177+ women hospital presidents and CEOs to know | 2023 - Becker's Hospital Review

Women represent a large portion of the workforce in healthcare, and they are increasingly assuming top executive roles at hospitals as well. 

These female hospital presidents and CEOs are expanding access to care, promoting inclusivity and diversity, spearheading new initiatives and helping to close the gender gap in healthcare leadership.

Note: This list is not an endorsement of included presidents, CEOs, hospitals, health systems or associated healthcare providers. Leaders cannot pay for inclusion on this list. Leaders are presented in alphabetical order.

Contact Anna Falvey at afalvey@beckershealthcare.com with questions or comments.

Rhonda Abbott. Senior Vice President and CEO of TIRR Memorial Hermann, Memorial Hermann Rehabilitation Hospital-Katy and Memorial Hermann Rehabilitation Network (Houston). In 2001, Ms. Abbott began her career at Memorial Hermann Health System as a staff therapist. Since then, she has earned progressive promotions in alignment with her achievements. She now oversees TIRR Memorial Hermann's continued excellence in rehabilitative care, research, advocacy and education across the system. She has led clinical care redesign initiatives, translational research efforts, quality care improvements, expansion of therapy education programs and efficiency improvements. She also oversees strategic planning, transitions of care, operational and campus growth, and advocacy efforts at a national level. 

Sharon Adams, BSN, RN. President of Nuvance Health Eastern Region, President of Danbury Hospital, New Milford Hospital, Sharon Hospital and Homecare Services (Danbury, Conn.). Ms. Adams is directly responsible for the successful operations of three hospitals across Connecticut. Ms. Adams oversees Danbury, New Milford, and Sharon Hospitals, serving over 108,000 patients across the state annually, and employing over 4,900 individuals. Serving in her role since 2020, she leads operations, integration, and strategic direction. She is overseeing the comprehensive, growth-based transformative planning process for the rural hospitals. In addition, she is passionate about mental health care and sees the mental health service line as an opportunity to be a champion for those suffering. 

Nancy Agee, RN. President and CEO of Carilion Clinic (Roanoke, Va.). Ms. Agee is president and CEO of Carilion Clinic, a nearly $2 billion integrated health system serving more than 1 million people in Virginia and West Virginia. Carilion Clinic features seven hospitals at all scales, operates home health, imaging services, pharmacies and freestanding surgical clinics while employing more than 1,000 physicians. She helped to co-lead the clinic's reorganization to the fully integrated, physician-led clinic it is today. Ms. Agee also has experience chairing the American Hospital Association and Virginia Hospital and Healthcare Association.

Jandel Allen-Davis, MD. President and CEO of Craig Hospital (Englewood, Colo.). Dr. Allen-Davis,  is president and CEO of Craig Hospital, a premier center for specialty neurorehabilitation and research for people with spinal cord injury and/or brain injury. A 93-bed, private, not-for-profit inpatient/outpatient hospital, Craig offers acute and short- and long-term care. Dr. Allen-Davis oversees the delivery of patient care and safety, financial stability, strategic planning, research team and outcomes, capital improvements, and community relations. Her leadership has earned a 100 percent approval rating on Glassdoor and she is committed to increasing the number of women in healthcare as well as mentoring young leaders. 

Sue Anderson. President and CEO of Dignity Health-Marian Regional Medical Center (Santa Maria, Calif.) and Dignity Health-Arroyo Grande Community Hospital (Arroyo Grande, Calif.). Ms. Anderson joined Dignity Health-Marian Regional Medical Center in July of 2018. She oversees $600 million in annual revenue and manages two hospital locations, residency programs, a skilled nursing facility, an acute rehab facility, a homecare entity and outpatient labs, imaging and infusion centers. Ms. Anderson is also at the helm of Dignity Health-Arroyo Grande Community Hospital, where she has helped to expand hospital offerings. Notably, she oversaw the opening of the Matthew Will Memorial Medical Center, which provides specialized care for community members. 

Helen Arteaga-Landaverde. CEO of NYC Health + Hospitals/Elmhurst (Elmhurst, N.Y.). Ms. Arteaga-Landaverde has served as CEO of NYC Health + Hospitals/Elmhurst, a 545-bed Level 1 Trauma and academic medical center that hosts over 1 million patient visits a year, since February 2021. She leads one of New York City's largest hospitals and manages a staff of over 6,000 healthcare clinicians and support staff. During her tenure at Elmhurst, Ms. Arteaga-Landaverde has worked closely with the hospital's medical teams to oversee an unprecedented COVID-19 testing and vaccination program throughout multiple waves of the pandemic, and has guided the institution's recovery as it moves into a post-pandemic future. She is also overseeing an ambitious capital improvement project that will allow Elmhurst to expand its services and keep up with the demands for healthcare within a rapidly growing, yet underserved community. 

