GLENDALE, Ariz. (October 30, 2018) – Sandy Marken has been selected as the new chief nursing officer at Banner Thunderbird Medical Center, bringing more than 27 years’ experience in emergency, trauma and pediatric care to the senior leadership role at the West Valley’s largest hospital. 

Prior to accepting the CNO position at Banner Thunderbird, Marken served as the director of the provisional state level one trauma center and observation unit at Banner Desert Medical Center. Marken was also part of the construction and design team that unveiled Cardon Children’s Medical Center in Mesa, Ariz.  in 2009. 

She was named interim CNO of Banner Thunderbird in June before being named to the position permanently.

Sandy has a proven track record in nursing leadership and is well deserving of this promotion,” said Banner Thunderbird CEO Deb Krmpotic. “In the few months she served as interim CNO, she had already begun to make a difference.”
Marken said one of the aspects of the role that she enjoys the most is making meaningful connections with patients and the community.

“As the new CNO, my plans are to continue building relationships with the community as a trusted health partner, as there is a lot of potential to serve consumers in this growing community,” said Marken. 

Marken received her bachelor’s degree in nursing from Arizona State University and a master’s degree in business administration from Keller Graduate School of Management. In addition to her role at Banner Thunderbird, she holds a faculty position at University of Phoenix, where she teaches healthcare leadership. 

Banner Thunderbird Medical Center in Glendale, Arizona, specializes in heart care, surgical services, obstetrics and gynecology, emergency and trauma care, behavioral health, cancer care, rehabilitation and pediatrics, including the West Valley’s only pediatric intensive care unit, pediatric Emergency department and Level III neonatal intensive care unit. Banner Thunderbird also operates a Provisional State Level One Trauma for patients ages 15 and older. The hospital is part of Banner Health, a nonprofit health system with 28 hospitals in six states. For more information, please visit www.BannerHealth.com/Thunderbird.