Knowing Who’s Who in Arizona Healthcare for 2025 is essential for understanding who’s driving advancements in patient care, medical technology, and healthcare delivery. These leaders shape the future of healthcare by introducing groundbreaking treatments, improving operational efficiencies, and enhancing patient access to quality care. As the industry faces challenges like rising costs, workforce shortages, and evolving patient needs, innovative leaders provide solutions that address these complexities. For patients, practitioners and investors, knowing who these leaders are helps identify trustworthy experts committed to healthcare transformation, ensuring Arizona remains at the forefront of medical innovation and patient-centered, accessible healthcare. Here’s Who’s Who in Arizona Healthcare for 2025, as selected by AZ Big Media’s editorial board in conjunction and consultation with healthcare industry leaders.
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Who’s Who in Arizona Healthcare for 2025
Michael M.I. Abecassis, MD, MBA, Humberto and Czarina Lopez, Endowed Dean, College of Medicine – Tucson
Brian Ahn, dean, University of Arizona College of Nursing
James Adkins, CEO, Escape Spine Surgery
Ann-Marie Alameddin, president and CEO, Arizona Hospital and Healthcare Association
Michelle Amberson, principal, Shepley Bulfinch
Andy Andress, CEO, Pima Medical Institute
James Bates, founder and CEO, AdviNow Medical
David Bixby, partner, Lewis Roca
Tami Bohannon
President and CEO
FSL
Background: Bohannon serves as the first female president and CEO for FSL, a nonprofit dedicated to helping Arizonans age with confidence. Her extensive nonprofit experience spans over 30 years, wherein she developed a deep passion for improving access to health, housing, and aging resources. Bohannon is an elected member of the Governor’s Interagency and Community Council on Homelessness and Housing, Executive Council Member for AARP Arizona, Board Member for Arizona LeadingAge, Pastoral Advisory Council Member for St. Francis Xavier Parish, member of President Crow’s ASU Community Council and Age Friendly Arizona’s Leadership Team, and an End of Life Doula.
Learn more: fsl.org
Robert Bowser, PhD, chief scientific officer, Barrow Neurological Institute
John Bradway, MD, president, OrthoArizona
Raelene Brooks, dean, University of Phoenix College of Nursing
Kote Chundu, MD, president and CEO, District Medical Group
Brook Choulet, founder and psychiatrist, Choulet Performance Psychiatry
Mimi Coomler, CEO, Tucson Medical Center
Clay Creaser, Phoenix office leader, JE Dunn
Libby De Bie, CEO, Arizona Medical Association
Kim Despres, CEO, Circle the City
David A. Dexter, president and CEO, Sonora Quest Laboratories, LLC
Kelli Donley Williams, deputy director, Maricopa County Department of Public Health
Michael Dupuy, senior vice president and managing director, Kidder Mathews
Thomas Eisiminger, Jr., president and CEO, Regenesis Medical
Brian Elisco, CEO, Abrazo Health
Hamilton Espinosa, Healthcare Core Market Leader, DPR Construction
Scott Filion, CEO, Embark Behavioral Health
Gregg Florentin
CEO
Tri-City Cardiology
Background: Florentin is a visionary healthcare leader with over 30 years of experience, recognized for transforming patient care by leveraging advanced technologies, such as AI, while maintaining a strong focus on compassionate care. His leadership at Tri-City Cardiology has driven significant improvements in patient outcomes and fostered a culture where the workforce feels empowered and valued. Florentin’s innovative approach has enhanced both the quality of care and operational efficiency across the organization. With a long-standing career in healthcare leadership, he continues to push the boundaries of innovation, always prioritizing the human experience in medicine.
