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.
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September 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.
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