Becker’s has reported on nine hospitals and health systems that have promoted CFOs to the chief executive role in 2026:
1. Louisville, Ky.-based ScionHealth on June 10 named Doug Shirley CEO as part of a leadership transition designed to support the organization’s evolving strategy and future direction. Mr. Shirley had served as ScionHealth’s CFO since April 2025. As part of the leadership transition, Rob Jay, who served as CEO since ScionHealth’s formation in 2021, became executive chairman. Mr. Jay serves in a strategic and advisory capacity while also leading ScionHealth’s board of directors.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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 at Coral Gables (Fla.) Hospital.
7. 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.
8. Natalie Rodriguez was named CEO of Coral Gables (Fla.) Hospital on Feb. 11. She was promoted to the role after serving as COO and CFO of the hospital. Coral Gables Hospital is part of Healthcare Systems of America, an affiliate of Glendale, Calif.-based American Healthcare Systems.
9. Hutchinson (Kan.) Clinic named Matt Leary CEO, effective Jan. 5. Prior to his new role, Mr. Leary served as market vice president of finance and CFO for Utah at Chicago-based CommonSpirit Health.
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