DALLAS and TEMPLE, Texas – Baylor Scott & White Health has strengthened its leadership team with the appointments of five healthcare industry veterans.
The System named Walter Peters, MD, as chief medical officer; Rob Watson, MD, as chief clinical operations officer; Steve Newton as chief delivery system operations officer; Jessica Olson as senior vice president of government affairs; and Mike Sanborn as chief growth officer.
"With these changes, we are cementing what we believe is one of the strongest clinical and operational leadership teams in the country. We are also sharpening our focus on growing strategically, as this powers our ability to deliver care when, where and how customers want it," said Pete McCanna, chief executive officer of Baylor Scott & White. "Working together, these leaders will ensure continued performance on quality and patient safety initiatives, expand our access points, and help us deliver exceptional experiences to those we serve."
Walter Peters, MD – Chief Medical Officer
Having served as interim chief medical officer since June 2022, Dr. Peters will continue working in collaboration with clinical leaders to strengthen Baylor Scott & White's safety and quality efforts. He previously served as chief surgical officer where he drove improvements in surgical quality, safety, efficiency and patient experience across the organization.
Rob Watson, MD – Chief Clinical Operations Officer
In this new position, Dr. Watson will help advance clinical operations, with a focus on engaging physicians and other providers. Dr. Watson previously served as chief medical officer of Baylor Scott & White's Greater Austin Region, which he helped grow to include nine hospitals and more than 70 clinics. Prior roles include chief of surgery, vice president of medical staff and general surgery division director of Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Round Rock.
Steve Newton – Chief Delivery System Operations Officer
Newton will oversee the operations of Baylor Scott & White's hospitals, clinics, ambulatory care facilities and joint ventures. He previously served as chief growth officer, driving enterprise growth, creating and enhancing customer-centric partnerships that help the organization advance its strategy. In prior roles, he served as president of Baylor University Medical Center; the Baylor Scott & White Health Central and West Regions; Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Grapevine and Baylor Scott & White All Saints Medical Center – Fort Worth.
Jessica Olson – Senior Vice President of Government Affairs
Olson will oversee public policy and legislative affairs efforts, setting forth and achieving advocacy goals that advance the System's mission. Olson has almost 20 years of government experience at the state and federal levels. She has extensive knowledge of health law, budget and policy matters, and specializes in the Medicaid program, hospital financing and complex litigation. In the office of the Texas lieutenant governor, Olson served as adviser for Health and Human Services, where she provided legislative and policy recommendations for one of the largest areas of the state budget. Before that, in the office of the governor, she worked as special counsel for Health and Human Services litigation and deputy director of budget, planning and policy.
Mike Sanborn – Chief Growth Officer
In this role, Sanborn will pursue continued expansion and partnerships that improve not only access but also experiences. He previously served as president of Baylor Scott & White All Saints Medical Center – Fort Worth, where he oversaw the leadership and management of the 574-bed acute care hospital with more than 2,400 employees and 1,100 medical staff members.
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About Baylor Scott & White Health
As the largest not-for-profit health system in the state of Texas, Baylor Scott & White promotes the health and well-being of every individual, family and community it serves. It is committed to making quality care more accessible, convenient and affordable through its integrated delivery network, which includes the Baylor Scott & White Health Plan, Baylor Scott & White Research Institute, the Baylor Scott & White Quality Alliance and its leading digital health platform – MyBSWHealth. Through 51 hospitals and more than 1,200 access points, including flagship academic medical centers in Dallas, Fort Worth and Temple, the system offers the full continuum of care, from primary to award-winning specialty care. Founded as a Christian ministry of healing more than a century ago, Baylor Scott & White today serves more than three million Texans. For more information, visit: BSWHealth.com