Learn more: tricitycardiology.com
Perry Gabuzzi, healthcare office broker, Kidder Mathews
Scott Gemberling, CEO, Phoenix Heart
Kathleen H. Goeppinger, PhD
President and CEO
Midwestern University
Background: Dr. Goeppinger is president and CEO of Midwestern University, Arizona’s largest health sciences University offering graduate-level degrees for the healthcare community. Established under her leadership, the Glendale Campus is home to colleges of osteopathic medicine, pharmacy, optometry, dental medicine, veterinary medicine, podiatric medicine, health sciences, and graduate studies. Midwestern University offers a total of 25 in-person and online graduate and post-graduate programs in the healthcare field and has graduated over 16,000 practicing professionals since the Glendale Campus’ inception. The university also operates six community clinics – the Multispecialty Clinic, Dental Institute, Eye Institute, Animal Health Institute, Therapy Institute, and Comprehensive Care Clinic.
Source of pride: “I am very proud and honored to lead a wonderful team of faculty, staff, and administrators who share in the vision and mission of Midwestern University. Every day I am provided with a sense of fulfillment and accomplishment. Together, we have built a strong and vibrant academic community on both the Downers Grove, Illinois and Glendale, Arizona campuses. Every year during our commencement ceremonies, we also celebrate the accomplishments of our graduating students because they are excited and practice-ready to start their careers and fulfill the healthcare needs around the country.”
Professional advice: “The best advice I ever received was from my father. His professional advice did not come in terms of words or books, but seeing how he lived his life: Follow your aspirations, make it a priority to do your best work each day, try something new and take risks because that’s how you will find new paths in life, and strive to find joy in everything, from celebrating big accomplishments to the smile of a coworker. His favorite phrase was, ‘Make no little plans.’”
Learn more: midwestern.edu
Robert “Chris” Grant
General superintendent
JE Dunn Construction Company
Background: Grant exemplifies leadership as a general superintendent – a title earned over his two decades at JE Dunn. He has led a “no-incident” safety culture and stringent quality program on our 25 Arizona healthcare projects. Grant builds more than structures, he builds relationships. His authenticity and tireless work ethic foster a rapport amongst our project teams, clients, and facility staff. Grant understands the value of inclusivity and mentoring our future leaders. He is a role model whose influence, and heart, extends beyond the construction fence and into the community through active engagement with several local and national charitable organizations.
Learn more: jedunn.com/locations/phoenix/
Richard Gray, MD, CEO, Mayo Clinic Hospital
Tom Grote, CEO, Banner|Aetna
Marina Hammersmith, CCIM
Healthcare real estate agent
Background: Hammersmith joined Medical Office Brokers in 2024, bringing more than 25 years of healthcare real estate expertise. She has extensive hands-on experience in healthcare asset management, property management and brokerage. Hammersmith’s strong diversity provides a depth of understanding that has proven invaluable in assisting clients through the nuances of real estate transactions.
Best part of the industry: “Healthcare is something that I’m passionate about, as is real estate. So, I’m very fortunate to be in a field that is an intersection of both of those passions. I’m deeply passionate about helping practitioners, helping practices with space needs so they can focus on their core competency — delivering quality patient care. So, to me, I love the fact that there is that cross section that touches both sectors in a meaningful way.”
Traits leading to success: “Compassion and passion. I care very much about and I’m not a transactionalist. I see myself in a supportive role to a practice. When I’m helping them with their space needs and answering their questions, I want to relieve the burden of real estate from them so that they can focus on what they really want to do.”
Source of pride: “I’m very involved in CCIM — Certified Commercial Investment Member — and that has been a super pivotal part of my point in my career. It’s not just having received the designation — it’s those connections and relationships that I’ve formed that make it a lot easier to walk into a room and know people within the CCIM Institute. So, in my professional career, the best thing I’ve done is to get my CCIM designation.”
Outlook for 2025: “Healthcare is not going anywhere. We are still going to suffer from a supply shortage. But, hopefully, as interest rates ease, construction pricing will finally start to go down. Those things have been the barrier to entry to getting new product into our marketplace. So if we see easing in those areas, I think we’re going to start seeing an uptick in supply. The transactions are there, the people are ready to do the deals. We just need the space to do them.”
