Susan R. Salka

Honorary Degrees
 
 

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San Diego

Of all the accolades Susan Salka has received, the one that epitomizes her leadership is Director of the Year for Corporate Citizenship, a tribute to this Aztec’s lifelong work toward greater corporate responsibility.

As president and CEO of AMN Healthcare, Ms. Salka is energetic, innovative and forward-thinking; but above all she is an authentic and exemplary leader. During her tenure, AMN has become a role model for how public companies can leverage their people and resources to impact local and global communities. The San Diego-based company has supported The Ronald McDonald House, Father Joe’s Villages, Make A Wish, HELPS International and numerous other nonprofits.

Ms. Salka joined AMN Healthcare with less than 20 employees in 1990 as the company’s first Chief Financial Officer. She rose swiftly, taking on broader responsibilities and over time assuming the roles of Chief Operating Officer, President and, ultimately, Chief Executive Officer in 2005.

Under her leadership AMN Healthcare has evolved to become the largest and most comprehensive provider and healthcare staffing and workforce solutions company in the country. It was first in the industry to exceed $1 billion in revenue and is now approaching the $2-billion mark.  Ms. Salka has guided AMN’s expansion through the acquisition of more than 20 companies and led the industry into a new era of technology-enabled services for workforce management.  An NYSE listed company, AMN Healthcare is frequently recognized for being best-in-class for its ethics, compliance and corporate governance programs and outcomes.

Ms. Salka’s many awards testify to her achievements. The San Diego Business Journal named her Most Admired CEO of 2016 among large public companies; the Corporate Director’s Forum honored her in 2014 as Director of the Year for Corporate Citizenship; and San Diego Magazine chose her as its 2012 Woman of the Year.

Ms. Salka maintains strong ties to San Diego State University and a long history of service to the university. She received a master’s degree in finance in 1989 and the Monty Award for Distinguished Alumni in 2010. Formerly a member of the College of Business Administration’s Dean’s Advisory Board, she currently serves on the Campanile Foundation Executive Committee and its Audit Committee.

In recognition of Susan Salka’s positive leadership, business prowess and profound contributions to the community, the Board of Trustees of the California State University and San Diego State University are proud to confer upon her the honorary degree of Doctor of Humane Letters.