About Crystal Mitchell
Crystal Mitchell is a nationally respected executive leader with years of experience guiding healthcare organizations across the continuum—from critical access facilities to quaternary care academic medical centers. She is known for driving strategic transformation, operational excellence, and regulatory compliance across diverse settings including acute care, behavioral health, trauma-designated hospitals, and surgical facilities.
She holds a Master of Science in Nursing with an Executive Leadership focus and an Executive MBA, blending clinical expertise with business strategy. Crystal is nationally board-certified in Executive Nursing Practice (CENP) and holds ASHE certification in Healthcare Physical Environment Work Practices (CHCWP). She has successfully led hospitals through Magnet® accreditation and re-accreditation, Pathway to Excellence® designation, and performance initiatives tied to HCAHPS improvement, CMS Conditions of Participation, and eCQM reporting. Her work includes ACS trauma designation, stroke accreditation, and participation in Get With The Guidelines®.
Crystal’s leadership spans survey preparedness, complaint response, quality and regulatory advising, financial stewardship, and the strategic development of service lines and emerging leaders. She has implemented system-wide KPIs and operational models that align quality outcomes with fiscal accountability. Her executive coaching programs bridge clinical leadership with financial fluency—developing high-performing, board-engaged teams equipped to lead in today’s complex healthcare environment.
She served on the National Board of Directors for the American Organization for Nursing Leadership (AONL) and currently sits on AONL’s Advocacy Committee, where she reviews legislation and contributes to national healthcare policy. She has introduced impactful legislative efforts such as Alaska’s HB312, championed underrepresented populations, and actively lobbied for increased funding for Indian Health Services.
Crystal has received multiple awards for her leadership and advocacy, including the March of Dimes Nursing Administrator of the Year, 4 Under 40 Award, and Team of the Year honors at the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium. She has been recognized as a transformational executive, a powerful nursing leader, and a results-driven problem solver—delivering lasting change in the systems and communities she serves.
