Denise B Hoover

“Progress is impossible without change, and those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything.” –George Bernard Shaw

“The most important factors for success are patience, a focus on long-term rather than short-term results, reinvestment in people, product, and plant, and an unforgiving commitment to quality." –Robert B. McCurry (former Toyota executive)

Denise Hoover has been teaching at Atkinson since 2015. She brings a passion for healthcare leadership, sustainability and quality, employee engagement and motivation, and Lean management methodologies. Denise is currently a Senior Administrator with Kaiser Permanente Northwest, leading ambulatory medical/surgical specialty care delivery in the region.

Prior to joining Kaiser Permanente, Denise was the Chief Surgical Services Officer for Salem Health. She also served as a project consultant, manager, and director in the Human Resources division, as well as a Service Line Director of Orthopedics, Neuroscience, and Rehabilitation. She has experience in compensation, benefits, employee wellness, HRIS, and payroll and was the first in Oregon to hold the Certified in Healthcare Human Resources credential. In addition to being certified as a Project Management Professional, Denise is a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives.

Denise is currently serving on the boards of the Oregon Chapter of the American College of Healthcare Executives and the Mid-Willamette Chapter of Habitat for Humanity. She enjoys travel and triathlon, and loves exploring the Pacific Northwest’s food, wine, and outdoor pursuits.