Adventist Health Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

Adventist Health has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, finance, revenue, human resources, operations, and medical affairs.

Driven by a commitment to holistic well-being, Adventist Health is dedicated to providing compassionate, faith-based healthcare across the West Coast and Hawaii, fostering healthier communities through integrated services and a patient-centered philosophy.

Leadership Roles at Adventist Health

  • Chief Executive Officer, Ukiah Valley Medical Center & Senior VP, Operations AH Northern Cal Network - Gwen Matthews
  • Chief Financial Officer - Jonathan Beaman
  • Chief Financial Officer & Senior VP - Jack Wagner
  • Chief Financial Officer, Coast Service Area (North) - Richard Riter
  • President, Central Coast Service Area - Ryan Ashlock
  • Chief of Staff - Willie Ewing
  • Chief Revenue Officer - Peggy Nakamura
  • Chief Human Resources Officer - William Kilmer
  • Chief Human Resources Officer - Cheri McCall
  • Chief Medical Officer - Paul Welch
  • Gwen Matthews - Chief Executive Officer, Ukiah Valley Medical Center & Senior VP, Operations AH Northern Cal Network

    Gwen Matthews, the Chief Executive Officer, Ukiah Valley Medical Center & Senior VP, Operations AH Northern Cal Network at Adventist Health, leads integrated healthcare delivery and operational strategy for Northern California. Matthews directs the performance of Ukiah Valley Medical Center and oversees operational excellence across the Northern California Network, ensuring high-quality patient care and efficient service delivery. This dual leadership role involves strategic planning, financial management, and fostering strong community relationships to advance the health system's mission. The Chief Executive Officer, Ukiah Valley Medical Center & Senior VP, Operations AH Northern Cal Network collaborates with system-wide executives to align regional operations with organizational goals. Gwen Matthews' leadership ensures that Adventist Health effectively serves its communities by enhancing access to care and promoting wellness initiatives throughout the region. Matthews drives operational success and strategic growth within the Northern California network.
    Gwen Matthews

    Jonathan Beaman - Chief Financial Officer

    Jonathan Beaman, the Chief Financial Officer at Adventist Health, oversees all financial operations and strategic financial planning for the integrated health system. Beaman directs the management of financial resources, ensuring fiscal responsibility and sustainable growth across the organization's West Coast and Hawaii operations. This leadership position involves rigorous analysis of financial performance, budgeting, and capital allocation to support patient care initiatives and infrastructure development. The Chief Financial Officer works closely with other executives to identify opportunities for financial optimization and risk mitigation. Beaman's expertise is critical in navigating the complex financial landscape of healthcare, driving efficiency, and maintaining the organization's strong financial foundation. Jonathan Beaman ensures robust financial health, enabling Adventist Health to expand its reach and enhance its services to over 80 communities.
    Jonathan Beaman

    Jack Wagner - Chief Financial Officer & Senior VP

    Jack Wagner, the Chief Financial Officer & Senior VP at Adventist Health, provides comprehensive financial oversight and strategic leadership for key financial functions within the health system. Wagner directs financial planning, analysis, and reporting, ensuring fiscal integrity and supporting the organization's growth objectives across its West Coast and Hawaii operations. This senior leadership position involves managing complex financial models, optimizing resource allocation, and mitigating financial risks. The Chief Financial Officer & Senior VP collaborates closely with executive peers to drive financial performance and ensure the sustainability of Adventist Health's mission-driven services. Jack Wagner's expertise is crucial for maintaining financial stability and enabling the organization to invest in innovative patient care solutions and community health programs. Wagner's role is integral to the long-term financial health and strategic direction of Adventist Health.

    Richard Riter - Chief Financial Officer, Coast Service Area (North)

    Richard Riter, the Chief Financial Officer, Coast Service Area (North) at Adventist Health, manages financial operations and strategic fiscal planning for the northern coastal region. Riter directs the financial health of facilities within this service area, ensuring adherence to budgetary guidelines and optimizing resource allocation to support patient care. This role involves detailed financial analysis, performance monitoring, and the development of strategies to enhance revenue and control costs. The Chief Financial Officer, Coast Service Area (North) collaborates with local leadership and system executives to align financial objectives with regional healthcare needs. Richard Riter's financial acumen is vital for sustaining and expanding Adventist Health's services in the northern coastal communities, ensuring fiscal responsibility and operational efficiency. Riter's leadership contributes directly to the financial stability and mission fulfillment of the organization in its designated service area.

