Skip to main content

We have Opened a New Hospital! Click here to learn more.

Executive Team

You and your family can feel confident knowing that your health care is being managed by people whose number one priority is making sure you’re getting the help and treatment you need.

Steve Purves

PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Steve Purves became President & Chief Executive Officer of Valleywise Health in Phoenix, Arizona in September 2013. Valleywise Health is Arizona’s largest and longest serving public teaching hospital and health care system and includes the Roosevelt Campus- Hospital, the Arizona Burn Center, the Arizona Children’s Center, a Level I Trauma Center, two behavioral health centers and a network of 13 Federally Qualified Health Centers that serve Phoenix and Maricopa County. 

Beth Beckman

INTERIM CHIEF NURSING OFFICER

Beth Beckman holds a Doctor of Nursing Science, a Master of Science in Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner, and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Throughout her distinguished career, she has led transformational initiatives in nursing practice, championed equity in healthcare, and remained committed to improving care for underserved and at-risk communities. Most recently, she served as Interim Chief Nursing Officer at Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Center, following a similar role at Sentara Martha Jefferson Hospital. Prior to that, she was the System Chief Nurse Executive at Yale New Haven Health and spent more than a decade with the Baylor Scott & White Health System. Beth has been an ANCC Magnet Appraiser for 23 years and is on the system Board for Intermountain Health as Chair of Clinical Excellence.

Dr. Michael White

Dr. Michael White

CHIEF CLINICAL OFFICER

Michael White, MD, joined Valleywise Health as Executive Vice President, Chief Clinical Officer (EVP, CCO) in August 2019. In his role, Dr. White works to advance the Mission, Vision and Values of Valleywise Health to improve clinical outcomes, enhance patient experience, and grow key programs. He also serves as a liaison with our partners at District Medical Group and the Creighton University Arizona Health Education Alliance.

Claire Agnew

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

Claire Agnew has served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of Valleywise Health since December 2020. She is responsible for the development and implementation of financial strategies, operating and capital budgets, revenue cycle, and system of financial reporting and controls that support the mission and goals of Valleywise Health. 

Lia Christiansen

CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER

Lia Christiansen joined Valleywise Health as Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) in February 2021. As CAO, she will lead Human Resources, IT, Marketing, Business Development, Ancillary and Support departments and key Care Reimagined projects such as construction of the new medical center. Lia most recently served as Chief Operating Officer for Acute Care for M Health Fairview, located in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Michelle Barker

SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF FQHC CLINICS

Michelle Barker, a highly experienced and passionate health care leader, became Senior Vice President and Chief Executive Officer of Valleywise Health’s 11 Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHC) in 2023.