UC Davis Health Executive and Leadership Team

Mary Taggart, the Chief Operating Officer at UC Davis Health, directs the daily clinical and administrative operations of the nationally ranked medical center. Taggart oversees the integration of hospital services with academic research, ensuring that patient care delivery remains at the forefront of medical innovation. By optimizing resource allocation across the Sacramento facilities, the Chief Operating Officer enhances operational throughput and clinical quality. Mary Taggart manages complex logistical challenges, coordinating with the School of Medicine to translate research breakthroughs into bedside practice. This leadership position involves rigorous monitoring of performance metrics to maintain high standards of care. Through strategic oversight of hospital infrastructure, Taggart ensures that the health system meets the evolving needs of the California population. The Chief Operating Officer maintains a focus on sustainable growth, balancing the demands of a top-tier academic medical center with the necessity for efficient, patient-centered health care delivery.

Christina Mintner, the Senior Vice President and Associate Chief Operating Officer of Ambulatory Services at UC Davis Health, architects the expansion and management of outpatient care networks. Mintner oversees the delivery of clinical services outside the hospital setting, ensuring that patients receive high-quality care across diverse ambulatory locations. By streamlining patient access and improving service delivery models, the Senior Vice President and Associate Chief Operating Officer of Ambulatory Services drives significant improvements in community health outcomes. Christina Mintner collaborates with the School of Nursing and other academic departments to integrate evidence-based practices into outpatient workflows. This role involves managing large-scale operational budgets and staffing models to support regional health initiatives. Through the implementation of advanced care coordination strategies, Mintner ensures that ambulatory services remain responsive to the needs of the California public, effectively bridging the gap between specialized hospital care and primary community health services.

Natoshia Benvenuti, the Chief of Staff at UC Davis Health, manages executive communications and coordinates high-level strategic initiatives across the academic health system. Benvenuti facilitates alignment between the medical center, the School of Medicine, and the School of Nursing to ensure operational cohesion. By streamlining decision-making processes, the Chief of Staff enables leadership to focus on critical health care delivery and research priorities. Natoshia Benvenuti maintains oversight of organizational workflows, ensuring that institutional goals remain synchronized with the broader mission of the university. This role requires constant interaction with the Board and senior leadership to address pressing health care issues. Through meticulous planning and execution, the Chief of Staff drives efficiency within the Sacramento-based campus, supporting the overarching objective of providing world-class medical services while fostering an environment of academic rigor and clinical excellence.

Tammy Kenber, the Chief Human Resources Officer at UC Davis Health, directs talent acquisition, workforce development, and organizational culture initiatives. Kenber oversees the recruitment of top-tier medical professionals, researchers, and administrative staff to support the mission of the academic health system. By implementing comprehensive training programs, the Chief Human Resources Officer ensures that the workforce remains equipped to handle the complexities of a nationally ranked medical center. Tammy Kenber manages labor relations and employee engagement strategies, fostering an environment that attracts talent from the best schools of medicine and nursing. This leadership role involves aligning human capital strategies with the long-term goals of the university. Through the development of robust retention policies, Kenber maintains a stable and highly skilled workforce capable of delivering exceptional patient care. The Chief Human Resources Officer drives organizational success by prioritizing the well-being and professional growth of every staff member within the Sacramento-based health system.

John Cook, the Associate Chief Information Officer, Information Technology Department at UC Davis Health, architects the digital infrastructure supporting clinical research and patient care. Cook oversees the implementation of advanced health information systems, ensuring data security and interoperability across the medical center and academic schools. By driving the adoption of cutting-edge technology, the Associate Chief Information Officer, Information Technology Department enhances the efficiency of electronic health records and diagnostic tools. John Cook collaborates with the College of Engineering to integrate innovative software solutions into the hospital environment. This role involves managing complex IT projects that support the research-intensive nature of the university. Through the strategic deployment of digital resources, Cook ensures that clinicians and researchers have access to the data necessary for solving pressing health care issues. The Associate Chief Information Officer, Information Technology Department maintains a focus on technological resilience, supporting the overall mission of providing high-quality care through digital transformation.

