Our Leadership

Dean French, MD

Interim Chief Executive Officer

Dean French, MD is an experienced physician executive with more than 20 years of healthcare leadership experience spanning community hospitals, integrated health systems and national healthcare organizations. Throughout his career, he has served in executive leadership roles including chief executive officer, chief medical officer and chief operating officer, bringing a unique combination of clinical expertise, operational leadership and strategic vision.

Before joining UP Health System – Marquette as interim chief executive officer, Dr. French served as executive vice president and chief medical officer for ScionHealth, where he provided enterprise-wide leadership for clinical operations, quality and patient safety, risk management, physician services, facilities, information technology and medical staff credentialing. In this role, he helped advance quality outcomes, strengthen operational performance and support strategic initiatives across the organization.

Dr. French previously served as chief executive officer of Northwestern Medical Center in Vermont, Community Medical Center in Montana and Canyon Vista Medical Center in Arizona. He also held senior leadership positions with Baptist Health System and Faith Regional Health Services, overseeing operational, clinical and quality initiatives while supporting growth, physician alignment and organizational improvement.

As interim chief executive officer of UP Health System – Marquette, Dr. French is focused on supporting employees and providers, maintaining operational excellence and advancing the organization's mission of making communities healthier. He is also familiar with Lifepoint Health through his previous leadership roles at Community Medical Center and Canyon Vista Medical Center.

Dr. French earned his medical degree from the University of Washington School of Medicine, completed his family medicine residency at UCLA Ventura County Medical Center, where he served as chief resident, and received his bachelor's degree in microbiology from the University of Arizona. He has practiced as a family physician, hospitalist and emergency medicine physician. Prior to his medical career, he served in the U.S. Army Special Forces as a senior Special Operations medical sergeant and received multiple military honors.

Alyson Sundberg, MBA

Chief Operating Officer

Alyson began her career at Marquette General Hospital in 1985 and has worked in the lab, medical records and emergency medical services as a licensed paramedic and instructor with the School of EMT. She also spent five years as a civilian site manager and safety engineer with the U.S. Air Force, working on base conversion and hazardous waste restoration projects.

She joined the hospital as risk and safety director in 2005 and later became director of risk management and compliance. In 2021, she was named market director of risk management for UP Health System – Bell, Marquette and Portage. Alyson has collaborated with hospitals and EMS agencies throughout the Upper Peninsula since 2002 to lead emergency preparedness programs. She is a member of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Emergency Medical Services Coordination Committee and serves as a Michigan Health & Hospital Association representative on the state’s Legislative Subcommittee.

In her free time, she enjoys carpentry and woodworking, traveling, and spending time on the water with her family during the summer.

June Hanson, MHL, BSN, RN, CPPS

Senior Nursing Officer

Born and raised in the UP, Hanson loves snowshoeing, camping, traveling, reading, hiking, and spending time with family. She attended Northern Michigan University, where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 2004.  Before being appointed Senior Nursing Officer, Hanson served as the Interim Senior Nursing Officer, the Director of Emergency Services, and the Director of Care Management. She spent her early healthcare career at Bell, as a Registered Nurse, Acute Care Unit & Intensive Care Unit, from May 2004 to January 2014. In addition to her degree from NMU, Hanson also earned a Master of Health Leadership in March 2020 from Western Governors University.

Shaquita Jones

Director of Medical Group Services

Shaquita Jones is a dedicated health care leader with a strong foundation in clinical science and health care management. She brings expertise in clinical operations, strategic planning and provider relations.

Jones earned a Bachelor of Science in health care management from DeVry University in 2016 and is currently enrolled in a dual MBA/MHA program through the University of Phoenix. She also completed the LSLA Leadership Academy (Class of 2025) and is actively pursuing board certification as a Certified Medical Practice Executive.

James Hytinen

Senior Financial Officer

James earned a Bachelor of Science in accounting from Northern Michigan University in 2002. He joined Bell in 2014 as controller after gaining experience at Makela, Toutant, Hill & Nardi, Northern Michigan University and Cleveland-Cliffs. In addition to serving as controller, James also held roles as supply chain director and director of revenue integrity for Bell.

In his free time, he enjoys the outdoors, traveling, fishing, card games and spending time at camp with friends and family.