Lean more: Click here
Karen Hoffman Tepper, president and CEO, Terros Health
John Hogeboom, president and CEO, Community Bridges, Inc. (CBI)
Jeff Holt, president and general manager, Evernorth Care Group
Will Humble, MPH, executive director, Arizona Public Health Association
Bettina Hunt
Senior vice president
Colliers
Background: Hunt, CCIM, CPM is senior vice president at Colliers, specializing in healthcare real estate. With over 24 years of experience, including two decades in healthcare, she focuses on tenant/landlord representation, owner-user, and investment sales. Holding both CCIM and CPM designations, Hunt leverages her expertise to deliver strategic, multifaceted solutions tailored to client needs. Her career includes representing a national healthcare REIT, where she oversaw 3.7 million square feet of medical office buildings across nine states. Hunt is known for her creativity, dedication, and client-focused approach. She also serves on the board of the local CCIM Central Arizona Chapter.
Learn more: colliers.com
David J. Jakofsky, MD, chairman and CEO, The CORE Institute
Heidi Jannenga, DPT, co-founder and chief clinical officer, WebPT
Janina Cathleen Johnson, dean, College of Nursing at Northern Arizona University
Graham Johnson, CEO, Denova Collaborative Health
Michael Jones
CEO
Delta Dental of Arizona
Background: As CEO of Delta Dental of Arizona, Jones is leading the organization in its transformation from a single-line insurance company to a multi-line health and wellness organization. Under his leadership, the organization has orchestrated the Banner Health Foundation Hospital Oral Care and Periodontal Disease Education program and the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix Oral Health in Medicine Initiative, as well as launched an enhanced benefit for individuals with special needs and moved the organization’s headquarters to Scottsdale to better serve its stakeholders and employees. Jones is also chair of the Delta Dental of Arizona Foundation, which has invested more than $18 million to support underserved communities since 2010.
Learn more: deltadentalaz.com
Heather Kane, CEO, UnitedHealthcare of Arizona/New Mexico
Judith Karshmer, dean, Arizona State University Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation
Pam Kehaly, CEO, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona
Brian Kellar, CEO, Banner Heart Hospital
Justin Kelton, president of the Southwest Region, McCarthy Building Companies
Gretchen Kinsella, Arizona Business Unit Leader, DPR Construction
Juliana (Jewel) Kling, MD, dean, Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine in Arizona
Joan Koerber-Walker, president and CEO, Arizona BioIndustry Association (AZBio)
Jordan Kravitz, senior architect, Stantec
Todd Laporte, CEO, HonorHealth
Jason Light, project executive – healthcare, Okland Construction
Pankaj “PJ” Likhmania
Co-founder and CEO
Rovicare
Background: Likhmania is a passionate entrepreneurial leader, highly experienced in healthcare technology. Specializing in leading fast-paced innovation in the healthcare industry, Likhmania has founded four companies of his own. He has invested in more than 10 startups and served as a board member and consulting CIO for multiple organizations including Global Med, Valley Perinatal and iMed Transport. He understands what it takes to build businesses from ideation to scale. Likhmania is currently leading Rovicare, which offers an AI-based software solution to automate transition of care. Rovicare stems from Likhmania’s personal challenges and inefficiencies encountered in discharge management and transition of care.
Learn more: rovicare.com
Janine LoBello, DO, senior clinical laboratory medical director, Exact Sciences
Hugh Lytle, founder, chairman and CEO, Equality Health
Heather Macre
Director
Fennemore
Background: Macre is a director in Fennemore’s litigation department in Phoenix, where her work focuses in the areas of business litigation, healthcare and bankruptcy. Her business clients, ranging from huge multinational companies to small business owners rely on her astute counsel for matters including breach of contract, confidentiality issues, business partnership dissolvements and patent disputes. In the healthcare arena, Macre’s business acumen encompasses all aspects of healthcare agreements, such as hospital recruitment agreements, employment agreements and non-compete covenants, and office-sharing agreements. She also provides professional representation in licensure and disciplinary proceedings, and in matters concerning HIPAA and Stark and False Claims Act compliance. Starting in 2008, when the Valley of the Sun witnessed firsthand the impacts of the recession and the collapse of the housing marketing, Heather has worked in numerous bankruptcy cases, including litigation asset planning and healthcare dissolution.
