NORTHERN CALIF. - Sutter Health welcomes Deborah Yount to the organization as chief human resources officer after an extensive national search. Beginning March 2, she will serve on the Executive Leadership Team and head the organization's HR division and overall people strategy, emphasizing employee engagement, workforce development, well-being initiatives, recruitment and retention efforts, and leader education and development. This comprehensive approach aims to cultivate a diverse, caring, inclusive and energizing workplace where team members are supported in reaching their full potential.

Yount inherits the position from Gail Lerch, who served as interim chief human resources officer since September 2023.

"Deborah will define and advance a people strategy focused on Sutter being the best place to work in healthcare," said Sutter Health CEO Warner Thomas. "She will partner with leaders across the system to drive employee engagement at all levels, while further attracting and retaining extraordinary talent as we continue to grow and transform within a changing healthcare landscape."

Yount has more than 25 years of experience as an HR leader across large, high-growth, global organizations operating in complex environments, including Medtronic and Texas Instruments. She joins Sutter Health from AtriCure, a provider of innovative technologies for treating atrial fibrillation. As its chief human resources officer, she led an organizational transformation of the HR function, partnering with the CEO and leadership team to guide rapid strategic growth. Prior to AtriCure, she held leadership roles at Medtronic for 15 years, most recently serving as vice president of global human resources for its cardiovascular business line, a $13 billion portfolio representing more than 30,000 employees across eight business units and 23 manufacturing plants. Her strategic initiatives focused on improving organizational health, enhancing talent management and cultivating world-class employee engagement scores.

"It is a privilege to join Sutter Health at such an exciting time in the organization's transformation and growth journey and to be part of a team working together to unlock our full potential," said Yount. "I feel fortunate that much of my career has been spent in healthcare, providing purpose and impact on the lives of others. I look forward to working with this incredible team to continue shaping our talent strategy, enhancing our employee engagement focus, and nurturing an inclusive culture of innovation and collaboration."

Yount holds a master's degree in human resources and organizational development from the University of San Francisco and a bachelor's degree in social science from Sonoma State University, as well as several Human Resources certifications. She has also served on the Board of Directors for the North Bay Leadership Council and The Volunteer Center of Sonoma County.

"Sutter Health is a place where we are dedicated to building an energizing, purpose-driven and diverse culture, which is a key driver to positive employee and patient experiences," Thomas added. "Deborah's expertise in organizational strategy, as well as her eye for talent, will be great assets that helps us attract, engage and retain the best and brightest to care for our communities."

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