03/28/2025

CASA Celebrates Women's History Month

Profile of CASA President-Elect Carrie Millsap

As we close out March and Women’s History Month, we wanted to share some insights from one of CASA’s valued Board Members, Carrie Millsap. She shares her perspective on the importance of women leaders in healthcare, and the impact of mentorship and leadership opportunities.

CASA Member Profile

Carrie Millsap, Chief Executive Officer at Monterey Peninsula Surgery Centers, LLC, CASA President-Elect

Are there any women leaders in American history or healthcare who have inspired you?

Jane Fonda is a true inspiration. She has been a strong—arguably controversial—advocate of critical social issues, including women’s access to healthcare. I admire how she has continuously used her voice, even if what she was saying was unpopular, to create change. That resilience and commitment to advocacy are something I strive to bring into my own leadership.

What does your role as a female leader in healthcare mean to you personally and professionally?

 It is a privilege to serve as a female leader in healthcare. Mentoring other professionals, especially women, is incredibly gratifying.

My background as a nurse taught me to lead with a patient-first mindset. I understand the impact our decisions have on care delivery, and I approach every challenge with the goal of balancing operational excellence with compassion. My role also means advocating for better care models, and supporting our teams so they can perform at their best.

Can you share a specific challenge you faced in your career and how you overcame it?

Early in my career, I stepped into a leadership role at 29—often the youngest person in the room and sometimes the only woman. Establishing credibility in that environment was a challenge.

What helped me overcome it was preparation, mentorship, and staying focused on results. I quickly learned that confidence comes from doing the work and building strong relationships. That experience shaped how I lead today—with integrity, resilience, and the belief that earning trust is the foundation of good leadership.

In your experience, how have mentorship and collaboration among women helped drive better health outcomes?

I have been fortunate to have female mentors who led with integrity and modeled what it means to navigate challenges without losing sight of what matters most—patient care. Those relationships gave me the confidence to assert myself, whether with physicians or leadership teams, and taught me that transparency is non-negotiable in healthcare.

Mentorship like that creates stronger, more accountable teams. It builds trust, fosters collaboration, and ultimately leads to better outcomes in safety, quality, and equity in care delivery.

How do you believe women’s leadership can continue to transform the future of healthcare? 

Women bring a critical perspective to healthcare, especially in areas that have been historically overlooked, like maternal health, mental health, and equity in care.  

As more women take on leadership roles, we are seeing a greater focus on patient-centered care, more diverse voices at decision-making tables, and new conversations around innovation and policy advocacy. I believe women’s leadership will continue to reshape healthcare into a more inclusive and responsive system.

What initiatives or changes do you think are essential to further improve health outcomes for women today?

Improving access to care—especially for low-income women—is essential. Ensuring women have access to the care they need, including reproductive healthcare, mental health support, and preventive care is critical to driving better outcomes. These are community issues, not just women's issues.  I support initiatives that remove barriers and create more inclusive, accessible healthcare environments for all women.

Reflecting on your journey, what advice would you offer to aspiring women in healthcare who are looking to make a difference? 

Say yes, even when it terrifies you. Some of the most important opportunities in my career came because I was willing to step outside my comfort zone.  

Challenge the status quo, fight the voice of imposter syndrome, and know that your perspective is valuable. Build a strong network of women and men who support you and do the same for others. Success in healthcare isn’t just individual; it’s about lifting up your team and your community along the way.