McKell Gubler is a dedicated and visionary healthcare executive whose career has been defined by a passion for people and a relentless pursuit of excellence. With more than 15 years of progressive experience in oncology care, clinical operations, and healthcare leadership, McKell brings both strategic insight and heartfelt compassion to every role she embraces. Her belief that high-quality healthcare is built on the foundation of strong relationships and intentional leadership has guided her journey from bedside nursing to executive leadership within one of the nation’s premier cancer institutions.
Beginning her career in direct patient care, McKell developed a deep appreciation for the clinical and emotional complexities of oncology nursing. Her early years at the Huntsman Cancer Institute (HCI) in Salt Lake City were marked by a strong commitment to patient advocacy and quality care. As an inpatient registered nurse, she spearheaded a discharge education program that not only boosted patient satisfaction but also dramatically improved discharge efficiency—a result that revealed her natural aptitude for operational problem-solving.
Recognized for her leadership potential and ability to mentor others, McKell transitioned into a nurse manager role where she oversaw the operations of a high-volume outpatient clinic. Over the course of six years, she expanded her team to more than 65 staff members while achieving exceptional patient experience scores year after year. Her ability to build strong, motivated teams and implement thoughtful structural changes—such as redesigning the nurse staffing model to improve continuity and satisfaction—demonstrated her gift for balancing clinical empathy with managerial precision.
In 2023, McKell was appointed Director of Outpatient Services at HCI, where she now leads operations across eight ambulatory oncology clinics and five infusion centers. In this capacity, she collaborates with clinic and infusion managers to develop and meet budgetary goals, drive quality improvement, and elevate patient safety standards. She also plays a central role in planning the expansion of HCI’s services into Utah County, ensuring that institutional growth aligns with the needs of the communities they serve.
McKell’s influence extends beyond the day-to-day operations of the clinics she oversees. She co-leads the New Oncology Manager workgroup, designing leadership development programs for emerging managers and teaching critical principles of management. Her approach emphasizes collaboration, accountability, and servant leadership—principles she embodies in both her professional and personal life. McKell has become a trusted mentor within her institution, guiding peers through the complexities of leadership in the ever-evolving world of healthcare.
In addition to her operational responsibilities, McKell serves on numerous institutional committees focused on safety, patient education, radiation use, and shared governance. As Chair of the Patient Education Committee, she ensures that patient-centered communication and education are prioritized in every phase of the care continuum. Her leadership style is inclusive and people-focused, rooted in the belief that sustainable healthcare improvements begin with empowered teams and informed patients.
McKell’s educational background is equally robust. She earned her Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA) and Master of Science in Nursing (MS) from the University of Utah, where she developed the financial, strategic, and administrative acumen that complements her clinical foundation. Her academic journey reflects her lifelong commitment to growth and her belief in the transformative power of education—values she continues to pass on through her mentorship of staff and new leaders.
A recognized thought leader and advocate for women in healthcare, McKell has presented at internal leadership conferences and was a featured contributor at the Oncology Nursing Society (ONS) Congress. Her presentation on women in leadership addressed the importance of visibility, intentional development, and mentorship in creating diverse leadership pipelines. Though she remains humble about her achievements, her peers regard her as a resilient and authentic leader who brings clarity, calm, and confidence to complex environments.
Outside of her professional life, McKell finds inspiration and renewal in the outdoors. Whether snowboarding in the winter or hiking and camping with family during the warmer months, she connects deeply with nature—a reminder of the balance and perspective she brings to her leadership roles. Her passion for wellness, community, and personal connection drives her commitment to advancing patient-centered care across all touchpoints of the healthcare experience.
McKell is now actively exploring board service opportunities in healthcare and adjacent industries such as healthtech. With a unique blend of clinical, operational, and strategic leadership, she is prepared to contribute meaningfully to boards that value innovation, compassion, and long-term impact. She brings not only her expertise but also a deeply held belief in shared success, collaboration, and purpose-driven leadership.
Character:
McKell is a values-based leader who leads with integrity and empathy, always placing people—patients, staff, and community—at the heart of her decisions. Her consistent focus on relationship-building fosters inclusive and motivated teams that drive institutional excellence. She brings honesty, authenticity, and accountability to every leadership challenge she faces.
Knowledge:
McKell’s educational and professional background combines advanced clinical knowledge with healthcare administration and strategic planning. She understands the nuances of clinical operations and can translate complex challenges into data-driven, actionable solutions. Her insight into patient care, system-level efficiency, and leadership development makes her a multidimensional asset to any board.
Strategic:
As a senior leader at Huntsman Cancer Institute, McKell has overseen large-scale initiatives, budget strategies, and clinic expansions with clarity and foresight. She is skilled at aligning operational execution with long-term vision while maintaining a focus on patient outcomes and experience. Her strategic approach is both analytical and human-centered, ensuring alignment between goals and values.
Communication:
McKell is a gifted communicator who excels at leading interdisciplinary teams and presenting ideas with clarity and compassion. She actively engages in mentorship, committee work, and public speaking to share knowledge and foster professional growth. Her collaborative leadership style empowers others and encourages honest, productive dialogue across all levels of an organization.
