvanizing a culture of innovation and forging strategic partnerships with organizations such as Aidoc, Emerus, General Catalyst, Helix, Hippocratic AI, RoboEatz and Zipline. As the first transformation partner with General Catalyst’s Health Assurance Transformation Company, she has advanced modernization efforts while sustaining community impact, including more than $400 million in community benefit in the last fiscal year. She strengthened value-based care through primary care growth, virtual and onsite access, and payer partnerships, contributing to stable Moody’s and Fitch ratings in a challenging environment. Under her leadership, WellSpan’s Medicare ACO serves over 67,000 patients and has generated more than $36 million in savings in a single year and nearly $75 million over three years. Dr. Gapstur is expanding access via a collaboration with Emerus to build three neighborhood hospitals in underserved areas, each operating 24/7 with emergency departments and inpatient beds. She has positioned WellSpan as a national digital leader, deploying Aidoc across approximately 580,000 annual imaging studies and launching Hippocratic AI’s multilingual agent “Ana”. Her leadership has also earned the system recognitions including National Committee for Quality Assurance health equity accreditation, the American Hospital Association “Quest for Quality” prize, and repeated workplace honors from Forbes, Newsweek, Leapfrog and U.S. News & World Report.
Robert C. Garrett. CEO at Hackensack Meridian Health (Edison, N.J.). Mr. Garrett leads New Jersey’s largest integrated network, spanning 18 hospitals, more than 500 care locations, 38,000 team members and 7,000 physicians. He also oversees the Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine and the Center for Discovery and Innovation, both launched during his tenure. He has directed multiyear investments of $2.3 billion in the network’s three academic medical centers and $450 million to expand ambulatory care, alongside enterprise AI and data dashboards that improve detection, throughput and outcomes. Under his leadership, the system’s flagship achieved U.S. News & World Report “honor roll” status, while the system holds New Jersey’s No. 1 adult and No. 1 children’s hospitals, a top-50 rehabilitation hospital and the state’s leading cancer center, with seven hospitals earning Leapfrog “A” grades. Mr. Garrett is advancing access through a first-in-the-nation $200 million, 240,000-square-foot health center at the Metropark transportation hub opening in 2026 and new ambulatory sites including the Hennessy Institute for Cancer Prevention & Applied Molecular Medicine. He built a resilient workforce with a nurse vacancy rate at half the national average, earning Fortune‘s “100 Best Companies to Work For” recognition, while forging partnerships with One Medical, K Health and Apollo Health. A global healthcare voice and former chair of the World Economic Forum’s Healthcare Governors Community, Mr. Garrett has also scaled “HMH Healthy Connections” to 2.5 million screenings and 6.2 million referrals, plus food and nutrition programs reaching tens of thousands of families.
Bill Gassen. President and CEO of Sanford Health (Sioux Falls, S.D.). Since 2020, Mr. Gassen has led Sanford Health, an over $11 billion integrated health system, guiding its mission to transform the care experience and expand access across the upper Midwest. He has championed Sanford’s strategic goal of becoming the premier rural health system in the U.S., emphasizing that high-quality care should never be constrained by a patient’s location. Under his leadership, the system launched a $350 million virtual care initiative, strengthened its workforce pipeline with 15 new residency and fellowship programs, and committed $10 million over a decade to support K-12 and post-secondary education in the Black Hills region. The system is also deeply committed to physician wellbeing and reports an annual $27 million in savings thanks to physician retention efforts like a clinician wellbeing council and a leadership development program. From 2022 to 2024 alone, the system reported an 8% increase in job satisfaction and a 13.8% reduction in burnout amongst physicians. Mr. Gassen is also overseeing the launch of Sanford Health’s new 480,000-square-foot medical center in Rapid City, S.D., supported by a $300 million philanthropic gift and slated for completion in 2030. The new campus will add 168 inpatient beds and various bays, suites, labs and centers that will expand access to care. Mr. Gassen serves on several national and regional boards, including the American Hospital Association, where he is chair-elect designate for 2027.
Sr. Mary Haddad. President and CEO at the Catholic Health Association of the United States (St. Louis). Sr. Mary leads the Catholic Health Association of the United States, which is among the nation’s largest group of nonprofit health providers, representing more than 650 hospitals, 1,400 long-term care facilities and affiliated community health centers. One of every seven patients in the U.S. is served by Catholic healthcare. In her role, she oversees strategic planning, advocacy and ethics initiatives that support member organizations in delivering high-quality, equitable care to people of all backgrounds. Under her leadership, CHA has successfully advocated for policies that increase access to care for vulnerable populations, prioritize maternal health, address health inequities, promote environmental sustainability and ensure compassionate, holistic care for those suffering from chronic and life-threatening conditions. Under her leadership, CHA has been a leading voice for protecting Medicaid and insurance coverage under the Affordable Care Act. Sr. Mary serves as an observer to the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development and sits on the board of the Coalition to Strengthen America’s Healthcare. She also serves on the advisory board for the Center for Theology and Ethics in Catholic Health. As a member of Sisters of Mercy and as a leader who served in healthcare, social service and education, including service in Belize, Central America, and Trinidad and Tobago in the West Indies, Sr. Mary brings a passion for elevating human flourishing to her role as a national leader dedicated to creating a more just and compassionate healthcare system.
Rod Hanners. CEO at Keck Medicine of USC (Los Angeles). Under Mr. Hanner’s leadership, Keck Medicine continues to earn national recognition for excellence, with Keck Hospital ranking among the top 12 academic medical centers nationwide in Vizient’s 2025 list and earning eight consecutive Leapfrog “A” grades for safety. The organization experienced significant growth and expansion in 2025, including nine new clinic openings. After five years of planning, a new four-story, 100,000 square-foot medical office building opened, the largest and most advanced outpatient location Keck Medicine of USC offers. The site includes over 15 different clinical specialties under one roof, more than doubling Keck Medicine’s capacity to deliver care in Pasadena and San Gabriel Valley, home to many USC alumni and staff. The system is expanding care in Orange County with a new state-of-the-art radiation oncology and imaging center in Newport Beach. Additional growth has resulted from the successful three-year integration of USC Arcadia Hospital, with a 20% net revenue growth overall since fiscal year 2022. Mr. Hanners is highly regarded for promoting a culture of trust and teamwork, and is deeply committed to ensuring physicians and staff are supported in their care for themselves and their patients. Prior to this role, Mr. Hanners served as COO for Keck Medicine and CEO for Keck Medical Center. Before joining Keck Medicine, Mr. Hanners held senior leadership roles at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles and Oakland, Calif.-based Kaiser Permanente. He began his career as a naval officer in the U.S. Submarine Force.