    Ryan Ashlock - President, Central Coast Service Area

    Ryan Ashlock, the President, Central Coast Service Area at Adventist Health, directs strategic leadership and operational management for healthcare services across the central coast region. Ashlock oversees the performance and growth of facilities within this service area, ensuring the delivery of high-quality, compassionate care aligned with the organization's mission. This executive role involves fostering strong community partnerships, driving operational efficiency, and advancing the health system's strategic objectives in the region. The President, Central Coast Service Area collaborates with system-wide leadership to integrate services and enhance patient access to care. Ryan Ashlock's leadership is critical for strengthening Adventist Health's presence and impact in the central coast communities, promoting wellness and addressing local healthcare needs effectively. Ashlock ensures robust operational execution and strategic development within the designated service area.
    Ryan Ashlock

    Willie Ewing - Chief of Staff

    Willie Ewing, the Chief of Staff at Adventist Health, directs strategic initiatives and operational alignment across the organization. Ewing manages key projects that advance the health system's mission, ensuring seamless execution of leadership directives. This role involves close collaboration with executive leadership to refine organizational priorities and optimize resource allocation. Ewing's oversight extends to critical internal communications and the development of frameworks that support long-term strategic planning. The Chief of Staff ensures that all departmental efforts contribute directly to the overarching goals of Adventist Health, fostering an environment of efficiency and focused progress. Ewing's contributions are vital for maintaining organizational coherence and driving forward the system's commitment to community health and wellness.

    Peggy Nakamura - Chief Revenue Officer

    Peggy Nakamura, the Chief Revenue Officer at Adventist Health, drives strategies to optimize revenue generation and financial performance across the health system. Nakamura leads initiatives focused on enhancing patient access, streamlining billing processes, and maximizing reimbursement across all service lines. This role involves deep analysis of market trends and payer dynamics to ensure competitive positioning and sustainable revenue streams. The Chief Revenue Officer collaborates with clinical and operational leaders to align revenue cycle management with patient care delivery. Peggy Nakamura's focus is on building robust financial models that support the organization's mission and its commitment to serving communities on the West Coast and in Hawaii. Nakamura ensures that Adventist Health maintains financial vitality to continue its vital healthcare services.

    William Kilmer - Chief Human Resources Officer

    William Kilmer, the Chief Human Resources Officer at Adventist Health, directs all human capital strategies and workforce development initiatives for the integrated health system. Kilmer oversees talent acquisition, employee relations, compensation, benefits, and organizational culture programs designed to support a high-performing workforce. This critical role ensures that Adventist Health attracts, retains, and develops the skilled professionals necessary to deliver exceptional patient care across its West Coast and Hawaii locations. The Chief Human Resources Officer collaborates with executive leadership to foster an inclusive and supportive work environment that aligns with the organization's faith-based mission. William Kilmer's leadership is essential for cultivating a motivated and engaged team, driving operational excellence and reinforcing the organization's commitment to its employees and the communities it serves.

    Cheri McCall - Chief Human Resources Officer

    Cheri McCall, the Chief Human Resources Officer at Adventist Health, spearheads initiatives focused on employee engagement and organizational development across the health system. McCall directs programs that enhance workplace culture, promote professional growth, and ensure compliance with labor regulations throughout Adventist Health's service areas. This role emphasizes fostering a supportive environment for all team members, aligning HR strategies with the organization's mission of compassionate, faith-based care. The Chief Human Resources Officer works to implement innovative HR solutions that address the evolving needs of the healthcare workforce. Cheri McCall's leadership ensures that Adventist Health remains an employer of choice, attracting and retaining top talent essential for delivering high-quality patient services on the West Coast and in Hawaii. McCall's strategic direction strengthens the human capital foundation of the organization.

    Paul Welch - Chief Medical Officer

    Paul Welch, the Chief Medical Officer at Adventist Health, provides clinical leadership and strategic direction for medical affairs across the integrated health system. Welch oversees the quality of patient care, clinical outcomes, and the implementation of evidence-based medical practices throughout Adventist Health's West Coast and Hawaii operations. This pivotal role involves collaborating with physicians, nurses, and administrative leaders to enhance clinical excellence and patient safety. The Chief Medical Officer champions initiatives that improve healthcare delivery, promote population health, and align clinical operations with the organization's faith-based mission. Paul Welch's medical expertise is essential for guiding clinical strategy, fostering innovation in patient care, and ensuring that Adventist Health consistently provides compassionate and effective healthcare services. Welch's leadership ensures the highest standards of medical practice are maintained across the organization.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Adventist Health Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Adventist Health?
    Adventist Health is led by Gwen Matthews (Chief Executive Officer, Ukiah Valley Medical Center & Senior VP, Operations AH Northern Cal Network), along with executives such as Jonathan Beaman (Chief Financial Officer) and Jack Wagner (Chief Financial Officer & Senior VP).
    Who is part of Adventist Health’s executive team?
    The executive team of Adventist Health includes leaders such as Gwen Matthews (Chief Executive Officer, Ukiah Valley Medical Center & Senior VP, Operations AH Northern Cal Network), Jonathan Beaman (Chief Financial Officer), Jack Wagner (Chief Financial Officer & Senior VP) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Adventist Health have?
    Adventist Health has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Adventist Health’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Adventist Health includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Ukiah Valley Medical Center & Senior VP, Operations AH Northern Cal Network, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Financial Officer & Senior VP, Chief Financial Officer, Coast Service Area (North), President, Central Coast Service Area.