Banner Health appoints Dr. John Rares Almasan as senior vice president, chief AI, data and infrastructure officer

Banner Health has named Dr. John Rares Almasan as its new senior vice president and chief AI, data, and infrastructure officer. Almasan will oversee the development of AI capabilities, data systems, and technology infrastructure to enhance patient care, streamline operations, and support innovation across the integrated delivery system. With over 20 years of experience in AI and technology leadership, he joins Banner Health from TIAA, where he served as senior managing director and global head of AI and emerging technology. His prior roles include leading AI and cloud initiatives at McKinsey & Company and holding senior technology positions at Nationwide Insurance, American Express, and Bank of America. Almasan holds a doctorate in business administration, along with graduate degrees in engineering and public administration, and has taught as an adjunct professor at Arizona State University and Grand Canyon University. His appointment aligns with Banner Health’s $1 billion investment in AI, robotics, telemedicine, and cloud-based technology to transform healthcare delivery. The initiative aims to reduce administrative burdens for medical staff, accelerate treatment access, and improve efficiency while maintaining patient safety through rigorous ethical reviews and annual audits. Banner Health operates 33 hospitals and over 400 sites across six states—Arizona, California, Colorado, Nebraska, Nevada, and Wyoming—delivering comprehensive care from primary to specialty medicine. The organization partners with the University of Arizona to advance clinical research and train healthcare professionals, reinforcing its mission to prioritize prevention, manage chronic diseases, and reduce healthcare costs. AI systems developed by Banner Health incorporate partnerships with companies like Anthropic to ensure safer and more responsible deployment of technology. The health system emphasizes a sustainable care model that reinvests profits into community benefits, research, and facilities, providing over $1 billion annually in community support. Almasan’s focus will be on building intelligent systems that eliminate barriers in healthcare, accelerate breakthroughs, and keep Banner Health at the forefront of innovation while upholding patient safety as the top priority.