Surprising fact: Originally an art history major, Macre’s love of challenges led her to law school at the University of Florida where she paid her way through school by performing as “Belle” from Beauty and the Beast. This creativity defines her work to this day where she likes to try different approaches, looking at her cases as intricate puzzles to be solved for the best outcomes.
Learn more: fennemorelaw.com
Jennifer K. Mendrzycki, president and CEO, Tucson Medical Center
Robert Meyer, CEO, Phoenix Children’s
Shar Najafi-Piper, PhD, CEO, Copa Health
Dan Norftill, owner, DC NuMed Construction
Erik Osland
CEO
evolvedMD
Background: Corporate leader turned serial entrepreneur, Osland is a successful healthcare founder and CEO of evolvedMD, where he helms a passionate team at the forefront of healthcare innovation. In his role, Osland is responsible for enhancing the customer experience, developing a high-performing team, and elevating the integrated behavioral health industry through thought leadership. Prior to evolvedMD, Osland founded another healthcare venture, a clinical lab specializing in anatomical pathology services that was ultimately acquired by one of the nation’s largest diagnostic laboratories in 2020. With an extensive and proven background in B2B sales, management, and influencing high-level leaders, Osland gained national exposure and experience managing teams as the director of national accounts at several large medical device companies.
Learn more: evolvedmd.com
Nicole Posten-Thompson, president, On Point Architecture
Jaime Northam, vice president of healthcare development, Ryan Companies US
Angela Olea, CEO, Assisted Living Locators
Tim Palus, CEO, Sierra Tucson
Craig Passey, Phoenix Healthcare Studio leader, SmithGroup
Jaclyn Pederson, CEO, Feeding Matters
Amy Perry, CEO, Banner Health
Suzanne Pfister, president and CEO, Vitalyst Health Foundation
John Phillips, president and CEO, Accelerate Diagnostics
Steve Potts, CEO, SLAM Biotherapeutics
Derek Price, CEO, Sierra Tucson
Steve Purves, president and CEO, Valleywise Health
Mary Ragsdale, interim president and CEO, Dignity Health Arizona Central and West Valley
Eric M. Reiman, MD, CEO, Banner Research
Randy Richardson, MD
Regional dean, Phoenix campus and professor of radiology
Creighton University School of Medicine Phoenix
Background: Dr. Richardson has been regional dean and tenured professor of radiology for Creighton University School of Medicine in Phoenix since August 2013. As regional dean, he is most proud of the partnership developed between Creighton and the St. Vincent de Paul Virginia D. Piper Medical and Dental Clinic, which provides multispecialty health care for the uninsured in the Phoenix area. Prior to his arrival at the Jesuit, Catholic university, Dr. Richardson served as chairman of radiology and residency program director at St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center in Phoenix. He earned his medical degree from Loma Linda University in 1995, and BA degree in Spanish Literature from Brigham Young University in 1991.
Learn more: creighton.edu
Andrea Rios, vice president, employee health and benefits consultant, Marsh McLennan Agency
Dr. Klaus Romero
CEO
Critical Path Institute (C-Path)
Background: A distinguished clinician-scientist, scholar and executive, Dr. Romero has helped to pioneer the development of regulatory-grade drug development tools that have transformed treatment approaches for Alzheimer’s disease, Friedreich’s ataxia, Duchenne muscular dystrophy, tuberculosis, Type 1 diabetes and polycystic kidney disease.
Leadership strength: “My most relevant trait as a leader is my unwavering commitment to fostering collaboration and inclusivity within teams. I appreciate that the strength of any organization lies in the diverse perspectives of its people, and I actively encourage open dialogue, focused on the sharing of ideas. I value a leadership approach that ensures that everyone feels valued and heard, creating an environment where innovation thrives. I can be effective at inspiring trust and empowering others, which not only enhances team cohesion but also drives collective succes.”
