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Valleywise Health CEO Steve Purves Announces Retirement

  //health-fitness.news-articles.net/content/2026/ .. ealth-ceo-steve-purves-announces-retirement.html
  Published in Health and Fitness on Friday, February 13th 2026 at 9:00 GMT by ABC15 Arizona
      Locales: Arizona, UNITED STATES

PHOENIX - February 13th, 2026 - Steve Purves, the long-serving CEO of Valleywise Health, today announced his retirement, marking the end of a twelve-year tenure defined by substantial growth, infrastructural development, and a steadfast commitment to community health. His departure, effective later this year, will usher in a new era for the Phoenix-based healthcare system.

Purves' announcement comes at a pivotal moment for Valleywise Health, as it continues to navigate the evolving landscape of healthcare delivery. Over the past decade, the system has undergone a significant transformation under his leadership, expanding services and dramatically improving access to care for a growing population. The most visible testament to this progress is the recently completed state-of-the-art hospital campus, a multi-million dollar project designed to meet the complex and expanding healthcare needs of the Phoenix metropolitan area.

"It has been an incredible privilege to serve as CEO of Valleywise Health and witness firsthand the dedication and compassion of our employees," Purves stated. "I am incredibly proud of what we have accomplished together and confident that Valleywise Health is well-positioned for continued success." His statement highlights not only the professional achievements of the organization but also the deeply ingrained culture of patient-centered care he fostered.

Beyond the physical expansion, Purves prioritized initiatives aimed at addressing health disparities and improving community wellness. This included expanding outreach programs, investing in preventative care, and forging partnerships with local organizations to tackle social determinants of health - factors like housing, food security, and transportation that significantly impact health outcomes. These efforts weren't simply add-ons but were integrated into Valleywise Health's core mission, recognizing that true healthcare extends beyond the hospital walls.

His leadership was severely tested during the COVID-19 pandemic. Purves guided Valleywise Health through unprecedented challenges, ensuring the system remained operational while providing critical care to a surge of patients. He championed the health and safety of frontline workers, secured essential resources, and played a vital role in the community's public health response. The pandemic underscored the crucial role Valleywise Health plays as a safety-net provider, serving a diverse population, including many vulnerable individuals.

The Board of Directors has already initiated a comprehensive search for Purves' successor, engaging a leading executive search firm to identify candidates with the vision, experience, and dedication to lead Valleywise Health into the future. The search will likely focus on individuals with a proven track record of success in complex healthcare environments, a deep understanding of Arizona's healthcare landscape, and a commitment to the organization's mission of providing accessible, high-quality care.

Industry analysts suggest the incoming CEO will face a number of significant challenges, including increasing healthcare costs, evolving reimbursement models, and the ongoing need to address workforce shortages. Maintaining Valleywise Health's commitment to community health will also be paramount, requiring innovative solutions to address persistent health inequities.

Valleywise Health's role as a teaching hospital affiliated with the Creighton University School of Medicine is another key aspect of its identity. The new CEO will be expected to nurture this relationship, ensuring a continued pipeline of highly skilled healthcare professionals. Furthermore, the system's commitment to research and innovation will need continued support to advance medical knowledge and improve patient care.

Purves' retirement marks a turning point for Valleywise Health, but his legacy of leadership, growth, and community engagement will undoubtedly continue to shape the organization for years to come. His dedication has established Valleywise Health as a cornerstone of healthcare in the Phoenix area, and the search for his replacement will be a critical process in ensuring the system maintains its trajectory of success.