Chief Executive Officer
Chelsea Vickers, MA
Chelsea Vickers joined Aurora in May 2022 as the Chief Operating Officer of Aurora Tempe and was promoted to CEO of both Aurora Arizona hospitals in January 2024. She brings extensive knowledge of inpatient mental health settings including an immense variety of populations and programs. Ms. Vickers has experience developing and expanding service lines, managing overall hospital productivity, inspiring strong clinical and leadership teams and cultivating quality patient care.
Ms. Vickers has a demonstrated history of implementing focused initiatives to improve the patient experience across programs in various acute care settings. This includes implementing services based on the needs of the community and monitoring/evaluating the efficiency and success of the services provided. Ms. Vickers received her Bachelor’s Degree from Northern Arizona University in Psychology and her Masters degree from Argosy University in Clinical Mental Health Counseling.
Chief Operating Officer
Darianne Burton
Darianne Burton joined Aurora in November 2024 as the Chief Operations Officer. She is an experienced healthcare professional with a background in program development, growth strategy, process integration, and service line expansion. Darianne is passionate about improving patient outcomes through evidence-based clinical practices while improving operational efficiency and mental health awareness to better serve the needs of our community. Darianne holds a Masters of Business Administration from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, and a Bachelors in Health Care Management and Policy from Indiana University – Bloomington.
Chief Financial OfficerRebekah Francis, JD/MBA
As Aurora Arizona’s CFO, and a licensed attorney in the state of Arizona, Rebekah Francis affords Aurora strong fiscal leadership, analytical and project management skills and keen process improvement abilities. Ms. Francis joined the Aurora team February 2013 after serving as a Policy and Compliance Counsel/Consultant for Maricopa County for three years. Prior to her county tenure, she was an attorney with Polsinelli Shughart, PC. Ms. Francis has also held a variety of financial operational positions within for-profit and not-for-profit hospitals. She is responsible for the overall financial administration of the Aurora Arizona system and works closely with the CEO regarding operations, internal controls and other issues impacting financial viability. She received her Bachelor of Science in Finance from Brigham Young University and received her Juris Doctor and Masters of Business Administration from the University of Arizona.
Senior Director, Human Resources
Vicki Thomsen, SPHR
Vicki Thomsen started with Aurora in September 2010 as Aurora West’s Director of Human Resources and was promoted to the Human Resources Senior Director over both Aurora Arizona hospitals in July 2011. Ms. Thomsen brings broad skills in human resources operations, organization development, and employee relations, gained through more than 20 years of experience in senior level positions in manufacturing and healthcare.
Ms. Thomsen is responsible for Aurora’s talent acquisition, workforce development and workforce engagement. Ms. Thomsen also received her certification for Senior Professional in Human Resources and is a certified trainer in Development Dimensions International.
Senior Director, Business Development & Marketing
Katie Streck Rasmussen
Katie Streck Rasmussen rejoined Aurora in September 2023 as the Senior Director, Business Development & Marketing over both Aurora Glendale and Aurora Tempe. She previously worked with Aurora Behavioral Health from 2016 to 2019. Aurora’s individualized and truly holistic approach to care along with culture of excellence are just a couple reasons she is thrilled to be back. Mrs. Rasmussen has extensive experience in behavioral health and business development. Mrs. Rasmussen is skilled in building relationships and championing the cause of mental health.