Paul Hiltz. President and CEO of Naples (Fla.) Comprehensive Health. Mr. Hiltz is an accomplished, forward-thinking healthcare leader with more than three decades of experience transforming organizations, driving clinical excellence and strengthening community partnerships. As president and CEO of Naples Comprehensive Health, a 713-bed, three-hospital nonprofit network with more than 1,100 affiliated physicians, he leads a clinically integrated system serving Southwest Florida with comprehensive inpatient and outpatient services. Known for his transparent communication style and ability to build high-performing executive and medical teams, Mr. Hiltz cultivates strong physician engagement, high patient satisfaction, and a culture rooted in quality and safety. Prior to joining the system, he delivered major operational turnarounds, including improving earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization by $5.5 million at former hospital Cincinnati-based Mercy Hospital–Mt. Airy, and served as founding president of Mercy Health Select, one of the nation’s first ACOs, covering 23,000 lives in its inaugural year. He has consistently launched revenue-producing programs, advanced population health initiatives, and fostered innovative community and governmental partnerships that expand access to high-value care. Under his leadership, NCH has strengthened its national standing and is recognized as one of “America’s 50 Best Hospitals” by Healthgrades. Mr. Hiltz was honored with the Xavier University “Distinguished Alumni Service Award” and also holds the Diana & Donald Wingard Chair in Executive Leadership.
Candace S. Johnson, PhD. President and CEO of Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center (Buffalo, N.Y.). Dr. Johnson has served as president and CEO of Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center since 2015, where she also holds the M&T Bank Presidential Chair in Leadership and is a professor of oncology. The first woman to lead the historic cancer center, Dr. Johnson guided Roswell Park through massive growth, expanding immunotherapy, cellular therapy and community engagement while attracting world-renowned clinicians and scientists to Western New York. She strengthened Roswell Park’s reputation as a leader in translational research and precision oncology, ushering in innovations that bridge laboratory discoveries with new cancer treatments. Roswell Park has generated pivotal advances, from first chemotherapy research to PSA prostate cancer test to SurVaxM immunotherapy, producing remarkable results for patients with aggressive brain cancer. A pioneering cancer biologist, Dr. Johnson’s research focuses on novel therapeutic strategies, including vitamin D–mediated antiproliferative mechanisms and combination cytotoxic therapies. Prior to joining Roswell Park in 2002, she was deputy director of basic research at University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute and a professor of pharmacology and medicine at University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. Nationally, she is an influential voice in oncology, chairing the National Cancer Institute Frederick National Laboratory advisory committee and serving on multiple National Institutes of Health and National Cancer Institute review panels. She has nearly 200 publications and two issued patents. Rated “exceptional” by NCI in her tenure, Roswell Park was one of the first organizations appointed to lead the “War on Cancer”, and the only NCI-designated comprehensive cancer center in Upstate New York.
Laura S. Kaiser. President and CEO at SSM Health (St. Louis). Ms. Kaiser leads SSM Health, a $11.4 billion integrated Catholic health system with 23 hospitals and 490 care sites across four Midwestern states. As one of the largest employers in every community it serves, SSM Health’s 40,000 team members and 15,000 providers are known for quality, compassionate care and innovative care models. Since joining SSM Health in 2017, Ms. Kaiser strengthened its focus on value-based care, clinical excellence, analytical capabilities and mission-aligned partnerships to advance healthcare affordability and equity. Under her leadership, SSM Health launched an innovative partnership with Chamberlain University to address the national nursing shortage, funding nursing education and establishing career pathways across its care sites. SSM Health has deepened its commitment to affordability, equity and workforce wellbeing during her tenure, earning national recognition as a top workplace for women and emerging professionals. Ms. Kaiser is guiding the system through major digital and operational transformation, including the “Project One” multiyear effort to rebuild foundational systems and standardize workflows through a renewed EHR architecture. A nationally respected voice on partnerships and sustainable health system growth, she helped position SSM Health as a leader in collaborative solutions such as Civica Rx and other ventures that stabilize supply chains, improve community health and advance value-based models. Ms. Kaiser serves on multiple national and regional boards, including the American Hospital Association and Merit Medical, and is a past chairperson of Catholic Health Association of the United States.
Anne Klibanski, MD. President and CEO at Mass General Brigham (Boston). As president and CEO of Mass General Brigham, Dr. Klibanski leads a system with internationally known Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Massachusetts General Hospital, recognized specialty hospitals Mass Eye and Ear, McLean and Spaulding Rehabilitation, community hospitals, health centers and home-based care. It is the largest private employer in Massachusetts with 82,000 employees and $23 billion in annual revenue. Since her appointment in 2019, Dr. Klibanski led the transformation into a fully integrated academic health system, achieving greater clinical integration across its hospitals with multidisciplinary, disease-focused institutes, especially in heart and vascular, cancer and neuroscience. She expanded digital and virtual care and deepened investment in breakthrough research, including gene and cell therapies, supported by $2.9 billion in annual research and academic funding. She championed innovation, fueling the creation of over 300 health companies revolutionizing diagnostics, therapeutics and medical technology. She drives bold investments in AI to improve outcomes, reduce caregiver burden, enhance medical education and accelerate discovery from bench to bedside. A strong advocate for equity, Dr. Klibanski launched “United Against Racism,” a multi-year systemwide initiative to address health disparities and promote inclusion. An internationally recognized neuroendocrinologist, Dr. Klibanski previously served as Mass General Brigham’s chief academic officer and chief of neuroendocrine at Massachusetts General Hospital.
Wright Lassiter III. CEO at CommonSpirit Health (Chicago). Mr. Lassiter leads CommonSpirit Health’s 160,000 team members, spanning 2,300 care sites and 159 hospitals across 24 states. The system sees 25 million patients annually, with fiscal year 2025’s total operating revenue over $40 billion. Mr. Lassiter also oversees the CommonSpirit Health Foundation, which raised a record $316.1 million in fiscal year 2025, directing $222.1 million to capital projects, research, oncology, cardiology, education, community outreach and health justice. Under his leadership, CommonSpirit advanced a unified “One CommonSpirit” operating model and improved performance, increasing earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization to $1.9 billion from $1.3 billion in fiscal year 2024, scaling the physician enterprise to nearly 25 million annual visits and expanding unified patient connection centers that handle over 3.2 million calls. Mr. Lassiter elevated quality and experience, earning the “John M. Eisenberg National Patient Safety & Quality Award”. Nearly 50% of eligible hospitals were recognized by U.S. News & World Report, 82% of 88 eligible hospitals earned Leapfrog “A” or “B” grades, and 28% of hospitals and 45% of clinics performed above the 75th percentile in patient experience. He accelerated digital transformation with a new consumer experience that increased appointments by 119%, the OneConnect platform that lifted appointment conversions by 13% and cut referral turnaround from 30 to 7 days, and 30 live AI applications delivering $98.2 million in value to date. Committed to equity and community impact, Mr. Lassiter led the system to meet or exceed American Hospital Association health equity roadmap commitments and deliver $5.2 billion in charity care, including $6.3 million to expand behavioral health services in Chicago, all while serving on the boards of Arsenal Capital Partners, Quest Diagnostics and Fortive.
