Michelle Gaskill-Hames assumed her new role on February 7.
Kaiser Permanente recently announced that Michelle Gaskill-Hames has been promoted to senior vice president, chief operating officer, and chief strategy, growth, and experience officer for its Southern California and Hawaii region.
In her new role, Gaskill-Hames will oversee eight medical service areas in the region, as well as lead the organization's growth strategy and efforts to improve consumer experience to bring the system's healthcare to more individuals in the region.
"We are fortunate to have someone with Michelle's caliber and high level of experience assume this critically important role at a time when the healthcare industry is being pushed to its limit amidst a global pandemic," Julie Miller-Phipps, president of Kaiser Permanente Southern California and Hawaii health plan and hospitals, said in a press release statement. "Michelle will partner with the Permanente physicians and local teams to ensure our Kern, Ventura, and LA County healthcare delivery systems continue to provide excellent service and quality care."
Miller-Phipps added that Gaskill-Hames will also play a role in expanding access to the system's leading model of integrated care to more businesses and individuals in their communities.
Gaskill-Hames has worked in healthcare for over two decades and began her career as a neonatal intensive care registered nurse. She has served in served in numerous leadership roles, including serving as a chief nurse executive and hospital president for Advocate Health Care.
Joining Kaiser Permanente's Northern California region in 2016, she served as senior vice president of hospital and health plan operations and played a pivotal role in the region's response to the pandemic as lead Incident Commander, according to the press release.
"I look forward to being a part of the most accessible, innovative, and highly desired health care system in Southern California and Hawaii," she said in a statement. "I am even more honored to work alongside a diverse group of talented physicians, dedicated staff, loyal members, and wonderful community leaders. Together we will continue Kaiser Permanente's mission to deliver exceptional experiences while improving the health of the communities we serve."
Jasmyne Ray is the revenue cycle editor at HealthLeaders.