BrightStar Care Executive and Leadership Team

June, 2026

Leadership Overview

BrightStar Care has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, finance, and operations.

Dedicated to providing comprehensive care solutions, BrightStar Care drives innovation in home health services and medical staffing, impacting communities nationwide through its franchise model.

Leadership Roles at BrightStar Care

  • Chief Executive Officer - Mahmood Ahmed
  • Chief Executive Officer & Owner - Giselle Bardwell
  • Chief Executive Officer & Owner - Anthony Olson
  • President & Chief Executive Officer (Arlington) - Neeraja Sannidhanam
  • Chief Financial Officer - James Buckler
  • Co-Owner and President - Kelley Bailen
  • Owner and President - Ken Trowbridge
  • Owner and President - Chris Miller
  • Owner and President - Mike Scott
  • President & Owner - Jennifer Brennan
  • Mahmood Ahmed - Chief Executive Officer

    Mahmood Ahmed, the Chief Executive Officer at BrightStar Care, directs the overarching corporate strategy and operational execution. Ahmed's leadership focuses on expanding the company's national footprint and enhancing service delivery across its franchise network. This role involves aligning departmental objectives with the core mission of providing comprehensive home care and medical staffing solutions. Ahmed ensures that all business units operate efficiently to meet the evolving needs of clients and franchise partners. The Chief Executive Officer's purview includes driving growth initiatives and maintaining the highest standards of quality care. By focusing on strategic partnerships and market penetration, Mahmood Ahmed solidifies BrightStar Care's position as a leader in the health services sector.

    Giselle Bardwell - Chief Executive Officer & Owner

    Giselle Bardwell, the Chief Executive Officer & Owner at BrightStar Care, spearheads the company's strategic vision and ownership directives. Bardwell's responsibilities encompass guiding the franchise's expansion and ensuring consistent service quality across all locations. This executive role involves fostering a culture of excellence and innovation within the home care and medical staffing sectors. Bardwell actively engages in developing new service lines and optimizing existing operations to meet market demands. The Chief Executive Officer & Owner's focus remains on strengthening the brand's reputation and driving profitability for franchise partners. Through dedicated leadership, Giselle Bardwell champions the company's commitment to providing compassionate and reliable care solutions nationwide.
    Giselle Bardwell

    Anthony Olson - Chief Executive Officer & Owner

    Anthony Olson, the Chief Executive Officer & Owner at BrightStar Care, drives the strategic direction and ownership framework for the organization. Olson's leadership is critical in shaping the company's growth trajectory and operational standards within the home care and medical staffing industries. This executive position involves overseeing key initiatives aimed at enhancing service offerings and expanding market reach. Olson ensures that the franchise model effectively supports its partners and delivers exceptional client experiences. The Chief Executive Officer & Owner's mandate includes fostering innovation and maintaining high levels of operational efficiency. By focusing on strategic development and partner success, Anthony Olson reinforces BrightStar Care's commitment to quality and accessibility in healthcare services.

    Neeraja Sannidhanam - President & Chief Executive Officer (Arlington)

    Neeraja Sannidhanam, the President & Chief Executive Officer (Arlington) at BrightStar Care, leads the strategic operations and executive management for the Arlington region. Sannidhanam's focus is on driving business growth and ensuring the delivery of high-quality home care and medical staffing services within this specific market. This leadership role involves overseeing all functional areas, from client acquisition to operational efficiency, tailored to regional needs. Sannidhanam works to strengthen the company's presence and impact in Arlington by implementing innovative care solutions. The President & Chief Executive Officer (Arlington)'s mandate includes fostering strong relationships with local healthcare providers and community stakeholders. Through dedicated leadership, Neeraja Sannidhanam ensures exceptional service delivery and operational excellence in the Arlington area.

