Banner Health Executive and Leadership Team

May, 2026

Leadership Overview

Banner Health has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, finance, and research.

Driven by a commitment to clinical quality, Banner Health provides a comprehensive range of medical services, offering specialized treatments and preventive healthcare to serve diverse community needs across multiple states.

Leadership Roles at Banner Health

  • Chief Executive Officer - John Scherpf
  • Chief Executive Officer, Banner Alzheimer’s Institute & Banner Sun Health Research Institute - Eric Reiman
  • Chief Executive Officer & Chief Operating Officer & Director, Cno & CVS Service Line - Joanne Fenton
  • Chief Financial Officer - Diana Gernhart
  • Vice President and Division Chief Financial Officer - Banner Plans and Networks - Donna Sickler
  • Executive VP & Chief Financial Officer - Staci Dickerson
  • Chief Operating Officer - Meiko Onken
  • Deputy Chief Operating Officer - Ajla Sutkovic
  • Chief of Staff - Roberto Md
  • Chief of Staff, BUMCS - Anil Potharaju
  • John Scherpf - Chief Executive Officer

    John Scherpf, the Chief Executive Officer at Banner Health, directs the overarching strategy and operational execution for the entire healthcare system. Scherpf guides the organization's mission to provide high-quality, accessible patient care across its extensive network of hospitals and medical centers. This leadership role involves aligning departmental objectives with the company's commitment to clinical excellence and community service. Scherpf ensures that Banner Health maintains its position as a leading nonprofit healthcare provider, focusing on sustainable growth and innovation in medical services. The Chief Executive Officer's responsibilities extend to fostering a culture of patient-centered care and operational efficiency throughout the organization. John Scherpf drives the strategic vision that underpins Banner Health's comprehensive approach to emergency care, specialized treatments, and preventive healthcare programs, directly impacting the diverse communities served.

    Eric Reiman - Chief Executive Officer, Banner Alzheimer’s Institute & Banner Sun Health Research Institute

    Eric Reiman, the Chief Executive Officer, Banner Alzheimer’s Institute & Banner Sun Health Research Institute at Banner Health, leads groundbreaking research and clinical care focused on neurodegenerative diseases. Reiman directs initiatives aimed at understanding, preventing, and treating Alzheimer's and related conditions, driving innovation in medical science. This executive's leadership is pivotal in advancing the specialized treatments and research programs offered by Banner Health. Eric Reiman oversees the strategic direction and operational management of both the Banner Alzheimer’s Institute and the Banner Sun Health Research Institute, fostering collaboration and scientific discovery. The Chief Executive Officer's work directly contributes to Banner Health's commitment to clinical quality and its role in serving community needs through cutting-edge medical advancements.
    Eric Reiman

    Joanne Fenton - Chief Executive Officer & Chief Operating Officer & Director, Cno & CVS Service Line

    Joanne Fenton, the Chief Executive Officer & Chief Operating Officer & Director, Cno & CVS Service Line at Banner Health, holds multifaceted leadership responsibilities encompassing executive direction, operational oversight, and specialized service line management. Fenton directs the strategic vision and operational execution for the CNO and CVS service lines, ensuring integrated and high-quality patient care. This executive's comprehensive role is essential for driving innovation and efficiency within these specific healthcare domains. Joanne Fenton oversees the day-to-day functioning and strategic development of these service lines, aligning them with Banner Health's broader mission of clinical excellence. The combined leadership positions held by Fenton are critical for optimizing resource allocation and enhancing patient experiences across the managed service lines.

    Diana Gernhart - Chief Financial Officer

    Diana Gernhart, the Chief Financial Officer at Banner Health, directs the financial strategy and fiscal management of the nonprofit healthcare system. Gernhart oversees all financial operations, including budgeting, financial planning, and revenue cycle management, ensuring the organization's long-term financial health. This leadership position is critical for sustaining Banner Health's comprehensive range of medical services and its commitment to patient care. Diana Gernhart guides investment decisions and resource allocation to support clinical quality initiatives and the expansion of specialized treatments. The Chief Financial Officer works closely with executive leadership to maintain financial stability and drive efficiency across the network of hospitals and facilities. Gernhart's financial oversight enables Banner Health to continue serving diverse community needs effectively while adhering to nonprofit principles.

    Donna Sickler - Vice President and Division Chief Financial Officer - Banner Plans and Networks

    Donna Sickler, the Vice President and Division Chief Financial Officer - Banner Plans and Networks at Banner Health, manages the financial health of the organization's health plans and network operations. Sickler oversees financial strategy, budgeting, and performance analysis for these critical divisions, ensuring fiscal responsibility and sustainability. This role is essential for supporting Banner Health's comprehensive healthcare services and its commitment to patient care. Donna Sickler guides financial planning to optimize resource allocation for network providers and health plan offerings, contributing to clinical quality. The Vice President and Division Chief Financial Officer works to ensure the financial viability of Banner Plans and Networks, enabling the organization to serve diverse community needs effectively. Sickler's financial acumen supports Banner Health's mission across its extensive operational footprint.

