Providence Alaska Appoints New CEO
The chief executive of Providence Alaska—the nonprofit healthcare network with hospitals in Anchorage, Seward, Valdez, and Kodiak—is retiring, to be succeeded by the head of Anchorage’s largest private employer.
Ella Goss, CEO of Providence Alaska Medical Center, has been chosen to serve as Providence Alaska CEO, effective September 1, upon the departure of Preston Simmons from the position. Simmons announced his retirement after five years with Providence Alaska.
Goss, originally from Canada, earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in nursing from Chamberlain University. She worked in emergency departments in Newfoundland and Kotzebue prior to joining Providence in 1997 as a staff nurse in the Anchorage emergency department.
Goss has served in a variety of leadership roles, including chief flight nurse for LifeGuard air ambulance service; clinical manager of emergency services; director of medical staff, risk management, and regulatory services; and director of Providence Cancer Center. She is certified as a professional in healthcare risk management and healthcare quality.
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March 2026
“I’m honored to lead Providence Alaska,” Goss says. “We have a rich legacy in this state, beginning 120 years ago when the first Sisters of Providence arrived in Nome. Every day, our caregivers continue to deliver on our mission to serve all, especially those who are poor and vulnerable. I’m humbled by their resiliency and commitment to providing world-class care close to home for all Alaskans.”
Simmons will remain with the organization through September to ensure a smooth transition.
“Ella’s career has been defined by leading organizations through transformation with courage and conviction,” Simmons says. “As Providence looks toward next steps on our journey to value-based care, Ella is the right leader at the right time to lead Providence Alaska.”
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