Women of Influence: Health Care 2026 – Irena Zuanic

Los Angeles Business Journal – Irena Zuanic DHA, MSN, RN serves as chief operating officer and chief nursing officer of PIH Health Good Samaritan Hospital, a 408-bed acute care hospital in downtown Los Angeles that has served a diverse and growing community for more than 140 years. Since joining the organization in 2019—just prior to its acquisition by PIH Health—Irena has played an instrumental role in guiding the historic downtown Los Angeles hospital through transformational change, operational integration, and continued clinical excellence.

In her expanded role as COO (in addition to CNO), Zuanic oversees all inpatient nursing units, emergency services, perioperative and perinatal services, inpatient dialysis, physical and occupational therapy, and hospital operations. She also provides executive oversight for key ancillary departments including cardiology, catheterization lab, radiology and interventional radiology, respiratory services, and neurology operations. Her scope reflects the trust placed in her strategic vision and leadership capabilities.