LaSharndra Barbarin, MHA, FACHE. CEO of Medical City Arlington (Texas). Ms. Barbarin has more than 20 years of healthcare leadership experience. She became CEO of Medical City Arlington, a 433-bed hospital, in 2022. She is leading the hospital's $132 million expansion that will add 60 more patient beds to support community growth. Ms. Barbarin has previous experience as CEO of Medical City Lewisville. Under her guidance, the hospital enhanced its services and expanded access points. She has also worked to make the hospital more diverse, equitable and inclusive, which has been accomplished via patient care, board representation, hiring practices and promotions.

Elaine Batchlor, MD. CEO of MLK Community Healthcare (Los Angeles). Dr. Batchlor serves as CEO of MLK Community Healthcare, a health system comprising a private safety-net hospital, the MLK Community Medical Group, community and population health services, and a fundraising establishment. She is passionate about increasing access to care for underserved populations, and has been nationally recognized for her pursuits. Thanks to her efforts, she is a member of the National Academy of Medicine. Dr. Batchlor has previously served as chief medical officer of Los Angeles Care Health Plan, the largest public health plan in the nation for a safety-net population.

Victoria Bayless. CEO of Luminis Health (Annapolis, Md.). Ms. Bayless's current position as CEO of Luminis Health is supported by over 25 years of experience in strategic planning, health system operations, community health and outreach, medical staff relations and physician practice management, talent management and business development. She began her career at Luminis in 2006 as vice president of clinical and support services. She became COO in 2006, then president and COO in 2009. She has been serving as CEO since her promotion in 2011. 

Madeline Bell. President and CEO of Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. As president and CEO of one of the nation's top-ranked children's hospitals, Ms. Bell oversees almost 24,000 employees and $3.8 billion annually. She began her career at the hospital as a pediatric nurse, left the organization to pursue hospital administration, then returned to the organization for a number of successive leadership roles. She assumed her current position in 2015. During her tenure with the hospital, she has made great strides in growing the ambulatory care network, expanding the Philadelphia campus, creating the inpatient Middleman Family Pavilion and developing the Center for Advanced Behavioral Healthcare.

Kara Besst. President and CEO of Gritman Medical Center (Moscow, Idaho). Ms, Besst leads Gritman Medical Center's hospital and clinic network, which includes nearly 700 employees who support patients across a multi-county, two-state region. Gritman is a 25-bed critical access hospital that serves more than 150,000 patient visits each year. Ms, Besst rose through the hospital's ranks in her nearly three decades of service to Gritman. She was originally hired as an accountant in 1994 and was later promoted to CFO before her appointment as CEO in 2011. Her leadership has been instrumental in the success and growth of the hospital and clinic network.

Odette Bolano. President and CEO of Saint Alphonsus Health System (Boise, Idaho). As president and CEO of Saint Alphonsus, Ms. Bolano offers executive leadership, strategic direction and operational guidance for five hospitals across Idaho and Oregon. Before her promotion to system president, she led Saint Alphonsus Regional Medical Center from 2015-18. She has held a number of other leadership positions throughout her career, including her role as senior vice president of Oakland, Calif.-based Kaiser Permanente-East Bay. 

Kelly Braverman. President and CEO of Witham Health Services (Lebanon, Ind.). Ms. Braverman serves as president and CEO of Witham Health Services. She brings over 20 years of healthcare experience to her role, along with a deep understanding of technology and operations. She utilizes her experience and expertise to spearhead initiatives that will serve to improve the system, such as the construction of the replacement IU Health Frankfort facility. Ms. Braverman is a fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives and is a recipient of the ACHE Distinguished Service Award.

Denise Brooks-Williams. Executive Vice President and CEO of Care Delivery System Operations for Henry Ford Health (Detroit). Ms. Brooks-Williams originally joined Henry Ford Health as president and CEO of Henry Ford Wyandotte (Mich.) Hospital in 2013. In 2023, she was named executive vice president and CEO of care delivery system operations for Henry Ford Health, a role that requires her to direct market strategy, hospital operations, ambulatory operations, surgical services, emergency departments and more. She actively works to promote growth and diversity in healthcare, a cause she has long been passionate about. She is also a fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives. 

Dawn Bulgarella. CEO of UAB Health System and CEO of UAB/Ascension St. Vincent's Alliance (Birmingham, Ala.). Ms. Bulgarella was unanimously named CEO of UAB Health System and CEO of UAB/Ascension St. Vincent's Alliance in 2023. Prior to her appointment, she had been serving in an interim capacity since 2022. She brings over three decades of experience within the UAB system to the role. Ms. Bulgarella aims to further expand healthcare accessibility across the state. 

Susan Burroughs. CEO of Medical University of South Carolina - Columbia Medical Center Northeast (Columbia, S.C.). Ms. Burroughs currently serves as chief executive officer at MUSC Health Columbia Medical Center Northeast. She creates and expands access to quality care and patient-centered services that were previously unavailable for communities. This position holds executive oversight for health system clinical, ancillary and support departments. Stemming from her passion for managing large-scale projects, Ms. Burroughs is a healthcare leader who leans on her core values of compassion and integrity and helps healthcare organizations grow in a way they've never grown before. She is a sought after healthcare speaker who is also a board-certified fellow of ACHE, immediate- past president for the South Carolina Chapter of the National Association of Health Services Executives and sits on the regional leadership council of the South Carolina Hospital Association.

