Mario Garner, EdD, FACHE, has been named president of Dignity Health East Valley, which includes Dignity Health Chandler Regional and Mercy Gilbert Medical Centers, and Arizona General Hospital — Mesa. Garner will be joining Dignity Health East Valley from St. Luke’s Health - The Vintage Hospital, an affiliate of CommonSpirit Health in Houston, Texas. Garner will officially begin in his new role on Monday, Oct. 22. Dignity Health East Valley is a member of CommonSpirit Health.
A transformational healthcare executive with more than 20 years of healthcare administration experience, Garner served as president of St. Luke’s Health - The Vintage Hospital for seven years, leading several significant improvements to enhance patient care and employee engagement. Prior to joining St. Luke’s Health, Garner worked at Memorial Hermann Health System, where he served as chief operations officer for its Southeast Market and as chief executive officer for the Memorial Hermann Pearland Hospital. He also previously served as CEO of New Orleans East Hospital which returned acute healthcare services to areas of New Orleans most significantly devastated by Hurricane Katrina.
“It is an honor to lead the Dignity Health East Valley during such a pivotal time in healthcare and exciting time within CommonSpirit Health’s ministry,” says Garner. “ Building on the strong foundation of exceptional quality and care, I am eager to collaborate with the leadership team, caregivers, medical staff, and communities to continue the path toward innovation, patient centered care, and operational excellence.”
Garner holds a Doctorate of Education from University of Houston, a Masters of Healthcare Administration from Tulane University and a Bachelor of Science in Microbiology from Louisiana State University. He is a member of the American College of Healthcare Executives, the National Association of Health Service Executives and Board Member Association for University Programs in Healthcare Administration. Garner is also a member of the Louisiana State University National Alumni Association, for which he served as the national chair for its global board of directors in 2024.
“Mario is a true visionary and will be a great complement to the outstanding team at Dignity Health East Valley, and he will help build on the strong reputation of excellence and growth for which our East Valley hospitals and healthcare centers are known,” says Anthony Houston, EdD, FACHE, president of Dignity Health’s Arizona Market.
###
Publish date:
Tuesday, September 02, 2025
The Leapfrog Group assigns an “A,” “B,” “C,” “D” or “F” grade to all general hospitals across the country based on over 30 measures of errors, accidents, injuries and infections as well as the systems hospitals have in place to prevent them.
Read More Additional information about Dignity Health East Valley Recognized For Patient Safety
As flu and other respiratory illnesses circulate, a Dignity Health in Arizona infectious disease doctor is encouraging the community to seek appropriate medical attention when experiencing concerning symptoms or medical emergencies.
Read More Additional information about Dignity Health Doctor Advocates For Timely Health Care
In the years following the pandemic, there has been heightened attention to long-COVID or symptoms which can last for months after infection. As we enter into the fall and winter months, an epidemiologist for Dignity Health in Arizona shares that
Read More Additional information about Prevent Lingering Symptoms From Respiratory Illnesses This Fall
Carmelle Malkovich
Communications Director
Abby Kay
External Communications Manager
