Why it matters: Dan Lundergan’s remarkable 50-year journey from laundry aide to CEO of University of Utah Health exemplifies exceptional leadership and unwavering commitment to healthcare excellence.
The Utah Hospital Association presented Lundergan with the Distinguished Hospital Executive Award at our Annual Awards Ceremony in Midway last week, recognizing his transformative impact on healthcare in Utah.
By the numbers:
- 50+ years of service at University of Utah Health
- Started as a laundry aide in 1974
- Appointed CEO in 2021 after working across nearly every hospital operations area
- Serves as Adjunct Faculty at the David Eccles School of Business, mentoring future healthcare leaders
Between the lines: Colleagues describe Lundergan as a compassionate, relationship-focused leader who prioritizes both patients and staff wellbeing.
“Never give up a long-term relationship for a short-term gain,” Lundergan says, emphasizing his people-first leadership philosophy.
His leadership style focuses on humility and humanity. When teams face challenging situations, he reminds them of their core purpose by walking them through patient care areas, particularly the burn unit — a formative experience from his early career.
The human element:
Colleagues say throughout his career, Lundergan has exemplified what it means to lead with humanity. They note how he personally ensures teams feel supported during difficult events, checking not just on their professional needs but their personal wellbeing too.
Those who work with him highlight his attentiveness in recognizing when colleagues are overwhelmed, taking time to personally check in and provide perspective. Rather than just addressing immediate issues, colleagues say his ability to build genuine connections transcend typical workplace relationships.
Staff members point out that beyond the executive suite, Lundergan makes himself accessible to people at all levels, from experienced managers to those just beginning their careers. According to his team, he invests time in mentoring early-career professionals, helping advance the next generation of healthcare leaders through personal guidance and support.
The bottom line: Dan Lundergan’s half-century of service at University of Utah Health has not only shaped the institution but created a legacy of compassionate, relationship-based leadership that will influence healthcare in Utah for generations to come.