Az Business and AZRE magazines announced the publications’ lists of the Most Influential Women in Arizona of 2023, including Joanne Mizell, chief operating officer at Banner|Aetna. In celebration of the 12th anniversary of the Most Influential Women program, azbigmedia.com is profiling one of the Most Influential Women of 2023 each day leading up to the Most Influential Women of 2023 dinner and reception.
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The Most Influential Women for 2023 will be honored at a reception on Thursday, August 17 at Chateau Luxe in Phoenix. For sponsorship information, email Amy.Lindsey@azbigmedia.com. For information about the event honoring the Most Influential Women, email Lynette.Carrington@azbigmedia.com or click here. To buy tickets, click here.
Joanne Mizell, chief operating officer, Banner|Aetna
BACKGROUND: Joanne Mizell is the chief operating officer at Banner|Aetna and has more than 30 years of experience in the healthcare industry. She’s passionate about improving the member experience and has championed initiatives like its diabetes reversal program. She also serves on the board of Family Promise of Greater Phoenix and involved in animal advocacy nonprofits.
CAREER PATH INSPIRATION: “The field is so vast and full of opportunity, it has provided me the opportunity to do many roles and not get bored. Most recently with Banner|Aetna, the inspiration came from the company’s sincere mission to improve the complex healthcare journey for its members. That was something I wanted to be part of and it continues to give me great personal satisfaction when we raise the bar and make things better through our member-centric initiatives.”
SOURCE OF PRIDE: “When I think about being ‘influential,’ what gives me the most lasting pride and humility is when I have a rising star move ahead in their career and tell me that my example, support and advice had an impact on their success. And when they come back to me for more advice along the way it makes me feel involved and relevant to their success.”
SOURCE OF INSPIRATION: “It isn’t just one person. I have learned from many people over my career. They all taught me different things, including how to embrace mentorship and how to overcome the impact of poor leadership. I feel fortunate that I’ve had an opportunity to learn from both male and female leaders along the way as well.”
SURPRISING FACT: “Everyone who knows me knows I love animals — all animals. But fewer people know that I have bottle-fed lion cubs; I feed elk from my hands at our cabin deck; I have relocated prairie dogs in my gloved hands to new homes; I have tended to newborn piglets, goats, burros; I have held and fed river otters and even fed a whale. Regardless of all of that, I have an intense fear of birds!”
