Johnese Spisso

Johnese Spisso is a nationally recognized healthcare executive with a distinguished career in hospital administration, clinical operations, and organizational leadership. She serves as President of UCLA Health and CEO of the UCLA Hospital System, where she leads one of the nation’s premier academic health systems, known for excellence in patient care, research, and education.

With more than 30 years of experience in healthcare leadership, Ms. Spisso has built a reputation for advancing innovation, improving quality outcomes, and championing patient-centered care. Prior to joining UCLA Health, she held senior executive roles at leading institutions, including Chief Health System Officer for UW Medicine and Vice President for Medical Affairs at the University of Washington. Her leadership has consistently emphasized aligning clinical excellence with operational performance to deliver high-value care.

Ms. Spisso is widely recognized for her ability to guide complex health systems through growth and transformation. She has led initiatives to expand access to care, strengthen patient safety, and foster interdisciplinary collaboration across healthcare teams. Her work also reflects a strong commitment to community engagement and advancing health equity.

Her contributions to healthcare leadership have earned her national recognition. She has been honored by Modern Healthcare as one of the “Top 25 Women Leaders in Healthcare” and included among the “100 Most Influential People in Healthcare.” In addition, she has been recognized by the Los Angeles Business Journal as one of the “Most Influential Women in Business” and featured in its “LA500” list of the most impactful leaders in Los Angeles.

A dedicated mentor and advocate for leadership development, Ms. Spisso is actively involved in national healthcare organizations and initiatives. She began her career as a Registered Nurse in critical care, emergency and trauma and holds advanced degrees in healthcare administration, reflecting her strong clinical foundation and executive expertise. Through her leadership, she continues to shape the future of healthcare delivery with a focus on innovation, compassion, and excellence.