New CEO for Providence Alaska
Photo Credit: Providence Health & Services Alaska
The largest private-sector employer in the state is getting a new boss. Providence Alaska selected Deborah Berini as CEO. She becomes the successor to Ella Goss, a career nurse and former CEO of Providence Alaska Medical Center in Anchorage who led the entire statewide healthcare network for more than three years.
Berini takes over effective February 23.
Berini comes to Alaska from Missouri, having served as president of SSM Health DePaul Hospital in her hometown of St. Louis. Like Providence, SSM Health is a fully integrated nonprofit Catholic health system. Berini is credited with reducing turnover, improving caregiver engagement, advancing quality, and strengthening financial performance.
Current Issue
June 2026
Berini is a graduate of Drury College in Missouri with a master’s degree in health administration from Washington University School of Medicine. She held multiple roles at the University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics, was an associate vice president of the University of Alabama at Birmingham, served as COO of the University of Texas Medical Branch Health system, and was president of Penn State Health – Milton S. Hershey Medical Center.
“I’m drawn to Providence by the mission, its Catholic health heritage, and the opportunity to care for Alaskans through compassion, clinical excellence, and a deep respect for community,” says Berini.
Her partner’s family is from Alaska, so Berini has made regular visits to the state. She says she’s excited to make Anchorage home.
Fort Wainwright Officer Chosen as UAF Chancellor
The University of Alaska Board of Regents selected US Army Colonel Russell “Russ” Vander Lugt as the next UAF Chancellor.
New VP of Government Affairs for Holland America Princess in Alaska
Micaela Fowler is promoted to Vice President of Government Affairs for Holland America Line and Princess in Alaska upon the retirement of Ralph Samuels.
New CEO for Coastal Villages Region Fund
Coastal Villages Region Fund, the largest Alaskan-owned seafood company, promoted Nick Souza to CEO upon the retirement of Eric Deakin.
