VA Desert Pacific Healthcare Network
New Medical Center Director Named for Southern Arizona VA Health Care System
December 27, 2019
TUCSON, Ariz. - The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Jennifer S. Gutowski as the new director of the Southern Arizona VA Health Care System. She will oversee the delivery of health care to more than 171,000 Veterans and a budget of $450 million.
"We are very happy to bring Ms. Gutowski on board as the new director at the Southern Arizona VA Health Care System," said Michael W. Fisher, Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN) 22 Director. "Her sound leadership qualities and proven experience will be valuable assets for the facility employees, volunteers and, most importantly, for the Veterans we serve. We anticipate Ms. Gutowski will arrive on February 2, 2020 to begin her appointment."
Jennifer Gutowski joined the VA in 1999 and has a track record of progressive professional development and career growth spanning field management experience, operations support, and program management. She has been serving as Director of the VA Pacific Islands Health Care System (VAPIHCS) Honolulu since May 2017. In that position, she oversaw a broad range of medical services, with an annual budget of over $335 million and more than 1,400 employees and serving approximately 129,000 Veterans throughout Hawaii, Guam, American Samoa and Saipan in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.
Prior to her appointment in Honolulu, Ms. Gutowski was Interim Director of the Southern Arizona VA Health Care System from January 2016 through March 2017. She served as the system's Associate Director from July 2012 through January 2016 and again from March through May 2017. Prior to 2012, Ms. Gutowski had served as Acting Associate Director and Assistant Director of the Edward Hines, Jr. VA Hospital near Chicago, and held various positions at the VA Long Beach (California) Health Care System.
Ms. Gutowski graduated with a master's degree in Health Administration from Tulane University in New Orleans. She is also a Certified Healthcare Executive, a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives (FACHE) and a graduate of the VA Executive Career Field. She has received awards and other recognition for her growing responsibilities and leadership within VA.
The Southern Arizona VA Health Care System is comprised of the VA Medical Center in Tucson, and seven community clinics located in Safford, Casa Grande, Sierra Vista, Yuma, Green Valley, and Northwest and Southeast Tucson. The organization provides a full range of health care through medical, surgical, mental health (inpatient and outpatient), home and community health programs, geriatric (nursing home), physical medicine and therapy services, neurology, oncology, dentistry and hospice. The 2,500 staff are committed to providing patient-centered and evidence-based care, and contributing to the nation's well being through clinical education, research and service in national emergencies.
