PHOENIX (March 20, 2026) – Banner Health has named longtime health system leader Dale Johns, FACHE, as chief executive officer of Banner Thunderbird Medical Center in Glendale, Banner Behavioral Health Hospital in Scottsdale and Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center facilities in Gilbert and Sun City.
For more than 40 years, Banner Thunderbird has been the cornerstone of health care in the region, providing critical medical services to families across the West Valley. Johns brings 22 years of hospital leadership experience to the 595-bed facility during a pivotal moment, as Banner Health is currently constructing a six-story Women’s and Infant Services tower, renovating the pediatric emergency room and adding surgical suites. These investments show Banner’s commitment to growing Arizona families, and further amplifying the nonprofit health system’s reinvestment into the communities it serves.
“Dale Johns is bringing incredible experience to Banner Health,” said John Groesbeck, senior vice president of acute care delivery for Banner Health. “His expertise will be key with the exciting growth in the West Valley and address expanding community needs for mental health care.”
The expansion at Banner Thunderbird exemplifies Banner Health's fully integrated nonprofit approach: delivering advanced care, managing care and coverage for more than 1 million members, conducting groundbreaking research and training the next generation of physicians. This integration creates easier access, better coordinated care and is more affordable for patients.
Johns, who took over the role on March 18, succeeds Debbie Flores, who retired earlier this year after more than 30 years of industry experience, 18 years in progressive leadership roles during her illustrious career at Banner.
Johns has served in various positions for health systems in California, Pennsylvania, Utah and Florida.
Johns earned a bachelor’s degree in health administration at Weber State University in Ogden, Utah, and a masters’ in business administration at the University of Utah. He began his career as an radiology tech in the U.S. Army Reserves and is a veteran of Desert Shield/Storm.
About Banner Health
Banner Health is one of the largest nonprofit health care systems in the country and a leader in provider-sponsored health insurance serving 3.5 million people annually across six states. With 33 hospitals and more than 450 additional care sites, 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. Through its longstanding, innovative relationship with the University of Arizona, Banner’s academic medicine division provides ground-breaking clinical discoveries, advanced life-saving care and educates 1,300 physicians annually. Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center, a partnership with one of the world’s leading cancer programs, MD Anderson Cancer Center treats more than 103,000 patients a year. Banner Plans and Networks offers Medicare, Medicaid, and commercial health coverage to more than 1.2 million members. In 2024, Banner Health provided $1 billion worth of community benefits to assist those in need through a range of programs. 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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