Heather Hisserich, the Chief of Staff To the Chair, Department of Surgery at UC Davis Health, manages the administrative and operational functions of the surgical department. Hisserich coordinates the scheduling, resource allocation, and strategic planning for surgical services, ensuring that the department supports the broader academic and clinical goals of the university. By facilitating communication between surgical faculty and hospital leadership, the Chief of Staff To the Chair, Department of Surgery ensures that complex procedures are performed with maximum efficiency. Heather Hisserich oversees the integration of research initiatives into surgical practice, allowing the department to remain at the forefront of medical innovation. This role involves managing departmental budgets and ensuring compliance with clinical standards. Through meticulous coordination, Hisserich supports the surgical team in delivering life-saving care to patients across California, while simultaneously fostering an environment of academic excellence and surgical advancement within the Sacramento medical center.

Carlos Garcia, the Chief Administrative Officer at UC Davis Health, directs the business operations and administrative infrastructure of the academic health system. Garcia oversees facilities management, supply chain logistics, and financial planning to ensure that the medical center operates with maximum efficiency. By streamlining administrative processes, the Chief Administrative Officer enables clinical teams to focus on patient care and research. Carlos Garcia collaborates with the School of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences to optimize resource usage and sustainability across the campus. This leadership role involves managing large-scale operational budgets and ensuring that all administrative functions align with the university's mission. Through the implementation of rigorous financial controls, Garcia supports the long-term stability of the health system. The Chief Administrative Officer drives organizational performance by maintaining a robust operational framework that supports the diverse needs of the medical center, the School of Medicine, and the broader university community.

Christian Sandrock, the Associate Chief Medical Officer, Hospital-Based Care at UC Davis Health, directs clinical protocols and quality improvement initiatives within the inpatient setting. Sandrock oversees the delivery of hospital-based medical services, ensuring that patient care adheres to the highest national standards. By implementing evidence-based practices, the Associate Chief Medical Officer, Hospital-Based Care drives improvements in clinical outcomes and patient safety. Christian Sandrock collaborates with the School of Medicine to integrate research findings into daily hospital operations. This role involves managing physician performance and ensuring that clinical teams remain aligned with the strategic goals of the medical center. Through the continuous monitoring of hospital metrics, Sandrock identifies opportunities for operational refinement. The Associate Chief Medical Officer, Hospital-Based Care maintains a focus on delivering exceptional inpatient care, supporting the university's mission to tackle the most pressing health care issues through clinical excellence and academic leadership.

Catherine Chia, the Associate Chief Medical Officer, Operational Efficiency at UC Davis Health, architects strategies to optimize clinical workflows and reduce systemic bottlenecks. Chia oversees the analysis of patient throughput and resource utilization, ensuring that the medical center operates with maximum efficiency. By identifying and eliminating operational redundancies, the Associate Chief Medical Officer, Operational Efficiency drives significant improvements in hospital capacity and patient access. Catherine Chia collaborates with the College of Biological Sciences to leverage data-driven insights for clinical process improvement. This role involves working closely with department heads to implement standardized care pathways that enhance both quality and speed of service. Through the application of lean management principles, Chia ensures that the health system remains responsive to the high demand for specialized medical care. The Associate Chief Medical Officer, Operational Efficiency maintains a focus on sustainable operational growth, supporting the university's commitment to providing accessible, high-quality health care.

Joseph Galante, the Chief Medical Officer, UC Davis Medical Center at UC Davis Health, directs the clinical strategy and medical staff governance for the entire medical center. Galante oversees the quality of care, physician credentialing, and the integration of academic research into clinical practice. By setting the standard for medical excellence, the Chief Medical Officer, UC Davis Medical Center ensures that the institution maintains its nationally ranked status. Joseph Galante collaborates with the School of Medicine and the School of Veterinary Medicine to foster interdisciplinary approaches to complex health challenges. This leadership role involves managing the medical staff and ensuring that all clinical activities align with the university's mission. Through the implementation of rigorous clinical oversight, Galante drives the delivery of innovative, patient-centered care. The Chief Medical Officer, UC Davis Medical Center maintains a focus on advancing medical knowledge while ensuring that the Sacramento facility provides the highest level of care to the California community.