Sonora Quest Names New CEO in Landmark Leadership Transition

PHOENIX, AZ – January 15, 2026 – Sonora Quest Laboratories, Arizona's leading provider of diagnostic testing, announced a pivotal leadership transition today, appointing Jennifer Erickson as its CEO-Elect. Erickson is set to succeed David Dexter, who will retire at the end of March after a transformative 26-year tenure that established the company as a cornerstone of the state's healthcare infrastructure.

The transition marks the end of an era and the beginning of a new chapter for the joint venture between Banner Health and Quest Diagnostics. Erickson, who will officially assume the CEO role on March 31, will begin working alongside Dexter on February 2 to ensure a seamless handover. Her appointment is being hailed as a strategic move that blends deep institutional knowledge with a fresh perspective on the future of diagnostics.

A Legacy of Unprecedented Growth

When David Dexter took the helm as President and CEO of Sonora Quest and its parent company, Laboratory Sciences of Arizona (LSA), in 1999, the landscape of clinical diagnostics was vastly different. Over more than two and a half decades, his leadership guided the company through exponential growth and strategic evolution, cementing its status as the market leader in Arizona. Under his watch, the company’s annual test volume surged from approximately 57 million in the mid-2010s to more than 100 million today, performed by its nearly 3,900 employees.

Dexter's tenure was defined by forward-thinking initiatives that often placed Sonora Quest ahead of national trends. In 2015, he championed the launch of My Lab ReQuest™, a direct-access testing platform that empowers Arizona consumers to order their own lab tests without a provider's order—a move that predated the wider consumerization of healthcare. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he spearheaded 'Operation Catapult' in 2020, a critical initiative that rapidly expanded the company's diagnostic testing capacity to meet the state's urgent needs.

Beyond operational milestones, Dexter cultivated a culture of community engagement, forging lasting partnerships with organizations like the American Cancer Society and Aunt Rita's Foundation to broaden access to essential testing for underserved populations. This commitment earned the company numerous accolades, including consistent recognition as one of Arizona's 'Most Admired Companies.'

"As I've reflected on my years as CEO, I have a blend of emotions — gratitude, pride, and nostalgia," Dexter stated in the announcement. "My fondest memories aren't of milestones reached or metrics made, but of the people with whom I've worked, the resilience during challenges and tough times, and the creativity and innovation that's been brought to every opportunity."

A Full-Circle Return for a New Leader

For Jennifer Erickson, the appointment is a homecoming. She previously served as Sonora Quest's Chief Financial Officer from 1999 to 2004, a period that provided her with a foundational understanding of the company's complex operations and its unique governance model as a joint venture. Her career path brings her back to the organization in what she calls a "full-circle moment."

Her return is further distinguished by her long-standing professional relationship with her predecessor. "I personally have mentored Jennifer for 26 years, and have had the privilege of working alongside her during that time," Dexter noted. "I know that she is an excellent fit for the role and am very confident that she will carry on the spirit of a fearless leader."

Erickson brings more than 20 years of executive experience, most recently serving as the Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer of Clin-Path Associates/Pathology Specialists of Arizona. Her proven track record in driving performance and profitability in high-performance healthcare companies positions her to build on Dexter's legacy.

"Returning to lead the company that gave me such a strong foundation in health care leadership, now in the role once held by my mentor, is both an honor and great responsibility," Erickson said. "This is a full-circle moment that underscores the lasting impact of strong leadership and intentional mentorship. I look forward to building on a legacy defined by forward thinking, meaningful relationships, and care for the people we serve."

Navigating the Future of Diagnostics

Erickson takes the helm at a time of profound change in the diagnostics industry. Her focus on advancing patient-centered diagnostics and fostering innovation aligns directly with major industry trends. The sector is rapidly incorporating artificial intelligence and automation to enhance efficiency and diagnostic accuracy. Furthermore, the rise of precision medicine, driven by genomics and advanced molecular testing, is shifting the paradigm from generalized treatment to personalized care—a field where clinical labs play a central role.

The push toward decentralized testing, including at-home sample collection and point-of-care devices, continues to empower patients, a trend Sonora Quest has already embraced with My Lab ReQuest™. Erickson's leadership will be crucial in navigating this evolving landscape, ensuring the company not only keeps pace but continues to lead in adopting technologies that improve patient outcomes.

However, the path forward is not without challenges. The entire laboratory industry faces significant headwinds, including persistent staffing shortages and the looming threat of federal reimbursement cuts under regulations like the Protecting Access to Medicare Act (PAMA). Successfully steering Sonora Quest through these external pressures while continuing to invest in cutting-edge technology and maintaining high standards of care will be a key test of the new leadership. Erickson's deep financial acumen and operational experience will be invaluable assets in addressing these complex issues while upholding the company's mission.