Eastern Health Executive and Leadership Team

Helen Cooper, the Chief Executive Officer at Eastern Health, directs the overarching strategic vision for the largest integrated health organization in Newfoundland and Labrador. Cooper manages the full continuum of health and community services, ensuring alignment with the Regional Health Authorities Act. By overseeing tertiary level institutional services, the Chief Executive Officer maintains provincial responsibilities and high-quality care standards. Helen Cooper drives the organization toward achieving exemplary accreditation status through a focus on client and family-centered care models. This leadership role involves coordinating emergency preparedness initiatives and infection prevention protocols across multiple facilities. By fostering collaboration among the board and clinical leadership, the Chief Executive Officer secures long-term operational stability. Through constant evaluation of regional health needs, Cooper optimizes resource allocation to support the diverse population across the Avalon, Burin, and Bonavista Peninsulas, ultimately strengthening the provincial healthcare infrastructure.

Rama Devarajan, the Chief Financial Officer & Executive Director, Finance & Procurement at Eastern Health, manages the fiscal health and supply chain operations for the entire organization. Devarajan oversees the budgeting process, ensuring that financial resources align with the strategic goals of providing comprehensive healthcare services. By directing procurement strategies, the Chief Financial Officer & Executive Director, Finance & Procurement secures essential medical supplies and equipment for facilities across the region. Rama Devarajan drives cost-efficiency initiatives to maximize the impact of provincial funding on patient care delivery. This leadership role involves reporting financial performance to the board and ensuring strict adherence to the Regional Health Authorities Act. By optimizing the financial management systems, the Chief Financial Officer & Executive Director, Finance & Procurement supports the sustainability of tertiary level institutional services. Through careful oversight of capital expenditures, Devarajan ensures that the organization maintains the necessary resources to meet national quality and safety standards.

Suma Shivalingaiah, the Chief Information Officer at Eastern Health, architects the digital strategy for the organization's vast network of healthcare facilities. Shivalingaiah manages the integration of electronic health records to ensure seamless data flow between clinical departments. By overseeing the implementation of advanced health information systems, the Chief Information Officer improves diagnostic accuracy and patient outcomes. Suma Shivalingaiah drives the modernization of data security protocols to protect sensitive medical records across the regional service area. This leadership role involves collaborating with clinical staff to optimize digital workflows and reduce administrative burdens. By leveraging data analytics, the Chief Information Officer identifies trends in patient care delivery, supporting evidence-based decision-making. Through the deployment of robust information technology frameworks, Shivalingaiah ensures that all facilities maintain compliance with national safety standards, ultimately enhancing the efficiency of healthcare delivery throughout the province.

Justin Francis, the Chief Technology Officer at Eastern Health, executes the technical roadmap for the organization's complex medical infrastructure. Francis oversees the deployment of cutting-edge diagnostic equipment and tele-health platforms that connect remote regions to tertiary care centers. By managing the hardware and software ecosystems, the Chief Technology Officer ensures high availability for critical life-saving systems. Justin Francis drives innovation in medical technology to support the organization's commitment to exemplary care standards. This leadership role involves coordinating with engineering teams to maintain facility-wide connectivity and emergency response systems. By optimizing the technical architecture, the Chief Technology Officer reduces downtime and improves the reliability of patient monitoring tools. Through strategic investments in emerging health technologies, Francis supports the long-term goal of providing integrated, high-quality care across the Avalon, Burin, and Bonavista Peninsulas, ensuring that all technological assets align with provincial healthcare mandates.

Gregory Jarman, the Chief Information Officer (Acting) at Eastern Health, directs the operational continuity of information systems during critical transition periods. Jarman oversees the maintenance of existing network infrastructure while supporting ongoing digital transformation projects. By managing the technical support teams, the Chief Information Officer (Acting) ensures that clinical staff maintain uninterrupted access to essential patient data. Gregory Jarman drives the optimization of internal communication platforms to facilitate better coordination between regional health facilities. This leadership role involves auditing current system performance to identify areas for immediate improvement in data accessibility. By streamlining the IT service desk operations, the Chief Information Officer (Acting) enhances the overall responsiveness of the technology department. Through rigorous oversight of system updates and security patches, Jarman protects the integrity of the organization's digital assets, ensuring that all information systems remain fully functional and compliant with provincial healthcare regulations.