Kaiser Permanente Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

Kaiser Permanente has 10 executives leading key functions including operations, finance, marketing, and administration.

Driven by a commitment to patient-centered care, Kaiser Permanente integrates medical services, hospitals, and health plans to deliver comprehensive healthcare solutions, focusing on preventive care and improving health outcomes across its extensive network.

Leadership Roles at Kaiser Permanente

  • Chief Financial Officer, Area Medical Center (West, Los Angeles) - Minas Gedjeyan
  • Chief Operating Officer - Deborah Aspling
  • Chief Operating Officer, Area Kaiser Permanente Kern Medical Center - Gigi Thurmond
  • Chief of Staff & President, Office of - Lance Udy
  • Chief of Staff - Laurie Kates
  • Underwriting & Customer Analytics Chief of Staff - Kristie Neves
  • Chief Marketing Officer, National - Kristy LoRusso
  • Chief of Staff & Director, Strategy - Liza Arabian
  • Chief Administrative Officer - Brian Missett
  • Associate Chief Administrative Officer - Viviane Vanderwoud
  • Minas Gedjeyan - Chief Financial Officer, Area Medical Center (West, Los Angeles)

    Minas Gedjeyan, the Chief Financial Officer, Area Medical Center (West, Los Angeles) at Kaiser Permanente, directs financial strategy and fiscal management for the West Los Angeles medical center. Gedjeyan oversees budgeting, financial planning, and revenue cycle management, ensuring the financial health of this critical area. This role is pivotal in supporting the integrated healthcare model by aligning financial resources with patient care objectives. Minas Gedjeyan's responsibilities include analyzing financial performance, identifying cost-saving opportunities, and ensuring compliance with all financial regulations. The Chief Financial Officer's leadership ensures that financial operations effectively support the delivery of comprehensive medical, dental, and vision services. Gedjeyan's expertise drives financial stability, enabling Kaiser Permanente to continue its focus on preventive care and community health initiatives in the Los Angeles region.

    Deborah Aspling - Chief Operating Officer

    Deborah Aspling, the Chief Operating Officer at Kaiser Permanente, oversees the expansive network of hospitals and clinics, ensuring operational excellence and efficient service delivery. Aspling directs the day-to-day management of healthcare facilities, focusing on optimizing patient flow and resource utilization across multiple states and Washington D.C. This leadership position involves implementing strategies to enhance the integrated healthcare model, combining insurance coverage with direct medical services. Deborah Aspling drives initiatives aimed at improving patient-centered care and achieving better health outcomes for members. The Chief Operating Officer's purview includes managing operational budgets, ensuring compliance with healthcare regulations, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. By streamlining operations, Aspling supports Kaiser Permanente's commitment to preventive care and its position as a leader in innovative healthcare delivery.

    Gigi Thurmond - Chief Operating Officer, Area Kaiser Permanente Kern Medical Center

    Gigi Thurmond, the Chief Operating Officer, Area Kaiser Permanente Kern Medical Center, directs operational management for the Kern Medical Center. Thurmond ensures the efficient delivery of integrated medical services, overseeing the day-to-day functions of the facility and its associated clinics. This role is critical in implementing Kaiser Permanente's patient-centered care philosophy within the Kern region. Gigi Thurmond's responsibilities include managing operational budgets, optimizing resource allocation, and ensuring high standards of care for members. The Chief Operating Officer's leadership supports the organization's commitment to preventive care and improving health outcomes. Thurmond drives operational excellence, reinforcing Kaiser Permanente's position as a leading healthcare provider in the Kern area.

    Lance Udy - Chief of Staff & President, Office of

    Lance Udy, the Chief of Staff & President, Office of at Kaiser Permanente, leads strategic operations and executive coordination. Udy directs key initiatives that support Kaiser Permanente's integrated healthcare model, ensuring seamless collaboration across various departments. This role involves managing high-priority projects and facilitating communication between leadership and operational teams to drive organizational goals. Lance Udy's responsibilities include overseeing the strategic planning process and ensuring alignment with the company's mission of providing comprehensive, patient-centered care. The President, Office of's leadership enhances operational efficiency and supports the organization's commitment to preventive care and community health. Udy's strategic oversight strengthens Kaiser Permanente's delivery of medical, dental, and vision services.

    Laurie Kates - Chief of Staff

    Laurie Kates, the Chief of Staff at Kaiser Permanente, directs strategic initiatives and operational alignment across key departments. Kates ensures seamless execution of organizational goals, facilitating communication between executive leadership and functional teams. This role involves managing critical projects and driving process improvements that enhance the integrated healthcare model. Overseeing the coordination of executive priorities, Laurie Kates supports the organization's mission to provide comprehensive medical, dental, and vision services. The Chief of Staff's responsibilities extend to optimizing resource allocation and fostering cross-functional collaboration to achieve superior patient outcomes. Kates's leadership ensures that strategic plans translate into tangible operational efficiencies, reinforcing Kaiser Permanente's commitment to community health and technological advancement in healthcare delivery.

