Just one of the chief human resources officers of the 10 largest health systems in the U.S. stepped into their role within the past year, while four have longer-than-average tenures.
The average CHRO tenure was 5.2 years in 2025, according to a report from Russell Reynolds Associates, which measured CHRO appointments and exits across 1,853 companies worldwide.
Here are the tenures of the HR executives at the 10 largest health systems across the country. Health system size was determined by the number of hospitals, based on organizational data as of February.
HCA Healthcare (Nashville, Tenn.)
Jennifer Berres was named senior vice president and CHRO in 2019.
CommonSpirit Health (Chicago)
Lilicia Bailey, PhD, was appointed senior executive vice president and chief people officer in August 2023 after serving as chief people officer of Atlanta-based Emory Healthcare.
Lifepoint Health (Brentwood, Tenn.)
Jason Fisher has served as senior vice president and chief people officer since June.
Ascension (St. Louis)
Michelle Kohler, PhD, was promoted to executive vice president and CHRO in June 2024.
ScionHealth (Louisville, Ky.)
Michelle Rigby was named CHRO in January 2025 and was promoted to executive vice president and chief people and compliance officer in May 2026.
Trinity Health (Livonia, Mich.)
Edmund Hodge was appointed executive vice president and CHRO in January 2017.
Advocate Health (Charlotte, N.C.)
Nakesha Lopez became chief people and culture officer in 2024.
Christus Health (Irving, Texas)
Kimberly King Webb was appointed senior vice president and CHRO in July 2019.
Community Health Systems (Franklin, Tenn.)
Matt Hayes has served as executive vice president and CHRO since September 2018.
Sanford Health (Sioux Falls, S.D.)
Jennifer Grennan was appointed chief administrative officer in September 2021, providing enterprise leadership for human resources.
