Sutter Health Executive and Leadership Team

November, 2026

Leadership Overview

Sutter Health has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, financial oversight, clinical operations, and regional hospital management.

Committed to advancing integrated medical delivery, Sutter Health prioritizes patient-centered care through a unified network of hospitals, clinics, and digital health tools to improve clinical outcomes across Northern and Central California.

Leadership Roles at Sutter Health

  • Chief Executive Officer - Thomas Dickson
  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Warner Thomas
  • Chief Executive Officer, Mills-Peninsula Medical Center - Darian Harris
  • Chief Executive Officer, Sutter Santa Rosa Regional Hospital - Karin Shavelson
  • Chief Executive Officer, Sutter Santa Rosa Hospital - Michelle Oxford
  • Executive VP, Population Health & Health Plan Services & Chief Executive Officer, Sutter Health Plan - Aparna Abburi
  • Chief Financial Officer - Rose Choy
  • Chief Financial Officer & Sutter Insurance Services Corporation - Susan Burchiel
  • Chief of Staff - Andrew DeMar
  • Hospitalist, Vice Chief of Staff - David Chihorek
  • Thomas Dickson - Chief Executive Officer

    Thomas Dickson, the Chief Executive Officer at Sutter Health, directs the overarching strategic vision for this integrated healthcare delivery system. Overseeing the alignment of hospitals, physician organizations, and outpatient clinics, the Chief Executive Officer ensures that clinical services remain consistent across Northern and Central California. This leadership role involves managing complex organizational structures to streamline care delivery and improve patient outcomes. By integrating digital health tools with traditional medical services, Thomas Dickson drives the expansion of the unified care network. The Chief Executive Officer collaborates with the Board to maintain financial stability while prioritizing preventive health programs. Through rigorous oversight of medical groups and specialty care facilities, the Chief Executive Officer fosters a culture of excellence. Ultimately, Dickson secures the long-term viability of the system by optimizing resource allocation and enhancing the quality of care provided to diverse patient populations throughout the region.

    Warner Thomas - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Warner Thomas, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Sutter Health, architects the operational framework for the entire healthcare network. Managing the daily functions of hospitals and ambulatory care centers, the President & Chief Executive Officer ensures that clinical teams coordinate treatments effectively. This role involves scaling medical services to meet the evolving health needs of communities across California. By leveraging an integrated delivery model, Warner Thomas drives improvements in patient access and care consistency. The President & Chief Executive Officer works closely with clinical leadership to implement advanced medical technologies that support comprehensive treatment plans. Through the oversight of physician organizations and specialty care facilities, the President & Chief Executive Officer maintains high standards of service delivery. Ultimately, Thomas strengthens the market position of the organization by fostering innovation in outpatient settings and ensuring that every patient receives appropriate, timely medical attention within the system.
    Warner Thomas

    Darian Harris - Chief Executive Officer, Mills-Peninsula Medical Center

    Darian Harris, the Chief Executive Officer, Mills-Peninsula Medical Center at Sutter Health, directs the clinical and operational activities of this specific facility. Overseeing the delivery of specialty care and emergency services, the Chief Executive Officer, Mills-Peninsula Medical Center ensures that local patient needs align with the broader organizational mission. This role involves managing medical staff and outpatient resources to maintain high standards of treatment. By integrating the facility into the wider network, Darian Harris drives consistent care delivery and information sharing across the system. The Chief Executive Officer, Mills-Peninsula Medical Center coordinates with regional leadership to optimize patient outcomes and streamline hospital operations. Through the focus on preventive health programs and specialty treatment, the Chief Executive Officer, Mills-Peninsula Medical Center enhances the quality of care provided to the community. Ultimately, Harris strengthens the facility's impact by fostering a collaborative environment that prioritizes patient safety and clinical excellence.
    Darian Harris

    Karin Shavelson - Chief Executive Officer, Sutter Santa Rosa Regional Hospital

    Karin Shavelson, the Chief Executive Officer, Sutter Santa Rosa Regional Hospital at Sutter Health, leads the strategic operations of this regional medical hub. Overseeing the provision of comprehensive medical services, the Chief Executive Officer, Sutter Santa Rosa Regional Hospital ensures that the facility meets the complex health requirements of the local population. This role involves managing hospital staff and coordinating with outpatient clinics to provide seamless care transitions. By implementing integrated health protocols, Karin Shavelson drives improvements in clinical outcomes and patient satisfaction. The Chief Executive Officer, Sutter Santa Rosa Regional Hospital collaborates with the broader system to share medical information and optimize treatment pathways. Through the oversight of emergency services and specialty care, the Chief Executive Officer, Sutter Santa Rosa Regional Hospital maintains a focus on high-quality, accessible healthcare. Ultimately, Shavelson advances the regional mission by ensuring that the hospital operates efficiently while delivering superior medical results.
    Karin Shavelson

    Michelle Oxford - Chief Executive Officer, Sutter Santa Rosa Hospital

    Michelle Oxford, the Chief Executive Officer, Sutter Santa Rosa Hospital at Sutter Health, manages the daily clinical and administrative functions of this specific hospital site. Overseeing the delivery of primary care and specialty treatment, the Chief Executive Officer, Sutter Santa Rosa Hospital ensures that the facility remains a vital component of the integrated network. This role involves optimizing hospital workflows to improve patient throughput and care quality. By fostering collaboration among physicians and clinical staff, Michelle Oxford drives the adoption of best practices in medical service delivery. The Chief Executive Officer, Sutter Santa Rosa Hospital coordinates with regional leadership to align local operations with the system's overarching goals. Through the management of outpatient facilities and hospital resources, the Chief Executive Officer, Sutter Santa Rosa Hospital supports the health needs of the community. Ultimately, Oxford enhances the facility's performance by ensuring that patients receive consistent, high-quality care in every interaction.

