Dignity Health has announced a significant leadership transition in its California Region, appointing Christine McSweeney, MBA, FACHE, as the new Hospital President for both Sequoia Hospital in Redwood City and Dominican Hospital in Santa Cruz. This strategic appointment, announced on April 6, 2026, marks a shift in the administrative structure for these facilities, as they move toward a shared leadership model according to an official Dignity Health statement.
McSweeney is scheduled to officially assume her role on Monday, April 13, 2026. In this dual capacity, she will be responsible for overseeing the operations and strategic growth of both institutions, aiming to strengthen the health system’s presence and commitment to the Central Coast Market.
The move follows the retirement of Dr. Nanette Mickiewicz, the longtime president of Dominican Hospital, who led the facility for nearly 20 years. This transition arrives at a critical time for Dominican Hospital, which has been navigating challenges related to staffing, capacity, and employee retention as reported by Lookout Santa Cruz.
“I am honored and excited to join Dignity Health’s California Region and lead these two distinguished Hospitals,” McSweeney said in a statement. “I am deeply committed to continuing the excellent work already underway at both facilities and working collaboratively with our dedicated caregivers, staff, and the communities we serve. I look forward to building on the strong foundations here and contributing to the health and well-being of the Central Coast.”
A Proven Track Record in Healthcare Administration
Christine McSweeney joins the California Region from CommonSpirit Health’s Utah Market, where she previously served as the President of Holy Cross Hospital – Jordan Valley and West Valley. Her tenure in Utah was characterized by a focus on quality and safety metrics, which resulted in several high-profile accolades for the facilities under her management.
Notably, under McSweeney’s leadership, Jordan Valley was recognized as a Leapfrog Top General Hospital—a distinction that, at the time, made it the only hospital in Utah to achieve such a ranking per Dignity Health. Healthgrades designated Jordan Valley as a top 5% hospital for Quality and Safety, highlighting her commitment to improving patient outcomes.
McSweeney brings over a decade of healthcare administration experience to her new role. Her academic and professional credentials include a Master of Business Administration from Arizona State University and a fellowship with the American College of Healthcare Executives (FACHE).
Strategic Shift in Leadership Structure
The decision to have one president oversee both Sequoia and Dominican hospitals represents a departure from the previous organizational model. Previously, Dominican Hospital maintained its own full-time president and CEO, a role held by Dr. Nanette Mickiewicz for nearly two decades. Before becoming president, Dr. Mickiewicz served as the hospital’s chief medical officer for more than six years according to local reports.
This consolidation of leadership is part of a broader network under CommonSpirit Health, one of the largest nonprofit hospital chains in the United States. By sharing a president, the two hospitals—located approximately 47 miles apart—can align their strategic growth and operational efficiencies under a single executive vision.
BJ Predum, the Central Coast Market President for Dignity Health, expressed confidence in the appointment, stating, “We are incredibly fortunate to welcome Christine to our California Region.”
Key Transition Details
| Event/Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Appointment Announcement | April 6, 2026 |
| Official Start Date | April 13, 2026 |
| Facilities Managed | Sequoia Hospital (Redwood City) & Dominican Hospital (Santa Cruz) |
| Preceding Leader (Dominican) | Dr. Nanette Mickiewicz (Retired) |
| Previous Role (McSweeney) | President, Holy Cross Hospital – Jordan Valley and West Valley (Utah) |
As McSweeney steps into this role, stakeholders and staff at Dominican Hospital are looking toward her to address the ongoing operational challenges. Local nursing staff, in particular, have expressed hope that the new leadership will implement effective strategies to manage staffing shortages and improve capacity issues.
The next confirmed milestone in this transition is the official commencement of McSweeney’s tenure on Monday, April 13, 2026.
We invite readers to share their thoughts on these leadership changes in the comments below and share this update with colleagues in the healthcare community.