Analysis  |  By Melanie Blackman   |    July 26, 2022

Mike Thomas will lead the California-based health system effective October 1. John Muir Health has named Cal Knight's successor to lead the nonprofit health system. Mike Thomas, who currently serves as executive vice president and chief transformation officer, will succeed Knight who is retiring after more than 11 years with the health system. Come October 1, Thomas will be the third CEO in the health system's 25-year history. "We conducted a national search that attracted more than 60 candidates. Mike continually distinguished himself and impressed the Search Committee with his vision for John Muir Health’s future and understanding of the dynamics of the local health care market, as well as national trends," Kathleen Odne, chair of the John Muir Health board of directors, said in a statement. "His experience, leadership and relationship-building skills, communications acumen, and academic qualifications have prepared him very well to lead John Muir Health."

John Muir Health has named Cal Knight's successor to lead the nonprofit health system.

Mike Thomas, who currently serves as executive vice president and chief transformation officer, will succeed Knight who is retiring after more than 11 years with the health system. Come October 1, Thomas will be the third CEO in the health system's 25-year history.

"We conducted a national search that attracted more than 60 candidates. Mike continually distinguished himself and impressed the Search Committee with his vision for John Muir Health’s future and understanding of the dynamics of the local health care market, as well as national trends," Kathleen Odne, chair of the John Muir Health board of directors, said in a statement. "His experience, leadership and relationship-building skills, communications acumen, and academic qualifications have prepared him very well to lead John Muir Health."

Thomas has been with John Muir Health for almost 14 years where he has served in several leadership positions. Previously he served as president and chief administrative officer of the system's 244-bed acute care hospital and 73-bed psychiatric hospital in Concord, California. Most recently he served as the system's chief transformation officer, where he led the health system's strategic, operational, and clinical transformation efforts.

During his tenure, Thomas was instrumental in developing and implementing a strategic partnership with UCSF Health. He also serves as chair of the board of directors for Canopy Health, a primary care organization that is owned by several partners including UCSF Health and John Muir Health. He also serves as a board member for BayHealth, a joint venture between UCSF Health and John Muir Health.

Prior to joining John Muir Health, Thomas served as vice president at VHA West Coast, where he implemented and customized supply chain management plans for 32 health systems, which results in $100 million in annual savings. Previously, he served as chief strategic development officer for UCSF Medical Center and Children's Hospital.

"I’m continually inspired by the work of [John Muir Health's] physicians and staff who care for our patients," Thomas said in a statement. "Like any health system we have challenges, but we also have a great deal to be excited about and I feel incredibly positive about our future. I’m very grateful to be able to help lead a local, community-based organization that plays such a vital part in supporting the health of the communities we serve."

Melanie Blackman is the strategy editor at HealthLeaders, an HCPro brand.

Melanie Blackman is the strategy editor at HealthLeaders, an HCPro brand.

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