    Aparna Abburi - Executive VP, Population Health & Health Plan Services & Chief Executive Officer, Sutter Health Plan

    Aparna Abburi, the Executive VP, Population Health & Health Plan Services & Chief Executive Officer, Sutter Health Plan at Sutter Health, directs the strategy for population health management and insurance services. Overseeing the development of health plans, the Executive VP, Population Health & Health Plan Services & Chief Executive Officer, Sutter Health Plan ensures that coverage options align with the needs of the communities served. This role involves integrating insurance products with the delivery network to streamline patient access to care. By analyzing population health data, Aparna Abburi drives initiatives that focus on preventive health and chronic disease management. The Executive VP, Population Health & Health Plan Services & Chief Executive Officer, Sutter Health Plan collaborates with clinical leaders to improve health outcomes across the entire system. Through the management of health plan services, the Executive VP, Population Health & Health Plan Services & Chief Executive Officer, Sutter Health Plan enhances the value of the integrated care model. Ultimately, Abburi improves patient health by connecting insurance coverage with high-quality medical delivery.
    Aparna Abburi

    Rose Choy - Chief Financial Officer

    Rose Choy, the Chief Financial Officer at Sutter Health, manages the fiscal health and capital allocation for the entire integrated delivery system. Overseeing the financial performance of hospitals, outpatient clinics, and medical groups, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that resources support the expansion of high-quality care. This role involves developing long-term financial strategies to sustain the organization's mission across Northern and Central California. By analyzing revenue cycles and operational costs, Rose Choy drives fiscal responsibility and efficiency. The Chief Financial Officer collaborates with other C-suite leaders to fund critical infrastructure projects and digital health initiatives. Through the rigorous management of budgets and financial reporting, the Chief Financial Officer maintains the economic stability required for comprehensive patient treatment. Ultimately, Choy secures the financial future of the system by balancing investment in medical innovation with the need for accessible, cost-effective healthcare services for all patients.
    Rose Choy

    Susan Burchiel - Chief Financial Officer & Sutter Insurance Services Corporation

    Susan Burchiel, the Chief Financial Officer & Sutter Insurance Services Corporation at Sutter Health, manages the financial operations and insurance service portfolios for the organization. Overseeing the fiscal health of the insurance division, the Chief Financial Officer & Sutter Insurance Services Corporation ensures that financial resources support the broader healthcare delivery mission. This role involves managing risk and optimizing the financial performance of insurance products offered to patients. By aligning financial strategies with clinical goals, Susan Burchiel drives the sustainability of the integrated care network. The Chief Financial Officer & Sutter Insurance Services Corporation collaborates with executive leadership to ensure that insurance services complement the hospital and outpatient offerings. Through the oversight of financial reporting and insurance operations, the Chief Financial Officer & Sutter Insurance Services Corporation maintains the economic integrity of the system. Ultimately, Burchiel secures the financial foundation of the organization by balancing insurance service growth with the delivery of high-quality, accessible medical care.
    Susan Burchiel

    Andrew DeMar - Chief of Staff

    Andrew DeMar, the Chief of Staff at Sutter Health, coordinates administrative and clinical initiatives to support the executive leadership team. Facilitating communication between hospital departments and physician groups, the Chief of Staff ensures that strategic goals translate into actionable medical outcomes. This role involves managing internal workflows to streamline the delivery of primary and specialty care across the network. By overseeing cross-functional projects, Andrew DeMar drives operational efficiency within the integrated system. The Chief of Staff monitors the implementation of organizational policies to ensure compliance and high-quality patient care. Through the alignment of clinical resources and administrative support, the Chief of Staff enhances the overall effectiveness of the healthcare delivery model. Ultimately, DeMar supports the executive team by resolving complex operational challenges and maintaining a focus on the mission to provide consistent, high-quality medical services to patients throughout Northern and Central California.

    David Chihorek - Hospitalist, Vice Chief of Staff

    David Chihorek, the Hospitalist, Vice Chief of Staff at Sutter Health, provides clinical leadership and medical oversight within the hospital setting. Overseeing the care of hospitalized patients, the Hospitalist, Vice Chief of Staff ensures that treatment plans remain consistent with the system's integrated care standards. This role involves coordinating with other medical staff to manage complex health needs and improve clinical outcomes. By serving as a bridge between clinical practice and administrative leadership, David Chihorek drives the implementation of evidence-based medicine. The Hospitalist, Vice Chief of Staff participates in the governance of medical staff to maintain high standards of professional conduct and patient safety. Through the direct management of patient care and clinical workflows, the Hospitalist, Vice Chief of Staff supports the overall effectiveness of the hospital network. Ultimately, Chihorek enhances the quality of care by ensuring that clinical teams work collaboratively to provide comprehensive, patient-centered treatment throughout the hospital stay.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Sutter Health Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Sutter Health?
    Sutter Health is led by Thomas Dickson (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Warner Thomas (President & Chief Executive Officer) and Darian Harris (Chief Executive Officer, Mills-Peninsula Medical Center).
    Who is part of Sutter Health’s executive team?
    The executive team of Sutter Health includes leaders such as Thomas Dickson (Chief Executive Officer), Warner Thomas (President & Chief Executive Officer), Darian Harris (Chief Executive Officer, Mills-Peninsula Medical Center) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Sutter Health have?
    Sutter Health has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Sutter Health’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Sutter Health includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, President & Chief Executive Officer, Chief Executive Officer, Mills-Peninsula Medical Center, Chief Executive Officer, Sutter Santa Rosa Regional Hospital, Chief Executive Officer, Sutter Santa Rosa Hospital.