Becker's Tracks Over 1,500 Healthcare Leadership Changes in 2026

Healthcare organizations initiated 2026 with a rapid succession of leadership transitions. Since January 1, Becker’s Hospital Review has documented more than 1,500 changes in executive roles within hospitals and health systems.

The tracking effort began on January 2, 2026, as a live page designed to be updated regularly throughout the year. The most recent data covers appointments and departures reported between August 15 and August 21.

Among the notable hires, Steven Schultz received the title of system pharmacy officer at Texas Health Resources in Arlington. Lee McCall is set to serve as administrator for community hospitals under the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson. In New Jersey, Cody Legler took on the role of senior vice president and system chief nursing executive at Atlantic Health.

Baptist Memorial Health Care saw several internal promotions and new appointments. Paul Cade was elevated to vice president and metro market leader. Sam Lynd became administrator and CEO for Baptist Memorial Hospital-Memphis, while Craig Earley assumed the same dual role at NEA Baptist Memorial Hospital in Jonesboro, Arkansas. Skipper Bondurant also took over as administrator and CEO at Baptist Memorial Hospital-Carroll County in Tennessee.

Further changes within the Baptist system include Kevin Redd becoming chief administrative officer for hospitals in Union City and Carroll County, effective June 26. Alicia Poczekaj was named associate administrator for Baptist Memorial Hospital-Collierville.

Kaiser Permanente appointed Jonathan Watkins as senior vice president and area manager for its Santa Rosa service area in California. Tracy Bertagnole was similarly named senior vice president and area manager for the Fresno service area.

Cedars-Sinai in Los Angeles announced multiple senior-level promotions. Jennifer Blaha moved to senior vice president of surgical services, a role she reached after 17 years with the system. Clare Lee became senior vice president of medical services, having joined the organization in 2018.

Lisa Maqueira was promoted to senior vice president of finance and chief revenue cycle officer, a position she has held since 2022. Alen Voskanian advanced to senior vice president and COO of ambulatory clinics.

Other significant appointments include Linsey Coster as president of Via Christi St. Peter in Derby, Kansas, where she will oversee planning for a summer 2027 opening. Karen Keady became the first chief nurse executive for Mass General Brigham in Massachusetts. Gokhan Anil was named chief clinical officer at CentraCare in Minnesota.

Jake McCarty took the presidency at CHI Health Creighton University Medical Center-Bergan Mercy in Omaha. Tyler Hillis was appointed COO of Mercy Southeast in Missouri. Bob Thornton became CFO for Southeast Georgia Health System in Brunswick, and Doug Holzbog was named CEO of Paris Regional Health in Texas.

At Westchester Medical Center Health Network in New York, Sean Tedjarati was named executive vice president and chief medical officer. Julia Keltz succeeded him as interim chair of obstetrics and gynecology for WMCHealth. Kevin Smith became CFO for Providence in Renton, Washington. Don Stanziano took the role of executive vice president and chief external affairs officer at Wellstar Health System in Georgia.

Vicki LoPachin was named executive vice president and chief medical officer at Atlantic Health. Taylor Boyle departed her position as market CFO for Sentara Health in Virginia Beach.

UF Health St. Johns employs about 1,564 people in Nocatee, according to local government records.

Source: beckershospitalreview.com.

Sources

https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/hospital-executive-moves/62-recent-hospital-health-system-executive-moves-2-2/