Anna Falvey of Becker’s writes, “New technological advancements are driving innovation and growth across the healthcare landscape, with bold CIOs leading the charge. These forward-thinking executives are quick to embrace emerging tech and develop inventive IT strategies that support both patients and providers.
In their announcement, Becker’s highlighted that, “Charles “Chuck” Podesta, CIO of Renown Health (Reno, Nev.)has an impressive track record spanning almost 45 years, 30 of which have been spent as a CIO. Mr. Podesta has driven digital transformation across academic healthcare organizations in the U.S. He leads efforts in cybersecurity, data and analytics, clinical technology, digital automation and AI.
He also co-leads best-in-class technology to create one holistic customer experience that is digital when wanted and human when needed. Implementing a unified Electronic Health Record, MyChart smartphone app and real-time information, the system allows consumers to choose a physician, have online video visits, self-schedule appointments via website, refill medications and receive text appointment reminders.
As a result, 30% of new patient appointments are made online, and visits have reached record highs. Partnering with the medical group, Mr. Podesta’s team utilized AI-driven analytics for physician workload management to streamline administrative tasks, alleviate provider burnout, and enhance patient and provider satisfaction. Since he joined the system in 2021, Renown Health has been recognized as a “Most Wired” health organization by the College of Healthcare Information Management Executives each year and has achieved Epic “10 Stars” status.”
“We are fortunate to have Chuck Podesta leading Information Technology at Renown, "said Brian Erling, MD, MBA. “In today’s rapidly evolving healthcare environment, success hinges on strong IT leadership. Chuck is helping to drive strategy, innovation and align digital strategy with our clinical goals and strategic plan. Chuck fosters collaboration across departments and is always focused on improving and simplifying processes for both patients and clinicians. His recognition as one of the best CIOs in the nation highlights his leadership in healthcare technology and care delivery and is well deserved. Congratulations Chuck!”
The Becker's Hospital Review editorial team accepted nominations for this list and curated it to highlight the accomplishments of these leaders. Leaders and organizations cannot pay for inclusion on this list.
As the region’s only Level 2 Trauma Center for adults and children, Renown serves over 1 million people and 100,000 square miles.
Renown Health is Nevada’s largest, not-for-profit integrated healthcare network serving Nevada, Lake Tahoe, and northeast California. With a diverse workforce of more than 8,000 employees, Renown has fostered a longstanding culture of excellence, determination, and innovation. The organization comprises a trauma center, two acute care hospitals, a children’s hospital, a rehabilitation hospital, a medical group and urgent care network, and the locally owned not-for-profit insurance company, Hometown HealthTo join the Renown Health team, visitrenown.org/careers.
Becker's Healthcare is the go-to source for healthcare decision-makers and one of the fastest-growing media platforms in the industry. Through print, digital and live event platforms, Becker's Healthcare equips healthcare leaders with information and forums they need to learn, exchange ideas and further conversations about the most critical issues in American healthcare today.
Renown Health Recognized as Best Hospital for Maternity Care
U.S. News & World Report, the global authority on hospital rankings and consumer advice, has named Renown Health as both a 2026 High-Performing hospital for Maternity Care and a Maternity Care Access Hospital. These dual designations underscore Renown Health’s leadership in advancing exceptional and equitable maternal health services.
Ratings are intended to help expectant parents, in consultation with their prenatal care providers, make informed decisions about where to receive safe and effective maternity care. In 2026, 495 top hospitals for Maternity care have been recognized as High Performing across the U.S. Renown Regional Medical Center is the only hospital earning this designation in the northern Nevada region. Four hospitals in Las Vegas also earned honors.
The 2026 hospital ratings for Maternity and Perinatal Care review hospitals providing high-quality labor & delivery services for uncomplicated pregnancies. U.S. News evaluates how well hospitals perform in childbirth using C-section rates, newborn severe complication rates, routine vaginal birth after cesarean delivery (VBAC) rates, episiotomy rates, best practices to support breast milk feeding, whether a hospital meets federal criteria for "birthing-friendly" practices, and whether a hospital tracked and reported disparities in outcomes. In terms of quality, these hospitals also demonstrated performance above the lowest normalized values for severe unexpected newborn complications, C-sections or episiotomy rates. Read more about the methodology here.
“Providing the highest level of maternity and infant care is essential to the health and strength of our region,” stated Brian Erling, MD, MBA, President and CEO of Renown Health. “High-quality maternity care leads to safer pregnancies, fewer complications, and better long-term outcomes for both mother and child. Early, expert care reduces risks such as preterm birth, low birth weight babies and complications. Local access ensures timely intervention when seconds matter. Communities with strong maternal care programs see benefits in education, economic stability and public health. We are proud that all parents, regardless of their background or resources, can receive safe, compassionate, evidence-based care, close to home. We at Renown are very proud of this recognition, and to be able to support families during one of life’s most precious moments.”
“Receiving the Best Hospital for Maternity Care designation is an incredible honor for our entire team and reflects our commitment to delivering outstanding care for every mother and baby,” said James M. Alexander, MD, chair of the department of obstetrics and gynecology at the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine (UNR Med) and Renown Health, As northern Nevada’s academic teaching hospital in partnership with the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, we are proud to train the next generation of obstetrics leaders while advancing the highest standards of care for our community.”
Renown Health Now Provides Confidential Mental Health Services for Healthcare Professionals and First Responders
"Code Phoenix” establishes a protected pathway for short-term mental health stabilization for healthcare professionals, law enforcement officers, EMS personnel, and firefighters, delivered in a supportive environment built for the unique realities of their work.
Becker’s Names Renown Health to 2025 List of Top Orthopedic Programs
Reno, Nev. (Nov. 20, 2025) – Renown Health is proud to announce that its Orthopedic Program and Rehabilitation Hospital have been named among the top 100 in the United States by Becker’s Hospital Review. This recognition reflects Renown’s dedication to delivering exceptional orthopedic care and innovative rehabilitation services for patients in northern Nevada and the 100,000 square rural region it serves. This prestigious recognition highlights Renown’s commitment to excellence in patient care and innovative treatment options.