Omar Lateef, DO. President and CEO of Rush University System for Health and Rush University Medical Center (Chicago). Dr. Lateef serves as president and CEO of Rush University System for Health and Rush University Medical Center, where he is recognized as a visionary leader and innovator in health care quality, safety and equity. Under his leadership, Rush has set national standards for excellence, earning consistent top rankings from Vizient, including No. 6 in the U.S. for quality and accountability in 2025. Rush also earned placement on the U.S. News & World Report “Best Hospitals Honor Roll” for six consecutive years. Dr. Lateef strengthened Rush’s longstanding commitment to health equity, expanding initiatives that address the root causes of disease through community partnerships, education and innovative research. He has advanced Rush’s digital transformation and strategic partnerships, including the launch of RUSH MD Anderson Cancer Center in Chicago, expanding access to world-class care across the region. Nationally recognized for his leadership during the Covid-19 pandemic, Dr. Lateef has been praised by federal, state and local leaders for his system’s model of excellence and public health response. Dr. Lateef is also a practicing physician and an advocate for patient-centered care.
Chad T. Lefteris. President and CEO at UCI Health (Orange, Calif.). Mr. Lefteris leads UCI Health, one of California’s largest academic health systems and the only one in Orange County. He oversees a $4 billion enterprise with 1,317 beds, a National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center, level 1 adult and level 2 pediatric trauma centers, a regional burn center, four community hospitals and a network of ambulatory centers serving 5.6 million people across Southern California. Under his leadership, UCI Health-Orange has become one of the top 10 academic medical centers in the nation for quality and earned numerous national awards for sustainability and patient care. Since becoming CEO in 2020, Mr. Lefteris has guided a period of historic growth, sustainability and innovation, including the creation of the UCI Health Community Network and the upcoming openings of UCI Health-Irvine (Calif.), the nation’s first all-electric acute care hospital, and the UCI Health Rehabilitation Hospital. Under his leadership, UCI Health has expanded access to academic medicine, advanced telehealth and home-based preventive care, and become a national model in sustainability. Mr. Lefteris expanded UCI Health’s reach through innovative programs such as “UCI Health OnCall” and partnerships delivering in-home preventive care. A forward-thinking leader recognized by the Orange County Business Journal and Los Angeles Times for his transformative vision, he serves on the boards of Hospital Association of Southern California, America’s Essential Hospitals and Appalachian State University College of Health Sciences advisory board.
Richard P. Lofgren, MD. President and CEO at OU Health (Oklahoma City, Okla.). Dr. Lofgren serves as inaugural president and CEO of Oklahoma’s only fully integrated academic health system, where he directs strategic vision, clinical and operational performance. He led in growing the enterprise from $1.52 billion to over $3 billion. Admissions grew 20%, inpatient surgeries increased 16%, and revenue is projected to rise 50% since 2021. Operational improvements generated nearly $100 million in cost savings, with Moody’s and S&P improving the system’s credit outlooks. Since assuming leadership in 2022, he has advanced OU Health’s transformation into a unified system focused on excellence in clinical care, education and research. A board-certified internist with nearly 40 years of experience, Dr. Lofgren is nationally recognized for his expertise in healthcare delivery redesign, operational efficiency and performance improvement. Before joining OU Health, he served as president and CEO of UC Health in Cincinnati, where he led more than 11,000 employees across hospitals and outpatient centers in three states and strengthened the system’s academic and clinical integration. Earlier in his career, Dr. Lofgren held academic and leadership roles at University of Kentucky, Medical College of Wisconsin and University of Pittsburgh, where he earned 14 teaching awards and established two health services research centers dedicated to improving outcomes for veterans. A respected scholar and funded researcher, Dr. Lofgren’s contributions have shaped national conversations around academic health system transformation and value-driven care.
Steve Mackin. President and CEO of Mercy (St. Louis). Mr. Mackin leads Mercy, one of the largest integrated health systems. The system is considered the nation’s pioneer and leader in groundbreaking innovations and discoveries for everything connected to advanced digital, AI, analytics, data and machine learning. The system launched the first virtual initiatives over 20 years ago, the first virtual hospital in 2014 and hundreds of homegrown AI models since then. More recent initiatives include creating the largest EHR, on-demand gig scheduling for nurses, providing big city care to rural areas, dramatically cutting time for handoffs, reducing lengths of stay and a guarantee “Care Now” initiative. Mercy’s heralded 10-year Mayo Clinic alliance uses data science and years of deidentified patient outcomes to identify diseases earlier, start patients faster on the path to better health, and improve care quality, clinical workflows, efficiency, affordability and the practice of medicine globally. Since joining Mercy in 2017, Mr. Mackin held key leadership roles before taking the helm in October 2021. He is leading Mercy’s shift toward population health, value-based care and preventive care as one of the nation’s largest accountable care organizations. Mercy has 55 hospitals and more than 50,000 caregivers in five states, seeing annual revenues of $10 billion. He chairs the American Hospital Association committee on healthcare strategy and innovation and serves on the Heartland Whole Health Institute board. Before Mercy, Mr. Mackin spent nearly two decades at Cancer Treatment Centers of America, rising from management fellow to hospital president and COO.
Kevin B. Mahoney. CEO at University of Pennsylvania Health System (Philadelphia). Mr. Mahoney is CEO of University of Pennsylvania Health System, the clinical enterprise of Penn Medicine. He heads seven hospitals, 13 multispecialty centers and hundreds of outpatient facilities in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware. His work to improve patient experience and care efficiency includes the acclaimed Clifton Center for Medical Breakthroughs, a 1.5-million-sq.-ft., future-forward hospital. This year, Penn Medicine added a new hospital, broke ground on three facilities, and addressed gaps left by area hospital closures. A recent shutdown in local suburbs left the community without two emergency rooms and essential services. In response, Penn Medicine fast-tracked a family medicine residency at its Chester County Hospital in West Chester, Pa. to train displaced physicians-in-training, who complete inpatient work at Penn Medicine hospitals and provide outpatient care at clinics serving 24,000 patients annually. A co-launched partnership with the University of Pennsylvania Wharton School invests in organizations that address social determinants of health. The partnership’s “Fund for Health” contributed $1.6 million to nine early-stage businesses addressing maternal health, equity, access to nutrition, preventive care and neighborhood stability. Meanwhile, Penn Medicine and the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia’s Lurie Autism Institute are driving first-of-its kind transformative discoveries for those living with autism spectrum disorder. The institute will work to unlock the genetics and biology of autism, run clinical trials, expand PhD and postdocs training, and serve as a global hub for ideas. Penn Medicine’s $12.5 billion enterprise is powered by 50,000 faculty and staff.
