Allina Health names new President of Owatonna Hospital and Faribault Medical Center
Johnson has worked for Allina Health since 2018 and currently serves as the Director of Surgical Services at Abbott Northwestern Hospital. In this role, she oversees Abbott Northwestern Hospital’s operating rooms, surgical specialties, endoscopy center and anesthesia services. Johnson previously served as the Director of Nursing Operations at Phillips Eye Institute. Johnson is looking forward to building strong relationships with the Owatonna and Faribault communities through meaningful engagement and collaboration.
“Whitney has a track record of building strong teams by developing relationships with those she leads. She has deep clinical and operational experience, and I am confident Whitney’s leadership will serve our employees and patients very well in the Faribault and Owatonna communities,” said David Joos, Allina Health Southwest Region President.
“I look forward to embarking on this new role and connecting with the outstanding care teams in Faribault and Owatonna,” said Johnson, president, Faribault Medical Center and Owatonna Hospital. “I strongly believe in Allina Health’s mission to serve our communities by providing exceptional care, and I am incredibly grateful for this opportunity.”
Johnson and her husband, who is a nurse with the VA Healthcare System, have two children and two dogs. They enjoy spending time outdoors, especially on the lake.
Johnson fills an open position. The previous president of Faribault Medical Center and Owatonna Hospital, Michael Johnston, started a new role at Allina Health on Nov. 20. He is now the president of Mercy Hospital which includes Mercy Hospital in Coon Rapids and Mercy Hospital – Unity Campus in Fridley.About Allina Health
Allina Health is a nonprofit health care system serving Minnesota and western Wisconsin, dedicated to preventing and treating illness and improving the health of individuals, families, and communities. Through a network of more than 90 clinics, 12 hospital campuses, 13 retail pharmacies, specialty care centers, home care, and emergency medical transportation, Allina Health provides high-quality care from birth through end-of-life.
At the forefront of Allina Health’s mission are its Institutes, which offer nationally recognized experts and advanced care in key specialties:
- Allina Health Minneapolis Heart Institute – A leader in cardiovascular innovation, research, and care delivery through clinical trials, publications, and training 4,000+ providers annually, it is consistently rated ‘High Performing’ by U.S. News & World Report.
- Allina Health Cancer Institute – Providing comprehensive, personalized and innovative oncology care across the full cancer journey, delivered at ten locations – including its three largest hospitals which U.S. News & World Report consistently rates “High Performing” in multiple oncology specialties.
- Allina Health Neuroscience, Spine and Pain Institute – Offering advanced neurological and spine care, including two nationally accredited stroke centers, innovative focused ultrasound treatment for essential tremor and tremor-dominant Parkinson's and a chronic pain rehabilitation program – one of only two in Minnesota.
Together, these Institutes exemplify Allina Health’s commitment to clinical excellence, innovation, and compassionate care. Learn more at allinahealth.org and join us on Facebook, X, Instagram and LinkedIn.