Chris Van Gorder, president and CEO of San Diego-based Scripps Health, has received the 2026 Vision & Excellence in Healthcare Leadership Award from Partners in Care Foundation.
The award was presented May 28 by American Hospital Association President and CEO Rick Pollack and former San Diego Fire Department Chief Jeff Bowman during the foundation annual tribute dinner in Los Angeles, according to a May 29 health system news release.
Mr. Van Gorder was recognized for his leadership of Scripps Health and contributions to healthcare delivery, emergency response and community service across California. He has led the health system since 2000.
During his tenure, Scripps expanded from a $1 billion group of hospitals to a $5 billion integrated health system. The organization also grew to treat more than 650,000 patients annually through more than 3,500 affiliated physicians and nearly 18,000 employees across five acute-care hospital campuses and more than 70 outpatient and specialty care locations.
Mr. Van Gorder also established a dyad leadership model and launched leadership programs such as the Scripps Leadership Academy, which he created soon after becoming CEO. System executives meet with managers through the program, and Mr. Van Gorder opens each session with a two-and-half-hour Q&A covering any topic, he told Becker’s in 2025.
Scripps Health’s investments in workplace culture and development have contributed to its inclusion on Fortune’s list of the 100 Best Companies to Work For for the 18th time in 2026.
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