Jennifer Burrows. Chief Executive, Providence Oregon West Division-Providence St Vincent Medical Center (Portland, Ore.). Ms. Burrows takes ownership of Providence St. Vincent Medical Center's 3,300 employees and 1,800 medical staff members. The hospital has earned Magnet recognition five times and includes multiple centers of excellence, such as the Heart and Vascular Institute, Brain and Spine Institute and Center for Health Care Ethics. Ms. Burrows also provides executive leadership for the western division in Oregon, which includes Providence Seaside Hospital and Providence Newberg Medical Center. Her previous experience as chief nursing officer at the hospital set her up for success in her current role. 

Carolyn Caldwell, President and CEO of Dignity Health-St. Mary Medical Center (Long Beach, Calif.). Ms. Caldwell joined Dignity Health-St. Mary Medical Center in 2017. As president and CEO, she guides the 389-bed nonprofit medical center, which provides a comprehensive range of inpatient, outpatient and related services. She has been lauded for her deft handling of the pandemic's challenges. Ms. Caldwell is also a fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives. 

Brenda Carlisle, MSHA, BSN, RN, CENP. CEO of UAB Hospital University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Medicine (Birmingham, Ala.). Ms. Carlisle oversees the operations of the eighth-largest hospital in the country. The University of Alabama at Birmingham Hospital is a leading academic medical center and is continuously ranked as the number one hospital in Alabama by U.S News & World Report. The hospital has 1,207 beds and 18,000 employees that care for more than 1.6 million patients annually. During her tenure, she has maximized operating room utilization from 63 percent to 80 percent, expanded the robotic surgery program and maintained a $2.93B revenue budget, and a $160 million Perioperative/Heart & Vascular Center capital portfolio.

Kristy Carrington, BSN, RN. Chief Executive, Providence North Puget Sound (Everett, Wash.). Ms. Carrington was named chief executive of Providence North Puget Sound in 2022, which includes the Providence Regional Medical Center Everett, Swedish Edmonds and the Swedish Mill Creek emergency department. Her responsibilities include crafting and implementing strategic plans for workforce recovery, renewal and restructuring. Ms. Carrington has previously served as chief nursing officer for the Providence Swedish Puget Sound region. 

Patricia Carroll, FACHE. President and Chief Hospital Executive for Hackensack Meridian Raritan Bay Medical Center and Hackensack Meridian Old Bridge Medical Center (Edison, N.J.). As president and chief hospital executive of Hackensack Meridian Raritan Bay and Hackensack Meridian Old Bridge medical centers, Ms. Carroll has accountability for and oversight of both organizations, including hospital operations, strategy and business economics. Recent initiatives include the opening of a newly renovated behavioral health unit at Raritan Bay Medical Center and the current expansion of behavioral health patient services at Raritan Bay. At its core, Ms. Carroll's is involved with creating a positive and productive culture, fostering operational excellence, strategic growth and strong financial performance. Ms. Carroll's additional leadership positions and community service roles include service as a Gellman Foundation Howard's Mission volunteer and Cherub Improv board member.

Lisa Carter. President, Southern Region Ballad Health (Johnson City, Tenn.). As senior vice president and president of Ballad Health's Southern Region, Ms. Carter is primarily responsible for overseeing the organization's operations in a region comprising nine hospitals covering more than 1,000 beds. Her role involves managing strategic initiatives, maintaining strong relationships with key stakeholders, ensuring high-quality patient care, and driving regional growth opportunities. Under her leadership, the southern region has experienced significant growth, including expanding services and facilities, allowing the organization to serve the region's population better. Her team has proactively developed innovative programs to enhance patient experience and outcomes. For instance, in response to the opioid epidemic in the region, Ms. Carter spearheaded the formation of a task force to address the crisis that focuses on harm reduction, prevention and treatment.

Chanda Chacon. President and CEO of Children's Hospital Medical Center (Omaha, Neb.). Ms. Chacon brings her dedication to pediatric care and patient safety to her role as president and CEO of Children's Hospital Medical Center. She is also a fellow in the American College of Health Care Executives. Prior to her time at Children's Hospital Medical Center, she was executive vice president and system COO at Little Rock, Ark.-based Arkansas Children's. 

Jen Chahanovich. President and CEO of Wilcox Memorial Hospital and CEO of Kauai Medical Clinic (Kauai, Hawaii). In 2015, Ms. Chahanovich was named president and CEO of Hawaii Pacific Health's Wilcox Medical Center. She has been with the health system since 2002 and acted as CEO of Pali Momi Medical Center in Aiea before assuming her current role. Under Ms. Chahanovich's leadership, Wilcox Medical Center's emergency department underwent a $5.1 million renovation to provide residents with access to cutting-edge trauma care. 

Beth Charlton, RN. President and CEO of Covenant HealthCare (Saginaw, Mich.). Ms. Charlton stepped into the role of Covenant HealthCare's president and CEO in July of 2021. Covenant is one of the largest employers in the area, with 4,500 employees and 600 medical staff. Ms. Charlton's 32-plus years in healthcare, with roles ranging from bedside nurse to chief nursing officer to executive vice president and COO, make her the ideal fit for the leadership role. 