Mark E. Manigan. President and CEO at RWJBarnabas Health (West Orange, N.J.). Mr. Manigan leads RWJBarnabas Health, New Jersey’s largest and most comprehensive academic health system. He is driving a transformative strategy to build and sustain a healthier state through clinical excellence, operational alignment and equity-focused initiatives. Under his leadership, the system achieved a dramatic financial turnaround, realizing $106 million in operating income in 2024 following a loss the prior year, while simultaneously improving key quality metrics, including a 15% reduction in mortality and a 40% decrease in central line infections. Since joining RWJBarnabas Health in 2019, Mr. Manigan has spearheaded the development of a $865 million ambulatory care network, established a unified systemwide operating model and led the creation of a new mission, vision and credo centered on the mantra “One System, One Family”. He has also advanced workforce and community impact through a large-scale culture transformation, improved employee engagement by over 10%, and invested heavily in social and economic determinants of health. His work has resulted in recruiting thousands from “asset limited, income constrained, employed” neighborhoods, spending $259 million with diverse local vendors and distributing over 500,000 pounds of food through community partnerships. Mr. Manigan is also a member of the Rutgers University board of governors and a trustee of the Center for Great Expectations.
Peter McCanna. CEO at Baylor Scott & White Health (Dallas). As CEO of Texas’ largest nonprofit health system, Baylor Scott & White Health, Mr. McCanna is building a customer-centric, digitally enabled model of care that is continuous, convenient and personalized. The system includes 53 hospitals, more than 1,300 access points, over 59,000 employees, a research institute, a health plan and an accountable care organization, and a systemwide $17.3 billion in total revenue in fiscal year 2025. Under Mr. McCanna’s leadership, the system launched more than 30 digital and clinical solutions that improved and continue to positively impact millions of customer interactions, raising satisfaction scores above 85%. Among these solutions is the award-winning “Help Me Decide” tool, a digital triage feature within the system’s care platform that guides customers to the right site of care and reduces unnecessary emergency visits among users by 80%. His leadership also resulted in record employee engagement, with 83% of team members engaged and 91% proud to work for the organization. Baylor Scott & White Health ranks second nationally for quality, efficiency and experience, according to Premier Inc. Before becoming CEO in 2022, Mr. McCanna served as president for Baylor Scott & White Health. Prior to joining the system, he served as CFO and then COO at Chicago-based Northwestern Medicine from 2002 to 2017. Mr. McCanna serves as the founding board chair of Longitude Health, an organization aiming to revolutionize how health systems operate and deliver impactful change for patients and communities nationwide. He is also a board member of Ann Arbor-based University of Michigan Health and Texas Hospital Association.
Cliff A. Megerian, MD. CEO of University Hospitals (Cleveland). Dr. Megerian leads University Hospitals, a $6.4 billion health system with 21 hospitals, more than 50 health centers and one of the nation’s largest ACOs, serving over 600,000 members. A nationally recognized academic and clinical leader, he advanced the system’s mission through innovation, research and value-based care. Under his leadership, the system was named the No. 16 academic medical center in the world and No. 8 in the U.S. by the consultancy company Brand Finance. University Hospitals also launched the Oxford-Harrington Rare Disease Centre Therapeutics Accelerator with the University of Oxford. Dr. Megerian helped strengthen systemwide performance, reducing hospital readmissions by 20%, generating $18 million in shared savings, and improving Medicare annual wellness visits from 24% to 70%. A champion of health equity and community wellness, he led the system to win the American Hospital Association’s 2024 “Dick Davidson NOVA Award” for its “Food for Life Markets” initiative addressing food insecurity. Dr. Megerian also serves on the boards of the Ohio Hospital Association, Ohio Business Roundtable and Greater Cleveland Partnership, and helps shape national dialogue on quality, safety and healthcare innovation.
Tom Mihaljevic, MD. CEO and President of Cleveland Clinic. Dr. Mihaljevic leads Cleveland Clinic, a $15.9 billion globally integrated healthcare system. Since becoming CEO and president in 2018, Dr. Mihaljevic has guided the 83,000-caregiver enterprise, which spans 23 hospitals and 280 outpatient locations across the U.S., Canada, the United Arab Emirates, and the United Kingdom, with a clear vision of making Cleveland Clinic the best place for care anywhere and the best place to work in healthcare. A renowned cardiac surgeon who has performed nearly 3,000 procedures, he previously served as CEO of Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, where he established the first U.S. multispecialty hospital outside North America and built its reputation for clinical excellence and patient experience. Under his leadership, Cleveland Clinic continues expanding access to world-class care and life-changing research. Its culture of innovation and compassion is rooted in a mission of caring for life, researching for health and educating those who serve. A 10-year partnership with IBM brings quantum computing to advance the pace of discovery in health and life sciences through high-performance computing. A first-of-its kind 20-year brain study of thousands of individuals will help diagnose and prevent neurological diseases such as Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, Stroke and MS before symptoms arise. The system’s Global Center for Pathogen & Human Health Research prepares for the next health crisis by developing a broad spectrum of antiviral drugs and vaccines, including those for cancer. Dr. Mihaljevic has numerous publications, patents and leadership roles in global health, serving on the GE HealthCare board and U.S.-U.A.E. Business Council.
Redonda Miller, MD. President of Johns Hopkins Hospital (Baltimore). Serving in the CEO role since 2016, Dr. Miller leads Johns Hopkins Hospital, a 1,100-bed academic medical center with over 11,000 employees and $3.6 billion in operating revenue. Her leadership has enhanced clinical care, quality, safety, patient experience and health equity at the hospital, as recognized by year-after-year “honor roll” listings from U.S. News & World Report. It was the first academic medical center to achieve Planetree International gold certification for person-centered care. The hospital’s advancements include increasing the number of heart transplants from 25 just two years ago to over 70 in 2025, with 90-day and conditional one-year survival over 90%. Along with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation growth and Impella device placements, it is one of the nation’s busiest cardiac transplant programs. A $150 million investment in cell and gene therapy will boast advanced infrastructure, a lab and innovative therapies to better treat human diseases. Xenotransplantation breakthroughs include continuing focus on the bench research underpinning the field, as well as participation in National Institutes of Health’s first clinical trial to transplant genetically modified animal organs into patients with organ failure. The decade-old, first-in-the-U.S. Capacity Command Center is the model others work to emulate, improving efficiency of patient throughput and clinical care throughout the Johns Hopkins Health System, prioritizing quality, safety and the institution’s tripartite mission of innovative research, education and patient care. A practicing internist, Dr. Miller combines clinical experience with leadership to ensure high-quality patient care and staff support. She is also an associate professor in the department of medicine, with honors including induction into the National Academy of Medicine and the Maryland Chamber of Commerce Business Hall of Fame.
