Renown Health is proud to announce that Chief Information Officer (CISO) Steven Ramirez has been recognized by Becker’s Hospital Review as one of the nation’s “CISOs to Know.” The annual list highlights top leaders who are driving innovation, safeguarding patient information, and shaping the future of cybersecurity in healthcare.
Recognition Announcement
Anna Falvey of Becker’s writes, “Steven Ramirez. CISO at Renown Health (Reno, Nev.). Mr. Ramirez leads Renown Health’s enterprise cybersecurity program, overseeing identity and access management, cyber operations, governance-risk-compliance and third-party risk management. He is recognized for a modern, automation-forward security strategy that strengthens controls while enabling clinical operations. Mr. Ramirez is a leader in identity and access management, using orchestration to improve speed, accuracy and least privilege enforcement. Under his guidance, the system’s program maturity has advanced in step with the organization’s growth and quality trajectory. He extends his influence through service on the University of Nevada, Reno advisory board, Fortified Health advisory board, Association for Executives in Healthcare Information Security board, and as Health Information Sharing and Analysis Center data protection chair.”
Impact at Renown
Ramirez joined Renown Health in 2022 and has since led the organization’s cybersecurity strategy with a focus on protecting sensitive patient data, strengthening defenses against emerging threats, and ensuring compliance with national privacy standards. His leadership has been instrumental in building a People-First culture of security awareness and resilience across the health system.
“Steven’s national recognition is a testament to his vision, expertise and commitment to protecting the patients and communities we serve,” said Chuck Podesta, Chief Information Officer, Renown Health. “We know that safeguarding patient information is vital to building trust. At Renown Health, we are dedicated to ensuring that our systems, data, and digital infrastructure remain secure, so that our clinicians and care teams can focus on what matters most- delivering exceptional care to our community.”
Ramirez is the only CISO from Nevada to earn a place on this year’s list. Inclusion is based solely on merit and professional achievement- organizations and individuals cannot pay to be recognized.
About Renown Health
Renown Health is the region’s largest, locally governed, not-for-profit integrated academic health care network serving Nevada, Lake Tahoe and northeast California. With a diverse workforce of more than 8,000 employees, Renown has fostered a longstanding culture of excellence, determination and innovation. The organization comprises a trauma center, two acute care hospitals, a children’s hospital, a rehabilitation hospital, a medical group and urgent care network, and the locally owned not-for-profit insurance company, Hometown Health. To join the Renown Health team, visit renown.org/careers.
Sandeep Randhawa Named by Becker's Healthcare as One of Nation's Chief People Officers to Know
Renown Health is proud to announce that Sandeep Randhawa, MSA, has been named to Becker’s Hospital Review’s national list of “Chief People Officer to Know for 2026.” This recognition highlights 140 chief human resources officers and chief people officers who are instrumental in shaping the workforce strategies that power hospitals and health systems.
Dr. Bill Plauth of Renown Health Recognized by Becker’s as a “Chief Medical Officer” to Know For 2026
Renown Health is proud to announce that Bill Plauth, MD, MMM, CPE, has been named to Becker’s Hospital Review’s national list of “Chief Medical Officers to Know for 2026.” This recognition highlights 252 physician leaders across the country who are driving clinical excellence, advancing quality and safety and shaping the future of healthcare delivery.
Chris Nicholas Appointed to American Hospital Association Regional Board
Chris Nicholas, MHA, FACHE, CEO of Renown Regional Medical Center and COO of Renown Health will serve as a Nevada state delegate to American Hospital Association (AHA) Regional Policy Board 9.
The AHA is the national nonprofit organization that represents and serves all types of hospitals, health care networks and their patients and communities. AHA regional policy boards are part of the AHA’s formal governance structure. The organization uses regional recommendations to inform national health policy development. Regional policy boards meet three times annually.
The Nevada Hospital Association (NHA) appointed Nicholas to a two-year term through December 31, 2027.