Source of pride: “My involvement in making model-informed drug development a glue between data, quantitation, biomarkers, endpoints, and regulatory science. This led to C-Path becoming a world leader in regulatory-grade drug development tools, continuously enabling the transition of drug development into precision medicine.”
Learn more: c-path.org
Kristen Rosati
Partner
Coppersmith Brockelman
Background: Considered one of the nation’s leading “Big Data” attorneys, Rosati has deep experience in compliance with HIPAA and state consumer data privacy laws, data governance and strategy, data sharing for research and innovation, and biobanking and genomic privacy. She has counseled many health care organizations in the evaluation and remediation of online tracking, and in responding to government investigations. Rosati is a sought-after national speaker and is a Past President and a Fellow of the American Health Law Association, the country’s largest healthcare legal organization.
Source of pride: “Being elected as president of the American Health Law Association. AHLA is the national ‘bar association’ for healthcare lawyers. It provides high-quality education in our quickly-evolving field.”
Learn more: cblawyers.com
Jennifer Sellers, senior member, Cavanagh Law Firm
Steven Sheets, MC, LPC
President and CEO
Southwest Behavioral & Health Services
Background: Sheets has been with Southwest Behavioral & Health Services since 2013 and has served as President and CEO since 2018. He has been in the behavioral healthcare industry since 2009. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Grand Canyon University and his master’s in professional counseling from Ottawa University. He has held an Arizona Independent Professional Counseling license since 2016. In addition to sitting on the GCU Counseling Advisory Board, he is also a board member of both Arizona Council of Human Service Providers and mhca (formerly Mental Health Corporations of America, Inc.).
Learn more: sbhservices.org
Debbie Shumway, executive director, Hospice of the Valley
Brian Sinotte, market CEO, Northwest Healthcare
Aaron Sinykin, CEO, Devoted Guardians
Lisa Smith, dean of the College of Nursing and Health Care Professions, Grand Canyon University
Bill Southwick, CEO, Banner Behavioral Health Hospital
David Starrett, CEO, Plaza Healthcare
Kristen Swingle
President and chief operating officer
Critical Path Institute (C-Path)
Background: Swingle is responsible for daily operations and the development and implementation of C-Path’s global strategy and goals. She has more than 20 years of experience in the medical and molecular sciences industry with a strong background in product development and manufacturing, quality and regulatory affairs management, project and fiscal management and team leadership. Swingle served as chairwoman of the Arizona Bioindustry Association board of directors from 2018 – 2023.
Source of pride: “During my tenure at Cord Blood Registry in Tucson, my team was responsible for the processing and storage of over 500,000 cord blood stem cell units and the release of over 300 stem cell units for transplant of regenerative medicine applications.”
Leadership takeaway: “Every problem or challenge is addressable when caring people actively listen to others and are curious. I have tremendous appreciation for people who can solve problems, but it takes active listening to truly understand what the issue to be addressed is – ask all the questions.”
Learn more: c-path.org
Bob Trenschel, president and CEO, Yuma Regional Medical Center
Kevin Tulipana, DO
President
City of Hope Cancer Center Phoenix
Background: Dr. Tulipana is the president of City of Hope® Phoenix, a leading cancer care provider specializing in comprehensive oncology services including chemotherapy, radiation and surgical oncology. With 18 years of experience in hospital medicine, Dr. Tulipana’s passion for healthcare operations drives his leadership. Under his guidance, the organization is undergoing a transformative expansion including increasing surgical capacity, launching new programs, and enhancing patient access to clinical trials. Dr. Tulipana’s unwavering dedication to transforming patient care and driving innovation in healthcare truly sets him apart as a leader in the field.