Pete November. CEO at Ochsner Health (New Orleans). Mr. November leads Ochsner Health, Louisiana’s largest nonprofit academic health system and the state’s largest private employer with 47 hospitals and over 370 health and urgent care centers. The system cares for more than 1.6 million people hailing from every state and 63 countries, employing more than 40,000 team members and 4,900 employed and affiliated physicians. Since his appointment in 2022, Mr. November guided system growth and partnerships across the Gulf South, expanding access to high-quality care and advancing the system’s mission to serve, heal, lead, educate and innovate. With over a decade of executive roles, most recently as executive vice president and CFO, he has driven nationally recognized innovations in telehealth, digital medicine and data-driven care. Among his achievements is the creation of the Ochsner LSU Health System of North Louisiana, a groundbreaking partnership that is strengthening regional health services, workforce development and community investment. Ochsner Health is also partnering with Xavier University of Louisiana to create Xavier Ochsner College of Medicine, and building the Gayle and Tom Benson Ochsner Children’s Hospital. Ochsner Health is also expanding access to neurology and neurosurgery by building the Debra H. and Robert J. Patrick Neuroscience Institute. A respected voice in healthcare innovation and community leadership, Mr. November serves on the boards of the National World War II Museum, New Orleans Business Council and Committee of 100 ,and is an adjunct professor at Loyola University College of Business.
Amy Perry. CEO at Banner Health (Phoenix). Ms. Perry leads Banner Health, one of the largest nonprofit health systems with 33 hospitals, including three academic medical centers, two children’s hospitals, scores of outpatient sites and 55,000 team members across six states. Additionally, four health plans include 1.2 million members in value-based arrangements. She guides transformation through health plan expansion, physician alignment, technology investments, groundbreaking research and digital innovation, improving health outcomes and patient experience. Banner expanded graduate medical education to 1,300 residents and fellows and deepened partnerships with University of Arizona and other institutions to grow the next generation of clinicians. Impressive work includes performing the most artificial heart implants in the world and the most heart transplants in Arizona, National Cancer Institute university designation and a partnership with Houston-based MD Anderson Cancer. The system is among the most advanced for Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s research, and also offers Banner Academy for children with autism spectrum and emotional disabilities. Banner has one of the nation’s lowest physician burnout rates, an employee voluntary turnover of 7% and impressive engagement scores. The system achieved over $300 million in efficiency gains in 2025, with annual revenues over $15 billion, as compared to $12.7 billion in 2022. A $1 billion technology, data and digital platform investment is resulting in clinical, efficiency and productivity gains. Ms. Perry drives premium reimbursement strategies to support the 10-year vision of Banner being the most trusted health partner. Prior to joining Banner in 2021, she was hospital division president and executive vice president at Morristown, N.J.-based Atlantic Health System, with record-setting quality and financial performance.
Peter WT Pisters, MD. President at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center (Houston). Dr. Pisters serves as president of The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, the nation’s top-ranked institution for cancer care and a global leader in oncology research, prevention and education. Under his leadership, the center has reached historic milestones, including a $150 million gift from the Kinder Foundation to establish the Kinder Children’s Cancer Center in collaboration with Houston-based Texas Children’s. The collaboration will result in the nation’s largest pediatric cancer partnership dedicated to ending childhood cancer. Dr. Pisters also is leading a $2.5 billion philanthropic campaign, announced in November 2025: “Only Possible Here, The Campaign to End Cancer”, which is the largest in MD Anderson’s history. During his tenure as president, MD Anderson Cancer Center received numerous national and international honors for quality, safety and patient experience, including a 5-star Vizient rating for five years in a row and the No. 1 ranking for cancer by U.S. News & World Report for 11 consecutive years. In fiscal year 2025, Dr. Pisters’ strategic, data-driven leadership led MD Anderson Cancer Center to reach $7.8 billion in annual revenue, and its researchers contributed to 27 of the 55 FDA-approved cancer drugs. The cancer center remains at the forefront of innovation, scientific breakthroughs, clinical excellence and compassionate care for patients worldwide.
Rick Pollack. President and CEO at the American Hospital Association (Washington, D.C.). Mr. Pollack leads the American Hospital Association, the nation’s largest hospital and health system membership organization, representing nearly 5,000 hospitals, health systems and networks across the country. Since becoming president and CEO in 2015, he has been widely recognized for his strong and effective advocacy on behalf of hospitals, patients and healthcare professionals. Under his leadership, the American Hospital Association works to strengthen the financial stability of hospitals, address critical workforce shortages and drive national efforts to advance patient safety and quality. A recognized advocate in expanding access, Mr. Pollack is a leader in many broad-based national coalitions that have led to improved healthcare coverage for patients. He also has led partnerships with federal agencies, including the FBI, to bolster hospitals’ cybersecurity readiness and protect patient safety. A respected voice in national health policy, Mr. Pollack serves on the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Committee of 100, the National Academy of Medicine Action Collaboratives on clinician wellbeing and decarbonizing the U.S. health sector, the board of directors of the Coalition to Strengthen America’s Healthcare and the International Hospital Federation Governing Council. He is a past member of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs special medical advisory group.
Dennis W. Pullin. President and CEO at Virtua Health (Marlton, N.J.). Mr. Pullin is a nationally recognized healthcare leader and changemaker who serves as president and CEO of Virtua Health, southern New Jersey’s largest health system. Under his visionary leadership, the system has grown into a highly integrated, innovation-driven organization with five hospitals, more than 400 care sites and groundbreaking community outreach initiatives. Mr. Pullin is known for his commitment to health equity and his ability to forge transformative partnerships, most notably the acquisition of Lourdes Health System and its academic affiliation with Rowan University to create the Virtua Health College of Medicine and Life Sciences. His leadership has driven the expansion of Virtua’s “Eat Well” food access program, the launch of mobile grocery and pediatric care units, and an $850 million systemwide modernization effort. A thought leader and author of Suited for Leadership, Mr. Pullin was named one of Healthcare Digital‘s “Top 10 Healthcare Leaders” for 2024. He also serves on the boards of Hillenbrand Inc. and DaVita Inc., and is a fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives. Through his bold, community-centered vision, Mr. Pullin is redefining how healthcare systems promote wellness, equity and opportunity for all.
