Utah Business has selected 10 women with enduring careers and exceptional impact, who we’ve named our “Most Influential Women.” Through their innovative efforts and inspiring examples, these women have significantly improved their workplaces, industries and Utah as a whole.
MOST INFLUENTIAL WOMEN: Christine McSweeney
President | CommonSpirit Holy Cross Hospital, Jordan Valley and West Valley
Christine McSweeney has been in healthcare for 25 years and in a leadership position for 23. Her journey to president of Holy Cross Hospital — Jordan Valley in West Jordan and Holy Cross Hospital — West Valley began with a role as a clinical dietician. Fascinated by the science of nutrition, Christine studied cooking under master chefs. As president, Christine leads with a blend of clarity, compassion and execution that has reshaped two Utah hospitals and their cultures, overseeing more than 1,200 employees across complex care environments where safety, experience and performance must align every day.
Since stepping into her current role, Christine has built a track record defined by measurable outcomes. Under her leadership, Holy Cross Hospital — Jordan Valley earned the Leapfrog Top General Hospital designation, placing it among only 52 hospitals in the country, and the only one in Utah, to receive the honor. The Jordan Valley hospital has earned national recognition for patient safety and organizational performance, while both hospitals were named Business of the Year by the ChamberWest Chamber of Commerce.
“One of my greatest accomplishments is assembling a team of amazing leaders who could help shape a culture to achieve Leapfrog Top Hospital and Healthgrades top 5% for quality and patient safety,” she says. “I understand how to identify and develop talent and I’m a culture shaper.”
That focus on culture is evident in how she prioritizes direct connection with employees through regular “Breakfast with Christine” gatherings, where she meets with staff across roles to listen and respond in real time. She also introduced a “We Are” campaign to reinforce core behaviors such as positivity and collaboration, alongside a formal caregiver recognition program to elevate and celebrate frontline work.
Employee engagement scores have improved steadily under her tenure, but the intent behind improving scores extends beyond metrics. It’s about creating an environment where people feel seen, supported and accountable.
Christine also brings a disciplined, execution-focused mindset that was shaped early in her career. Reflecting on a formative leadership experience, she says, “As a director, I was part of a hospital team that opened and closed a hospital on the same day. It required me to fully understand how to take a large-scale project from vision to execution. I tell my teams … plan your work, work your plan and decide how far you will go by when.”
That emphasis on structure and accountability carries into how she approaches growth and innovation. In recent years, she has overseen millions of dollars in facility improvements, including a new cardiac cath lab, a hyperbaric unit and redesigned hospital navigation systems to improve patient access and experience. She has also championed new clinical technologies, including the state’s first use of radioactive tiles for brain tumor treatment and emerging low-dose radiation therapies for osteoarthritis.
Her leadership extends beyond hospital walls. Guided by CommonSpirit Health’s commitment to “humankindness,” Christine has strengthened community partnerships, expanded access to preventive care, and supported initiatives ranging from EMS legislative change to food security programs for patients in need.
Through it all, she maintains a leadership style grounded in authenticity. “Be genuine and authentic in your journey, with your team members and yourself,” she says.
It is a simple principle, but one that underpins a career defined by operational excellence, cultural transformation and a steady commitment to both patients and the people who care for them.