    Staci Dickerson - Executive VP & Chief Financial Officer

    Staci Dickerson, the Executive VP & Chief Financial Officer at Banner Health, directs the comprehensive financial strategy and management for the entire healthcare system. Dickerson oversees all aspects of financial planning, accounting, and investment, ensuring the organization's fiscal strength and operational efficiency. This executive leadership is crucial for sustaining Banner Health's extensive network of hospitals and medical centers and its dedication to patient care. Staci Dickerson guides financial policies and resource allocation to support clinical quality initiatives and the development of specialized medical services. The Executive VP & Chief Financial Officer collaborates with other senior leaders to maintain financial stability and drive growth. Dickerson's financial oversight enables Banner Health to continue serving diverse community needs effectively and advancing its mission.
    Staci Dickerson

    Meiko Onken - Chief Operating Officer

    Meiko Onken, the Chief Operating Officer at Banner Health, oversees the day-to-day operations of the healthcare system's extensive network. Onken manages the efficient functioning of hospitals, academic medical centers, and various healthcare facilities, ensuring seamless delivery of medical services. This executive's focus is on optimizing operational workflows and resource allocation to support Banner Health's commitment to clinical quality and patient care. Meiko Onken drives initiatives aimed at enhancing patient experiences and improving the effectiveness of specialized treatments and preventive healthcare programs. The Chief Operating Officer's role involves close collaboration with other C-suite leaders to implement strategic objectives across all operational units. By ensuring operational excellence, Onken directly contributes to Banner Health's ability to serve diverse community needs effectively.

    Ajla Sutkovic - Deputy Chief Operating Officer

    Ajla Sutkovic, the Deputy Chief Operating Officer at Banner Health, supports the Chief Operating Officer in overseeing the extensive operational activities across the healthcare system. Sutkovic assists in managing the day-to-day functions of hospitals, medical centers, and healthcare facilities, ensuring efficient service delivery. This role is integral to maintaining Banner Health's commitment to clinical quality and patient care standards. Ajla Sutkovic contributes to optimizing operational workflows and resource management, supporting the delivery of specialized treatments and preventive healthcare. The Deputy Chief Operating Officer works collaboratively to implement strategic operational objectives and enhance patient experiences. Sutkovic's support is crucial for Banner Health's ability to serve diverse community needs effectively across its multi-state network.

    Roberto Md - Chief of Staff

    Roberto Md, the Chief of Staff at Banner Health, provides strategic support and operational coordination for the executive leadership team. Md facilitates the execution of key initiatives and ensures alignment across various departments within the healthcare system. This role is integral to enhancing the efficiency of Banner Health's operations and supporting its mission of delivering high-quality patient care. Roberto Md assists in managing critical projects and driving strategic priorities, contributing to the organization's commitment to clinical excellence. The Chief of Staff's responsibilities include streamlining communication and decision-making processes to support the network of hospitals and medical centers. Md's efforts directly bolster Banner Health's capacity to offer comprehensive medical services and serve diverse community needs.

    Anil Potharaju - Chief of Staff, BUMCS

    Anil Potharaju, the Chief of Staff, BUMCS at Banner Health, provides critical operational and strategic support specifically for the Banner University Medical Center Phoenix (BUMCS) campus. Potharaju facilitates the execution of initiatives and ensures seamless coordination among departments within this major medical center. This role is vital for enhancing the efficiency of BUMCS operations and upholding Banner Health's commitment to high-quality patient care. Anil Potharaju assists in managing key projects and driving strategic priorities unique to the BUMCS environment, contributing to clinical excellence. The Chief of Staff's responsibilities include streamlining communication and decision-making processes within the medical center. Potharaju's efforts directly bolster BUMCS's capacity to offer comprehensive medical services and serve its specific community needs.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Banner Health Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Banner Health?
    Banner Health is led by John Scherpf (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Eric Reiman (Chief Executive Officer, Banner Alzheimer’s Institute & Banner Sun Health Research Institute) and Joanne Fenton (Chief Executive Officer & Chief Operating Officer & Director, Cno & CVS Service Line).
    Who is part of Banner Health’s executive team?
    The executive team of Banner Health includes leaders such as John Scherpf (Chief Executive Officer), Eric Reiman (Chief Executive Officer, Banner Alzheimer’s Institute & Banner Sun Health Research Institute), Joanne Fenton (Chief Executive Officer & Chief Operating Officer & Director, Cno & CVS Service Line) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Banner Health have?
    Banner Health has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Banner Health’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Banner Health includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Chief Executive Officer, Banner Alzheimer’s Institute & Banner Sun Health Research Institute, Chief Executive Officer & Chief Operating Officer & Director, Cno & CVS Service Line, Chief Financial Officer, Vice President and Division Chief Financial Officer - Banner Plans and Networks.