Emergence Health Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

Emergence Health has 6 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, medical affairs, and administration.

Dedicated to advancing behavioral and developmental services, Emergence Health provides comprehensive care, including crisis intervention and rehabilitative skills training, to the El Paso region, driving significant positive impact.

Leadership Roles at Emergence Health

  • Chief Executive Officer - Kristen Daugherty
  • Chief of Staff - Rene Hurtado
  • Executive Assistant To Chief Human Resources Officer - Stephanie Martinez
  • Chief Medical Officer - Shawna Scully
  • Physician, Chief Medical Officer of Outpatient Medical and Addiction Service - Carroll Thornburg
  • Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) - Iris Sandoval
  • Kristen Daugherty - Chief Executive Officer

    Kristen Daugherty, the Chief Executive Officer at Emergence Health, directs the overall strategic vision and operational execution for the organization. Overseeing all facets of the company's mission, Kristen Daugherty ensures the delivery of critical behavioral and developmental services across the El Paso region. This leadership involves guiding the expansion of services such as crisis intervention, psychiatric evaluations, and psychoactive mediation monitoring. The Chief Executive Officer's role is pivotal in fostering partnerships and securing resources necessary for sustained growth and enhanced community support. By championing innovation in care delivery, the Chief Executive Officer drives the organization's commitment to improving patient outcomes and overall well-being. This executive's focus remains on strengthening the organization's position as a leader in mental health and developmental services.
    Kristen Daugherty

    Rene Hurtado - Chief of Staff

    Rene Hurtado, the Chief of Staff at Emergence Health, manages critical operational workflows and supports the strategic initiatives of the executive leadership team. This role involves coordinating cross-departmental projects and ensuring efficient communication channels throughout the organization. The Chief of Staff facilitates the implementation of key organizational policies and procedures, directly impacting service delivery efficiency. Rene Hurtado's responsibilities include overseeing special projects that enhance the company's service offerings, such as the expansion of rehabilitative skills training programs. By acting as a key liaison between various departments and the Chief Executive Officer, the Chief of Staff ensures strategic alignment and operational coherence. This executive's efforts are vital for maintaining the high standards of care Emergence Health provides in the El Paso area.

    Stephanie Martinez - Executive Assistant To Chief Human Resources Officer

    Stephanie Martinez, the Executive Assistant To Chief Human Resources Officer at Emergence Health, provides essential administrative and operational support to the Chief Human Resources Officer. This position is critical for managing the human resources department's daily functions, including employee relations, recruitment coordination, and benefits administration support. Stephanie Martinez ensures that all HR-related documentation and processes adhere to organizational standards and regulatory requirements. The Executive Assistant To Chief Human Resources Officer plays a key part in facilitating smooth communication between HR and other departments, supporting the overall employee experience. This role is fundamental in maintaining the efficiency and effectiveness of HR operations, which directly impacts staff morale and organizational productivity. Martinez's support is crucial for the Chief Human Resources Officer's strategic objectives.

    Shawna Scully - Chief Medical Officer

    Shawna Scully, the Chief Medical Officer at Emergence Health, leads the clinical strategy and medical operations across all service lines. This executive oversees the quality of patient care, ensuring adherence to the highest medical standards in behavioral and developmental services. Shawna Scully's purview includes psychiatric evaluations, psychoactive mediation monitoring, and the overall clinical effectiveness of supportive counseling. The Chief Medical Officer is responsible for developing and implementing clinical protocols that enhance patient outcomes and safety. This leadership role involves collaborating with medical staff to foster a culture of continuous improvement and evidence-based practice. By guiding the medical team, the Chief Medical Officer ensures that Emergence Health consistently delivers exceptional care to the El Paso community.

    Carroll Thornburg - Physician, Chief Medical Officer of Outpatient Medical and Addiction Service

    Carroll Thornburg, the Physician, Chief Medical Officer of Outpatient Medical and Addiction Service at Emergence Health, directs specialized medical care within outpatient settings. This role focuses on providing expert medical leadership for addiction services and broader outpatient medical care. Carroll Thornburg oversees the clinical integrity and efficacy of treatment plans for individuals seeking support for substance use disorders and other outpatient medical needs. The Physician, Chief Medical Officer of Outpatient Medical and Addiction Service ensures that all medical interventions align with best practices and regulatory guidelines. This executive's expertise is vital in shaping the delivery of integrated care, addressing both medical and behavioral health needs. Thornburg's leadership enhances the organization's capacity to serve individuals with complex health challenges.

    Iris Sandoval - Chief Administrative Officer (CAO)

    Iris Sandoval, the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) at Emergence Health, manages the comprehensive administrative functions that support the organization's mission. This executive oversees critical operational areas including finance, human resources, and facilities management, ensuring seamless day-to-day operations. Iris Sandoval's strategic oversight is essential for optimizing resource allocation and driving operational efficiencies across all departments. The Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) plays a key role in developing and implementing policies that enhance organizational effectiveness and compliance. This leadership position is instrumental in maintaining the infrastructure necessary for delivering high-quality behavioral and developmental services. Sandoval's focus on administrative excellence underpins the organization's ability to serve the El Paso region effectively.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Emergence Health Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Emergence Health?
    Emergence Health is led by Kristen Daugherty (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Rene Hurtado (Chief of Staff) and Stephanie Martinez (Executive Assistant To Chief Human Resources Officer).
    Who is part of Emergence Health’s executive team?
    The executive team of Emergence Health includes leaders such as Kristen Daugherty (Chief Executive Officer), Rene Hurtado (Chief of Staff), Stephanie Martinez (Executive Assistant To Chief Human Resources Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Emergence Health have?
    Emergence Health has 6 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Emergence Health’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Emergence Health includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Chief of Staff, Executive Assistant To Chief Human Resources Officer, Chief Medical Officer, Physician, Chief Medical Officer of Outpatient Medical and Addiction Service.