Mike Slubowski. President and CEO at Trinity Health (Livonia, Mich.). Mr. Slubowski leads Trinity Health, one of the nation’s largest Catholic health systems, overseeing 93 hospitals, 127,000 employees and $23.9 billion in annual revenue while guiding the organization’s strategy, performance and mission-driven growth across 26 states. A seasoned executive of nationally recognized health systems, he is the former Trinity Health president and COO. Mr. Slubowski has long been recognized nationally for his emphasis on aligning people, processes, technology and culture to improve systemwide outcomes. Under his leadership, Trinity Health is undergoing a major strategic shift toward outpatient and community-based care, investing heavily in urgent care, medical groups, ambulatory surgery centers and “Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly”, initiatives that are driving double-digit annual growth and reshaping the system’s capital strategy. His focus on organic, physician-driven growth has contributed to a significant financial turnaround, including a $147.6 million operating income in early fiscal 2025, up from a loss the prior year. Mr. Slubowski also is a past chairperson of the Catholic Health Association board of trustees and continues serving on its advisory group. He will join the American Hospital Association’s board of trustees in 2026. He also holds board roles and fellowships reflecting decades of leadership across health systems such as Detroit-based Henry Ford Health, Broomfield, Colo.-based Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth Health System, which merged with Salt Lake City-based Intermountain Health in 2022, and Corvallis, Ore.-based Samaritan Health Services.
Johnese Spisso. President of UCLA Health, CEO of UCLA Hospital System and Associate Vice Chancellor of UCLA Health Sciences (Los Angeles). An acclaimed national leader in academic health, Ms. Spisso oversees UCLA Health’s extensive network, which comprises five hospitals, 280 clinics and the UCLA Faculty Practice Group. The network provides care in Southern and Central California, and continually receives high rankings in U.S. News & World Report‘s “America’s Best Hospitals” listings. She supports research and discovery through partnerships and programs that fund new ideas, promote a culture of innovation, and help translate academic and scientific breakthroughs into clinical applications that improve patient care and health outcomes. In her role since 2016, she leads strategic growth and innovation with key acquisitions to expand access to quality care. This includes transforming a former community hospital into a world-class neuropsychiatric hospital to increase psychiatric inpatient capacity, opening in 2026. Successful efforts with the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health expanded the age range of Medi-Cal patients treated at UCLA Resnick Neuropsychiatric Hospital. UCLA Health’s homeless health collaborative has over 50,000 patient encounters and reduced repeat emergency visits by 32%. Ms. Spisso previously held executive roles at UW Medicine in Seattle. Her board service includes being past chair of the Hospital Association of Southern California and a California Hospital Association trustee. Ms. Spisso has authored numerous articles and book chapters on leadership. She has received numerous recognitions, including Los Angeles Business Journal‘s “CEO of the Year” award.
Julie J. Sprengel. President and CEO of CommonSpirit Health’s California Region. Ms. Sprengel leads CommonSpirit’s vast California Region, spanning 650 miles, 29 hospitals, 250 outpatient sites, and 60,000 employees and physicians that serve 10 million people annually, caring for one in every four Californians. With $12 billion in annual revenue, the California Region contributes $1 billion in charity care and community benefits each year. Bringing over two decades in healthcare leadership, Ms. Sprengel advances the clinical workforce with a focus on quality, safety and experience, and strengthens care delivery through sustainable growth initiatives. Her region earned more “A” hospital safety grades from Leapfrog for fall 2025 than any health system in the state. Her focus on improving population health includes managing one million lives as part of value-based care arrangements and utilizing a state-of-the-art transfer center to address repatriation that ensures the appropriate level of care is delivered. The region funded homeless service agencies such as Parking LA, giving people a secure place to sleep in their vehicles with access to restrooms. Five Medical Safe Haven clinics are staffed by family physicians trained in trauma-informed care for victims and survivors of human trafficking. A statewide food recovery partnership redirects surplus food from hospitals to community organizations, addressing food insecurity while combating climate change. A champion for equity and inclusion, Ms. Sprengel paved the way for Morehouse School of Medicine to expand graduate medical education for underrepresented clinicians in key California communities. She is the California Hospital Association 2026 board chair and a Charles R. Drew University School of Medicine and Science executive trustee.
John M. Starcher, Jr. President and CEO of Bon Secours Mercy Health (Cincinnati). Mr. Starcher serves as president and CEO of Bon Secours Mercy Health, one of the largest nonprofit health systems in the U.S. and the fifth-largest Catholic health system nationally. Since 2018, he has led the organization through a period of transformation and growth, delivering more than 14 million patient encounters annually and bringing care to communities across the U.S., Ireland, the Philippines, Peru, Haiti and South Sudan. Under his leadership, the system generates approximately $13 billion in net operating revenue per year through 47 acute-care hospitals and over 1,200 sites of care, while contributing more than $500 million annually in community benefit and charitable programs. He has overseen the strategic expansion of the system’s diversified business-to-business portfolio and has set new standards in innovative care models, digital integration and strategic partnerships that strengthen care delivery and operational efficiency. He is an active board member of several national organizations, including the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Catholic Health Association of the United States, Ensemble Health Partners and Pediatrix, Inc. His leadership is marked by a forward-looking vision that emphasizes collaboration across business, government, providers and payers, a commitment to simplifying health care access, improving quality and affordability, and advancing mission-driven, compassionate care for all communities served. He has also guided the ministry’s strategic global expansion, strengthening international collaborations and supporting the continued growth of the system’s operations both nationally and globally.
Robert W. Stone. President and CEO for City of Hope (Duarte, Calif.). Mr. Stone leads City of Hope, one of the nation’s most advanced cancer research and treatment organizations. He guides more than 14,000 employees, including 800 clinicians and 1,000 scientists, across a growing network in California, Georgia, Illinois and Arizona. Under his leadership, City of Hope evolved from a regional institution into a national leader in oncology innovation, research and compassionate care, treating more than 157,000 patients in 2024. He has overseen the expansion of the organization’s world-renowned bone marrow transplant and CAR T-cell programs, extending access to advanced therapies through a national clinical trials network. Mr. Stone strengthened City of Hope’s reputation as one of only 57 National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer centers, earning its highest possible rating and maintaining U.S. News & World Report top 10 rankings for cancer care. His leadership emphasizes equity and accessibility, ensuring life-saving treatments reach more communities while accelerating high-impact scientific discovery. Recognized nationally for his vision and strategic acumen, Mr. Stone is the Helen and Morgan Chu CEO Distinguished Chair and was named “Hospital CEO of the Year” by the Los Angeles Business Journal in 2023, where he has been listed among the region’s top 500 business leaders since 2018.
