PHOENIX (July 5, 2022) – Today, Banner Health announced the appointment of Jean Fitterer Lance as executive vice president, chief legal officer and general counsel, replacing David Bixby who recently announced his retirement after helping lead the organization for nearly 25 years.
Prior to her appointment, Lance was vice president of legal services and deputy general counsel at Banner.
“In making this important decision, we realized that Jean was a natural choice after having worked closely with David for the last few years,’’ said Banner Health Chief Executive Officer Peter Fine. “Her extensive knowledge and impressive experience will make her a strong asset for our senior leadership team.’’
Lance joined Banner in February of 2019, bringing more than 30 years of legal experience.
Since joining Banner, she has been instrumental in supporting service line growth and relationships, working with Banner’s innovation and strategy teams on equity investments and acquiring cutting-edge platforms and providing guidance on pandemic-related issues.
Before coming to Banner, Lance worked in a variety of leadership roles including 21 years at Boston Scientific Corporation, where she served in the roles of vice president and general counsel of its cardiovascular division; senior vice president and global chief compliance officer as well as senior vice president and assistant general counsel for its worldwide businesses.
Lance earned her Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Minnesota State University, Mankato and her Juris Doctorate from the University of Minnesota Law School. She is also a certified public accountant.
“I’m honored and excited to begin this new role,’’ Lance said. “This is a transformational time in health care and Banner will continue to be a leader in our industry. I am looking forward to helping guide an organization that is dedicated to excellent patient care and customer service.’’
Fine praised Bixby for his counsel in guiding Banner to becoming a nationally recognized healthcare leader.
“As a member of senior leadership, David has been there through it all, wisely guiding us through extreme growth, cultural shifts, redefining and honing our mission, responding to the Affordable Care Act and -- not to mention helping navigate the unforeseen challenges of a global pandemic. His importance cannot be overstated.’’
Banner Health is one of the largest, secular nonprofit health care systems in the country. In addition to 30 acute-care hospitals, Banner also has an academic division, Banner – University Medicine, and a partnership with one of the world’s leading cancer programs, Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center. Banner’s array of services includes a health-insurance division, employed physician groups, outpatient surgery centers, urgent care locations, home care and hospice services, retail pharmacies, stand-alone imaging centers, physical therapy and rehabilitation, behavioral health services, a research division and a nursing registry. To make health care easier, 100% of Banner-employed doctors are available for virtual visits, and Banner operates a free 24/7 nurse line for health questions or concerns. Patients may also reserve spots at Banner Urgent Care locations and can book appointments online with many Banner-employed doctors. Headquartered in Arizona, Banner Health also has locations in California, Colorado, Nebraska, Nevada and Wyoming. For more information, visit bannerhealth.com.
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