Adventist Health Executive and Leadership Team

Gwen Matthews, the Chief Executive Officer, Ukiah Valley Medical Center & Senior VP, Operations AH Northern Cal Network at Adventist Health, directs the clinical and administrative strategy for the Ukiah Valley facility while overseeing operations for the Northern California network. This dual-purpose leadership role involves managing local hospital performance and coordinating regional operational initiatives to ensure consistent care standards. By driving improvements in patient experience and clinical outcomes, the Chief Executive Officer, Ukiah Valley Medical Center & Senior VP, Operations AH Northern Cal Network fosters a culture of excellence within the northern region. Gwen Matthews collaborates with system-wide leadership to implement best practices and scale successful programs across the network. Through strategic oversight of both local facility operations and broader regional goals, Matthews ensures that the organization delivers high-quality, faith-based healthcare to the communities of Northern California.

John Beaman, the Chief Financial Officer at Adventist Health, manages the fiscal health and long-term financial planning for the entire integrated health system. Overseeing capital investments, revenue cycle management, and budgetary compliance, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that the organization maintains the resources necessary to support its nonprofit mission. This leadership role involves coordinating with the Board to evaluate financial risks and opportunities across the West Coast and Hawaii operations. By implementing robust financial controls and data-driven forecasting, John Beaman secures the economic foundation required for facility expansion and technological upgrades. Beaman works closely with other C-suite leaders to align departmental spending with the strategic priorities of the health system. Through disciplined fiscal oversight and the optimization of revenue streams, Beaman guarantees that the organization remains financially resilient while continuing to provide essential medical services to diverse communities.

Heidar Thordarson, the Chief Financial Officer, Network at Adventist Health, directs the financial strategy specifically for the expansive network of hospitals and clinics. Focusing on the economic performance of regional service lines, the Chief Financial Officer, Network monitors cost structures and operational expenditures to ensure maximum efficiency across the system. This role involves analyzing network-wide financial data to identify areas for improvement and resource reallocation. By managing the financial integration of new facilities and service offerings, Heidar Thordarson supports the growth of the organization throughout the West Coast and Hawaii. Thordarson collaborates with regional directors to maintain budgetary discipline while upholding the quality of patient care. Through rigorous financial analysis and the implementation of cost-saving initiatives, Thordarson strengthens the overall economic viability of the network, ensuring that the health system possesses the necessary capital to fulfill its mission of community-based healing.

Richard Riter, the Chief Financial Officer, Coast Network (North) at Adventist Health, manages the financial operations and fiscal strategy for the northern coastal facilities. Overseeing the budget and revenue performance for this specific geographic region, the Chief Financial Officer, Coast Network (North) ensures that local operations remain aligned with the broader nonprofit financial goals. This role involves evaluating the economic impact of regional healthcare services and optimizing the allocation of funds to support local patient needs. By monitoring financial metrics and identifying opportunities for operational savings, Richard Riter maintains the fiscal health of the northern network. Riter works with local leadership to ensure that financial resources support the delivery of high-quality, faith-based care. Through precise financial planning and the management of regional assets, Riter contributes to the overall stability of the health system, ensuring that the northern coastal operations remain sustainable and effective.

Timothy Karagounis, the Chief Operating Officer at Adventist Health, directs the daily clinical and administrative functions across the entire integrated health system. Overseeing the operational efficiency of hospitals throughout the West Coast and Hawaii, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that facility workflows align with the nonprofit mission of providing high-quality, faith-based care. This leadership role involves managing complex resource allocation, optimizing patient throughput, and maintaining rigorous safety standards within every community served. By streamlining internal processes, Timothy Karagounis directly impacts the ability of the organization to scale services effectively. Karagounis maintains constant communication with regional network leaders to ensure that operational strategies remain consistent with the broader organizational goals. Through this focus on operational excellence, Karagounis secures the stability of the health system while fostering an environment of continuous improvement and patient-centered service delivery across all regional facilities.

Deborah Bright, the Co-President Founders Guild Board at Adventist Health, directs the philanthropic and community engagement efforts that support the mission of the health system. Overseeing the fundraising initiatives and volunteer programs, the Co-President Founders Guild Board ensures that the organization maintains strong ties with the communities it serves. This leadership role involves mobilizing resources and fostering partnerships that enhance the capacity of the health system to provide care. By cultivating relationships with donors and community leaders, Deborah Bright secures the financial and social support necessary for facility improvements and patient programs. Bright works with the Board to align philanthropic activities with the strategic goals of the organization. Through the management of community-focused initiatives and the promotion of the nonprofit mission, Bright strengthens the connection between the health system and the public, ensuring that the organization remains a vital community asset.

Brooke McCollough, the President, Adventist Health Lodi Memorial at Adventist Health, directs the operational and clinical strategy for the Lodi Memorial facility. Overseeing the daily management of hospital services and the implementation of local health initiatives, the President, Adventist Health Lodi Memorial ensures that the facility meets the specific needs of the local community. This role involves managing staff performance, optimizing patient care workflows, and maintaining the financial health of the hospital. By fostering a culture of service and excellence, Brooke McCollough drives the quality of care provided at the Lodi location. McCollough collaborates with system-wide leadership to ensure that local operations align with the broader nonprofit mission of the organization. Through the effective management of facility resources and the promotion of patient-centered care, McCollough ensures that the Lodi Memorial hospital remains a cornerstone of health and wellness for the surrounding region.

William K. Hamilton, the Chief Marketing Officer at Adventist Health, architects the brand strategy and public engagement initiatives for the entire nonprofit health system. Driving awareness of the faith-based care model across the West Coast and Hawaii, the Chief Marketing Officer manages all external communications, digital outreach, and community partnership programs. This role involves analyzing market trends to ensure that the organization effectively reaches diverse patient populations in over 80 communities. By crafting compelling narratives that highlight the commitment to holistic healing, William K. Hamilton strengthens the reputation of the health system in a competitive landscape. Hamilton collaborates with clinical leadership to translate complex medical service offerings into accessible information for patients and families. Through strategic brand positioning and targeted outreach campaigns, Hamilton expands the reach of the organization, ensuring that the mission of healing remains visible and relevant to the communities served.

Eric Gross, the Chief Medical Officer at Adventist Health, directs the clinical standards and medical quality initiatives across the integrated health system. Overseeing the performance of medical staff and the implementation of evidence-based care protocols, the Chief Medical Officer ensures that all facilities maintain the highest levels of patient safety and clinical excellence. This role involves collaborating with department heads to integrate new medical technologies and improve diagnostic accuracy. By fostering a culture of continuous learning and professional development among physicians, Eric Gross drives the quality of care provided to patients on the West Coast and in Hawaii. Gross works closely with the executive team to align clinical strategies with the nonprofit mission of the organization. Through the rigorous oversight of medical practices and the promotion of patient-centered care, Gross ensures that the health system remains a leader in clinical outcomes.

Patrick Takahashi, the Chief Medical Officer, System at Adventist Health, architects the overarching clinical strategy and medical governance for the entire health system. Focusing on system-wide quality improvement and the standardization of care delivery, the Chief Medical Officer, System ensures that all hospitals and clinics adhere to uniform safety and performance benchmarks. This role involves analyzing clinical data to identify trends and implementing system-wide initiatives that enhance patient outcomes. By coordinating with regional medical directors, Patrick Takahashi ensures that the organization remains at the forefront of medical innovation and patient care. Takahashi works to align clinical operations with the faith-based mission of the health system, ensuring that every patient receives compassionate and effective treatment. Through the development of comprehensive clinical policies and the oversight of system-wide medical performance, Takahashi secures the long-term quality and reputation of the organization.