Kaiser Permanente Names New President for Northern California Region

Mike Bowers brings nearly three decades of health care leadership experience to the role.

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Kaiser Permanente has appointed Mike Bowers as the new president of Kaiser Foundation Health Plan and Hospitals in Northern California. Bowers has served as the region's interim president since February 2025 and has overseen operations for 21 hospitals, 203 medical offices, and the health care of 4.6 million Kaiser Permanente members. Prior to joining Kaiser Permanente in 2022, Bowers held leadership roles at several other health care organizations across the country.

Why it matters

Bowers' appointment comes at a critical time for Kaiser Permanente's Northern California region, which has faced challenges in care quality, patient safety, and affordability. His proven track record of delivering meaningful results positions the region for continued growth and long-term success.

The details

Under Bowers' interim leadership, the Northern California region achieved significant improvements in care quality, patient safety, and affordability through an innovative care delivery redesign process. The region also earned national recognition, receiving seven prestigious Beacon Awards from the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses.

  • Bowers has served as the region's interim president since February 2025.
  • Bowers joined Kaiser Permanente in 2022 as senior vice president for health plan and hospital operations in Northern California.

The players

Mike Bowers

The new president of Kaiser Foundation Health Plan and Hospitals in Northern California, bringing nearly three decades of health care leadership experience to the role.

Craig T. Albanese, MD

The president of Integrated Care and Coverage at Kaiser Permanente, who praised Bowers' leadership and ability to deliver meaningful results.

Kaiser Permanente

A health care organization that provides high-quality, affordable health care services and aims to improve the health of its members and the communities it serves. Kaiser Permanente currently serves 12.6 million members in nine states and the District of Columbia.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Mike's leadership has strengthened our operational performance, expanded our joint efforts with The Permanente Medical Group, and elevated the experience we provide to our members.”

— Craig T. Albanese, MD, President, Integrated Care and Coverage, Kaiser Permanente (escalontimes.com)

The takeaway

Bowers' appointment as the new president of Kaiser Permanente's Northern California region is a significant move that aims to build on the region's recent successes and position it for continued growth and long-term success in providing high-quality, affordable health care services to its members.