Michael Murphy
(602) 344-1231
Michael.Murphy@valleywisehealth.org
Shannon Sowby for Valleywise Health
(602) 615-6235
shannon.sowby@lt.agency
PHOENIX (Jan. 22, 2026) – Valleywise Health is pleased to announce the promotion of Warren Whitney to the position of Chief Administrative Officer (CAO).
Whitney has served as Senior Vice President of Government Affairs for Valleywise Health since 2008. In this role, he has worked tirelessly in public advocacy and government relations, consistently advancing Valleywise Health’s mission as a safety net system of care and public teaching hospital.
“Warren’s promotion is a reflection of his outstanding achievements and the respect he has earned from his colleagues and peers,” said Steve Purves, President and CEO. “His leadership and commitment to Valleywise Health will continue to be a driving force in our mission to provide exceptional care, without exception, every patient, every time.”
Whitney will replace Lia Christiansen, who has announced plans to retire in March after serving five years as CAO during a historic period of growth for Valleywise Health.
An invaluable member of the Valleywise Health team, Whitney first joined the healthcare system in 2005 as Vice President of Internal Development, where he oversaw a wide range of departments during the organization’s transition from Maricopa County government to an independent special health care district. Over his 20 years of service, Warren has led multiple departments and services, and his leadership will play a crucial role in the next phase of Valleywise Health’s growth and service expansion.
“I am truly honored and grateful for the opportunity to serve in this role during such a critical time in Valleywise Health’s 149-year history,” Whitney said. “I am proud to say I am part of an organization that is making a difference in our community.”
In his new role, Whitney will continue to oversee government affairs and real estate, while assuming responsibility for all Valleywise Health construction planning and development, including Proposition 409–related projects. He will also oversee marketing and communications and support services.
Prior to joining Valleywise Health, Whitney served as Assistant Director for the General Services Division of the Arizona Department of Administration, where he was responsible for the management of all state-owned and leased office buildings, as well as the development and construction of major building projects. His responsibilities also included oversight of the Capitol Police Department and the State Physical Security Program. Earlier in his career, Warren served as Deputy Secretary of the Arizona Secretary of State’s Office, before that, as District Field Representative for U.S. Congressman Jon Kyl.
Warren is deeply engaged in civic and community service. He is a member of the Maricopa County Planning Commission and a member of the Maricopa County Community Colleges Foundation Board. He serves on the Keys to Change Board of Directors and is Vice Chair of the Valleywise Health Foundation Board. He also is a Trustee for the Arizona Perinatal Trust. Warren was honored as a “40 Under 40 Leader” by the Phoenix Business Journal and is a graduate of Valley Leadership Class XVII.
Previously, he served three terms on the Madison Elementary School District governing board, including as president and vice president. He has held board positions with Valley of the Sun United Way, Central Arizona Shelter Services, the Veterans Medical Leadership Council, and the Phoenix Museum of History, where he served as board president.
Warren holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from Arizona State University and an MBA in Health Systems Management from Grand Canyon University.
About Valleywise Health
With locations throughout Maricopa County, one of the country’s fastest growing metro areas, Valleywise Health has a proud 148-year tradition of providing exceptional care, without exception, every patient, every time. Today, the health system includes one of the nation’s top public teaching hospitals, a world-renowned burn center and Arizona’s largest HIV primary care center. From a new state-of-the-art acute care hospital, including the Diane & Bruce Halle Arizona Burn Center and Level I Trauma, to three behavioral health hospitals and 11 community health centers, Valleywise Health is here for every member of the community. To learn more, please visit ValleywiseHealth.org.
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