Alumni Spotlight is pleased to announce The Top 100 Healthcare Executives of 2021. We recognize these extraordinary individuals for their positive impact on patients, communities, and their colleagues in the healthcare field. They are the cornerstone of patient care and operational excellence at each of the facilities and companies they lead. This year’s awardees guide medical centers and hospitals, health insurance groups, medical technology companies as well as other healthcare organizations and show their continuous dedication year after year. Their depth of knowledge, focus and collaboration has led to their career successes.
Kayode Williams, Chief Medical Officer of Johns Hopkins Medicine, leads their organization in medical superiority and world-class care. Maurie Markman, President of Medicine and Science at Cancer Treatment Centers of America, guides their teams into new territories with advancements in cancer care and treatment delivery. Monika Roots, Co-Founder, President and Chief Medical Officer of Bend Health, has dedicated herself to providing easy access to expert mental health treatment for individuals and families in 32 states. Not only do they commit their time and energy to the healthcare field, but their work also provides hope and healing to so many in need. Their leadership is a crucial piece to the healthcare field and provides a foundation for continuous improvement and progress for individuals across the country.
Please join us in celebrating the achievements of the Top 100 Healthcare Executives of 2021.
1. Hemal Gada
UPMC Pinnacle, President of the Heart and Vascular Institute
University of Michigan
Hemal Gada began his professional career over 16 years ago. Today, he is the President of the Heart and Vascular Institute of UPMC Pinnacle. The largest non-governmental employer in Pennsylvania, UPMC integrates 92,000 employees, 40 hospitals and 700 doctors’ offices and outpatient sites. They are a nationally recognized leader in providing high-quality, patient-centered health care services in central Pennsylvania and surrounding rural communities.
Gada first got his start in 2005 as an internal medicine resident at Washington University School of Medicine. From there, he went on to Cleveland Clinic, before eventually becoming an assistant professor of medicine at Rutgers University, his most recent position prior to joining UPMC Pinnacle. Gada graduated from the University of Michigan - Stephen M. Ross School of Business with an MBA and from the University of Michigan Medical School with an MD.
5. Wing Province
Intermountain Healthcare, Chief Medical Officer and Medical Director
Indiana University
Wing Province began his professional career over 21 years ago. Today, he is the Chief Medical Officer and Medical Director of Park City Hospital of Intermountain Healthcare. Intermountain Healthcare is a not-for-profit system of hospitals, surgery centers, doctors, and clinics that serves the medical needs of Utah, Idaho and now Nevada. Key medical services include cancer, heart, women and newborns, orthopedics, sports medicine, and more.
Province first got his start in 2010 as a resident physician at Baystate Medical Center. From there, he went on to Intermountain Healthcare, before eventually rising to chief resident at Johns Hopkins Hospital, his most recent position prior to joining Intermountain Healthcare. Province graduated from Harvard Business School with an MBA and from Indiana University School of Medicine with an MD.
10. Maurie Markman
Cancer Treatment Centers of America, President of Medicine and Science
New York University
Maurie Markman began his professional career 44 years ago. Today, he is the President of Medicine and Science at Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA). CTCA has continued to help lead the way in changing the delivery of cancer care, providing each patient a comprehensive treatment plan tailored specifically to his or her needs, goals and lifestyle.
Markman first got his start in 1977 as a chief resident of internal medicine at Bellevue Hospital-New York University Medical Center. From there, he went on to the National Cancer Institute before eventually rising to chairman for the Department of Gynecologic Medical Oncology at The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center. Markman graduated from New York University with a master’s degree in health policy and management, from New York University School of Medicine with an MD and from the University of Southern California with an undergraduate degree in biology.
14. Scott Nygaard
Lee Health, Chief Operating Officer
University of Minnesota
Scott Nygaard is the Chief Operating Officer of Lee Health. He first joined the health system in 2010 as chief medical officer for physician services and network development. Lee Health is the leading provider of health care in Southwest Florida and serves the citizens of Lee County and surrounding communities.
Previously, Nygaard was a senior vice president for corporate services at Via Christi Health and before that a chief medical officer at Affinity Health System. Earlier in his career he worked with University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics as a resident of internal medicine. Nygaard earned an MBA from the University of St. Thomas - Opus College of Business, an MD from the University of Minnesota Medical School, and an undergraduate degree in biology from Hamline University.
17. Connie Price
Denver Health, Chief Medical Officer
Northwestern University
Connie Price is the Chief Medical Officer of Denver Health. Denver Health is an integrated, efficient, high-quality academic health care system that is considered a model for the nation. Price has over 26 years of experience in the hospital and healthcare field. She began her career in 1996.