Karen Cheesman. President and CEO of Mackinac Straits Health System (St. Ignace, Mich.). In July 2017, Ms. Cheesman became the first new CEO of Mackinac Straits in over 17 years. She transitioned from the COO role following previous CEO Rodney Nelson's retirement. Ms. Cheesman has extensive experience in management, 16 years of which were spent at the health system. She has played a key role in relationship building, strategic planning, recruiting, and operations during her time with the system. 

Mary Ellen Clyne, PhD. President and CEO of Clara Maass Medical Center (Belleville, N.J.).  Dr. Clyne is president and CEO of Clara Maass Medical Center, an RWJBarnabas Health facility located in Belleville, New Jersey that provides a continuum of care to residents of Essex, Hudson, Bergen and Passaic Counties. In her role there, she oversees all initiatives supporting the delivery of patient care, financial stability, strategic planning, capital improvements, renovations, new construction, quality, performance improvement, patient experience, patient safety and community relations for the medical center. She has been recognized with a wide array of awards and recognitions such as the Ecuador American Chamber of Commerce, the Township of Bloomfield, the Belleville Township and the Nutley Board of Commissioners. Recently, Dr. Clyne received an Outstanding Heroes Award from Luis A. Quintana, Council President/Councilman-At-Large, Newark, NJ.

June Collison, President and CEO of Dignity Health-Community Hospital of San Bernardino (Calif.). Ms. Collison has served as president and CEO of Dignity Health's Community Hospital of San Bernardino since 2012. She leads the 347-bed acute care hospital's 1,600 employees in exceptional caregiving. She is also charged with preserving the hospital's 100-year legacy while simultaneously modernizing to reflect the changing healthcare landscape. 

Joanna Conley, President and CEO of Doctors Hospital (Augusta, Ga.). Ms. Conley has been president and CEO of HCA Healthcare's Doctors Hospital of Augusta, which includes the largest burn center in the Unites States, since August 2022. Before that, she served as president and CEO of TriStar Southern Hills Medical Center in Nashville, Tenn. Ms. Conley is very intentional about creating a positive, inclusive culture. She knows the importance of a strong focus on diversity, equity and inclusion and has implemented a number of hospital initiatives with this in mind.

Stephanie Conners, RN. President and CEO of BayCare Health System (Clearwater, Fla.). Ms. Conners serves as BayCare Health System's president and CEO, following her previous role as executive vice president and COO for Philadelphia-based Jefferson Health. She is known for her commitment to clinical excellence, safety and collaboration. In 2023, Ms. Conners announced that BayCare's leadership team would be revamped in order to promote further growth. 

Joanne Conroy, MD. President and CEO of Dartmouth Health (Lebanon, N.H.). Dr. Conroy oversees the management of Dartmouth Health, New Hampshire's single academic health system and largest private employer. She has held the position of president and CEO since 2017. Her ability to create strong partnerships has contributed to the broadening of services throughout both New Hampshire and Rhode Island. Under her guidance, the health system has grown to include four hospitals and a home health agency. 

Mimi Coomler, RN. CEO of Tucson (Ariz.) Medical Center. Ms. Coomler serves as CEO of Tucson Medical Center, the city's largest hospital at 628 beds and over 4,000 employees. She is responsible for overseeing the hospital at large, including surgery, emergency services, critical care, infection control and hospice. As CEO, she is tasked with strategic planning, regulatory compliance, team building and partnership creation. Her background as a nurse and her son's diagnosis of Type 1 diabetes fuel her passion for improving health throughout her community. 

Rebecca Coplin. Chief Executive of Providence Oregon North Coast Service Area-Providence Seaside Hospital (Seaside, Ore.). With over 20 years of experience within the Providence system alone, Ms. Coplin brings a wealth of knowledge and skills to her role as chief executive. She has also served in the same position in an interim capacity, before which she led clinical programs for Providence and spent multiple years honing her strategic management and clinical transformation skills. At Providence Seaside Hospital, a 25-bed critical access hospital, she supports the goal of providing patients with cutting edge health care and health education. 

Kathryn Correia. President and CEO of Legacy Health (Portland, Ore.). In 2018, Legacy Health's nationwide search for a new president and CEO ended upon Ms. Correia's unanimous appointment. She brings 20 years worth of experience in healthcare leadership, including an understanding of hospital operations, the physician community and health plan administration. She is the first woman to serve as president and CEO of Legacy Health, a nonprofit health system with six hospitals and over 70 primary care locations. 

Phyllis Cowling. President and CEO of United Regional Health Care System (Wichita Falls, Texas). Ms. Cowling serves as president and CEO of United Regional Health Care System. She is a staunch supporter of community health, believing patients seeking access to quality care should not have to travel to a big city to receive it. Ms. Cowling has spent many years with the health system, overseeing a large expansion of the hospital's campus and services. Under her leadership, United Regional has earned several national recognitions for patient care and hospital improvement. 