    James Buckler - Chief Financial Officer

    James Buckler, the Chief Financial Officer at BrightStar Care, manages all financial aspects of the company, including budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting. Buckler's role is essential in ensuring the fiscal health and stability of the organization and its franchise network. This executive position involves developing financial strategies that support sustainable growth and profitability. Buckler oversees capital allocation, risk management, and investor relations, providing critical financial insights to guide strategic decisions. The Chief Financial Officer's responsibilities extend to optimizing financial performance and ensuring compliance with all relevant regulations. By maintaining rigorous financial oversight, James Buckler enables BrightStar Care to continue its expansion and enhance its service offerings effectively.
    James Buckler

    Kelley Bailen - Co-Owner and President

    Kelley Bailen, the Co-Owner and President at BrightStar Care, shares ownership responsibilities and directs key operational initiatives across the franchise network. Bailen's leadership focuses on enhancing the company's service delivery model and expanding its market reach. This executive role involves collaborating with other leaders to drive strategic growth and maintain high standards of care. Bailen oversees critical functions aimed at improving operational efficiency and client satisfaction. The Co-Owner and President's mandate includes fostering a supportive environment for franchise partners and ensuring the consistent application of best practices. By championing innovation and operational excellence, Kelley Bailen contributes significantly to BrightStar Care's mission of providing reliable home health and staffing solutions.

    Ken Trowbridge - Owner and President

    Ken Trowbridge, the Owner and President at BrightStar Care, holds significant ownership stakes and directs the strategic and operational trajectory of the company. Trowbridge's leadership is instrumental in guiding the franchise's expansion and upholding its commitment to exceptional home care and medical staffing services. This executive position involves overseeing key business development initiatives and ensuring operational integrity across all franchise locations. Trowbridge focuses on fostering a culture of quality and service excellence. The Owner and President's responsibilities include driving innovation in care delivery and strengthening the company's market position. Through strategic oversight and a dedication to client well-being, Ken Trowbridge ensures BrightStar Care continues to meet the diverse needs of its clientele.

    Chris Miller - Owner and President

    Chris Miller, the Owner and President at BrightStar Care, directs the company's strategic vision and operational management from an ownership perspective. Miller's leadership is focused on expanding the franchise's national presence and enhancing the quality of its home care and medical staffing services. This executive role involves overseeing critical business functions and ensuring alignment with the company's core mission. Miller champions initiatives that drive operational efficiency and client satisfaction across the network. The Owner and President's mandate includes fostering innovation and maintaining rigorous standards for service delivery. By focusing on strategic growth and partner success, Chris Miller reinforces BrightStar Care's commitment to providing reliable and compassionate healthcare solutions.

    Mike Scott - Owner and President

    Mike Scott, the Owner and President at BrightStar Care, leads the company's strategic direction and operational execution with a focus on ownership objectives. Scott's responsibilities include driving the expansion of the franchise network and ensuring the consistent delivery of high-quality home care and medical staffing services. This executive position involves overseeing key business development efforts and maintaining operational excellence across all locations. Scott champions initiatives aimed at enhancing client care and supporting franchise partners. The Owner and President's mandate focuses on fostering innovation and upholding the company's reputation for reliability. Through strategic leadership and a commitment to service quality, Mike Scott ensures BrightStar Care effectively meets the evolving healthcare needs of communities nationwide.

    Jennifer Brennan - President & Owner

    Jennifer Brennan, the President & Owner at BrightStar Care, directs the company's strategic initiatives and operational framework from an ownership standpoint. Brennan's leadership is pivotal in guiding the franchise's growth and ensuring the delivery of comprehensive home care and medical staffing solutions. This executive role involves overseeing critical business functions, including market expansion and service quality enhancement. Brennan champions innovation in care delivery and fosters strong relationships with franchise partners. The President & Owner's mandate includes maintaining high operational standards and driving client satisfaction across the network. By focusing on strategic development and operational excellence, Jennifer Brennan reinforces BrightStar Care's commitment to providing exceptional healthcare services nationwide.
    Jennifer Brennan

    Explore Leadership Teams in Elderly Care Services

    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding BrightStar Care Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads BrightStar Care?
    BrightStar Care is led by Mahmood Ahmed (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Giselle Bardwell (Chief Executive Officer & Owner) and Anthony Olson (Chief Executive Officer & Owner).
    Who is part of BrightStar Care’s executive team?
    The executive team of BrightStar Care includes leaders such as Mahmood Ahmed (Chief Executive Officer), Giselle Bardwell (Chief Executive Officer & Owner), Anthony Olson (Chief Executive Officer & Owner) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does BrightStar Care have?
    BrightStar Care has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in BrightStar Care’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of BrightStar Care includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Chief Executive Officer & Owner, Chief Executive Officer & Owner, President & Chief Executive Officer (Arlington), Chief Financial Officer.