Before joining Denver Health, Price was an associate director for microbiology and infectious diseases research at NorthShore University HealthSystem and before that an epidemiologist at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. Earlier in her career she worked with Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine as a resident in internal medicine. Price graduated from Northwestern University with an MD and from Beloit College with an undergraduate degree in biochemistry.
18. Inua Momodu
AtlantiCare, Vice President and Chief Medical Officer
Tulane University
Inua Momodu began his professional career over 30 years ago. Today, he is the Vice President and Chief Medical Officer of AtlantiCare. AtlantiCare is an integrated system of services designed to help people achieve optimal health. It does so by focusing on customer needs and expectations to provide accessible and comprehensive services of superior quality and value.
Momodu has held several other roles with AtlantiCare including chief medical ambulatory officer, chairman of the department of psychiatry and medical doctor. Momodu graduated from Stockton University with an MBA, from Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine with a master of public health in epidemiology and biostatistics, and from the University of Ibadan with an MD.
26. Phyllis Mason
Natchitoches Regional Medical Center, Chief Medical Officer
Louisiana State University
Phyllis Mason is the Chief Medical Officer of Natchitoches Regional Medical Center. Natchitoches Regional Medical Center serves Natchitoches, Winn, and Sabine parishes of Louisiana. They offer a continuum of care from newborns to centennials and are solely focused on the wellbeing of all those entrusted to their care.
Mason graduated from Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center with an MD, from the University of Texas at Tyler with an MPA and from Grambling State University with an undergraduate degree in chemistry.
View the complete list of awardees.
35. James Wantuck
PlushCare, Co-Founder and Chief Medical Officer
Vanderbilt University
James Wantuck is the Co-Founder and Chief Medical Officer of PlushCare. PlushCare provides same-day doctor’s appointments from wherever the patients are. Patients can book a visit to see a doctor from the top 50 U.S. medical schools or see a therapist through their online therapy program. Wantuck has 11 years of experience in the healthcare field. He began his career in 2010.
Before joining PlushCare, Wantuck was an assistant professor of medicine at Stanford University School of Medicine and before that a physician at Palo Alto VA Hospital. Earlier in his career he worked with Stanford University Medical Center as a resident physician. Wantuck graduated from Vanderbilt University School of Medicine with an MD and from the University of Pittsburgh with an undergraduate degree in chemistry and neuroscience.
41. Stephen Gordon
Edenbridge Health, Founder and Chief Executive Officer
Yale University
Stephen Gordon is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Edenbridge Health. Edenbridge Health is a mission-driven, for-profit care delivery organization founded in 2016 with the mission of providing comprehensive, integrated, community-based, and person-centered care to the elderly. Gordon has 8 years of experience in the hospital and healthcare field. He began his career in 2013.
Before joining Edenbridge Health, Gordon was a faculty member at Harvard Medical School and before that a staff physician at Uphams Corner Health Center. Earlier in his career he worked with Hebrew SeniorLife as an attending physician. Gordon graduated from Yale University School of Medicine with an MD, from The Wharton School with an MBA and from Harvard University with an undergraduate degree in history and science.
44. Anne Hargrave-Thomas
OakLeaf Surgical Hospital, Chief Operating Officer
Baker College
Anne Hargrave-Thomas began her professional career over 24 years ago. Today, she is the Chief Operating Officer of OakLeaf Surgical Hospital. Their reputation for superior surgical care is based on their skilled independent physicians and surgeons, experienced staff, outstanding patient care, home-like comforts and enhanced services and amenities. They serve patients from Eau Claire, Chippewa Falls, Menomonie and the entire Chippewa Valley in Wisconsin.
Thomas first got her start in 1997 as a clinical services director at University Women's Care. From there, she went on to Lakes Surgery Center. Thomas graduated from Baker College Center for Graduate Studies with an MBA.
47. Kris Giese
Providence Medical Center, Chief Operating Officer
University of Minnesota
Kris Giese is the Chief Operating Officer for Providence Medical Center in Nebraska. She first joined the medical center in 2013 as the director for allied health and ancillary services. Providence Medical Center offers acute, skilled/swing-bed care, palliative care, as well as Medicare certified Home Health, Hospice, and private pay personal care. The non-profit hospital remains one of the best small, rural hospitals in northeast Nebraska, employing nearly 200 individuals, and providing state-of-the-art healthcare to more than 15,000 area residents.
Prior to joining Providence Medical Center, Giese was a director for laboratory services at Mercy Medical Center in Iowa. She graduated from the University of Minnesota Carlson School of Management with a master’s degree in healthcare administration.
51. Michael Baker
UnitedHealthcare Provider Operations, Chief Operating Officer
Dartmouth College
Michael Baker serves as Chief Operating Officer of UnitedHealthcare Provider Operations, a division of UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: UNH). Baker oversees all strategy and operations for UHC Provider Operations – supporting the largest provider network in the United States and the more than 50 million UHC members they serve.
