Executive VP, Chief Legal Officer & General Counsel

Primary City/State: Phoenix, ArizonaDepartment: Legal Services – CorporateShift: DayCategory: Legal

Role Overview

Executive Vice President, Chief Legal Officer – a senior executive responsible for overseeing legal, compliance, internal audit, risk, and claims & litigation. Provides counsel to the Board of Directors, senior leadership, and management teams, and directs enterprise‑wide legal operations to support Banner Health’s mission and strategic goals.

Core Responsibilities

1. Engage with the organization’s strategic vision, recruiting and retaining a high‑performing legal team.
2. Act as a key senior team leader, facilitating outcomes, providing strategic input, outlining risks and mitigation, and proposing solutions.
3. Focus the legal team on organizational priorities, hold partners accountable for clarity and deliverables, and drive rapid turnaround.
4. Leverage technology to streamline processes and ensure accuracy, compliance, and contract adherence.
5. Communicate clearly and concisely, framing issues to foster meaningful discussion and keep the senior team updated on regulatory changes.
6. Maintain comprehensive regulatory oversight of federal and state healthcare statutes, including Stark Law, Anti‑Kickback Statute, HIPAA, HITECH Act, EMTALA, and billing regulations.
7. Direct enterprise‑wide risk management and litigation strategy, managing internal and external counsel on medical malpractice, torts, and commercial lawsuits.
8. Lead corporate governance initiatives, overseeing legal due diligence, contract negotiations for mergers, acquisitions, and strategic partnerships.
9. Ensure legal expertise reviews and drafts complex clinical service agreements, vendor contracts, and provider agreements.
10. Serve as a staff resource to the governing board and applicable committees.
11. Oversee labor and employment matters, including NLRB and union issues, and compliance with ADA, FMLA, & FLSA.
12. Develop and implement effective organizational policies, maintaining an internal control environment.
13. Monitor financial performance, budgeting, and capital planning to meet organizational objectives.
14. Act as the primary advisor on compliance and internal assurance to senior management and the board.
15. Build and sustain collaborative relationships with internal and external stakeholders, negotiating favorable outcomes with vendors.
16. Provide leadership and mentorship to senior legal staff, fostering a culture of accountability and innovative thought.

Minimum Qualifications

• Juris Doctor and active Arizona law license.
• At least 15 years of progressive legal experience, including executive leadership within a large, integrated delivery system.
• Proven track record of strategic and performance outcomes, fiscal management, and organizational goal attainment.
• Strong business acumen, budgeting, and forecasting capabilities.
• Experience managing complex regulatory compliance, litigation, and risk management in healthcare.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Ability to develop and mentor staff, fostering professional growth.
• Systems‑thinking, innovative, collaborative leadership style with composure under pressure.
• Community visibility and passion for continuous improvement and high‑quality service.

Preferred Qualifications

• Healthcare law specialization, including regulatory compliance, medical staff matters, and healthcare transactions.
• Experience managing large legal departments and complex litigation with outside counsel.
• Additional related education or experience.

EEO Statement

EEO/Disabled/Veterans. Banner Health supports a drug‑free work environment. We are an equal opportunity employer; we do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other basis protected by law.