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The Next Step in Valleywise Health's Leadership

The Valleywise Health Board of Directors has selected Michael D. White, MD, MBA, as the next President and Chief Executive Officer.

Introducing Michael D. White, MD, MBA

Michael D. White, MD, MBA, is an accomplished physician executive with extensive experience leading clinical operations, academic medicine and healthcare strategy within large, complex health systems. As the current President and Chief Executive Officer for Valleywise Health, Arizona’s public teaching hospital and safety-net health system, he collaborates closely with executive leadership, physician partners, and clinical teams to guide the organization’s strategic direction and advance its mission of providing exceptional care without exception.

A Message From Current CEO, Steve Purves

“Over the past seven years, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside Dr. White as Valleywise Health has evolved into one of the nation’s leading public teaching hospitals and safety-net health systems. He is a steady, thoughtful leader whose clinical expertise provides unique insight into how operational decisions impact patients, caregivers, and the community. Dr. White approaches every challenge with integrity, collaboration, and a steadfast commitment to doing what’s right for those we serve. I can think of no one better prepared to build on our momentum.”

Dr. White’s Journey at Valleywise Health

May 2019

Graduates as part of the first Executive Master of Business Administration in Healthcare Management cohort at Creighton University’s Heider College of Business.

Aug 2019

Joins Valleywise Health as Executive Vice President and Chief Medical Officer.

Jan 2020

Appointed to the Board of Directors of the Creighton University Arizona Health Education Alliance.

Mar 2020

Announces first COVID-19 patient at Valleywise Health Medical Center.

Jun 2020

Appears on “Good Morning America” national broadcast to discuss the burgeoning pandemic.

Jun 2020

Begins weekly media briefings on COVID-19 and its impact on Valleywise Health, continuing throughout the pandemic.

Jan 2021

Appears on ABC News national broadcast as Arizona becomes pandemic hot spot.

Sep 2021

Continued organizational evolution for Chief Clinical Officer.

Nov 2021

Honored by the Arizona Public Health Association with the Pete Wertheim Leadership Award, recognized by AzPHA executive director Will Humble for showing “remarkable leadership, courage, and candor during the COVID-19 pandemic.”

May 2022

Honored by the Phoenix Business Journal as one of our community’s Most Admired Leaders.

Jul 2023

Elected Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Creighton University Arizona Health Education Alliance.

Sep 2023

Appears on NBC News national broadcast to discuss Arizona’s record heat wave.

Nov 2023

Becomes Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Creighton University Arizona Health Education Alliance.

Jun 2024

Leads clinical teams through the historic one-day move of over 200 patients from the legacy “county” hospital to the new Valleywise Health Medical Center. “The single most important factor in our success was the outstanding dedication displayed by our Valleywise Health staff, providers and volunteers,” White said.

Aug 2024

Recognized by Becker’s Hospital Review in its 2024 list of “180 Hospital and Health Systems Chief Medical Officers to Know.”

Jul 2025

Appears on Becker’s Healthcare podcast to discuss the future of Valleywise Health.

Aug 2025

Re-elected chairman of the Board of Directors for the Creighton University Arizona Health Education Alliance.

May 2026

Named “One of the Best 100 Doctors in Arizona” by AZ Business Magazine.

Jul 2026

Appointed President and Chief Executive Officer by the Maricopa County Special Health Care District Board of Directors.