Learn more: cityofhope.org/phoenix
CarolAnn Tutera
CEO and co-founder
SottoPelle® and Tutera Medical®
Background: Tutera, president and CEO of SottoPelle®/Tutera Medical, is the first woman industry leader in bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) using natural bioidentical pellets. A lifelong maverick, she co-founded the company 35 years ago with her late husband Dr. Gino Tutera, a medical pioneer renowned for his groundbreaking innovations. Combining their passion, vision and expertise, CarolAnn and her husband paved the way for pellet practices across the globe. They set the industry gold standard for pellet therapy, developing a multi-patented individualized dosing site for hormone optimization.
The treatment: SottoPelle® trains and educates medical providers in the best practices in natural hormonal balance, with innovative protocols in disease prevention and age-management medicine. As a leader in wellness and regenerative medicine, Tutera Medical® provides BHRT pellet therapy for men and women.
Differentiator: Tutera focuses on the vital role hormones play in brain and mental health. SottoPelle® began treating patients with neurodegenerative conditions, including NFL football players, over 13 years ago with remarkable results. What sets Tutera apart as a leader and influencer is her passion to eradicate the myths about aging and hormones, so people can enjoy a better quality of life. SottoPelle® continues to grow and expand nationally and internationally, making a profound impact on human health with over 3,000 providers and 250,000 patients worldwide.
Trailblazer: Tutera has received numerous awards for her ability to succeed in a male-dominated field. Named among the “Top 10 Most Inspiring CEOs to Watch,” and “Top 5 Most Trailblazing Magnates to Follow,” she remains an unstoppable industry maverick blazing new trails in the future of medicine. Other accolades include the Face of HRT for four years, a MAC award for Most Admired Companies, the Leading Businesswomen of Phoenix, a Magnate View Trailblazer distinction and Women of Distinction.
Learn more: sottopelletherapy.com
Dave Voepel, CEO, Arizona Health Care Association
Terri Waibel, founder and clinical director, Center for Compassion
Bruce Waldo, CEO, Aurora Behavioral Health
Kristopher Woolley, founder and CEO, of Avista Senior Living
Jessica Yanow
President and CEO
Arizona Alliance for Community Health Centers
Background: Yanow serves as president and CEO of the Arizona Alliance for Community Health Centers, where she champions equitable access to high-quality healthcare across Arizona. With over two decades in public health, she previously led statewide health initiatives at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona and held key roles at the Alliance, including director of Women’s Health Programs and chief operations officer. Yanow earned degrees from Brandeis University and the University of Arizona and completed the Geiger Gibson Fellowship at George Washington University. Outside of work, she enjoys live music with her family.
Learn more: aachc.org
Joe Yeargan
Design phase executive
M.A. Mortenson Company
Background: Yeargan, a design phase executive with Mortenson, is revolutionizing the healthcare industry in Arizona by integrating innovative project delivery methods into the planning, design, and construction of healthcare facilities. By leveraging Mortenson’s national expertise, Yeargan introduces top-tier practices and solutions to the Arizona market – ultimately creating community-focused healthcare facilities with improved operational efficiency, better patient outcomes, and increased staff satisfaction. By championing integrated project delivery methods during the planning and design phases of healthcare facilities, Yeargan is able to promote collaboration among stakeholders, leading to timely, budget-compliant, high quality healthcare facilities for Arizona.
Learn more: mortenson.com/offices/phoenix
Amy Zitny, AIA, ACHA
Vice president
Corgan
Background: Zitny is a vice president at Corgan, the fourth- largest architecture firm in 2024, as ranked by Building Design+Construction. As a Board-Certified Healthcare Architect, she has led design, documentation, and construction efforts on multiple healthcare projects, scaling from small tenant improvements to large acute care hospitals. With a focus on programming and planning, Zitny particularly enjoys interacting with end-users to create spaces that are effective and unique to each client’s needs. Zitny holds a seat on both the Arizona Healthcare Executives (AHE) and Central Arizona Society for Healthcare Engineering (CASHE) Board of Directors. Zitny leads the Health studio in Phoenix and enjoys building strong relationships amongst her team members through collaboration and empowerment.
Learn more: corgan.com