Previously, Baker led Consumer Services for UnitedHealthcare’s Medicare & Retirement business where he and his team became the first major health plan in the U.S. to achieve J.D. Power Call Center Certification. He earned an MBA from University of Phoenix, MHCDS from Dartmouth College, is an Honorary Senior Inventor at UnitedHealth Group and is recognized as a Certified Professional Innovator by Georgia State University.
54. Charlotte Rankin
Mercy Hospital, Chief Operating and Chief Nursing Officer
Northeastern State University
Charlotte Rankin is the Chief Operating and Chief Nursing Officer at Mercy Hospital Northwest Arkansas. Mercy is one of the nation’s most highly integrated, multi-state health care systems, including more than 40 acute care, managed and specialty (heart, children’s, orthopedic and rehab) hospitals, convenient and urgent care locations, imaging centers and pharmacies. They serve patients and families across Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri and Oklahoma.
Rankin was recruited to Mercy nearly 20 years ago to lead the collaboration and advancement of the Cardiovascular service line. After the successful implementation of the Open-Heart program, Rankin has remained at Mercy where she continues to advocate for patient care, wellness, and excellence in healthcare service. Rankin graduated from Baptist School of Nursing – Northwest and from Northeastern State University with a bachelor’s degree in nursing and a master’s degree in health administration.
View the complete list of awardees.
57. Eithne-Marie Barton
Community Health Alliance Nevada, Chief Medical Officer
Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine
Eithne-Marie Barton began her professional career 25 years ago. Today, she is the Chief Medical Officer of Community Health Alliance Nevada. The Community Health Alliance Nevada provides a wide range of services, including medical, dental, and behavioral health care. As a Federally Qualified Health Center, they also provide community education on health issues and outreach to underserved populations.
Barton first got her start in 1996 as an assistant director for the Center for Middle Eastern Studies at the University of Chicago. From there, she went on to the Chicago Health and Aging Project, before eventually rising to a geriatric fellow at Beaumont Health, her most recent position prior to joining Community Health Alliance Nevada. Barton graduated from Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine with a DO and from Carleton College with an undergraduate degree in American history.
63. Barbara Jacobs
Anne Arundel Medical Center, Vice President of Nursing and Chief Nurse Officer
The George Washington University
Barbara Jacobs is the Vice President of Nursing and Chief Nurse Officer of Anne Arundel Medical Center. AAMC has been a beacon for the community with recognition for its joint replacement center, emergency heart attack response and cancer care. They are committed to lighting the way, not just for their patients, but for their entire community.
Previously, Jacobs was a senior director and chief nurse officer at Suburban Hospital and before that a director for critical care at George Washington University Hospital. Jacobs earned a MSN from The George Washington University and an undergraduate degree in nursing from the University of Rochester.
64. Melissa Spann
Monte Nido & Affiliates, Chief Clinical Officer
Drexel University
Melissa Spann is the Chief Clinical Officer of Monte Nido & Affiliates. She first joined the company in 2019. Monte Nido & Affiliates specializes in the treatment of eating disorders for all genders. For over two decades, their tenured and expert staff, which includes recovered professionals, has delivered treatment that leads to full recovery.
Previously, Spann was a vice president for admissions at Monte Nido and before that a primary therapist for the The Renfrew Center. Spann earned a PhD in couple and family therapy from Drexel University and an MS in mental health counseling, and an undergraduate degree in sociology from the University of Florida.
71. Michael-Anne Browne
Stanford Children’s Health, Associate Chief Medical Officer
Stanford University
Michael-Anne Brown is the Associate Chief Medical Officer of Accountable Care with Stanford Children’s Health | Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital. Stanford Children’s Health is the largest health care system in the San Francisco Bay Area and one of the few in the country exclusively dedicated to pediatric and obstetric care.
Prior to joining Stanford Children’s Health, Browne was a medical director for Blue Shield of California. She was also previously an executive consultant with Medical Pathways and a medical director for FHP Healthcare in California. Brown graduated from Stanford University with an undergraduate degree in human biology and from the University of California Irvine with an MD.
74. Mary Trembinski
Catholic Health Services, Chief Nursing Informatics Officer and Vice President of Clinical Informatics
Adelphi University
Mary Trembinski is the Chief Nursing Informatics Officer and Vice President of Clinical Informatics of Catholic Health Services. She first joined the company in 2014 as an assistant vice president for clinical informatics. Catholic Health is a non-profit comprehensive healthcare system, providing health services through their hospitals, primary care centers, diagnostic and treatment centers, home care agencies, long-term care facilities and other programs.
Trembinski earned a MS in nursing administration from Adelphi University and an undergraduate degree in nursing from Molloy College.
