Dr. Mark Mitchelson, DHA, RN, NEA-BC, FACHE, is a seasoned healthcare executive with an extraordinary record of elevating clinical operations, optimizing hospital performance, and delivering strategic results across diverse care environments—domestically and abroad. Currently serving as Patient Care Executive and Associate Operations Executive at Adventist Health Simi Valley Hospital, he functions as the Chief Operating and Chief Nursing Officer for a facility of 1,100+ staff. In this dual leadership role, Dr. Mitchelson has delivered over $18 million in cost-saving and growth initiatives within a six-month period. From pioneering advanced robotic surgery with the early adoption of the Da Vinci 5 system to streamlining service lines and real estate assets, he consistently transforms vision into measurable outcomes. His creation of a Patient Family Advisory Council, launch of a new urology line with 25%+ contribution margins, and oversight of a multi-million dollar consolidation project demonstrate a leadership style rooted in innovation, fiscal discipline, and community focus.
Prior to this, Dr. Mitchelson served as Chief Nursing Officer at Shasta Regional Medical Center, where his leadership was credited with dramatically improving workforce stability and clinical quality. He reduced nursing turnover from 30% to 11% and helped elevate the hospital’s Leapfrog rating from C to multiple consecutive A grades. His tenure saw the development of advanced cardiac and stroke programs, contract wins for surge staffing during COVID-19 that saved over $1.2 million monthly, and award-winning improvements in heart failure and stroke care outcomes. His ability to lead both operational and clinical pillars made him indispensable during high-pressure situations and positioned the hospital as a regional hub for complex patient transfers.
Dr. Mitchelson’s international experience includes launching a 140-bed hospital in Saudi Arabia, where he built clinical infrastructure from the ground up, implemented ERAS protocols, and led tertiary care efforts for military and trauma patients. His leadership in this role included contracting with the Saudi military, creating the province’s only formal Home Health Program, and developing CME-accredited education for cross-functional medical staff.
Earlier in his career, he held progressive leadership roles within Sutter Health and Kaiser Permanente, where he gained national recognition for turnaround success in quality scores, staff satisfaction, and HAI reduction. At Sutter Medical Center, he helped merge two hospitals and simultaneously launched EPIC, while leading Lean Value Stream projects and innovative nursing workforce pipelines. At Kaiser Sacramento, he managed the largest comprehensive neuro center in Northern California and was instrumental in dramatically reducing hospital-acquired infection rates through data-driven, multidisciplinary collaboration with UC Davis.
Dr. Mitchelson’s academic credentials include a Doctorate in Healthcare Administration from Oklahoma State University, an MBA in Healthcare Administration, and a BSN from the University of San Francisco. He is Board Certified as a Nurse Executive Advanced (NEA-BC), LEAN-certified, and a Fellow in the American College of Healthcare Executives (FACHE). His commitment to leadership development is evidenced by his participation in advanced leadership programs at Sutter Health.
Beyond hospital walls, Dr. Mitchelson actively contributes to healthcare and community advancement through board service. He has held governance roles with the Northern California chapter of ACHE (CAHL), Shasta Community Health Center, SAC Valley Med Share, and currently serves on the Ventura County ACNL Advisory Board. His civic dedication includes board positions with the Boys and Girls Club of Simi Valley and Moorpark, and the Moorpark College Foundation.
With a career that blends clinical rigor, strategic agility, and community impact, Mark Mitchelson stands as a transformative force in modern healthcare leadership. His holistic vision, cross-sectoral expertise, and deep operational acumen make him a vital partner for organizations committed to advancing excellence in patient care and health system sustainability.
Character
Mark Mitchelson is a values-driven leader who exemplifies resilience, accountability, and a steadfast commitment to community and clinical excellence. His ethical approach and compassionate leadership are evident in his initiatives that prioritize patient-centered care, staff well-being, and fiscal responsibility across diverse healthcare settings.
Knowledge
With a Doctorate in Healthcare Administration, an MBA in Healthcare Administration, and multiple advanced certifications, Mark brings deep academic and practical expertise to every role. His experience spans clinical operations, quality improvement, hospital startups, and international healthcare systems, positioning him as a multidisciplinary authority in health system leadership.
Strategic
Mark consistently demonstrates the ability to implement complex, high-impact strategies that improve operational efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance care delivery. From multimillion-dollar service consolidations and robotic surgery adoption to COVID surge response and workforce retention, he drives sustainable results through informed, bold decision-making.
Communication
An articulate and motivational communicator, Mark leads through transparency, collaboration, and a commitment to shared goals. Whether engaging with board members, frontline staff, or community stakeholders, he fosters trust and alignment through clarity, empathy, and action-oriented dialogue.
