[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 56 (Tuesday, May 3, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E842]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         TRIBUTE TO VAN JOHNSON

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DORIS O. MATSUI

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                          Tuesday, May 3, 2005

  Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, today I rise in tribute to a man with a 
truly distinguished career in the healthcare community. To say that Van 
Johnson has made a permanent mark in the healthcare field would only 
begin to skim the surface of the many wonderful contributions that he 
has made as a leader in the healthcare industry and in his own 
community. As his family, friends, and colleagues gather to celebrate 
Mr. Johnson's illustrious career, I ask all my colleagues to join me in 
saluting one of Sacramento's most outstanding citizen leaders.
  Mr. Johnson earned his bachelor's degree in international relations 
and psychology from Brigham Young University, and a master's degree in 
healthcare administration from the University of Minnesota. Upon 
completion of his education, Mr. Johnson served for 13 years in 
leadership roles at Intermountain Healthcare in Salt Lake City, Utah.
  Prior to assuming his current position as president and chief 
executive officer of Sutter Health in 1995, Mr. Johnson served as 
senior vice president and chief operating officer for Sutter's acute 
and non-acute facilities as well as services and physician 
organizations in the Sacramento, Placer and Yolo County region. Under 
his exemplary and innovative leadership, Sutter Health has built or 
replaced more than a dozen hospitals and major patient care centers, 
and has introduced hundreds of new patient services. Mr. Johnson's 
commitment and dedication culminated in an initiative worth over 5 
billion dollars to rebuild, replace, and expand much of Northern 
California's health care infrastructure. In just the past five years, 
Sutter Health has invested well over 1 billion dollars in services for 
the poor and in programs and services that benefit local communities.
  Mr. Johnson has also long been active with community-based 
organizations. In 2001, the Sacramento division of the Boy Scouts of 
America recognized him as ``Man of the Year,'' and the United Cerebral 
Palsy Association named him ``Humanitarian of the Year.'' In 2002, he 
received the prestigious National Healthcare Award from B'nai B'rith 
International, one of the world's oldest and largest organizations 
focused on human rights, community action, and humanitarian causes.
  In addition to his duties as president and CEO of Sutter Health in 
Northern California, he is currently board chairperson for the 
Integrated Healthcare Council of California and an advisory council 
member for the University of California-Davis Graduate School of 
Business. He also serves on the boards of the Sacramento Regional 
Foundation and the Northern California chapter of the March of Dimes.
  Mr. Speaker, as Van Johnson's friends, family, and colleagues gather 
to celebrate his great career, I am honored to pay tribute to one of 
Sacramento's most honorable citizens. Mr. Johnson's continued 
leadership is a true testament to public service. If a template for 
commitment to healthcare could be made, it would surely bear the 
resemblance of Van R. Johnson. Although his time at Sutter Health may 
soon be complete, his involvement in community service is, fortunately 
for us, far from over. I ask all of my colleagues to join with me in 
wishing Mr. Van Johnson continued success in all his future endeavors.

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