Becker’s has reported on nine hospitals and health systems that have promoted finance leaders to the chief executive role in 2026:
1. Doug Shirley was named CEO of Louisville, Ky.-based ScionHealth June 10, as part of an executive leadership transition. Mr. Shirley has served as ScionHealth’s CFO since April 2025. He was previously executive vice president and CFO of PathGroup. As part of the leadership transition, Rob Jay, who has served as CEO since ScionHealth’s formation in 2021, will become executive chairman.
2. Chris Sietstra was appointed CEO of Orange City (Iowa) Area Health System, effective July 6. He has served as OCAHS’ director of finance since 2024. He will succeed Marty Guthmiller, who plans to retire Aug. 1 after 32 years with the organization.
3. Paul Ervin was named CEO and CFO of Mena (Ark.) Regional Health System on June 3. He has served as the system’s CFO since June 2020 and as interim CEO and CFO since January.
4. Jeff Sandene, executive vice president and CFO of Charleston, W.Va.-based Vandalia Health, began his new role June 1 as president and CEO of the system. Mr. Sandene succeeds Dave Ramsey, who is retiring in July.
5. Maquoketa, Iowa-based Jackson County Regional Health Center CFO Kolin Huth was named CEO of the hospital May 27. He has served as CFO of the hospital for the past three years. The hospital is an affiliate of Des Moines-based MercyOne.
6. Lowville, N.Y.-based Lewis County Health System named CFO Jeffery Hellinger as its next CEO. Mr. Hellinger has been part of the system’s management team since 2004 and has served as CFO since 2013. He will succeed current CEO Gerald Cayer Aug. 4, who is retiring after nine years leading the system.
7. Millinocket (Maine) Regional Hospital named Mellissa McAvoy its next CEO, effective July 1. Ms. McAvoy has served on the hospital’s board of trustees since 2002 and as board president since 2012. Since 2018, she has also served as the 25-bed critical access hospital’s CFO and COO. She succeeds Robert Peterson, DSc, who is retiring after 12 years in the role.
8. Sebring, Fla.-based HCA Florida Highlands Hospital named Henry Capote CEO, effective April 13. He has served as CFO of the 126-bed hospital since December 2023. He steps into the role with more than 20 years of healthcare finance and leadership experience. Prior to joining the hospital, he served as CFO of Coral Gables (Fla.) Hospital.
9. Prosser (Wash.) Memorial Health named interim CFO Timothy Reed as its next CEO on April 16. Mr. Reed has served as the hospital’s interim finance leader since June and has extensive experience in healthcare finance, operational leadership and strategic planning. Mr. Reed succeeds Craig Marks, who is retiring after 10 years of leadership.
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