Kimberly Chavalas Cripe. President and CEO of Children's Hospital of Orange (Calif.) County. Since 1997, Ms. Cripe has been leading Children's Hospital of Orange County as its president and CEO. Upon her appointment, she recruited a talented executive team, brought in well-known physician leaders and created centers of excellence. Doing so not only helped eliminate losses during a financially difficult time, but also improved pediatric care via expanded services and infrastructure. Ms. Cripe has continued to expand services, most recently creating a system of care for youth with mental illness and overseeing the construction of its Mental Health Inpatient Center.

Jennifer Cruikshank, RN. CEO of Riverside University Health System-Medical Center and Clinics (Moreno Valley, Calif.). As the CEO of Riverside University Health System-Medical Center and Clinics, Ms. Cruikshank is responsible for planning, organizing, directing, managing, controlling and evaluating the overall operations of the medical center and the ambulatory care system. She is tasked with delegating across departments and coordinating all administrative and business affairs. She began her career as a nurse and has also held chief of patient care and COO positions.

Regina Cunningham, PhD, RN. CEO of Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania (Philadelphia). Dr. Cunningham acts as CEO at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, where she applies her deep experience in the organization and delivery of resources and services across the care continuum to her role. She is also an adjunct professor and assistant dean for clinical practice at the University of Pennsylvania's nursing school, as well as a fellow of the American Academy of Nursing. She previously served as chief nurse executive, where she oversaw various strategic and operational functions. 

Leslie Davis. President and CEO of UPMC (Pittsburgh). With over 30 years of healthcare experience under her belt, Ms. Davis has honed in on operations and the development of services in her role as president and CEO of UPMC. Prior to her current role, she served as executive vice president of UPMC and president of the health services division. She was also president of UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital for 14 years, and senior vice president and COO of the health services division for seven years. Prior to joining UPMC, Ms. Davis held various leadership roles of progressive responsibility at health systems spanning New York City and Philadelphia. 

Takeisha Davis, MD. CEO of New Orleans East Hospital. Dr. Davis brings a wealth of experience in clinical care, community engagement and healthcare systems management to her role as CEO of New Orleans East Hospital. She assumed the position in 2022, the same year that she became board chair for the United Way of Southeast Louisiana. Dr. Davis is passionate about using her leadership positions to address social determinants of care that block people from accessing care, which impacts a large portion of the New Orleans population.

Tina Freese Decker. President and CEO of Corewell Health (Grand Rapids, Mich.). Ms. Decker serves as president and CEO of Corewell Health, a role that entails leading over 60,000 colleagues in the provision of affordable and equitable care. She played a vital role in the 2022 merger of Beaumont Health and Spectrum Health, now joined together under Corewell Health. Her 20-plus years in healthcare prepared her for her current role as leader of the $14 billion, 22-hospital system. 

Jennifer DeCubellis. CEO of Hennepin Healthcare (Minneapolis). Ms. DeCubellis is the CEO of Hennepin Healthcare, an integrated system offering primary care, specialty care, homecare, hospice, rehabilitation, and adult and pediatric trauma care. She took on the role in February 2020, just weeks before the pandemic started, and has been focused on investing in community, health, wellness and innovation ever since. She aims to help transform the system by increasing health equity.  

Lisa Deering, MSN, RN. CEO of Regency Hospital Company-Cleveland East at Select Medical (Mechanicsburg, Pa.). Ms. Deering is responsible for the operations of a 44-bed critical illness recovery hospital. Alongside her duties as chief executive, she's present for her team and celebrates wins big and small, including birthdays and work anniversaries. With a hands-on leadership style, she also offers clinical support to her teams and facilitates improvements in quality metrics and patient satisfaction.

Pamela Delagardelle. President and CEO of UnityPoint Health - Waterloo (West Des Moines, Iowa). Ms. Delagardelle acts as President and CEO of UnityPoint Health-Waterloo and CEO of UnityPoint Health-Marshalltown, a dual role that involves the oversight of two hospitals, 40 specialty clinics, an outpatient surgery center, a community mental health center, four urgent care clinics, two affiliate hospitals and Allen College, a school that trains healthcare students. In 2021, she stepped in to serve as UnityPoint Health's interim chief nursing officer as well. Using her extensive healthcare experience, she guided care team members through the strain of COVID-19, helped recruit new talent, and implemented programs and bonuses to aid in-house talent retention. Her leadership contributes greatly to patient safety, care, and satisfaction at the hospitals she oversees.

Sheri De Shazo. President of Advocate Health, Sherman Hospital (Milwaukee and Downers Grove, Ill.). Ms. De Shazo is currently president of Sherman Hospital, which is part of Advocate Health, composed of Advocate, Aurora, Atrium and Wake Forest University. Advocate Health is the fifth-largest nonprofit integrated health system in the United States and the biggest employer in the Chicagoland area. She oversees the operation of a 225-bed facility with and three immediate care centers. The emergency room sees nearly 60,000 visits per year with a level two trauma center that serves the North and West suburbs. The hospital was listed among Newsweek's "World's Best Hospitals for 2022."

