Johnese Spisso

Johnese Spisso is a leader in academic healthcare, serving as president of UCLA Health, CEO of the UCLA Hospital System, and associate vice chancellor of UCLA Health Sciences. With more than four decades of experience, Spisso oversees the operations of five hospitals and more than 300 clinics across Southern California, including Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center and the UCLA Health Homeless Healthcare Collaborative. Spisso has overseen the expansion of patient access through the addition of more than 100 clinics, the acquisition of UCLA West Valley Medical Center, and the implementation of programs addressing healthcare disparities, such as mobile medical services for homeless populations and the expansion of psychiatric care facilities.

Spisso began her career as a critical-care nurse and advanced through leadership roles at UC Davis Medical Center and UW Medicine, where she served as chief health system officer and vice president for medical affairs. Her expertise in trauma systems and healthcare leadership is reflected in her publications and frequent speaking engagements at national conferences. Spisso is recognized for her ability to lead complex organizations through periods of transformation and for her commitment to mentoring future healthcare leaders.

Spisso has received recognition including being named CEO of the Year by Los Angeles Business Journal, inclusion in Modern Healthcare’s lists of the "50 Most Influential Clinical Executives" and "Top 25 Women Leaders," and multiple awards for excellence in healthcare leadership. Spisso is a frequent speaker on healthcare innovation, access, and leadership, and is a prominent figure in academic medicine.