Paying Tribute to Linda Hunt

After 51 years of service to the health care industry, Linda Hunt, President and CEO of Dignity Health’s Southwest Division, is retiring. Linda joined Dignity Health in 1998 and since 2009 has led Dignity Health’s Southwest Division, which includes St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center and St. Joseph's Westgate Medical Center, Chandler Regional Medical Center, Mercy Gilbert Medical Center and Dignity Health freestanding urgent care and emergency care centers. Under her leadership, the division has grown into a respected and comprehensive health care system, which is anchored by 11 outstanding hospitals in Arizona and Nevada.

Linda has a deep connection to the East Valley as she was on the team who strengthened care by bringing Chandler Regional Medical Center into the ministry. She also worked with the nuns to breathe life into Mercy Gilbert Medical Center as a healing hospital over 15 years ago. At the same time, St. Joseph’s became a world-renowned academic medical institution. She also was highly instrumental in bringing prestige and recognition to the region by elevating Barrow Neurological Institute and establishing Norton Thoracic Institute to care for patients here locally, and also bringing patients from around the world.

Linda’s remarkable career started from humble beginnings. She worked as a clerk at Walgreens and later a secretary at a Louisiana construction company before enrolling in nursing school. From there she worked her way up – first as a nurse, then a nurse leader, a hospital executive, a hospital president and finally a division president within CommonSpirit Health.

Linda, who is often described as a leader with a servant’s heart, has led with grace, purpose, and a forceful vision throughout her career. Her mission-driven devotion to improving the health of all people, especially to those who are vulnerable, while advancing social justice, has enriched the lives of thousands of individuals.