Heather Dexter. CEO of Emory Saint Joseph's Hospital (Atlanta). Ms. Dexter has served as CEO of Emory Saint Joseph's Hospital since 2015. Her leadership has led the hospital through a period of growth, including new programs, initiatives, physicians, construction and more. Prior to assuming her current role, she was COO from 2011 to 2015. Her career at the hospital stretches back even farther; she originally began working as an administrative resident in 1998 before working her way up through progressive leadership roles. 

Mary Deynoodt. CEO of Ochsner Medical Center-West Bank Campus (New Orleans). Ms. Deynoodt acts as CEO of Ochsner Medical Center-West Bank Campus. Her role entails guiding the facility's operations, finances and strategic performance. She originally joined Ochsner Health in July of 2000, holding numerous leadership positions throughout the years. 

Anne Diamond. President of Bridgeport (Conn.) Hospital, Executive Vice President Yale New Haven (Conn.) Health. Ms. Diamond began her healthcare career as a nuclear medicine technologist and radiation safety officer. She made her way to Bridgeport Hospital after working in international research and development and then getting her law degree. She has served as the president of Bridgeport Hospital since 2019. During that time the hospital has made great strides, such as identifying the best treatments and methods for flexing volume up and down and caring for patients with a novel virus. She has improved relationships with community and health system partners, which will continue to benefit the hospital and community well into the future. She sees robotics, telehealth, and artificial intelligence playing a vital role in the future of Bridgeport Hospital and the healthcare industry. She intends to elevate the hospital's level of acute care using technology and innovation to drive excellence in clinical outcomes as well as superior patient-centered care.

Nancy DiLiegro, PhD, FACHE. President and CEO for RWJBarnabas Health Trinitas Regional Medical Center (Elizabeth, N.J.). As the newly appointed President and CEO of Trinitas Regional Medical Center, an RWJBarnabas Health facility, Dr. DiLiegro is responsible for ensuring high-quality care delivery to thousands of patients each day. Overseeing all internal and external operations at Trinitas, she works closely with the hospital's physicians and staff to implement best-in-class clinical practices, identify and develop new innovations and tools that drive hospital growth and increase patient outcomes, and facilitate relationships with key stakeholders. She has been honored with the ACHE-NJ Senior Level Healthcare Executive Regent Award, ACHE-NJ Recognition Award, American Heart Association Woman of Distinction Award and the Humanitarian with a Heart Award, New York City Society of Health-System Pharmacists Award of Merit, and the New York State Council of Health-System Pharmacists Board of Directors Award.

Marcy Doderer, FACHE. President and CEO for Arkansas Children's (Little Rock, Ark.). Ms. Doderer is the president and CEO of Arkansas Children's where she oversees the daily operations of multiple care facilities that include more than 350 beds all together. She directs $25 million in routine capital projects annually and oversees the long-term expansion of the organization. She is actively engaged nationally with Children's Hospital Association and Children's Hospitals' Solutions for Patient Safety to advocate on behalf of child health, robust learning systems and improved outcomes.

Joyce Dombrouski, RN. Chief Executive of Providence Western Montana Service Area (Missoula, Mont.). Ms. Dombrouski brings over 40 years of healthcare experience to her role as chief executive of the Providence Western Montana Service Area. Her role entails the oversight of St. Patrick Hospital, Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center and Providence Medical Group. Overall, she is responsible for around 2,500 employees and providers. Her additional appointments include the Family Medical Residency of Western Montana, Montana Graduate Medical Education Council, Montana Hospital Association, Montana Economic Partnership and Providence Montana Health Foundation. 

Jill Donaldson. President of MedStar Harbor Hospital and Senior Vice President of MedStar Health (Baltimore). As president of MedStar Harbor Hospital, Ms. Donaldson is responsible for its overall strategic and operational direction. In this role, she oversees every aspect of hospital care and operations, is accountable to the board of directors and directly supervises the chief medical officer, chief nursing officer, vice president for operations, CFO, and the patient experience and care transformation senior leaders. She is also a senior vice president for the $7 billion nonprofit health system that employs over 30,000 people. 

Carol Dozier. CEO of Norton King's Daughters' Health (Madison, Ind.). Since 2013, Ms. Dozier has served as the CEO of Norton King's Daughters' Health. Her leadership of the rural hospital has been praised, especially in light of the pandemic. Prior to her current role, she was CEO of Laramie, Wyo.-based Ivinson Memorial Hospital, where she headed the construction of a new hospital and other renovations, guided financial turnabouts and more.

Danielle Drummond. President and CEO of Lakeland (Fla.) Regional Health. In her role as president and CEO, Ms. Drummond works to ensure the optimal performance of all aspects of the health system, from the day-to-day operations to the long-term strategic development initiatives. One of her standout achievements was the creation of the Center for Behavioral Health and Wellness, a facility that provides access, service, safety and programming for those with behavioral health needs. She has also demonstrated her commitment to advancing women's empowerment via her capstone project, the Carol Jenkins Barnett Pavilion for Women and Children, which is a dedicated pediatric emergency room for women and children.

