Covista Executive and Leadership Team

May, 2026

Leadership Overview

Covista has 7 executives leading key functions including strategy, technology, operations, marketing, human resources, and institutional leadership.

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
  • Chief Operating Officer, Med and Vet Vertical - Heidi Chumley
  • President - Kivalena Starr
  • Chief Technology Officer - Carlos Filgueiras
  • Vice President & Chief of Staff - Jayanth Surakanti
  • Senior Vice President, Chief Marketing Officer - Maurice Herrera
  • Chief Human Resources Officer - Sara Hill
  • Stephen Beard - Chairman & Chief Executive Officer

    Stephen Beard, the Chairman & Chief Executive Officer at Covista, directs the overarching strategy and corporate vision. Beard guides the organization's expansion of pathways into healthcare careers, ensuring alignment with the mission to strengthen the clinical talent pipeline. This leadership role involves setting the strategic direction for Covista's portfolio of accredited institutions and overseeing their academic delivery and workforce development initiatives. Beard's executive decisions impact the company's market position and its ability to foster research tied to care capacity. The Chairman & Chief Executive Officer ensures that all operational facets support the core objective of preparing healthcare professionals. Stephen Beard drives the company's growth and its commitment to educational excellence within the healthcare sector.
    Stephen Beard

    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. Chumley oversees the day-to-day management of academic delivery and student support services for these specialized verticals, ensuring high standards of education. This role is crucial for strengthening the clinical talent pipeline by providing robust training for future healthcare professionals. The Chief Operating Officer, Med and Vet Vertical ensures that operational strategies align with Covista's mission of expanding pathways into healthcare careers. Heidi Chumley's leadership focuses on optimizing resource allocation and enhancing the student experience within these critical fields, supporting research tied to care capacity and overall workforce development.
    Heidi Chumley

    Kivalena Starr - President

    Kivalena Starr, the President at Covista, drives strategic initiatives and operational excellence across the organization. Starr focuses on enhancing academic delivery and expanding student access to Covista's portfolio of accredited institutions. This leadership position is critical for strengthening the clinical talent pipeline and supporting the company's mission to broaden healthcare career pathways. The President oversees key programs related to workforce development and ensures alignment with research objectives tied to care capacity. Kivalena Starr's role involves fostering collaboration among departments to achieve institutional goals and maintain high educational standards. This executive leadership ensures Covista effectively prepares healthcare professionals for impactful careers.
    Kivalena Starr

    Carlos Filgueiras - Chief Technology Officer

    Carlos Filgueiras, the Chief Technology Officer at Covista, architects the technological infrastructure supporting the company's educational mission. Filgueiras oversees the development and implementation of digital platforms that enhance academic delivery and student access across Covista's accredited institutions. This role is critical for leveraging technology to strengthen the clinical talent pipeline and support research initiatives. The Chief Technology Officer ensures that Covista's technological solutions are scalable, secure, and aligned with the goal of expanding healthcare career pathways. Filgueiras's expertise drives innovation in educational technology, improving the learning experience for healthcare professionals. By managing the company's technology strategy, Carlos Filgueiras directly contributes to Covista's operational efficiency and its capacity to serve a growing student base.
    Carlos Filgueiras

    Jayanth Surakanti - Vice President & Chief of Staff

    Jayanth Surakanti, the Vice President & Chief of Staff at Covista, facilitates strategic execution and operational alignment across the organization. Surakanti supports the Chairman & Chief Executive Officer in driving key initiatives related to workforce development and expanding pathways into healthcare careers. This position involves coordinating cross-functional projects and ensuring that departmental efforts contribute to strengthening the clinical talent pipeline. The Vice President & Chief of Staff manages critical communications and operational workflows, enhancing the effectiveness of academic delivery. Jayanth Surakanti plays a pivotal role in translating strategic objectives into actionable plans, ensuring the efficient operation of Covista's accredited institutions. This leadership ensures seamless integration of new programs and supports research tied to care capacity.

    Maurice Herrera - Senior Vice President, Chief Marketing Officer

    Maurice Herrera, the Senior Vice President, Chief Marketing Officer at Covista, leads the strategic development and execution of all marketing initiatives. Herrera is responsible for enhancing Covista's brand presence and communicating the value proposition of its accredited institutions to prospective students and industry partners. This role is vital for expanding pathways into healthcare careers by attracting diverse talent to Covista's programs. The Senior Vice President, Chief Marketing Officer oversees market research, digital marketing, and brand management to strengthen the clinical talent pipeline. Maurice Herrera drives initiatives that support student access and academic delivery, ensuring Covista's mission resonates across target audiences. This leadership ensures effective outreach for workforce development and research opportunities.
    Maurice Herrera

    Sara Hill - Chief Human Resources Officer

    Sara Hill, the Chief Human Resources Officer at Covista, directs the comprehensive human resources strategy to support the company's growth and mission. Hill oversees talent acquisition, employee development, and organizational culture, ensuring Covista attracts and retains top talent in the education and healthcare sectors. This role is essential for building a strong internal team that can effectively deliver on the company's commitment to expanding pathways into healthcare careers. The Chief Human Resources Officer ensures that HR policies and practices support workforce development and strengthen the clinical talent pipeline. Sara Hill's leadership focuses on fostering an environment that promotes innovation and excellence across all departments, contributing to the overall success of Covista's accredited institutions.

    Explore Leadership Teams in Telecommunications

    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 Heidi Chumley (Chief Operating Officer, Med and Vet Vertical) and Kivalena Starr (President).
    Who is part of Covista’s executive team?
    The executive team of Covista includes leaders such as Stephen Beard (Chairman & Chief Executive Officer), Heidi Chumley (Chief Operating Officer, Med and Vet Vertical), Kivalena Starr (President) 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, Chief Operating Officer, Med and Vet Vertical, President, Chief Technology Officer, Vice President & Chief of Staff.