An acclaimed national leader in academic health, Ms. Spisso oversees UCLA Health’s extensive network, which 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 late summer 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.