Stephanie Duggan, MD. Regional President and CEO of the Mid/North Region for Ascension Michigan. (Warren, Mich.). Dr. Duggan serves as regional president and CEO of the Mid/North Region, Ascension Michigan, which includes Ascension Genesys Hospital in Grand Blanc, Ascension St. Mary's Hospital in Saginaw, Ascension Standish Hospital in Standish and Ascension St. Joseph Hospital in Tawas City. Dr. Duggan provides strong leadership across the broad geography to facilitate the sharing and implementation of best practices, help standardize quality care efforts and streamline operations across the region. She has responsibility for strategic growth, business partnerships and clinical program development, talent development and retention, quality and fiscal outcomes, as well as community reputation, engagement and advocacy. Under Dr. Duggan's leadership, numerous strategic growth initiatives have been achieved such as a partnership with Covenant Healthcare for emergency medical air medical transportation and a physician-led process change to improve ER patient throughput and experience at Ascension Genesys Hospital. 

Sandy Dugger. CEO of Banner Lassen Medical Center (Susanville, Calif.). Ms. Dugger has spent over 30 years with Banner Health. She was named CEO of Banner Lassen Medical Center in 2018, where she leverages her considerable knowledge and experience in operations and human resources. Before assuming her current role, she acted as COO for Torrington, Wyo.-based Banner Community Hospital and Wheatland, Wyo.-based Banner Platte Community Hospital.  

Karen Duncan, MD. President and CEO of JPS Health Network (Fort Worth, Texas). Dr. Duncan leads all clinical, operational and financial aspects of the JPS Health Network, which includes 27 locations and serves over a quarter-million patients each year. As the health system moves forward with its planned clinical and physical plant upgrades, Dr. Duncan will take ownership of this next phase of the system's growth. She previously served as the organization's COO and is now the only female and minority healthcare CEO in Tarrant County, Texas.

Liz Dunne. President and CEO of PeaceHealth (Vancouver, Wash.). Ms. Dunne's leadership of PeaceHealth's operations, finances, community investments, philanthropy and strategic direction has resulted in a 7 percent year-over-year growth for the organization. She is the first laywoman leader of the health system, so chosen because of her commitment to modernizing the organization in service of its mission to provide accessible and affordable care to the community. Thanks to her background in nutrition, she has a particular interest in addressing social determinants that act as barriers to wellness. One of her chief steps towards the pursuit of health justice was incorporating social determinants into EHRs.

Jill Duplechan, RN. Chief Executive of Providence Orange County-High Desert (Anaheim, Calif.). Ms. Duplechan serves as chief executive for Providence Orange County-High Desert. Her background in nursing informs her leadership style. Previous roles include acting as COO of St. Joseph Heritage Healthcare's Southern California region.

Crista Durand. President and CEO of Newport (R.I.) Hospital. Ms. Durand takes ownership of Newport Hospital's strategic, financial, clinical and operational functions. Under her leadership, the hospital is able to recruit leading physicians, meet community health needs and deliver quality care. Ms. Durand's career has centered on planning, strategy and execution, skills that assist the hospital in achieving positive financial margins and exceptional care delivery. She is a fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives. 

Laura Easton, MSN, RN. President and CEO of Caldwell Memorial Hospital of UNC Health (Lenoir, N.C.). Ms. Easton spent her early career in administrative and clinical positions across various hospitals before assuming the position as vice president of nursing at Caldwell Memorial Hospital in 1995. In 2002, she was promoted to senior vice president and COO, and in 2004 she became president and COO. In 2013, she also became the first nurse and first woman to lead the North Carolina Hospital Association.

Susan Ehrlich, MD. CEO of Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital. Dr. Ehrlich brings a substantial body of knowledge in public health policy and finance to the role of hospital CEO. She is an expert at transforming public health care organizations, especially those serving diverse populations. Before joining Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital, she held leadership positions with San Mateo (Calif.) Medical Center. 

Melinda Estes, MD. President and CEO of Saint Luke's Health System (Mo.). Dr. Estes manages operations for Saint Luke's, a nonprofit health system spanning 14 hospitals and campuses. The system offers home care, hospice, behavioral care, physician practices, retail clinics, senior living communities, and neuroscience, cancer and rehabilitation institutes. Dr. Estes is also a renowned speaker, sharing her wisdom at regional, national and international healthcare conferences and events. Before joining Saint Luke's, she served as president and CEO of Burlington, Vt.-based Fletcher Allen Health Care, which is now The University of Vermont Health Network. 

Stephanie Everett. CEO of Mountrail County Medical Center and Administrator of Mountrail Bethel Home (Stanley, N.D.). Ms. Everett uses her position as leader of a critical access hospital to provide services to the community, including primary care, emergency care, clinic services and more. She has been instrumental in supporting the financial stability, regulatory compliance and strategic vision for the health system. Ms. Everett is a founding member and board member of the Rough Rider High Value Network, an organization that represents a majority of critical access hospitals in North Dakota. 

