Carrie Owen Plietz named group senior vice president, chief operating officer, Care Delivery

In this new leadership role, Owen Plietz will advance operational excellence and standardization across all Kaiser Permanente markets. She will oversee hospital operations, pharmacy services, nursing, continuum of care, and consumer and patient experience, working closely with regional presidents, Permanente Medical Groups, the KP Medical Foundation, and health plan leaders to ensure consistent, high-quality care and service for Kaiser Permanente members.

“Carrie’s deep experience in care delivery and her commitment to our mission of providing high-quality affordable health care will help us provide the best of Kaiser Permanente in every encounter,” said Craig Albanese, MD, president, Integrated Care and Coverage. “Her leadership has been instrumental in driving improvements in quality, safety, and member experiences, and we are excited for her to take on this critical role.”

Since joining Kaiser Permanente in 2020 as regional president for Northern California, Owen Plietz has led the region through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and achieved significant gains in member experience and clinical quality. In February 2025, she took on the role of interim executive vice president, overseeing all hospital markets and patient care services.

Prior to joining Kaiser Permanente, Owen Plietz held executive roles at health plans and hospitals, including roles at Wellstar Health System in Georgia and Sutter Health in California. She served as CEO and chief operating officer at Sutter Medical Center, Sacramento, and held leadership positions at Mills-Peninsula Health System in Burlingame, California, and California Pacific Medical Center in San Francisco.

Owen Plietz is active in health care governance and policy, serving on executive committees for the California Hospital Association Board of Directors, the California Chamber of Commerce, and the Bay Area Council, where she also cochairs the health committee. She was chair of the American College of Healthcare Executives and serves on the alumni committee for the Virginia Commonwealth University/Medical College.

Owen Plietz holds a Master of Health Administration and completed an executive fellowship in health law at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, Virginia. She earned a Bachelor of Science in health administration from James Madison University in Harrison, Virginia.