Kaiser Permanente has appointed Cortney Eisses as regional president of Kaiser Permanente in Colorado, effective Aug. 11, 2026. Eisses transitions into the permanent leadership role after serving as the region’s interim president since February 2026. Her appointment marks a key step in stabilizing executive oversight as the health care provider expands its footprint and service offerings across the state.

Eisses brings more than 20 years of experience in clinical and operational leadership to the position. She joined Kaiser Permanente in 2003 and has progressed from bedside nursing roles to senior executive responsibilities. Most recently, as vice president of hospital and post-acute care in 2022, she led strategic initiatives focused on improving affordability, quality, access, and the overall care experience for members.

The appointment coincides with significant operational investments by Kaiser Permanente in Colorado. The organization is currently expanding its infrastructure through new medical facilities, an expanded hospital network, and additional care options designed to increase member convenience. These initiatives aim to serve a growing population of Coloradans with high-quality health care services.

Craig Albanese, MD, president of Integrated Care and Coverage at Kaiser Permanente, highlighted Eisses’ extensive background in care delivery and operations. He noted that her commitment to members and communities positions her to advance the organization’s mission of providing affordable, high-quality care. Under her leadership, Kaiser Permanente also received the 2026 Mile High United Way Community Champion Award for Social Impact.

Eisses holds a Master of Science in strategic leadership in healthcare organizations from the University of Denver and a Bachelor of Science in nursing from Seattle Pacific University. Her career trajectory reflects a deep integration of clinical expertise with executive management, a combination that Kaiser Permanente cites as critical for leading the Colorado region.

Leadership Profile

What the Numbers Show

The transition from interim to permanent leadership suggests a strategic consolidation phase for Kaiser Permanente’s Colorado operations. With the organization actively investing in new medical facilities and an expanded hospital network, the appointment of a leader with deep internal tenure—joining in 2003—indicates a focus on continuity and execution of existing expansion plans rather than a pivot in strategy. The recognition via the 2026 Mile High United Way award further underscores the region’s emphasis on community engagement alongside clinical growth.

Kaiser Permanente announced on July 28, 2026, a $10 million investment in the Youth Mental Health Corps to expand access to mental health support for teenagers across the United States. The funding aims to support an additional 200,000 youth nationwide by strengthening peer-led mental health navigation and complementing clinical care. This strategic partnership addresses rising rates of anxiety and depression among teens, with initial program expansions targeted at California, Maryland, and Oregon before scaling to Kaiser Permanente’s broader nine-state footprint.

As part of this commitment, Kaiser Permanente joins founding organizations Schultz Family Foundation and Pinterest as a strategic leader and national partner in advancing the Youth Mental Health Corps. The initiative recruits, trains, and places young adults ages 18 to 29 who provide peer support to teens within schools, health clinics, and community organization settings. These near-peer navigators help youth navigate stress, isolation, and early signs of mental health concerns before a crisis occurs.

The Youth Mental Health Corps has been active in 16 states since launching in 2024, having trained and placed nearly 1,000 members and reached more than 44,000 teens and community members. The grant will help address increasing mental health needs among teens, aiming to scale these efforts nationally. Bechara Choucair, executive vice president and chief health officer for Kaiser Permanente, stated that supporting mental health requires more than clinical care alone, noting that the Corps creates another pathway for young people to receive emotional support through trusted peer relationships.

Rates of anxiety and depression among teens are rising, and resources remain limited. In 2023, 40% of high school students in the United States reported persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness. In 2024, more than 40% of youth aged 12 to 17 who experienced a major depressive episode did not receive any mental health treatment. A growing body of research shows that young people often feel more comfortable talking with peers they trust, making peer support approaches particularly effective in fostering human connections and reducing isolation.

What the Numbers Show

The data highlights a significant gap in mental health service utilization among adolescents. With more than 40% of youth experiencing major depressive episodes receiving no treatment in 2024, the reliance on clinical care alone is insufficient. The Youth Mental Health Corps model addresses this by leveraging peer relationships, which research indicates are more accessible and less stigmatizing for young people. The expansion from four pilot states to a 27-state initiative in just two years demonstrates rapid scalability, while the current reach of 44,000 teens against a target of 200,000 additional beneficiaries underscores the potential impact of the $10 million investment.

Vivek Varma, CEO of the Schultz Family Foundation, noted that the Corps was launched to address two urgent needs: expanding access to youth mental health support while creating career pathways into the behavioral health workforce. Maryland Gov. Wes Moore highlighted the program’s dual benefit, stating that it creates meaningful pathways for young people to uplift their communities while gaining skills needed to succeed in their careers. Kaiser Permanente leaders will participate in the National Governors Association’s Summer Meeting in early August to discuss how innovative national service models can help states address pressing challenges like mental health.