77. Chris Ward
Comanche County Memorial Hospital, Chief Nursing Officer
East Carolina University
Chris Ward is the Chief Nursing Officer at Comanche County Memorial Hospital, an independent, non-profit, acute care facility that prides itself on putting the patient first and providing award-winning care. The hospital is located in Southwest Oklahoma and provides emergency, surgical and primary care services to the surrounding community. Ward has nearly 45 years of experience in the hospital and healthcare field. He began his career in 1979.
Prior to joining Comanche County Memorial Hospital, Ward held interim positions as a director for an emergency department, chief nursing officer and case management director for various medical facilities. He earned a BSN from Liberty University, an MSN from the University of Phoenix, and a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt from Motorola University.
78. Christina Perez
Open Hearts Family Wellness, Chief Clinical Integration Officer
Arizona State University
Christina Perez is the Chief Clinical Integration Officer for Open Hearts Family Wellness. Founded in 1974, Open Hearts Family Wellness is a not-for-profit organization that remains dedicated and true to their mission to provide holistic, quality services to support the well-being of people and the communities to which they belong.
Prior to joining Open Hearts Family Wellness Perez was the regional administrator for Terros Health. Since 2004 she has also been an Independent Licensed Substance Abuse Counselor. Perez graduated from Arizona State University with an undergraduate degree in justice studies and from the University of Phoenix with an MBA.
View the complete list of awardees.
81. Nicole Telhiard
Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center, Chief Nursing Officer
Rush University
Nicole Telhiard is the Chief Nursing Officer of Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center. She first joined the center in 1993 as a vice president for children’s services. Our Lady of the Lake is a not-for-profit 850-bed medical center in Baton Rouge, Louisiana with more than 7,300 employees committed to building a healthy community through excellence in patient care and education.
Telhiard earned a doctorate in nursing practice from Rush University, a master’s degree in nursing from Loyola University in New Orleans and an undergraduate degree in nursing from Southeastern Louisiana University.
84. Michael Paolello
New Bridge Medical Center, Chief Clinical Officer for Addictions Treatment
New Jersey City University
Michael Paolello began his professional career 31 years ago. Today, he is the Chief Clinical Officer for Addictions Treatment with New Bridge Medical Center. New Bridge Medical Center, a clinical affiliate of Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences, is the largest hospital in New Jersey and provides a continuum of health care services in critical areas including behavioral health, medical detox and substance abuse treatment, long term care and acute care.
In 1990 Paolello was a director for substance abuse treatment at Hoboken University Medical Center which is his most recent position prior to joining New Bridge Medical Center. Paolello graduated from New Jersey City University with a master’s degree in psychology.
88. Annie Fowler
Sound Physicians, Chief People Officer
Virginia Commonwealth University
Annie Fowler is the Chief People Officer at Sound Physicians. She first joined the company in 2008. Sound Physicians is a leading healthcare organization with a proven track record of improving quality, satisfaction and financial performance for its hospital partners nationwide. Sound combines a high-performance model with engaged providers to drive reproducible results across the acute episode of care through emergency medicine, hospital medicine, critical care, transitional care, advisory services, and telemedicine.
Fowler has held several positions with Sound Physicians over the years including senior recruiting consultant, director for outreach and recruitment, regional director of operations and vice president of physician services. Prior to joining Sound Physicians, Fowler was a vice president with Phoenix Physicians. She graduated from James Mason University with an undergraduate degree in health services administration and biology and from Virginia Commonwealth University with an MBA.
96. Pamela Hermon
Lakeview Village, Chief Operating Officer
Labette Community College
Pamela Hermon began her professional career 20 years ago. Today, she is the Chief Operating Officer of Lakeview Village, a leading and largest Continuing Care Retirement Community in Kansas. Its range of services includes independent living, assisted living, skilled nursing, in-home care and rehabilitation services, as well as a variety of amenities and support services for people 62 and older.
In 2001 Hermon was a director of nursing services at Aberdeen Village. From there, she went on to Brandon Woods where she was the director of nursing. Hermon graduated from Labette Community College with an undergraduate degree in nursing.
99. Linzi O'Laughlin
Nursing Beyond Borders, President
University of Missouri
Linzi O'Laughlin is the President of Nursing Beyond Borders. Nursing Beyond Borders is a 501(c)3 public charity which exists to deliver preventative healthcare and education to children and their communities on a global scale. O'Laughlin has over 13 years of experience in the hospital and healthcare field. She began her career in 2008.
Before joining Nursing Beyond Borders, O'Laughlin was a registered nurse at Children's Hospital of Los Angeles and before that a PACU registered nurse at UCLA Health. Earlier in her career she also worked with Children’s Mercy Hospital as a registered nurse. O'Laughlin graduated from the University of Missouri-Columbia with an undergraduate degree in nursing.
View the complete list of awardees.