Warner Thomas. President and CEO at Sutter Health (Sacramento, Calif.). Mr. Thomas leads Sutter Health, one of the nation’s largest nonprofit integrated health systems, serving 3.5 million patients across Northern and Central California. He oversees 61,000 employees and more than 14,000 clinicians, guiding Sutter’s strategic, operational and cultural direction through its long-term “Destination 2030” strategy to expand access, enhance affordability and accelerate digital transformation. Under his leadership, the system opened 17 new ambulatory care sites with 40 more underway, launched on-demand video visits, and invested more than $800 million to add 300 inpatient beds through capacity and infrastructure improvements. He advanced workforce development by recruiting 2,200 physicians and clinicians, maintaining clinician turnover of just 3% and achieving 85% employee satisfaction. Mr. Thomas has driven innovation through partnerships with Aidoc, Abridge and other AI leaders, deploying predictive models to improve patient outcomes and expanding AI-assisted diagnostics that have doubled early detection rates in lung cancer. His digital-first strategy has increased online engagement to 1.2 million monthly users and led to the system ranking among the nation’s most digitally advanced systems. He serves as a fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives and has held leadership roles with the American Hospital Association and Medicare Payment Advisory Commission. Under his leadership, Sutter Health has earned national recognition for innovation and quality, including Forbes‘ “Best-in-State Employers” and multiple U.S. News & World Report hospital rankings.
Chris Van Gorder. President and CEO of Scripps Health (San Diego). As the leader of one of the top rated healthcare systems, Mr. Van Gorder has guided Scripps Health for 25 years of its 101-year history. He expanded Scripps from a $1 billion group of hospitals with 55 days cash on hand to a $5 billion integrated health system with more than 400 days cash on hand. Scripps includes five hospitals, with a sixth in development, 70 outpatient sites, 18,500 employees and 3,500 affiliated physicians. His focus on a strong organizational culture, transparency and career development earned Scripps a place on Fortune magazine’s “100 Best Companies to Work For” list for 18 years. His Leadership Academy turns middle managers into leaders, with its 650 graduates over 25 years moving into higher management and executive positions at Scripps Health and nationwide. Equally committed to helping physicians expand their clinical acumen with leadership knowledge, experience and understanding of the issues facing healthcare delivery, Mr. Van Gorder is known for listening and accepting 100% of his Physician Leadership Cabinet recommendations. Among his countless innovations is the Scripps Health dyad leadership model, which pairs administrators with physicians. A former police officer whose public service began after a near-fatal injury in the line of duty, he brings a unique perspective rooted in resilience, teamwork and service. As a San Diego County reserve assistant sheriff, he led Scripps’ medical response team to support Hurricane Katrina, Haiti and Nepal earthquakes. Past American College of Healthcare Executives chair and California Commission on Emergency Medical Services appointee, he received the ACHE “Gold Medal Award” for leadership and community contributions.
Selwyn M. Vickers, MD. President and CEO of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (New York City). Dr. Vickers serves as president and CEO of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, where he also holds the Douglas A. Warner III Chair. An internationally acclaimed pancreatic cancer surgeon, researcher and leader in health equity, he leads the global cancer center whose people are united by the singular mission of ending cancer for life. Dr. Vickers is guiding the cancer center through an era of groundbreaking discovery and compassionate, patient-centered care, which has led to Memorial Sloan Kettering being named the best hospital for oncology in the world this year by Newsweek. Prior to joining the center in 2022, Dr. Vickers served as CEO of the Birmingham, Ala.-based UAB Health System and the UAB/Ascension St. Vincent’s Alliance, as well as senior vice president for medicine and dean of the Heersink School of Medicine at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. His pioneering research in pancreatic cancer led to the development of Minnelide, an investigational therapy now in clinical trials, as well as transformative advances in oncolytic viral treatments. A member of the National Academy of Medicine and a former president of several leading surgical societies, Dr. Vickers also sees patients and mentors the next generation of physician-scientists. His leadership is marked by a commitment to advancing scientific innovation, improving access to high-quality cancer care and eliminating disparities in health outcomes worldwide.
Erik Wexler. President and CEO at Providence (Renton, Wash.). Mr. Wexler leads Providence, one of the nation’s largest nonprofit health systems with more than 123,000 caregivers across seven states, 51 hospitals, 1,000 clinics and a global operations center. In his first year as president and CEO, he guided Providence through strategic transformation in the face of significant economic and political challenges. Since joining Providence in 2018, he has been in several top leadership positions, including as system COO. His key accomplishments include creating an office of transformation to deploy AI and digital tools that reduce clinical workload and burnout, restructuring functions to redirect critical resources to frontline care, significantly improving financial performance, and helping introduce federal legislation to hold insurers accountable for payment delays. Looking ahead to the future of healthcare, he recently announced a five-year strategic direction for Providence that focuses on driving innovation for positive change. He was named to the board of trustees of the American Hospital Association for 2026 and serves on the UCLA Fielding School of Public Health board of directors, the board of R1 and the FBI Healthcare Advisory Council. Mr. Wexler is a vocal advocate for protecting Medicaid and Medicare, spending time meeting with members of Congress in Washington, D.C. to provide solutions that reduce the strain on hospitals, keep people healthy and help ensure families are supported. He also champions technology innovation, meeting with OpenAI to explore the role of AI in reducing clinician burden and advancing the Truveta Genome Project.
Eugene A. Woods. CEO at Advocate Health (Charlotte, N.C.). Mr. Woods leads Advocate Health, the nation’s third-largest nonprofit integrated health system, serving nearly six million patients across six states through 69 hospitals and more than 1,000 care sites. Since the system’s 2022 formation, he has positioned it as a national leader in innovation, equity and workforce development. His vision led to “The Pearl,” a groundbreaking health innovation district projected to create over 11,000 jobs and unite academic, clinical and technology partners to redefine care delivery. He also directed a historic $1 billion investment to transform health and wellness on Chicago’s South Side, securing approval for the first new hospital in the area in a century. Mr. Woods championed $29.5 million in workforce and education initiatives, benefiting more than 15,000 teammates, and drove systemwide compensation increases totaling $764 million to strengthen retention and equity. A pioneer in clinical innovation, he implemented AI-powered “DAX Copilot” technology to reduce administrative burden, with 84% of clinicians reporting improved documentation experiences. Mr. Woods serves on the boards of the American Hospital Association, the Healthcare Leadership Council and Johnson C. Smith University. Under his leadership, Advocate Health earned more than 60 national recognitions for quality, safety and workplace excellence from U.S. News & World Report, Leapfrog and other respected healthcare publications.