Krista Farnham. Chief Executive of Providence Oregon East Division-Providence Portland Medical Center (Ore.). In 2018, Ms. Farnham was named chief executive for Providence Oregon east division and Providence Portland Medical Center. She is responsible for providing operational leadership, management and guidance for Providence Hood River Memorial Hospital, Providence Willamette Falls Medical Center and Providence Milwaukie Hospital. Prior, she acted as Providence Portland Medical Center's COO. 

Deborah Feldman. President and CEO of Dayton (Ohio) Children's Hospital. Ms. Feldman is the fourth president and CEO of Dayton Children's Hospital. She joined the hospital in 2012, and since then has helmed a campuswide revival, expanded services, recruited pediatric experts, integrated new technologies and enhanced the patient journey. She is currently leading health equity initiatives at the hospital, as well as supporting its expansion into behavioral health services. Prior to her time at Dayton Children's, Ms. Feldman served as county administrator for Montgomery County government for 16 years. 

Soniya Fidler. President of UCHealth Yampa Valley Medical Center (Steamboat Springs, Colo.). As president of UCHealth Yampa Valley Medical Center, Ms. Fidler is responsible for the long and short-term strategic planning of the hospital, leading strategic, growth and operational objectives on a broad basis across hospital operations. She leverages her  expertise and administrative knowledge to facilitate, measure, evaluate and interpret the needs of patients and performance of staff while directing activities accordingly. She has led several major projects for the hospital including a new partnership with Steamboat Orthopaedic & Spine Institute to create Steamboat Surgery Center, an ambulatory surgery center. Ms. Fidler has also helped develop a relationship with Old Town Hot Springs to benefit patients and the community as well as a new partnership with Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield that enabled a more affordable insurance plan. She also was instrumental in cementing a longtime partnership with Steamboat Resort with the opening of an urgent care clinic at the base of the ski mountain. 

Jodi Fincher. CEO for St. Joseph Medical Center, Prime Healthcare (Kansas City, Mo.). As CEO of St. Joseph Medical Center, a 310-bed acute care metropolitan hospital in Kansas City, Missouri, Ms. Fincher leads a team of more than 1,000 staff, physicians and volunteers. She provides hands-on leadership to ensure all programs and services attain the highest quality outcomes in a cost-effective manner.  As healthcare has changed rapidly post pandemic, Ms. Fincher has responded equally as rapidly to assure that St. Joseph remains financially strong and sustainable moving forward by being equally involved in revenue cycle enhancement and efficient clinical processes. In her seven years at St. Joseph Medical Center, Ms. Fincher's strategic vision has improved patient experience, expanded service lines and enhanced physician engagement. Under her direction, Prime Healthcare has supported the investment of over 40 million dollars in capital improvements, which include updated clinical support systems from orthopedic and spine navigation systems to new beds and call light system as well as the building and opening of a 20-bed senior behavioral health unit.

Gabrielle Finley-Hazle. President and CEO of Dignity Health Arizona and West Valley Market (Chicago). Ms. Finley-Hazle is president of Dignity Health Arizona Central and West Valley markets, which includes Dignity Health St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center, Dignity Health St. Joseph's Westgate Medical Center, and several outpatient and satellite operations throughout the greater Phoenix area. Dignity Health St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center is a large teaching hospital and a proud partner of Creighton University. She leads a team of over 6,000 employees and physicians working towards providing the best patient care possible while improving the quality of life in the community. With more than 20 years of experience in healthcare management and leadership, she has served in executive positions in investor-owned, not-for-profit, as well as faith-based healthcare systems. She has also worked at several teaching hospitals in collaboration with major universities in the Southeastern United States.

Debbie Flores. CEO of Banner Thunderbird Medical Center (Phoenix). Ms. Flores became CEO of Banner Thunderbird Medical Center in 2019, bringing 30 years of healthcare experience to the role. Previously, she has served as CEO of Banner Heart Hospital in Mesa, Ariz. and as associate administrator at Sun City, Ariz.-based Banner Boswell and Phoenix-based Banner Estrella. Her career in healthcare originally began on the human resources side before she switched to hospital operations. 

Susan Fox. President and CEO of White Plains Hospital (White Plains, N.Y.). As CEO of White Plains Hospital, Ms. Fox is responsible for managing the hospital's day-to-day operations while leading strategic initiatives required for long-term success. Recognized as one of Westchester County's most influential executives, Ms. Fox's visionary leadership has been at the forefront of the region's healthcare industry transformation over the last decade. By forging strategic partnerships and aligning and recruiting top clinical and administrative talent, Ms. Fox has driven the expansion of White Plains Hospital into a tertiary hub of advanced healthcare in the Hudson Valley. Under her leadership, White Plains Hospital has become the leading provider of both advanced and preventive healthcare in Westchester County and beyond, with more Westchester residents choosing WPH for inpatient care over other hospitals in the county. 

Julie Freischlag, MD. Chief Academic Officer and Executive Vice President of Advocate Health, CEO of Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist and Executive Vice President for Health Affairs of Wake Forest University (Winston-Salem, N.C.). Dr. Freischlag is chief academic officer and executive vice president of Advocate Health, CE...