Edward Mirzabegian, MHA - Chief Executive Officer

With more than 20 years of healthcare and hospital operations experience, Edward Mirzabegian was named Chief Executive Officer of Antelope Valley Hospital (AVH) in June 2007. Previously, he served as Chief Operations Officer at AVH for two years. Mirzabegian is an innovative leader committed to developing and implementing strategic plans that identify and promote best practices. He focuses on cultivating staff and physician partnerships, and improving operational and financial performance to ensure the success of AV Hospital's current and long range objectives.

As Chief Executive Officer, Mirzabegian is responsible for operational effectiveness, strategic planning, business development, medical staff relations, financial management, and facility expansion plans. He currently oversees 2,200 employees, 450 physicians, and 400 volunteers, while successfully managing a $300 million annual operating budget. Mirzabegian was instrumental in the recent financial turnaround of AV Hospital and reduced the $18 million loss that had accumulated before he took over, to a $1.96 million loss at the end of fiscal year 2008. In fiscal year 2009, the hospital finished with almost $9 million profit.

Mirzabegian is ensuring that the hospital remains focused on providing quality healthcare, as well as being an economic engine for the community. AV Hospital is currently the sixth largest employer in the Antelope Valley, paying more than $120 million in employee salaries.

As a member on the AV Hospital Foundation Board of Directors and a former member of the United Way board, Mirzabegian is fully vested in the success of the Antelope Valley community. He also serves on the Children's Center Board of Directors, VHA Board of Directors and is a member of the Antelope Valley Board of Trade to further the hospital’s growth and modernization.

Before joining AVH, Mirzabegian was the Chief Operating Officer for Mercy Health System in St. Louis at their St. Mary’s facility in northwest Arkansas. He planned and implemented many successful clinical and organizational programs for Mercy Health System. These programs included the planning, design, and implementation of the construction of a 220-bed hospital.

Mirzabegian has held many other positions during his career including Vice President of Clinical Services at Bromenn Healthcare in Bloomington, IL; Vice President of Operations at Centegra Health System in McHenry, IL; which included two hospitals and 24 clinics and ambulatory care centers; and Vice President of Patient Care Services at Memorial Medical Center in Northern Illinois and Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge, IL.

Mirzabegian has an M.S., M.H.A. in Health Service Administration from the University of St. Francis in Illinois. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science from the University of Illinois.