    Kristie Neves - Underwriting & Customer Analytics Chief of Staff

    Kristie Neves, the Underwriting & Customer Analytics Chief of Staff at Kaiser Permanente, spearheads strategic initiatives within underwriting and customer analytics functions. Neves ensures alignment between data-driven insights and the organization's comprehensive healthcare solutions. This role involves optimizing processes for customer segmentation and risk assessment, directly impacting the effectiveness of health plan offerings. Kristie Neves drives projects that leverage analytics to improve member experience and health outcomes. The Chief of Staff's responsibilities include facilitating cross-departmental collaboration, managing key performance indicators, and supporting the strategic direction of underwriting operations. Neves's leadership enhances Kaiser Permanente's ability to deliver personalized, patient-centered care through sophisticated data analysis and strategic planning.

    Kristy LoRusso - Chief Marketing Officer, National

    Kristy LoRusso, the Chief Marketing Officer, National at Kaiser Permanente, directs all national marketing strategies and brand management initiatives. LoRusso oversees the development and execution of campaigns that communicate the value of Kaiser Permanente's integrated healthcare model across its extensive network. This leadership position involves driving brand awareness, member engagement, and market growth through innovative marketing approaches. Kristy LoRusso's responsibilities include managing marketing budgets, analyzing market trends, and ensuring consistent brand messaging across all platforms. The Chief Marketing Officer's focus is on highlighting Kaiser Permanente's commitment to preventive care, patient-centered services, and community health. LoRusso's strategic vision enhances the organization's reputation and its ability to attract and retain members seeking comprehensive health solutions.
    Kristy LoRusso

    Liza Arabian - Chief of Staff & Director, Strategy

    Liza Arabian, the Chief of Staff & Director, Strategy at Kaiser Permanente, drives strategic planning and execution across the organization. Arabian leads initiatives focused on enhancing Kaiser Permanente's integrated healthcare model and expanding its reach in providing comprehensive medical, dental, and vision services. This dual role involves overseeing strategic projects, facilitating executive decision-making, and ensuring alignment with the company's mission. Liza Arabian's responsibilities include analyzing market opportunities, developing long-term strategic objectives, and coordinating efforts to achieve superior health outcomes for members. The Director, Strategy's leadership ensures that Kaiser Permanente remains at the forefront of healthcare innovation and community health initiatives, reinforcing its commitment to patient-centered care.

    Brian Missett - Chief Administrative Officer

    Brian Missett, the Chief Administrative Officer at Kaiser Permanente, oversees critical administrative functions that support the organization's extensive healthcare operations. Missett directs the management of essential services, ensuring operational efficiency and compliance across its network of hospitals and clinics. This role is fundamental to maintaining the integrated healthcare model, facilitating the seamless delivery of medical, dental, and vision services. Brian Missett's responsibilities include optimizing administrative processes, managing key resources, and supporting strategic initiatives aimed at improving patient outcomes. The Chief Administrative Officer's leadership ensures that administrative functions effectively enable Kaiser Permanente's commitment to preventive care and community health. Missett's expertise drives operational stability and supports the organization's mission.

    Viviane Vanderwoud - Associate Chief Administrative Officer

    Viviane Vanderwoud, the Associate Chief Administrative Officer at Kaiser Permanente, supports the comprehensive administrative operations across the organization. Vanderwoud assists in managing key administrative functions that underpin the delivery of integrated medical services, ensuring operational continuity and efficiency. This role contributes to the seamless execution of Kaiser Permanente's patient-centered care model. Viviane Vanderwoud's responsibilities include supporting process improvements, coordinating administrative projects, and ensuring adherence to organizational policies. The Associate Chief Administrative Officer's work facilitates the effective provision of medical, dental, and vision services. Vanderwoud's contributions enhance the operational framework that supports Kaiser Permanente's commitment to preventive care and community health initiatives.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Kaiser Permanente Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Kaiser Permanente?
    Kaiser Permanente is led by Minas Gedjeyan (Chief Financial Officer, Area Medical Center (West, Los Angeles)), along with executives such as Deborah Aspling (Chief Operating Officer) and Gigi Thurmond (Chief Operating Officer, Area Kaiser Permanente Kern Medical Center).
    Who is part of Kaiser Permanente’s executive team?
    The executive team of Kaiser Permanente includes leaders such as Minas Gedjeyan (Chief Financial Officer, Area Medical Center (West, Los Angeles)), Deborah Aspling (Chief Operating Officer), Gigi Thurmond (Chief Operating Officer, Area Kaiser Permanente Kern Medical Center) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Kaiser Permanente have?
    Kaiser Permanente has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Kaiser Permanente’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Kaiser Permanente includes roles such as Chief Financial Officer, Area Medical Center (West, Los Angeles), Chief Operating Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Area Kaiser Permanente Kern Medical Center, Chief of Staff & President, Office of, Chief of Staff.