Covista Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

Covista has 7 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, finance, human resources, marketing, enrollment, and chief of staff.

Driven by a commitment to expanding pathways into healthcare careers, Covista strengthens the clinical talent pipeline through accredited institutions, academic delivery, and workforce development.

Leadership Roles at Covista

  • Chairman & Chief Executive Officer - Stephen Beard
  • Vice President & Chief Financial Officer - Roger McKinney
  • Chief Operating Officer, Med and Vet Vertical - Heidi Chumley
  • Office of the President-Enrollment - Katrina Wesley-Price
  • Vice President & Chief of Staff - Jayanth Surakanti
  • Chief Human Resources Officer - Sara Hill
  • Senior Vice President, Chief Marketing Officer - Maurice Herrera
  • Stephen Beard - Chairman & Chief Executive Officer

    Stephen Beard, the Chairman & Chief Executive Officer at Covista, directs the overarching strategy and operational execution for the education company. Beard's leadership guides Covista's mission to prepare healthcare professionals by overseeing the portfolio of accredited institutions. This involves ensuring academic delivery, supporting student access, and driving workforce development initiatives. The Chairman & Chief Executive Officer also champions research tied to care capacity, directly impacting the strengthening of the clinical talent pipeline. Stephen Beard's strategic vision is central to expanding pathways into healthcare careers, ensuring the company's sustained growth and market leadership in healthcare education. The executive's focus remains on enhancing educational offerings and fostering an environment of continuous improvement across all divisions.
    Stephen Beard

    Roger McKinney - Vice President & Chief Financial Officer

    Roger McKinney, the Vice President & Chief Financial Officer at Covista, manages the financial health and strategic fiscal planning for the education company. McKinney oversees budgeting, financial reporting, and investment strategies that support Covista's operations, including its portfolio of accredited institutions. This role is critical for ensuring sustainable academic delivery and workforce development initiatives. The Vice President & Chief Financial Officer guides financial decisions that enable student access and research tied to care capacity. Roger McKinney's financial acumen is essential for strengthening the clinical talent pipeline and expanding pathways into healthcare careers. This executive ensures fiscal responsibility and supports the company's long-term growth objectives.

    Heidi Chumley - Chief Operating Officer, Med and Vet Vertical

    Heidi Chumley, the Chief Operating Officer, Med and Vet Vertical at Covista, directs the operational execution within the medical and veterinary sectors of the education company. Chumley oversees the day-to-day management of programs designed to prepare professionals in these critical fields through accredited institutions. This involves ensuring high standards in academic delivery and supporting workforce development efforts. The Chief Operating Officer, Med and Vet Vertical focuses on enhancing student access and driving research tied to care capacity within these specialized verticals. Heidi Chumley's leadership is instrumental in strengthening the clinical talent pipeline and expanding pathways into healthcare careers. This executive ensures operational excellence and strategic alignment within the Med and Vet segments.
    Heidi Chumley

    Katrina Wesley-Price - Office of the President-Enrollment

    Katrina Wesley-Price, the Office of the President-Enrollment at Covista, leads the strategic direction and operational oversight for all enrollment functions. Wesley-Price manages initiatives that drive student acquisition and support for Covista's accredited institutions. This involves optimizing the enrollment process to enhance student access and facilitate academic delivery. The Office of the President-Enrollment plays a crucial role in communicating the company's mission of expanding pathways into healthcare careers and strengthening the clinical talent pipeline. Katrina Wesley-Price's leadership ensures effective engagement with prospective students and supports workforce development goals. This executive's focus is on maximizing enrollment opportunities and contributing to the company's overall growth.

    Jayanth Surakanti - Vice President & Chief of Staff

    Jayanth Surakanti, the Vice President & Chief of Staff at Covista, provides critical operational support and strategic alignment across the executive team. Surakanti manages key initiatives that enhance the company's focus on preparing healthcare professionals through its accredited institutions. This role involves facilitating communication between departments, optimizing internal processes, and ensuring the efficient execution of strategic plans. The Vice President & Chief of Staff supports the Chairman & Chief Executive Officer in driving workforce development and research efforts tied to care capacity. Jayanth Surakanti's contributions are vital to strengthening the clinical talent pipeline and expanding pathways into healthcare careers. This executive ensures seamless operations and effective implementation of the company's mission.

    Sara Hill - Chief Human Resources Officer

    Sara Hill, the Chief Human Resources Officer at Covista, leads all human capital strategies to support the company's mission of preparing healthcare professionals. Hill oversees talent acquisition, employee development, and organizational culture across Covista's portfolio of accredited institutions. This involves designing programs that attract and retain top talent essential for academic delivery and workforce development. The Chief Human Resources Officer ensures that HR policies align with the company's goal of strengthening the clinical talent pipeline and expanding pathways into healthcare careers. Sara Hill's expertise is crucial in fostering a supportive environment that drives student success and research tied to care capacity. This leadership ensures Covista's workforce is equipped to meet the evolving demands of the healthcare sector.

    Maurice Herrera - Senior Vice President, Chief Marketing Officer

    Maurice Herrera, the Senior Vice President, Chief Marketing Officer at Covista, drives market strategy and brand positioning for the education company. Herrera oversees all marketing initiatives aimed at attracting prospective students and partners to Covista's accredited institutions. This involves developing campaigns that highlight the company's commitment to academic delivery and workforce development. The Senior Vice President, Chief Marketing Officer plays a key role in communicating Covista's mission of expanding pathways into healthcare careers and strengthening the clinical talent pipeline. Maurice Herrera's leadership ensures effective outreach to support student access and research tied to care capacity. This executive's efforts are critical in building brand awareness and driving enrollment growth.
    Maurice Herrera

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Covista Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Covista?
    Covista is led by Stephen Beard (Chairman & Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Roger McKinney (Vice President & Chief Financial Officer) and Heidi Chumley (Chief Operating Officer, Med and Vet Vertical).
    Who is part of Covista’s executive team?
    The executive team of Covista includes leaders such as Stephen Beard (Chairman & Chief Executive Officer), Roger McKinney (Vice President & Chief Financial Officer), Heidi Chumley (Chief Operating Officer, Med and Vet Vertical) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Covista have?
    Covista has 7 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Covista’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Covista includes roles such as Chairman & Chief Executive Officer, Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Med and Vet Vertical, Office of the President-Enrollment, Vice President & Chief of Staff.