Health system executives spent the last few years building financial stability after the pandemic and adjusting to workforce shifts. Those areas will remain important in 2025, but a new obsession for C-suite executives is emerging. Or, more accurately, re-emerging.
Leadership & Management
There was no shortage of notable C-suite transitions in 2024.
Women in healthcare leadership roles across the U.S. drove significant improvements within their organizations in 2024. From reducing patient length of stay to boosting employee engagement, these leaders achieved measurable growth through percentage changes and other key metrics.
Barclay Berdan became CEO of Arlington-based Texas Health Resources in 2014 and over the last decade has built a strong culture with an eye toward growth.
Annette Walker, president of City of Hope Orange County (Calif.), is overseeing the development of Orange County's only cancer specialty hospital, slated to open in 2025.
Advertisement
After 39 years in healthcare, Doug Ekeren, regional president and CEO of Yankton, S.D.-based Avera Sacred Heart Hospital, plans to retire in May.
Cristina Contreras began her career with NYC Health + Hospitals in 1995 as a case worker. Today, she brings that patient-centered focus to her role as CEO of NYC Health + Hospitals/Lincoln, a 362-bed hospital in New York City.
The suspect accused of fatally shooting UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson pleaded not guilty on Dec. 23 to state charges of terrorism and murder.
Becker's asked C-suite executives from hospitals and health systems across the U.S. to share the areas they're focusing on for 2025.
President-elect Donald Trump has nominated Aaron Reitz to serve as head of the Justice Department Office of Legal Policy and Chad Mizelle as chief of staff at the Justice Department, according to two Dec. 21 Truth Social posts.