Lifetime Honorees: Influential CEOs Retiring in 2025
Michael J. Dowling. CEO Emeritus of Northwell Health (New Hyde Park, N.Y.). Mr. Dowling, CEO Emeritus of Northwell Health, stepped down in October 2025 after a 23-year tenure as Northwell’s first president and CEO. Mr. Dowling transformed Northwell into New York’s largest private employer and healthcare provider, renowned for its innovation, social responsibility and commitment to tackling complex public health issues. Northwell includes 28 hospitals in New York and Connecticut, employing 104,000 individuals, with over 14,000 affiliated physicians and 1,000 care locations. With Mr. Dowling at the helm, Northwell launched the Zucker School of Medicine, the Hofstra-Northwell School of Nursing and the Center for Learning and Innovation, all institutions redefining medical and nursing education through experiential learning and leadership development. He is also known for investing in employee innovation, with $1.3 million invested across three employee-led projects in 2025. Prior to joining Northwell in 1995 as COO of North Shore University Hospital in Manhasset, N.Y., he took on senior roles in health insurance administration and worked under Governor Mario Cuomo, with oversight of healthcare initiatives for New York State. Named a 2025 “TIME100 Health Titan” by Time Magazine, Mr. Dowling has championed bold initiatives addressing gun violence, health equity, climate change and mental health. Now serving in an advisory capacity at Northwell, Mr. Dowling continues to teach, write and advance key public health initiatives, including national gun violence prevention efforts and expanded mental health access. A prolific author and thought leader, his numerous books, articles and lectures challenge healthcare leaders to confront social crises with courage, humanity and vision.
Liz Dunne. President and CEO of PeaceHealth (Vancouver, Wash.). A prominent executive whose leadership spans iconic health systems throughout the West, Ms. Dunne became PeaceHealth’s first laywoman CEO in 2016, leading the Catholic integrated system in transformation and strategic alignment. A healthcare pioneer and innovator in social determinants of health, she positively impacts the communities served by nine hospitals, 160 multispecialty clinics, 16,000 caregivers, and 3,200 physicians and clinicians across Washington, Oregon and Alaska. She is a registered dietician who, knowing the negative impact of food insecurity, has had a career-long commitment to creating healthier communities through programs like veggie vouchers, food pantries and partnerships to combat hunger. PeaceHealth also directly invests in supportive, affordable, respite-specific, service-enhanced and homeless prevention housing. Ms. Dunne led innovative collaborations with Oakland, Calif.-based Kaiser Permanente and Portland-based Oregon Health & Science University, expanded access by acquiring ZoomCare, and drove substantial growth in behavioral health, rehabilitation and specialty pharmacies to better manage chronic conditions and improve quality of life. Her approach to whole-person care reimagined wellbeing and pre-funded tuition initiatives. PeaceHealth is repeatedly listed in “Healthiest 100 Workplaces in America” by Healthiest Employers, and has earned five consecutive Leapfrog “A” grades and five-star CMS ratings. Ms. Dunne also led historic philanthropic achievements, created Women of Peace with meaningful resources and experiences for PeaceHealth staff, and helped lead Catholic Health Association’s “Confronting Racism by Achieving Equity” pledge. She served 10 years in U.S. Air Force active duty and 10 years in the reserves, retiring as lieutenant colonel. Ms. Dunne will retire from PeaceHealth at the end of 2025.
Joseph Impicciche. CEO of Ascension (St. Louis). Mr. Impicciche has spent nearly four decades inspiring leaders, associates and caregivers, first as a legal counsel and now as treasured CEO of one of the nation’s largest, most advanced Catholic health systems. He oversees the growth of one of the largest residency training programs, ensuring Catholic healthcare continues with future mission-driven clinicians. In times of crisis, he inspires courage. During the pandemic, every associate was guaranteed full pay. His culture of psychological safety is evident in initiatives like “We’ve Got Your Back”, which encourages associates to raise safety concerns without fear. His mentoring of emerging leaders includes Executive Ministry Leadership and Ministry Leadership Immersion programs, each having engaged 400 leaders to advance vision and values. Ascension’s 121 hospitals, as well as scores of post-acute facilities and outpatient programs, outperform benchmarks in quality and safety. Mr. Impicciche has aimed to make life better for the system’s 99,000 associates and 23,000 aligned providers, with efforts to reduce administrative burden for clinicians and initiatives on retention, wellbeing and professional development that resulted in an 82% overall retention in nursing alone in the last five years. He launched Ascension Foundation to serve mothers, children and families in need. He is a leading national advocate for Medicaid expansion, price transparency, drug affordability, food security and community safety, and worked with White House initiatives to reduce hunger and improve public safety. Mr. Impicciche was chair of the Catholic Health Association board of trustees and has served on boards of the American Hospital Association and The Catholic University of America. He will retire as Ascension’s CEO at the end of 2025.
Terry Shaw. Past President and CEO of AdventHealth (Altamonte Springs, Fla.). Retired from his role earlier this year, Mr. Shaw led one of the nation’s largest, most highly regarded faith-based health systems during his tenure, with over 50 hospital campuses and a robust network of outpatient facilities. He led AdventHealth through significant transformation, including forming a singular, growing brand centered on whole-person care, a connected system of care for consumers to easily access and use, future-looking financial stewardship, an operational model positioned for resilience, and a new division committed to a holistic continuum of care. Team members participate annually in “The Whole Care Experience”, an interactive learning journey that unites them under a shared mission, vision, values and service standards and creates a foundation for delivering compassionate care. An impressive 95% of AdventHealth facilities achieved top-quartile performance in Premier’s “All-Adult Inpatient Mortality”, greatly exceeding the national average. In 2024, operating revenue increased to over $18 billion, and a strong earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization margin of 13.3% fueled the expansion of several hospitals and the construction of a new hospital and freestanding emergency departments. In his 40-year tenure, Mr. Shaw played a pivotal role in advancing the vision and direction through his broad understanding and deep knowledge of finance, IT and overall operations. Prior to becoming president and CEO in 2016, he served as executive vice president, CFO and COO. A national leader in the healthcare industry, he served on the Healthcare Leadership Council policy think tank, is chair emeritus of Premier, Inc.’s board of directors and co-chair of Health Evolution’s Transforming Health Care Economics Roundtable.
