Gov. Katie Hobbs has appointed Debbie Johnston, a well-known figure in Arizona health policy circles, as the next director of the Arizona Department of Health Services. Johnston spent more than two decades with the Arizona Hospital and Healthcare Association, where she shaped policy, worked closely with providers statewide and served on multiple ADHS advisory boards, including the State Trauma Advisory Board and the Arizona Health Improvement Plan Steering Committee.
Johnston, who retired earlier this year as the association’s executive vice president, is set to succeed interim director Sheila Sjolander. Hobbs said Johnston’s experience with hospitals — particularly in rural regions — and her longstanding relationships across the health sector make her well suited to lead an agency that licenses hundreds of thousands of providers and oversees statewide public health programs.
Johnston called the nomination an honor and emphasized the importance of an accessible, efficient public health system. She said she intends to work collaboratively with community partners and policymakers to strengthen health outcomes across Arizona.
A third-generation Arizonan, Johnston began her career at the State Senate as a research analyst and later served as research staff director before moving into health policy. Hobbs said she looks forward to Johnston’s confirmation by the State Senate.
Background on ADHS programs and leadership roles is available through the department’s official website.
